Wales Squad For AI

[TRF_Cymro]

WALES SQUAD, DOVE MEN SERIES 2012

Leigh HALFPENNY (CARDIFF BLUES â€" Cap No 1,060)

DoB: 22.12.88. 5’10†/ 1.77m. 13st 6lbs / 85kgs

International record: 35 caps (W 17, L 18; 182 pts â€" 11T, 11C, 35PG)



Liam WILLIAMS (SCARLETS â€" Cap No 1,095)

DoB: 09.04.91. 6’2†/ 1.88m. 13st 6lbs / 86kgs

International record: 1 cap (W 1)



Alex CUTHBERT (CARDIFF BLUES â€" Cap No 1,089)

DoB: 05.04.90. 6’6†/ 1.98m. 16st 3lbs / 103kgs

International record: 9 caps (W 5, L 4; 20 pts â€" 4T)



George NORTH (SCARLETS â€" Cap No 1,078)

DoB: 13.04.92. 6’4†/ 1.92m. 17st 3lbs / 109kgs

International record: 24 caps (W 11, L 12, D 1; 55 pts â€" 11T)



Harry ROBINSON (CARDIFF BLUES â€" Cap No 1,094)

DoB: 16.04.93. 5’10†/ 1.78m. 12st 13lbs / 82kgs

International record: 1 cap (W 1; 5 pts â€" 1T)



Ashley BECK (OSPREYS â€" Cap No 1,097)

DoB: 15.04.90. 6’3†/ 1.91m. 15st 13lbs / 101kgs

International record: 3 caps (L 3)



Jonathan DAVIES (SCARLETS â€" Cap No 1,066)

DoB:05.04.88. 6’1†/ 1.86m. 16st 8lb / 105kgs

International record: 29 caps (W 16, L 13; 40 pts â€" 8T)



Jamie ROBERTS (CARDIFF BLUES â€" Cap No 1,057)

DoB: 08.11.86. 6’4†/ 1.93m. 17st 5lbs / 110kgs

International record: 44 caps (W 23, L 21; 25 pts â€" 5T)



Scott WILLIAMS (SCARLETS â€" Cap No 1,084)

DoB: 10.10.90. 6’0†/ 1.83m. 15st 13lbs / 101kgs

International record: 14 caps (W 8, L 6; 25 pts â€" 5T)



Dan BIGGAR (OSPREYS â€" Cap No 1,063)

DoB: 16.10.89. 6’2†/ 1.88m. 14st 1lbs / 89kgs

International record: 10 caps (W 5, L 4, D 1; 54 pts â€" 9C, 12PG)



James HOOK (PERPIGNAN â€" Cap No 1,047)

DoB: 27.06.85. 6’0†/ 1.83m. 15st 2lbs / 96kgs

International record: 65 caps (W 29, L 34, D 2; 346 pts â€" 13T, 43C, 61PG, 4DG)



Rhys PRIESTLAND (SCARLETS â€" Cap No 1,080)

DoB: 09.01.87 1.82m / 6’0â€. 15st 0lbs / 95kgs

International record: 18 caps (W 11, L 7; 53 pts â€" 1T, 12C, 8PG)



Tavis KNOYLE (SCARLETS â€" Cap No 1,076)

DoB: 02.06.90. 6’1†/ 1.85m. 14st 5lbs / 91kgs

International record: 7 caps (W 3, L 4)



Mike PHILLIPS (BAYONNE â€" Cap No 1,022)

DoB: 29.08.82. 6’3†/ 1.91m. 15st 10lb / 101kgs

International record: 68 caps (W 33, L 33, D 2; 40 pts â€" 8T)



Lloyd WILLIAMS (CARDIFF BLUES â€" Cap No 1,086)

DoB: 30.11.89. 6’0†/ 1.83m. 14st 1lb / 89kgs

International record: 8 caps (W 6, L 2; 10 pts â€" 2T)



Scott ANDREWS (CARDIFF BLUES â€" Cap No 1,083)

DoB: 01.08.89. 6’2†/ 1.88m. 18st 7lbs / 117kgs

International record: 2 caps (L 2)



Ryan BEVINGTON (OSPREYS â€" Cap No 1,081)

