Wales going into the 6 Nations

[AzaMatt]

We'll probably see a Warburton-Tipuric-Moriarty trio first up against Italy. I'd be happy enough with that, but I would ideally prefer if the management were a little more bold with their selections and try Cracknall at 6 alongside Tips and Moriarty, with Warburton on the bench.

The management will likely have King involved ahead of Cracknall (if Faletau isn't available/allowed a little more time to get up to speed that is). King is a solid enough player, but I question whether he's got enough stand-out qualities at international level? My gut feeling has always been that hes one of those players who's an excellent regional player, but will never quite cut it against the best international sides. Whilst Cracknall is another versatile player, he's more explosive, and thus is better equipped for international rugby.

agreed on cracknall, he is in the same mould as moriaty, could play at 6 or 8 for wales. im assuming lydiate has played his last interntional unless there are injuries (when he is fit again)

 

[welshglory]

The management will likely have King involved ahead of Cracknall (if Faletau isn't available/allowed a little more time to get up to speed that is). King is a solid enough player, but I question whether he's got enough stand-out qualities at international level? My gut feeling has always been that hes one of those players who's an excellent regional player, but will never quite cut it against the best international sides. Whilst Cracknall is another versatile player, he's more explosive, and thus is better equipped for international rugby.

King for me is very similar to Jonathan Thomas, and that's not necessarily a good thing. You're right that he doesn't have any stand out qualities, his lineout ability, and his pace and general athleticism are probably his only outstanding areas like JT. He has the attributes to be a good player but he isn't quite physical enough, skillfull enough, gritty enough or effective enough to be a consistent option at international level. JT could get away with it but the game has stepped up another notch now and we had even worse depth back then.

With that being said I expect King and/or Baker to be secondary cover for number 8 in the six nations. Please God don't select Turnbull whatever you do. I'd like to see Cracknell as well, he has a potential high ceiling, and it's do get them in young and let's face it depth is ****.

 

[AzaMatt]

interesting article regarding Dan Evans http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/they-just-dont-like-me-12442612

seems strange to me that wales have not used him more often. we have played Patchell/Anscombe/Morgan out of position for wales and id argue he is more reliable than them at full back and is also great on the counter attack.

 

[welshglory]

Hmmm the response for me would be that due to the lack of depth in Wales using a player who is unlikely to be a part of long term plans is a waste of a spot. Better to keep the likes of Anscombe/Patchell/Morgan involved to gain experience perhaps?

 

[AzaMatt]

Hmmm the response for me would be that due to the lack of depth in Wales using a player who is unlikely to be a part of long term plans is a waste of a spot. Better to keep the likes of Anscombe/Patchell/Morgan involved to gain experience perhaps?

i suppose i can see that logic, and we tend to choose players that are versatile over specialists