[2014 EOYT] Wales vs Australia

[TheSaffycen]

Davies is out, no? Shoulder? I was under the impression the likely midfield was Williams-Roberts, with an outside chance of Roberts-North. Could be wrong though, haven't followed Welsh developments that closely

Just looked and they are hopeful he will be fit. Which means he will be injured If I was Gatland I would probably pick Henson and Roberts in the centres, adds alot in terms of creativity and Hensons great boot to match.

 

[Every Time Ref]

If he's 12 Foley's a good defender too so he and Toomua should have that channel covered no worries - although you mentioned Toomua (am I spelling that right, by the way?) might not play? I thought Toomia-Keridrani (almost certainly spelling that wrong) were pretty nailed on, with Leahlifana (DEFINITELY spelling that wrong) next in line.

To add - Henson's a big risk. A LOT of people don't like Gavin Henson...will he be forgiven and welcomed back into the gold at this stage?

He's also pretty slow nowadays, but Gatland's not big on pace so maybe that's not an issue

 

[profitius]

Cheika will be nervous of this match. If Australia lose this it could be the start of the tour from hell for them.

 

[TheSaffycen]

Matt Toomua, Christian Lealiifano, Tevita Kuridrani
I have no idea about how the players feel about Henson. On pure ability he should play, and the threat he would bring to Wales game. He makes them alot more creative and less one-dimensional, he has one of the best boots in the world, his defence is also brilliant. If he isn't liked by the Welsh guys though, Williamms wouldn't be bad or you could try moving North in one and have another winger out there ? Could try Biggar at 12 with a creative 10 inside ?

 

[Every Time Ref]

Side just announced - Roberts 12, North 13. Very interesting. The other headline is Lydiate over Tips.

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

Wales: 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 George North, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Liam Williams, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Rhys Webb, 8 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Sam Warburton (c), 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Alun Wyn Jones, 4 Jake Ball, 3 Samson Lee, 2 Richard Hibbard, 1 Paul James
Replacements: 16 Scott Baldwin, 17 Gethin Jenkins, 18 Rhodri Jones, 19 Bradley Davies, 20 Justin Tipuric, 21 Mike Phillips, 22 Rhys Priestland, 23 Cory Allen

How close is this to what our Welsh friends would want everything considered?

 

[Big Ewis]

stormer hahahah, YOU'RE DYYYYYYING FOR THIS WEEKEND ARENTCHA !!!!! it's like those little dogs who can't wait to get outside. I'll admit this fkng week suuuuuuuure is taking all its sweet time...fkn *****. It so sucks they can't make it one test per day during Week 1, that way we'd get to watch one nice and peacefully in stead of rushing in to know all the results and have a monumental accumulation on the 'watch later' list. Again, looking at the weekend (Test, Top 14) I'll probably have around 10, maybe more, full matches to watch from just one day.

 

[MojoPin]

Wales: 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 George North, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Liam Williams, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Rhys Webb, 8 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Sam Warburton (c), 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Alun Wyn Jones, 4 Jake Ball, 3 Samson Lee, 2 Richard Hibbard, 1 Paul James
Replacements: 16 Scott Baldwin, 17 Gethin Jenkins, 18 Rhodri Jones, 19 Bradley Davies, 20 Justin Tipuric, 21 Mike Phillips, 22 Rhys Priestland, 23 Cory Allen

How close is this to what our Welsh friends would want everything considered?

A little different to how I imagined, but all things considered I like this team and think it should give Australia a good run for their money. My only real concern is North in the centre (would have MUCH preferred Davies or Williams) but then again, he's done pretty well for Northampton in that position on occasions so maybe it'll go better than last time. Also, with his pace it's possible that if the Australian defence focuses too much on either him or Roberts then one of them could get a big opportunity.

As for Lydiate, I trust the coaches enough that if they select him, he must be doing pretty good. If he has a good day I could see him being MOTM.

A lot of people seem worried by the fact Gethin Jenkins is on the bench, but personally I think it's a much better option. He's a great 'genera' on the pitch and coming in for the last third or quarter could galvanize the team and lock in a victory. Maybe!

Can't call it at this stage...normally I would say Aus all the way (I mean look at the record) but I have a feeling that Wales are building up to a good run so who knows, maybe it'll start here? Games against the Wallabies are always fantastic though so purely as a spectator I can't wait! Like others have said though, such a shame that the England / NZ game is on at the same time. Damn it!

 

[ratsapprentice]

The scrum is going to be very interesting... how has Samson been going?

Could be a brutal scrummaging display - all Wales' locks are 121/122kg and individually very strong scrummagers.
James has been far more honest in his scrummaging of late too.