DoB: 9.12.88. 6’0â€/1.82m. 17st 10lbs / 112kgs

International record: 7 caps (W 3, L 4)



Paul JAMES (BATH RUGBY â€" Cap No 1,021)

DoB: 13.05.82. 6’1†/ 1.86m. 18st 2lbs / 115kgs

International record: 37 caps (W 16, L 20, D 1)



Aaron JARVIS (OSRPEYS â€" Uncapped)

DoB: 20.05.86. 6’0†/ 1.83m. / 18st 7lbs 117kgs

International record: Uncapped



Gethin JENKINS (TOULON â€" Cap No 1,006)

DoB: 17.11.80. 6’2†/ 1.88m. 19st 1lb / 121kgs

International record: 90 caps (W 41, L 47, D 2; 20 pts â€" 4T)



Adam JONES (OSPREYS â€" Cap No 1,018)

DoB: 08.03.81. 6’0†/ 1.83m. 19st 4lbs / 122kgs

International record: 83 caps (W 40, L 40, D 3; 10 pts â€" 2T)



Richard HIBBARD (OSPREYS â€" Cap No 1,048)

DoB: 13.12.83. 6’0†/ 1.83m. 17st 5lbs / 110kgs

International record: 17 caps (W 8, L 9)



Ken OWENS (SCARLETS â€" Cap No 1,088)

DoB: 03.01.87. 6’1†/ 1.86m. 17st 3lbs / 109kgs

International record: 7 caps (W 5, L 2)



Matthew REES (SCARLETS â€" Cap No 1,033)

DoB: 09.12.80. 6’0†/ 1.83m. 17st 1lbs / 108kgs

International record: 54 caps (W 23, L 30, D 1; 10 pts â€" 2T)



Bradley DAVIES (CARDIFF BLUES â€" Cap No 1,065)

DoB: 09.01.87. 6’6†/ 1.98m. 19st 4lbs / 122kgs

International record: 36 caps (W 15, L 20, D 1)



Luke CHARTERIS (PERPIGNAN â€" Cap No 1,030)

DoB: 09.03.83. 6’9†/ 2.06m. 19st 10lbs / 125kgs

International record: 37 caps (W 18, L 19)



Ian EVANS (OSPREYS â€" Cap No 1,045)

DoB: 04.10.84. 6’8†/ 2.04m. 18st 3lbs / 116kgs

International record: 23 caps (W 12, L 10, D 1; 5 pts â€" 1T)



Alun Wyn JONES (OSPREYS â€" Cap No 1,046)

DoB: 19.09.85. 6’5†/ 1.96m. 19st 4lbs / 122kgs

International record: 66 caps (W 29, L 37; 35 pts â€" 7T)



Toby FALETAU (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS â€" Cap No 1,082)

DoB: 12.11.90. 1.87m / 6’2â€. 17st 5lbs / 110kgs

International record: 17 caps (W 10, L 7 â€" 2T)



Ryan JONES (OSPREYS â€" Cap No 1,029)

DoB: 13.03.81. 6’5†/ 1.96m. 17st 12lbs / 113kgs

International record: 67 caps (W 34, L 31, D 2; 10 pts â€" 2T)



Rob McCUSKER (SCARLETS â€" Cap No 1,075)

DoB: 10.12.85. 1.95m / 6’4â€. 15st 11lbs / 100kgs

International record: 4 caps (L 4)



Aaron SHINGLER (SCARLETS â€" Cap No 1,090)

DoB: 07.08.87. 1.96m / 6’5â€. 16st 8lbs / 105kgs

International record: 2 caps (W 2)

Justin TIPURIC (OSPREYS â€" Cap No 1,087)

DoB: 06.08.89. 1.88m / 6’2†15st 13lbs / 101kgs

International record: 6 caps (W 4, L 2)



Josh TURNBULL (SCARLETS â€" Cap No 1,079)

DoB: 12.03.88. 1.93m / 6’4â€. 15st 8lbs / 99kgs

International record: 4 caps (W 3, L 1)



Sam WARBURTON (CARDIFF BLUES, CAPTAIN â€" Cap No 1,070)

