Wales Tour 2013: Japan

[dullonien]

I actually think this squad could really backfire without the best players such as James and Ryan Jones in it. Japan have a great chance.

Some of the baffling choices shouldn't really get close to the matchday squad, so it probably doesn't really matter.

From the squad picked, I'd expect to see the following team:

01 Ryan Bevington. Strong enough scrummager to put the pressure on, and a monster around the pitch.
02 Ken Owens. I made arguments for him to be involved with the Lions. In great form.
03 Craig Mitchell. Undervalued player, will put the Japanese scrum under big pressure, and get's through a decent amount of work.
04 Andrew Coombs. Showed he's up to it during the 6 nations.
05 Bradley Davies. Still a good player, who should assert his physical game on this tour.
06 Aaron Shingler. Quality player who should love the hard grounds over there. A little under par during the second half of the season, but will shine here.
07 Josh Navidi. One of the form backrowers in Wales this season.
08 Andries Pretorus/Rob McCucker. Not really happy about this. But both should be good enough v's Japan tbh.

09 Lloyd Williams. Returning to some good form. His sniping should cause problems.
10 Dan Biggar. I would have taken him with the Lions ahead of Farrell. Steady player who's growing into the role. Won't miss many with the boot.
11 Harry Robinson. Given some space he's an exciting runner. A bit early, but needs must.
12 Ashley Beck. Absolutely quality player. I can see him carving Japan to pieces.
13 Owen Williams. Unless Shingler is played at 13, he's the only option. If he links well with Beck, his pace could take advantage of the space Beck will create.
14 Tom Prydie. Will do a job, and if he's given ball in space has the pace to finish chances off.
15 Liam Williams. Needs to improve under the high ball, but has been back in decent form recently.

16 Emyr Phillips. Good all round hooker.
17 Rhys Gill. Could start with Bevington on the bench.
18 Scott Andrews. Struggled against strong scrums, but Japan won't trouble him. Good around the park.
19 James King. Very talented youngster. Will flourish on the hard grounds.
20 Rob McCusker/Andries Pretorius.
21 Aled Davis. Quality youngster.
22 Rhys Priestland. Let's see what his form is like for the Scarlets.
23 Steven Shingler.

Alternatively Shingler or Priestland could be played at fullback with Liam Williams moving to the wing. Or Owen Williams could play on the wing with a Beck-Shingler midfield.

Overall that's a pretty decent squad considering we're missing an entire first choice team. Should be strong enough to beat Japan tbh.

 

[Draggs]

We will probably see Scott Williams at outside centre.
Who should be captain? I'd say Biggar or Owens.

Five will be cut ahead of the tour, any guesses?
I'd say Rhodri Jones, Sam Hobbs, Scott Baldwin, Dan Baker, Dafydd Howells

 

[dullonien]

We will probably see Scott Williams at outside centre.
Who should be captain? I'd say Biggar or Owens.

Five will be cut ahead of the tour, any guesses?
I'd say Rhodri Jones, Sam Hobbs, Scott Baldwin, Dan Baker, Dafydd Howells

How did I forget about Scott Williams, yeah he'll be at 13.

Captain? Navidi could be an option. I know captaining in his first cap would be kinda unheard of, but he's got a decent amount of experience with the U20's and at the Blues. Owens could be a good option as well. Bradley has captained the Blues on a few occasions, but I'm not at all sure, his discipline isn't good enough for captain.

Those 5 look about right.

 

[psychic duck]

Some of the baffling choices shouldn't really get close to the matchday squad, so it probably doesn't really matter.

From the squad picked, I'd expect to see the following team:

01 Ryan Bevington. Strong enough scrummager to put the pressure on, and a monster around the pitch.
02 Ken Owens. I made arguments for him to be involved with the Lions. In great form.
03 Craig Mitchell. Undervalued player, will put the Japanese scrum under big pressure, and get's through a decent amount of work.
04 Andrew Coombs. Showed he's up to it during the 6 nations.
05 Bradley Davies. Still a good player, who should assert his physical game on this tour.
06 Aaron Shingler. Quality player who should love the hard grounds over there. A little under par during the second half of the season, but will shine here.
07 Josh Navidi. One of the form backrowers in Wales this season.
08 Andries Pretorus/Rob McCucker. Not really happy about this. But both should be good enough v's Japan tbh.

