[2017 Six Nations] - Wales

[welshglory]

I'd like to see Williams and Halfpenny rotating more at the back. I know that Gats and Howley have spoken about how they try to do this but I don't see it enough to be honest. Halfpenny should be covering defensive backfield when the opposition are on the halfway or over, and vice versa with Williams covering for counter attacking options when the opposition are deeper. Williams should be in the fullback position for attacking options with Halfpenny acting as a roamer covering fullback. The Aussies seem to have always done this with their back three to utilise individual strengths but we seem to be obsessed with specialising those players with the numbers on their backs. When you have two players of Halfpenny and Williams calibre you need to use them in the right way.

 

[dullonien]

I'd like to see Williams and Halfpenny rotating more at the back. I know that Gats and Howley have spoken about how they try to do this but I don't see it enough to be honest. Halfpenny should be covering defensive backfield when the opposition are on the halfway or over, and vice versa with Williams covering for counter attacking options when the opposition are deeper. Williams should be in the fullback position for attacking options with Halfpenny acting as a roamer covering fullback. The Aussies seem to have always done this with their back three to utilise individual strengths but we seem to be obsessed with specialising those players with the numbers on their backs. When you have two players of Halfpenny and Williams calibre you need to use them in the right way.

100% agree with this.

 

[anderton46]

I'd like to see Williams and Halfpenny rotating more at the back. I know that Gats and Howley have spoken about how they try to do this but I don't see it enough to be honest. Halfpenny should be covering defensive backfield when the opposition are on the halfway or over, and vice versa with Williams covering for counter attacking options when the opposition are deeper. Williams should be in the fullback position for attacking options with Halfpenny acting as a roamer covering fullback. The Aussies seem to have always done this with their back three to utilise individual strengths but we seem to be obsessed with specialising those players with the numbers on their backs. When you have two players of Halfpenny and Williams calibre you need to use them in the right way.

...an Osprey talking sense. Madness

 

[valley commando]

I f either or both of Cuthbert and Roberts are picked v England I am giving my ticket away.

 

[SelimNiai]

I f either or both of Cuthbert and Roberts are picked v England I am giving my ticket away.

Do it Rob

Its worth it

 

[Ospreylian]

I f either or both of Cuthbert and Roberts are picked v England I am giving my ticket away.

Is this a threat to the WRU? The atmosphere will be so flat without Wales' all-time number 1 fan there

 

[Maverick1987]

Is this a threat to the WRU? The atmosphere will be so flat without Wales' all-time number 1 fan there

How will the principality stadium cope without VCs profound knowledge for everything rugby .....

 

[MikeTheNative]

I'm actually a bit worried about the Italy game, Wales are notoriously poor starters and we didn't see much in the AI's to be hopeful about. I'm predicting a narrow win.

 

[MojoPin]

I'm actually a bit worried about the Italy game, Wales are notoriously poor starters and we didn't see much in the AI's to be hopeful about. I'm predicting a narrow win.

It's always a worry with Wales, but hoping Lions selection will motivate them to step their game up a level. I'm encouraged by the fact there are some fresh faces in both the coaching setup and the players, too.

 

[AzaMatt]

I'm actually a bit worried about the Italy game, Wales are notoriously poor starters and we didn't see much in the AI's to be hopeful about. I'm predicting a narrow win.

as the england game is only 6 days later there is a chance that some of the new faces will plat in the Italy game, so theres that to be excited about.

 

[RedruthRFC]

It's always a worry with Wales, but hoping Lions selection will motivate them to step their game up a level. I'm encouraged by the fact there are some fresh faces in both the coaching setup and the players, too.

If playing for their country in the Six Nations isn't motivation enough to play to the best of their ability, Wales have a big problem.

 

[MojoPin]

If playing for their country in the Six Nations isn't motivation enough to play to the best of their ability, Wales have a big problem.

Indeed, but the Lions is something more, I don't think you can deny that.

 

[AzaMatt]

With the shorter turn around after the italy game do you guys think Howley will pick two contrasting teams or just stick with moslty the same 23?

 

[MojoPin]

With the shorter turn around after the italy game do you guys think Howley will pick two contrasting teams or just stick with moslty the same 23?

Been wondering the same. Normally I'd expect most of the starting XV for the second match to be starting against Italy, but with so many new caps waiting in the wings I wonder if we're going to see a bit of a broader mix, seeing as Italy is the perfect opportunity to give them a run. They'll all be wanting to impress so they can play at the Principality in front of the Welsh home crowd, that's for sure. Would love to see Thomas Young, Sam Davies and Owen Williams playing a part in the 23 against Italy in particular. Potentially Ashton Hewitt and/or Steff Evans, too.

 

[AzaMatt]

Been wondering the same. Normally I'd expect most of the starting XV for the second match to be starting against Italy, but with so many new caps waiting in the wings I wonder if we're going to see a bit of a broader mix, seeing as Italy is the perfect opportunity to give them a run. They'll all be wanting to impress so they can play at the Principality in front of the Welsh home crowd, that's for sure. Would love to see Thomas Young, Sam Davies and Owen Williams playing a part in the 23 against Italy in particular. Potentially Ashton Hewitt and/or Steff Evans, too.

its a bit of a dilema, because youd want the best guys match fit for england but also dont want to risk them against italy. if howley does decide to start sam davies/owen williams then i hope he picks a strong pack so they can really go out there and play.

Im expecting JD2 and scott williams in the midfield against italy and england although that raises the Roberts Dilema. if he is on the bench, he only covers inside centre. he has served us well but i cant see how it will benifit us when williams can cover 3 positions to his 1.

 

[Hendo74]

I'm thinking Wales are more likely to go with tried and tested players in this 6N. If it was a "Blues at Home" year, maybe there'd be more experimentation; but whilst Italy should be winnable, Scotland will fancy their chances at Murrayfield and France...well, who knows. So I'd be surprised to see the likes of Sam Davies and Owen Williams starting at the expense of experienced players like Biggar. Hopefully they will get chances off the bench though, we need to see what they can do at this level asap.

 

[MikeTheNative]

I agree with you but I don't think the 'tried and tested' are good enough to beat Scotland perhaps not even France at the moment. Perhaps I'm being overly negative but they need so new ideas or it could be a 5th place.

 

[AzaMatt]

i still think we are looking at 3rd place although murrayfield will be tough. bench spots for backs are practically worthless. we always bring them on with 5-10 mins to go in tight games. if they are on the bench for the italy game and we are winning comfortabley then maybe they'll get a good 30 mins top.