DoB: 05.10.88. 1.88m / 6’2â€. 16st 4lbs / 103kgs

International record: 30 caps (W 15, L 15; 10 pts - 2T)

 

[Stoney21]

No real surprises, thoughts on our best 15/22 assuming no change in form or injuries? 15. Halfpenny 14. Cuthbert 13. Davies 12. Roberts 11. North 10. Hook/Priestland/Bigga 9. Philips 8. Faletau 7. Warburton 6. R. Jones 5. A.W Jones 4. Evans 3. A Jones 2. M Rees 1. Jenkins. 16 Owens 17 James 18 B Davies 19 Tipuric 20 L Williams 21 Hook/Priestland/Biggar 22 S Williams

Haven't watched an awful lot this season so intersted to see peoples thoughts.

 

[j'nuh]

Really good squad. Would play

1. James (I love Jenkins, but he needs preserving, and James is a great scrummaging prop who needs to be starting more at international level)
2. Hibbard
3. Jones (would be doing the same as with Gethin, but no one stands out as a replacement - Craig Mitchell should get some time in the 6N perhaps)
4. AWJ
5. Evans
6. Tipuric
7. Warburton (dual opensides to accommodate Tipuric, but would have preferred Warb on the bench with Tipuric and Shingler or Faletau on the field)
8. Ryan Jones
9. Phillips
10. Biggar
11. Halfpenny (normally I wouldn't want to move one of the best players in a team, but Liam Williams needs to be on the field, Halfpenny's got a very good history on the wing and Cuthbert's the person to exploit tired teams)
12. Williams
13. Davies
14. North
15. Williams
16. Owens
17. Jenkins
18. Jarvis? I guess?
19. Charteris
20. Shingler/Faletau
21. Williams
22. Hook
23. Cuthbert

 

[TRF_Cymro]

23 Man Squads will be operational this Autumn Internationals.

Very surprised that Scott Andrews makes the cut. He's not getting much game time with the Blues. But then are there other options? Only Samson Lee, but he's struggled as of late.

 

[dullonien]

23 Man Squads will be operational this Autumn Internationals.

Very surprised that Scott Andrews makes the cut. He's not getting much game time with the Blues. But then are there other options? Only Samson Lee, but he's struggled as of late.

I'd have Samson Lee ahead of Scott Andrews every day of the week. Lee is far, far from the finished article, but I still think it would be a good idea to have him involved. Andrews is never going to cut it as a regional player, let alone an international one. At least Samson has proven that he can scrummage, even if he's struggled against the likes of Domingo. It's not as if the rest of the Scarlets pack help much, with a poor looshead, a lightweight second-row and backrow, and when Owens is playing a hooker wh's not renowned for his scrummaging.

It's almost the only issue I have with the squad though, so that's not bad at all. I'm not convinced that McCusker is playing very well at the moment. I would have personally included Josh Navidi who's playing exceptionally well at either 6 or 7 at the moment. He's put in some colossal shifts for the Blues recently, really hard working player like Lydiate. What's McCusker done other than get yellow carded / give away countless silly penalties? If we wanted another 8 in the squad, Andy Powell would be a better option imo.

Glad that Webb has been dropped. Knoyle has been in decent form, although the last couple of games have been tough going for him. But then when your pack is getting mangled and the breakdown is a complete mess, what scrum half is going to shine?

It is going to be interesting to see how the backrow shapes up. I think Howley will start with 06 Ryan Jones 07 Warbs 08 Faletau with Tips on the bench, but I can see the 06 Warbs 07 Tips 08 Ryan Jones backrow being tried towards the end of matches, and to possibly start against NZ or Aus.