09 Lloyd Williams. Returning to some good form. His sniping should cause problems.
10 Dan Biggar. I would have taken him with the Lions ahead of Farrell. Steady player who's growing into the role. Won't miss many with the boot.
11 Harry Robinson. Given some space he's an exciting runner. A bit early, but needs must.
12 Ashley Beck. Absolutely quality player. I can see him carving Japan to pieces.
13 Owen Williams. Unless Shingler is played at 13, he's the only option. If he links well with Beck, his pace could take advantage of the space Beck will create.
14 Tom Prydie. Will do a job, and if he's given ball in space has the pace to finish chances off.
15 Liam Williams. Needs to improve under the high ball, but has been back in decent form recently.

16 Emyr Phillips. Good all round hooker.
17 Rhys Gill. Could start with Bevington on the bench.
18 Scott Andrews. Struggled against strong scrums, but Japan won't trouble him. Good around the park.
19 James King. Very talented youngster. Will flourish on the hard grounds.
20 Rob McCusker/Andries Pretorius.
21 Aled Davis. Quality youngster.
22 Rhys Priestland. Let's see what his form is like for the Scarlets.
23 Steven Shingler.

Alternatively Shingler or Priestland could be played at fullback with Liam Williams moving to the wing. Or Owen Williams could play on the wing with a Beck-Shingler midfield.

Overall that's a pretty decent squad considering we're missing an entire first choice team. Should be strong enough to beat Japan tbh.

This team is pretty much spot on to what it will be. The only bit I worry about is the beating Japan, the back row and back three is poor and doesn't standout at regional level, Scott Williams needs to prove himself after stalling, whilst the scrum won't take such advantage and dominate as it would with James. Your also generous of your assessment of Scott Andrews, I saw the weak Scarlets scrum shunting about the Blues last week with Adriaanse, not just good scrums, although he has done better with Wales.

Looking at that team. Japan will have a better scrum half, better back row, and better wingers. The matches should be very close.

We will probably see Scott Williams at outside centre.
Who should be captain? I'd say Biggar or Owens.

Five will be cut ahead of the tour, any guesses?
I'd say Rhodri Jones, Sam Hobbs, Scott Baldwin, Dan Baker, Dafydd Howells

Spot on. Apart from perhaps keep the third hooker and shed Spratt.

 

[Draggs]

How did I forget about Scott Williams, yeah he'll be at 13.

Captain? Navidi could be an option. I know captaining in his first cap would be kinda unheard of, but he's got a decent amount of experience with the U20's and at the Blues. Owens could be a good option as well. Bradley has captained the Blues on a few occasions, but I'm not at all sure, his discipline isn't good enough for captain.

Those 5 look about right.

I wouldn't go uncapped and captain, personally. It was only because of his experience with the Quins that Robshaw had it on his second cap.
Harry will either go back to U20s (unlikely, why would they pull him from the U20 training and send him back?) or start the tests. Pick two from Prydie, Owen, Liam.

Good calls Duck, we need a backup if one pulls a muscle in warmups.

 

[TRF_Cymro]

This is a development tour, as when I asked the press officer in the WRU this is what I was told. Certain players have been advised to take a rest, others are on the reserve list for the Lions. Take that what you will.

Yes take Japan at your peril, but its a chance for some guys to get a chance, entire the point of the trip. I'm excited to see how some of these guys get off.

Just to note ... cannot believe Hobbs is in the squad ... I hope he's one of the players to get cut before they head off.

 

[dullonien]

This team is pretty much spot on to what it will be. The only bit I worry about is the beating Japan, the back row and back three is poor and doesn't standout at regional level, Scott Williams needs to prove himself after stalling, whilst the scrum won't take such advantage and dominate as it would with James. Your also generous of your assessment of Scott Andrews, I saw the weak Scarlets scrum shunting about the Blues last week with Adriaanse, not just good scrums, although he has done better with Wales.

Looking at that team. Japan will have a better scrum half, better back row, and better wingers. The matches should be very close.

The Japanese scrum is poor, worse than the Scarlets scrum who have actually been quite competitive in the Pro12 this season. It's not just the Blues that struggled against them, with the likes of Munster also struggling. I'd expect Wales to be comfortably on top in that aspect of the game.

As for the backrow, it's only really at 8 that there's an issue. Shingler has struggled a little to return after his injury problems before Christmas, but he's an athletic player who will thrive in the open games this tour will almost certainly provide. Navidi has been quality all season, overshadowing Warburton at the Blues. He's another top openside prospect, who's really upped his physicality as the season's developed.

Back three is a little bit of an issue, and makes the decision not to take Fussell, who's counter attacking would have caused Japan issues, even more baffling. Nothing wrong with Lloyd Williams at scrum half though. He went through a quiet patch, but has found some good form again now.

We really should win both tests comfortably. We're not playing a physically intimidating Samoa or Fiji where they can put the youngsters off their game and drag the game down into an arm wrestle.