 

[Every Time Ref]

Looks a good side, if I was Welsh I'd be very pleased to see that half-back pairing, from what I've seen of Ospreys they've looked good together, and I've always been a Phillips hater. North at thirteen is interesting, I'm certainly convinced he has the attributes for the position, but is it soon to start there at international level? We shall see. Don't know much about Liam Williams except for that high tackle, and my Welsh mate considers him a bit of a liability for stuff like that.

 

[Bluemoon]

I'm happy with it. I think Paul James, Rhys Webb and Dan Biggar have all played themselves into the team with some great displays. It's clear that G and Co. have picked on form here. Dropping Phillips to the bench was a big part of that for me as he's been such an integral part of "Gatland ball," hopefully we will see a little change in approach and a better speed from the ruck. Gethin hasn't had much game time, but I know he's also one of the management favourites, so again, potential winds of change.

As for Mr. Lee, he is playing well enough (perhaps others can add to that), but there hasn't been a Welshman who has stood out at 3 majorly, and whoever it was going to be has some big boots to fill. I'd like to see him have a decent day at the office scrummaging and to make a few decent carries.

Lydiate is also a risk as he hasn't really been playing (as far as I am aware). Fitness on the training paddock is one thing, but match fitness is another. In saying that Gatland and co. have gone for power up front again and the Aussie pack aren't exactly small, so its all in balance.

If North's D is good and his positioning is correct in the centre, we may have a chance with a very balanced side. Last time out I witnessed a last minute Beale try to knick the game. If we get that close to a SH team, it would be a massive psychological shift prior to the WC if we can win. I believe that they think they can do it now, but they aren't fully sure that they will.

It's going to be a great game!

 

[TRF_Cymro]

To be fair Gethin has been in good form for a change and for once on form should have been given the nod, however I agree with the poster above saying that he would be an effective weapon coming off the bench. James has been overlooked in the past when on form and deserves a run first.

Concerns for me with Liam Williams featuring but the rest I saw coming. Going to be a very tough game.

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

stormer hahahah, YOU'RE DYYYYYYING FOR THIS WEEKEND ARENTCHA !!!!! it's like those little dogs who can't wait to get outside. I'll admit this fkng week suuuuuuuure is taking all its sweet time...fkn *****. It so sucks they can't make it one test per day during Week 1, that way we'd get to watch one nice and peacefully in stead of rushing in to know all the results and have a monumental accumulation on the 'watch later' list. Again, looking at the weekend (Test, Top 14) I'll probably have around 10, maybe more, full matches to watch from just one day.

You know it, broeder. And. That. is. a fkn awesm idea!! One game of an evening. At 8 in the afternoon Central African time when all the babies in central Africa have gone to bed and their dads can catch up on something other than work and baby ****! Make it happen!

A little different to how I imagined, but all things considered I like this team and think it should give Australia a good run for their money. My only real concern is North in the centre (would have MUCH preferred Davies or Williams) but then again, he's done pretty well for Northampton in that position on occasions so maybe it'll go better than last time. Also, with his pace it's possible that if the Australian defence focuses too much on either him or Roberts then one of them could get a big opportunity.

As for Lydiate, I trust the coaches enough that if they select him, he must be doing pretty good. If he has a good day I could see him being MOTM.

A lot of people seem worried by the fact Gethin Jenkins is on the bench, but personally I think it's a much better option. He's a great 'genera' on the pitch and coming in for the last third or quarter could galvanize the team and lock in a victory. Maybe!

Can't call it at this stage...normally I would say Aus all the way (I mean look at the record) but I have a feeling that Wales are building up to a good run so who knows, maybe it'll start here? Games against the Wallabies are always fantastic though so purely as a spectator I can't wait! Like others have said though, such a shame that the England / NZ game is on at the same time. Damn it!

Roberts/North is a big gamble. In all sense of the phrase. I can see it pay huge dividends and I can see it flop spectacularly at the same time. Roberts have been on and off for Racing but I expect with multiple threats of the same kind (MASSS) it could, just could, potentially reach some kind of critical mass.,. and it should if they play at pace and get ascendency up front ala vs SA last game. Lydiate has been dissapointing and disappointed at racing but that just means you have a fully fit, fully rested and frustrated hardman just itching for something to hurt; never a bad guy to have on your team IMO. And a new halfback pairing for both sides from what we have come to know.

Exciting weekend looming large bt still so far off!!

 

[j'nuh]

Not happy with North in the centres. This would have been a perfect time to have brought back Hook as a 13, had he been in the squad.

 

[Jbobo]

Yeah i'm not sure i would have gone with North at 13. I think he is at his most dangerous when on the wing, whilst having a strong presence supporting the midfield. However, i can see the coaches' reasoning seeing as it allows L Williams to be involved in the starting 15 without displacing Halfpenny. Happy to see Webb is starting with Biggar, it could have easily been Phillips/Priestland - Which would have been freighting, but to nobody but the Welsh.