Really good squad. Would play

1. James (I love Jenkins, but he needs preserving, and James is a great scrummaging prop who needs to be starting more at international level)
2. Hibbard
3. Jones (would be doing the same as with Gethin, but no one stands out as a replacement - Craig Mitchell should get some time in the 6N perhaps)
4. AWJ
5. Evans
6. Tipuric
7. Warburton (dual opensides to accommodate Tipuric, but would have preferred Warb on the bench with Tipuric and Shingler or Faletau on the field)
8. Ryan Jones
9. Phillips
10. Biggar
11. Halfpenny (normally I wouldn't want to move one of the best players in a team, but Liam Williams needs to be on the field, Halfpenny's got a very good history on the wing and Cuthbert's the person to exploit tired teams)
12. Williams
13. Davies
14. North
15. Williams

16. Owens
17. Jenkins
18. Jarvis? I guess?
19. Charteris
20. Shingler/Faletau
21. Williams
22. Hook
23. Cuthbert

Quite close to what I'd pick. Not sure about playing James ahead of Jenkins. Jenkins needs gametime to return to his best, I still believe he's the best prop in the NH but for some reason Toulon prefer Sheridan. I hope we see that backrow at some stage this Autumn, although switch Warbs and Tips. No need to move Halfpenny imo. It's more important to have Cuthbert on the pitch than Liam Williams, Cuthbert is such a great finisher and is in better form than North atm. Liam Williams is good cover on the bench.

 

[big ginger 8]

I'd have Samson Lee ahead of Scott Andrews every day of the week. Lee is far, far from the finished article, but I still think it would be a good idea to have him involved. Andrews is never going to cut it as a regional player, let alone an international one. At least Samson has proven that he can scrummage, even if he's struggled against the likes of Domingo. It's not as if the rest of the Scarlets pack help much, with a poor looshead, a lightweight second-row and backrow, and when Owens is playing a hooker wh's not renowned for his scrummaging.

And by Cian Healy.

Sorry had to say it. I think Wales have to be careful in how they manage Lee, definitely one for the future one I think you ease in. Could make an argument for him being involved in the squad for the experience though. I'd get him talking to Adam Jones as much as possible.

 

[Draggs]

Dull, you've pretty much saved me a post.
Bang on is all I can say.
Navidi has been bloody impressive, but I'd rather see him get a good month of gametime for the Blues than be with Wales right now.
Have the Turks been starving their players? McCusker and Turnbull have 'lost' a good deal of weight since the last squad.

 

[dullonien]

And by Cian Healy.

Sorry had to say it. I think Wales have to be careful in how they manage Lee, definitely one for the future one I think you ease in. Could make an argument for him being involved in the squad for the experience though. I'd get him talking to Adam Jones as much as possible.

I thought the Scarlets scrum was holding up reasonably well until Owens and Manu came on, and Shingler went into the second row. Before that I thought it was Mike Ross that was getting the better of Phil John, Lee didn't seem to go backwards until John succumbed and the pressure came through. I do agree that we've got to be careful how we manage him, but he's still better than Andrews.

 

[big ginger 8]

I think Healy had him a few times and well Peter Stringer's a better prop than Andrews.

 

[dullonien]

I think Healy had him a few times and well Peter Stringer's a better prop than Andrews.

Yeh, ok. I'd still like to see how Samson holds up alongside Hibbard and Gethin/Paul James, and with some grunt behind him.

 

[TrueSlawter]

Doesnt look too bad bar Andrews.. As for the 1st XV I'd leave the back 3 as it was in the 6N tbh put Liam Williams on the bench as he can really cover all 3.

 

[coonor]

Yeh, ok. I'd still like to see how Samson holds up alongside Hibbard and Gethin/Paul James, and with some grunt behind him.

You make a good point. Often props that may not be fully developed in the scrum can be upheld with a strong pack and good scrummaging front I.e like the one you mentioned. Look at Healy, he used to be crap a scrummaging untill Ross came in and anchored the scrum, thus allowing him to develop. Now there is very few who can dominate Healy, so long as he has a competent pack behind him. J

 

[DuncTheDoodle]

Andrews: What? Why? How?
Jarvis: Fair enough, and could find himself on the bench for the big games if squads are being extended to 23 men.
Lee: I can 100% understand not including him, but you'd think Gatland'd want a look at him. I don't remember seeing a tighthead as apt as him at 19 years of age before, and he's certainly already better than Andrews- He's had one hiding from one of the best looseheads in the world. He's still a teenager. That's kinda to be expected. Andrews is destroyed by anyone and everyone on a weekly basis.
Surprised and disappointed not to see Tom Prydie recalled. I was sure he'd be back in, and he really should be over Robinson. I'd also've had Josh Navidi in there, probably over Turnbull who hasn't looked the player he was a couple of years ago.
I'd go for-
Jenkins, Hibbard, Adam, AW Jones, Evans, Warburton, Tipuric, Faletau; Phillips, Biggar; North, Roberts, Davies, Cuthbert, Halfpenny
Rees, James, Jarvis/Bevington, Charteris, Ryan Jones, Knoyle, Hook, Beck