 

[DuncTheDoodle]

I disagree with the negative comments regarding Tom Prydie- I think he's a player with a certainly classiness about him, who looks to always make the right decision. I'm glad he's got the call-up he deserves. Dan Baker is an interesting call. Granted, he's young, a specialist number 8 (The only one in the squad) and Morgan Allen is injured, but he doesn't really deserve it, which always annoys me. Likewise Dafydd Howells, who has officially ended any dreams I had of ever pulling on the international shirt by being the first player younger than me to get an international call-up. Really gutted for Fussell. Terrific player on great form, and someone who's improved so much in the past couple of years. I almost want to see a different management in charge just so he gets a go, as they seem to have something against him and for pre-school kids. Also disappointed Jonathan Evans isn't going to get a go. The form 9 in Wales this season.

I think we're looking at a team of-

Bevington, Owens (c), Mitchell, Coombs, Davies, King, Navidi, Shingler; Lloyd Williams, Biggar; Robinson, Beck, Scott Williams, Liam Williams, Prydie

Phillips, Gill, Andrews, Reed, Pretorious, Knoyle, Priestland, Owen Williams

I think Ken would be a well-deserved captain, considering he's unlucky not to be on the Lions tour. I reckon they'll give Priestland and Biggar a test each to have a crack at Japan, who may be a tougher prospect than we're giving them credit for.

 

[psychic duck]

The Japanese scrum is poor, worse than the Scarlets scrum who have actually been quite competitive in the Pro12 this season. It's not just the Blues that struggled against them, with the likes of Munster also struggling. I'd expect Wales to be comfortably on top in that aspect of the game.

As for the backrow, it's only really at 8 that there's an issue. Shingler has struggled a little to return after his injury problems before Christmas, but he's an athletic player who will thrive in the open games this tour will almost certainly provide. Navidi has been quality all season, overshadowing Warburton at the Blues. He's another top openside prospect, who's really upped his physicality as the season's developed.

Back three is a little bit of an issue, and makes the decision not to take Fussell, who's counter attacking would have caused Japan issues, even more baffling. Nothing wrong with Lloyd Williams at scrum half though. He went through a quiet patch, but has found some good form again now.

We really should win both tests comfortably. We're not playing a physically intimidating Samoa or Fiji where they can put the youngsters off their game and drag the game down into an arm wrestle.

Scarlets scrum isn't good though, it may do well against the Dragons but it is still easy pickings in the Heineken Cup and the top few Pro12 sides. Munster have a decent first choice scrum, then Archer as second choice who's like the Irish Scott Andrews. I assume it was him that the Scarlets made struggle?

Back row is a strong point for Japan though. They will probably go for a combination of Hendrik Tui a huge physical presence although prone to giving away penalties, Michael Leitch who was was impressive in the 2011 World Cup and has been in the Chiefs squad this season and Takashi Kikutani who scores hatfuls of tries. They are all between 6'2" and 6'4" and very physical and Shingler and Navidi will have to be on their game to face them. Shingler can't disappear like he did vs Ireland where he only made 2 metres carrying when he was on. This is not an easy area to dominate without the Lions tourists and Ryan Jones.

I personally am not impressed with Lloyd Williams' progress. His running game is quite good, but he hasn't shown much progress with his weaker passing skills. I prefer better passers at 9, which is why I would play Aled Davies. Having said that though, he may benefit from a change of not playing behind the retreating Blues pack.

I don't quite get your point about physically intimidating giving Wales a particular advantage. Australia weren't especially physically intimidating yet they managed to continuously win, neither were Argentina physically intimidating either who have the smallest backs from Tier 1, Ireland also aren't the most physically intimidating. Whilst more physical side England just tried to smash it up into a brick wall, and France who tried to play physical with Fritz/Bastareaud midfield tactics failed to dominate physically either. Only Samoa has really been a side who has bullied Wales physically, the other attempts from other sides has been met with a brick wall. Whilst Australia, Argentina, Ireland all managed to pass their way round it and didn't attempt to smash it. If anything it seems that the less physical more wide game seems to beat Wales more.

I disagree with the negative comments regarding Tom Prydie- I think he's a player with a certainly classiness about him, who looks to always make the right decision. I'm glad he's got the call-up he deserves. Dan Baker is an interesting call. Granted, he's young, a specialist number 8 (The only one in the squad) and Morgan Allen is injured, but he doesn't really deserve it, which always annoys me. Likewise Dafydd Howells, who has officially ended any dreams I had of ever pulling on the international shirt by being the first player younger than me to get an international call-up. Really gutted for Fussell. Terrific player on great form, and someone who's improved so much in the past couple of years. I almost want to see a different management in charge just so he gets a go, as they seem to have something against him and for pre-school kids. Also disappointed Jonathan Evans isn't going to get a go. The form 9 in Wales this season.