 

[Big Ewis]

You know it, broeder. And. That. is. a fkn awesm idea!! One game of an evening. At 8 in the afternoon Central African time when all the babies in central Africa have gone to bed and their dads can catch up on something other than work and baby ****! Make it happen!

....uhm, yeah...for those reasons !..

So is Folau off form lately ?

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,,9817_9550443,00.html

Statistically he's been fine though, often a fuller sheet than expected after watching a game, and although he hasn't had a play where he beats 18 defenders on the same movements or had insane runs in quite a while, he's discretely still very efficient and a bonus on lots of balls. But there's no denying he's had a "drop" of form considering what he was doing just some time ago, at least int'ally.
Still one of the best players overall in the world, and not just one of the best fullbacks (THE for me), but players. It goes beyond his position's demand, he's just an invaluable commodity on a pitch.

 

[Jaguares]

You're talking too much about Roberts-North, what about Kuridrani, Folau and Speight? Especially Kuridrani, who at this time is one of the best ball carriers in the world, with Julian Savea IMO. In these moments they are the backs who win more meters per game. The Welsh should be very concerned about how to stopping Kuridrani, also Australia has another 2 missile as Folau and Speight.

About the scrum, I think Kepu and Slipper have proven to be world class props, especially Slipper. The problem will be at 70 minutes when Alexander and Robinson will be in the field.

 

[Jbobo]

You're talking too much about Roberts-North, what about Kuridrani, Folau and Speight? Especially Kuridrani, who at this time is one of the best ball carriers in the world, with Julian Savea IMO. In these moments they are the backs who win more meters per game. The Welsh should be very concerned about how to stopping Kuridrani, also Australia has another 2 missile as Folau and Speight.

About the scrum, I think Kepu and Slipper have proven to be world class props, especially Slipper. The problem will be at 70 minutes when Alexander and Robinson will be in the field.

Folau is always a worry, i think he will test Halfpenny in particular. Fingers crossed he doesn't barge through Webb like he did to Phillips in our last match. Kuridrani is in exceptional form and we need players like Roberts and Lydiate to take him down hard, otherwise the Aussies will have some serious go forward and then the space will open up for Folau/Cummins etc.

We must also neutralize Hooper, as he is just pure energy itself. Tremendous player. Warburton will have to be at his best to gain Parity there, but i think he can do it.

Edit - Just to note that we also have to counter punch, and this is where players like North and Roberts will be crucial. North is as good a carrier as anyone in the world for me, which includes Savea and Kuridrani. He's up there. But Roberts is also pretty underrated nowadays, especially defensively. When Wales are on form, he is so often the rock on which it is based.

 

[TheSaffycen]

You're talking too much about Roberts-North, what about Kuridrani, Folau and Speight? Especially Kuridrani, who at this time is one of the best ball carriers in the world, with Julian Savea IMO. In these moments they are the backs who win more meters per game. The Welsh should be very concerned about how to stopping Kuridrani, also Australia has another 2 missile as Folau and Speight.

About the scrum, I think Kepu and Slipper have proven to be world class props, especially Slipper. The problem will be at 70 minutes when Alexander and Robinson will be in the field.

I don't agree. Kepu and Slipper have proven to be competent props, where as the Welsh normally have a world class scrum. Kuridrani has been incredible this year but for sheer size he is 6ft5/102kgs which is big, North is 6ft4/109kgs and Roberts is 6ft4/110kgs !! How many times has Kuridrani been smaller than either of his opposite centres ? I still think he will be more than a handful for Wales but I think they can match him for physicallity and pace. North is much better on the wing but even at centre he is still a monumental ball carrier, who ups his game in a Wales shirt.

 

[RoosTah]

I don't agree. Kepu and Slipper have proven to be competent props, where as the Welsh normally have a world class scrum. Kuridrani has been incredible this year but for sheer size he is 6ft5/102kgs which is big, North is 6ft4/109kgs and Roberts is 6ft4/110kgs !! How many times has Kuridrani been smaller than either of his opposite centres ? I still think he will be more than a handful for Wales but I think they can match him for physicallity and pace. North is much better on the wing but even at centre he is still a monumental ball carrier, who ups his game in a Wales shirt.

Wasnt that long ago that pre-Illness Fruen and SBW were centre paired at the Crusaders. Both aren't quite as big as Roberts and North, but SBW is a class above both and Fruen was as powerful as anyone. So it's not like the Aussie boys will be up against something novel.

I'd also point out that the wallabies have been taking on these big boys one way or another for a few years now and haven't lost in 9 matches in spite of fielding a generally small back line, so I reckon they should be ok.