I'd like to see Tav starting, considering the form he's on (I think he's been one of the stand-out players in Wales this season so far, yet nobody seems to be talking about him) but changing both our half-backs at once probably isn't the best idea. And Tipuric has to play. It's harsh on Ryan, but there we go, sorry Ryan. I can definately see the calls for James to start, considering Gethin has only had 2 starts so far this season, but I just feel he's probably too good for us to drop right away, just like that. Otherwise I don't think you can disagree with that team to greatly...

 

[dullonien]

Andrews: What? Why? How?
Jarvis: Fair enough, and could find himself on the bench for the big games if squads are being extended to 23 men.
Lee: I can 100% understand not including him, but you'd think Gatland'd want a look at him. I don't remember seeing a tighthead as apt as him at 19 years of age before, and he's certainly already better than Andrews- He's had one hiding from one of the best looseheads in the world. He's still a teenager. That's kinda to be expected. Andrews is destroyed by anyone and everyone on a weekly basis.
Surprised and disappointed not to see Tom Prydie recalled. I was sure he'd be back in, and he really should be over Robinson. I'd also've had Josh Navidi in there, probably over Turnbull who hasn't looked the player he was a couple of years ago.
I'd go for-
Jenkins, Hibbard, Adam, AW Jones, Evans, Warburton, Tipuric, Faletau; Phillips, Biggar; North, Roberts, Davies, Cuthbert, Halfpenny
Rees, James, Jarvis/Bevington, Charteris, Ryan Jones, Knoyle, Hook, Beck

I'd like to see Tav starting, considering the form he's on (I think he's been one of the stand-out players in Wales this season so far, yet nobody seems to be talking about him) but changing both our half-backs at once probably isn't the best idea. And Tipuric has to play. It's harsh on Ryan, but there we go, sorry Ryan. I can definately see the calls for James to start, considering Gethin has only had 2 starts so far this season, but I just feel he's probably too good for us to drop right away, just like that. Otherwise I don't think you can disagree with that team to greatly...

Hopefully Andrews won't see a minute of gametime!

I picked on McCusker without noticing Turnbull being there. I agree that I'd have Navidi there over Turnbull, and I can't see any reason why Howley and Gats haven't decided the same. One good thing is that Navidi continues to get game time for the Blues, and hopefully we'll see Daniel Thomas playing for the Scarlets.

I can see your point re Prydie and Robinson, but I'm not sure there's much between the two at the minute. Prydie is getting more gametime though.

Tavis has been in decent form, certainly much better than last season, but one of the standout players? If it weren't for the weak Scarlets pack, I'd like to see Gareth Davies as first choice 9, but Tavis is a big guy and he can deal better with pressure at the breakdown.

I can't agree with you leaving Ryan Jones on the bench. He's been one of the standout players this season, and really offers the grunt in the loose required at test level. Faletau hasn't been in great form, so if you want two opensides, it's Faletau who should miss out imo. Havign Beck on the bench could be a good option, especially as Jon Davies will be a little short on game time. Difficult to chose between him and Liam Williams. I'd like to see Beck get at least one start, maybe with Roberts moved out one to 13, I think that partnership could work well, as could a Beck-Davies combination.

 

[TRF_Cymro]

I thought Prydie had done enough to merrit a return to the Welsh setup. I have been impressed with him and I think he deserves another go.

Navidi has been good for the Blues but his lack of bulk may well mean he won't get a call for Wales, by bulk I mean he's not a chunky player and at international level he may well get knocked off easily and not be as effective as he is at club rugby.