I think Ken would be a well-deserved captain, considering he's unlucky not to be on the Lions tour. I reckon they'll give Priestland and Biggar a test each to have a crack at Japan, who may be a tougher prospect than we're giving them credit for.

Prydie has looked pretty ordinary this season (the first really we have seen him play for a lengthy period of time). I can't recall anything special he has done from the wing or full back, and to be honest it seems his goal kicking keeps him in the side as he hasn't made much impact with ball in hand.

Looking at the team, I think captaincy will probably be Bradley Davies or Ken Owens, whilst perhaps Biggar could be in with a shout as the first choice player in the side.

This is a development tour, as when I asked the press officer in the WRU this is what I was told. Certain players have been advised to take a rest, others are on the reserve list for the Lions. Take that what you will.

Yes take Japan at your peril, but its a chance for some guys to get a chance, entire the point of the trip. I'm excited to see how some of these guys get off.

Just to note ... cannot believe Hobbs is in the squad ... I hope he's one of the players to get cut before they head off.

I too think this tour should be an interesting one to watch. Agree on Hobbs, him Spratt and Rhodri Jones as a tighthead are selections I just can't work out the logic to.

 

[psychic duck]

The Men of Gwent aren't pleased about their paltry number of members of the squad for Japan.

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/10407017.CHRIS_KIRWAN_SAYS__Raised_eyebrows_over_Wales_squad/

I would have had Ieuan Jones ahead of Baker or McCusker.

And also Dixon ahead of Spratt. But seeing as Spratt may possibly be one of the 5 trimmed it might not make a difference.

Dan Evans has been better than Prydie this season, but then it is known that the Wales management see something in Prydie.

Jonathan Evans makes a fair few errors he needs to cut out, but then Knoyle has been out of favour for months but then again the Welsh management clearly have an investment in him. I would rather he challenged Lloyd Williams' place as I don't want too many running scum halves who don't pass well.

Suggestion of Gustafson getting called up, even to this squad are a little fanciful though.

 

[dullonien]

I don't quite get your point about physically intimidating giving Wales a particular advantage. Australia weren't especially physically intimidating yet they managed to continuously win, neither were Argentina physically intimidating either who have the smallest backs from Tier 1, Ireland also aren't the most physically intimidating. Whilst more physical side England just tried to smash it up into a brick wall, and France who tried to play physical with Fritz/Bastareaud midfield tactics failed to dominate physically either. Only Samoa has really been a side who has bullied Wales physically, the other attempts from other sides has been met with a brick wall. Whilst Australia, Argentina, Ireland all managed to pass their way round it and didn't attempt to smash it. If anything it seems that the less physical more wide game seems to beat Wales more.

There's a big difference between Australia, Argentina and Ireland compared to Japan. Regardless of the spin you want to put on it, if Wales don't win the two tests comfortably, it'd be a massive blow. You talk about Japan having a good back-row because the likes of Leitch has been in the Chiefs squad, but most of the Welsh starting 15 will be first choice starters for their respective teams. Even if we're missing 20 players (15 Lions + Hook, Jones, James, Eli Wales, Henson), Wales still have better quality players, although we are lacking out wide, but the games should be won by the players inside them really.

 

[psychic duck]

There's a big difference between Australia, Argentina and Ireland compared to Japan. Regardless of the spin you want to put on it, if Wales don't win the two tests comfortably, it'd be a massive blow. You talk about Japan having a good back-row because the likes of Leitch has been in the Chiefs squad, but most of the Welsh starting 15 will be first choice starters for their respective teams. Even if we're missing 20 players (15 Lions + Hook, Jones, James, Eli Wales, Henson), Wales still have better quality players, although we are lacking out wide, but the games should be won by the players inside them really.

I'm not saying Leitch is a good player simply because he is in the Chiefs squad (although exposure to top level rugby in New Zealand clearly has it's benefits), I'm saying he is a good flanker as he has been very impressive for Japan, against France, Tonga and Georgia in internationals. All of whom have better back rows than the one Wales will have out. I wouldn't read too much into him not reaching the team, as he is mainly there to train and improve and be there in case of injury anyway, also Navidi wouldn't start ahead of the All Black back rowers Messam or Cane/Latimer either.