Hard done by is Eifion Lewis-Roberts, he's been on good form and really should have been included. Same could be said for Powell. My feeling is that there is a problem between Wales - Sale / Diamond so we won't be seeing these guys again whilst they are at Sale if that is the case then its a pity.

 

[Mrs. Peter Quinn]

The only real thing I have to add to the selectio debate here is to remind what got Wales into such a strong position in the last year or so with regards to the national side - it was choosing those young often unproven players who were in form over the proven players out of form. And looking at the team now I just think it'd be a mistake to not pick on form.

Granted, some players even out of form are not droppable, e.g Adam, but in my opinion some definitely are. Faleatau can't credibly be given a start right now, and Tipuric can't credibly not be given one. Bearing in mind that Warburtons the captain and an important team player i'd even consider shifting him to 8 to accomodate Tips who was brilliant against Tigers I thought. Then I'd probably shove in Ryan Jones at 6.

 

[willrobinson]

Really good squad. Would play

1. James (I love Jenkins, but he needs preserving, and James is a great scrummaging prop who needs to be starting more at international level)
2. Hibbard
3. Jones (would be doing the same as with Gethin, but no one stands out as a replacement - Craig Mitchell should get some time in the 6N perhaps)
4. AWJ
5. Evans
6. Tipuric
7. Warburton (dual opensides to accommodate Tipuric, but would have preferred Warb on the bench with Tipuric and Shingler or Faletau on the field)
8. Ryan Jones
9. Phillips
10. Biggar
11. Halfpenny (normally I wouldn't want to move one of the best players in a team, but Liam Williams needs to be on the field, Halfpenny's got a very good history on the wing and Cuthbert's the person to exploit tired teams)
12. Williams
13. Davies
14. North
15. Williams
16. Owens
17. Jenkins
18. Jarvis? I guess?
19. Charteris
20. Shingler/Faletau
21. Williams
22. Hook
23. Cuthbert[/QUOTE

I never thought of the Halfpenny on wing and Williams at fullback. But it is a really good idea England did it against South Africa by having Mike Brown at 15 and Foden at 11. its a good way of doing it in important games because 15 is a lonely position at times and it will improve Williams confidence if he has halfpenny close by. and with the dual opensides I would be personally take of faletau switch Jones to 8 and tipuric at 6 cause I think Jones deserves more game time then faletau judging on current form.

I personally think Powell should of been picked along with navidi. i am quite surprised at powell because he has been picked quite a few times when he has hardly ever started

 

[Draggs]

Liam Williams over Cuthbert, really?
I have seen little from Williams to show he is an international. Decent performances here and there, but not somebody I would want to rely upon.
I feel for Tipuric, he has been outstanding (best openside for at least a year) but can't get in. The left/right flanker proposal is a bad idea. Play players in their proper positions. Faletau has been decent, but still our best Eight. Ryan is a blindside, and simply superb.

[TABLE="width: 500"]
<tbody>[TR]
[TD]Draggs 23
[/TD]
[TD]Howley 23 (expected)
[/TD]
[TD]23 for Australia (Expected)
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Leigh Halfpenny[/TD]
[TD]Leigh Halfpenny[/TD]
[TD]Leigh Halfpenny
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Alex Cuthbert[/TD]
[TD]Alex Cuthbert[/TD]
[TD]Alex Cuthbert
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Jonathan Davies[/TD]
[TD]Jonathan Davies[/TD]
[TD]Jonathan Davies
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Ashley Beck[/TD]
[TD]Jamie Roberts[/TD]
[TD]Jamie Roberts
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]George North[/TD]
[TD]George North[/TD]
[TD]George North
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Dan Biggar[/TD]
[TD]Rhys Priestland[/TD]
[TD]Rhys Priestland
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Mike Phillips[/TD]
[TD]Mike Phillips[/TD]
[TD]Tavis Knoyle
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Gethin Jenkins[/TD]
[TD]Gethin Jenkins[/TD]
[TD]Ryan Bevington
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Richard Hibbard[/TD]
[TD]Matthew Rees[/TD]
[TD]Ken Owens
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Adam Jones*[/TD]
[TD]Adam Jones*[/TD]
[TD]Adam Jones*
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Alun Wyn Jones
[/TD]
[TD]Alun Wyn Jones[/TD]
[TD]Alun Wyn Jones
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Ian Evans
[/TD]
[TD]No clue, based on Australia[/TD]
[TD]No clue
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Ryan Jones[/TD]
[TD]Ryan Jones[/TD]
[TD]Ryan Jones
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Justin Tipuric[/TD]
[TD]Sam Warburton[/TD]
[TD]Sam Warburton
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Toby Faletau[/TD]
[TD]Toby Faletau[/TD]
[TD]Toby Faletau
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Matthew Rees
[/TD]
[TD]Ken Owens
[/TD]
[TD]Richard Hibbard/Matthew Rees
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Paul James
[/TD]
[TD]Paul James
[/TD]
[TD]Scott Andrews (No Welsh LH)
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Aaron Jarvis
[/TD]
[TD]Aaron Jarvis
[/TD]
[TD]Aaron Jarvis
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Luke Charteris
[/TD]
[TD]A Second Row
[/TD]
[TD]A Second Row
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Sam Warburton
[/TD]
[TD]Justin Tipuric/Aaron Shingler
[/TD]
[TD]Justin Tipuric/Aaron Shingler
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Lloyd Williams
[/TD]
[TD]Tavis Knoyle
[/TD]
[TD]Lloyd Williams
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]James Hook
[/TD]
[TD]Unsure
[/TD]
[TD]Dan Biggar
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Jamie Roberts
[/TD]
[TD]Ashley Beck
[/TD]
[TD]Ashley Beck
[/TD]
[/TR]
</tbody>[/TABLE]

 

[DuncTheDoodle]

Hopefully Andrews won't see a minute of gametime!

I picked on McCusker without noticing Turnbull being there. I agree that I'd have Navidi there over Turnbull, and I can't see any reason why Howley and Gats haven't decided the same. One good thing is that Navidi continues to get game time for the Blues, and hopefully we'll see Daniel Thomas playing for the Scarlets.

I can see your point re Prydie and Robinson, but I'm not sure there's much between the two at the minute. Prydie is getting more gametime though.

Tavis has been in decent form, certainly much better than last season, but one of the standout players? If it weren't for the weak Scarlets pack, I'd like to see Gareth Davies as first choice 9, but Tavis is a big guy and he can deal better with pressure at the breakdown.

I can't agree with you leaving Ryan Jones on the bench. He's been one of the standout players this season, and really offers the grunt in the loose required at test level. Faletau hasn't been in great form, so if you want two opensides, it's Faletau who should miss out imo. Havign Beck on the bench could be a good option, especially as Jon Davies will be a little short on game time. Difficult to chose between him and Liam Williams. I'd like to see Beck get at least one start, maybe with Roberts moved out one to 13, I think that partnership could work well, as could a Beck-Davies combination.

I agree on Ryan, actually, and didn't feel right leaving him out, but considering how well our backrow normally plays as a unit, it also wouldn't feel right going with Tips/Sam as flankers and Ryan at 8. (Which I think may be our best option, on form/the captaincy issue) Thing is, we can't drop Warburton, him being the captain and all, and he hasn't played at number 8 himself in a number of years, all but ruling that option out.

Prydie has more of an all-round game than Robinson, who is sharp and quick but little more. (I like him, don't get me wrong) Prydie on the other hand can pass, kick (Both out of hand and off the tee) and has more general awareness than Harry. If anything, I'd have both in the squad, but Prydie should certainly be above Robinson And, in my eyes, Liam Williams as well, who still looks a bit naive to me. Good core skills, but doesn't read the game well enough for an international player.

I just think Tav looks sharp. He's getting the ball out quickly, and passing with some zip and tempo that Phillips doesn't bring up, whilst still being big enough for us to get away with not having to change the gameplan.

Hadn't realised the issue about the replacement loosehead for the Australia game. That's either going to be problematic, or we could be about to witness the return of the mighty Duncan Jones to the red shirt. Fingers crossed...

 

[TrueSlawter]

Imo Warburton to 8 wouldnt be a bad idea, he captained the u-20s from there and can likely still play there well and tbh with Falatau off form it'll either be Warburton or Jones at 8 I hope..