I'm not comparing Japan to those teams in terms of standard. I was comparing them in terms of playing style, and also noting that Wales' current team have been very successful defending and hardly concede a try against teams who try and match Wales for more physical running tactics (Samoa the exception) with the defence countering the likes of physical attacks centring around Fritz/Bastareaud and Barritt/Tuilagi, but attacks like Australia, Argentina and Ireland who don't attempt to go through Wales have been more successful. And Japan have more of that passing style that has been more successful in scoring. Japan have much better distributors in their midfield than Wales do (watch out for Kosei Ono and Harumichi Tatekawa in this area), it's a question of whether they can defend adequately the bosh attack which is the area there is a big question for them about. If the answer is yes thhough, then they will have a chance.

With Wales fielding a better team then the forwards would be able to blow Japan away in the front five I have no doubt, but that area is weakened so the advantage is lessened and it will also increase Japan's chances.

As I said, remember Japan lost by 1 point to a strong Samoa side last year, gave a strong Italy team a hard game away in 2011. I am not convinced that this weakened Wales side in foreign conditions that will suit Japan will make the games comfortable for Wales.

How much of a win do you class as "comfortable" by the way? That is a term that could differ in difference depending on how you see it.

 

[dullonien]

I won't apply a specific scoreline to demonstrate a comfortable win. Instead I want to see a comfortable performance, one where the outcome isn't under threat leading into the final quarter. Anything above 10 points would be fine, so long as the performances were good.

The biggest worry Wales have imo is with their own game. They have to make sure that the players gel quickly, because many won't have played together before. We have better quality players, I don't have any issue saying that. You cite the loss of Jenkins, Hibbard, Adam, Alun-Wyn and Evans as a big loss to us in the front five, and they are, but there's decent back-up. Bevington, Gill, Mitchell, Owens, Coombs and Bradley have all played in big games for Wales and more than held their own.

You state that Navidi would have no chance in the Chiefs side, yet he's been one of the most impressive and consistent back-rowers in Wales this season.

You also state that Japan will have better distributors that Wales, despite the fact that Beck will be playing at 12, who is a class above anything Japan have, and is one of the best distributors in the NH imo. Even Scott Williams who has a big flaw to his game will relish playing against Japan where his speed, power and footwork will cause them issues.

Biggar should be with the Lions imo. He really controls a game well atm, and if he keeps Japan pinned back in their own half I see comfortable Welsh victories.

 

[psychic duck]

The biggest worry Wales have imo is with their own game. They have to make sure that the players gel quickly, because many won't have played together before. We have better quality players, I don't have any issue saying that. You cite the loss of Jenkins, Hibbard, Adam, Alun-Wyn and Evans as a big loss to us in the front five, and they are, but there's decent back-up. Bevington, Gill, Mitchell, Owens, Coombs and Bradley have all played in big games for Wales and more than held their own.

Coombs and Davies are a mile off right now the standard of AWJ and Evans. Mitchell is a mile off Adam. Bevington is very inconsistent. Owens is the only one on that list I would consider a serious contender right now to challenge for a starting place. There's a difference between filling in and doing okay with 3 or 4 of those star front five around, and standing out with none. One thing for sure though, is that the scrum will not be nearly as dominant, there's a big difference not just behind the Adam, but the second rows and hooker are also a way off the first choice. Remember the Adam-less scrum against Samoa? It was Jenkins/Owens/Jarvis/Davies/Charteris front five in that second half that got pulverised by the Johnston brothers. Whilst

You state that Navidi would have no chance in the Chiefs side, yet he's been one of the most impressive and consistent back-rowers in Wales this season.

Navidi is a way off Warburton and Tipuric and I'd assume Sam Cane All Blacks second choice in 2012 also. Leitch has impressed against better back rowers than Navidi.

You also state that Japan will have better distributors that Wales, despite the fact that Beck will be playing at 12, who is a class above anything Japan have, and is one of the best distributors in the NH imo. Even Scott Williams who has a big flaw to his game will relish playing against Japan where his speed, power and footwork will cause them issues.

There is no way Beck's distribution is a class above the Japanese midfield of Ono/Tatekawa. Watch the Japan match with Samoa and Tonga last year or the try scoring pass vs Romania, the passing is very impressive, and passing of the highest quality is quite rare worldwide these days. There are few Henson's at passing and much more Jonathan Davies. It is not even guaranteed that passing will feature in Wales' gameplan anyway given the amount that Roberts/Davies gave in the 6 Nations anyway.

Biggar should be with the Lions imo. He really controls a game well atm, and if he keeps Japan pinned back in their own half I see comfortable Welsh victories.

Biggar's asset is territorial game control. However I notice he plays differently with Wales, he kicks a lot more in open play (up and unders etc) than to corners for some reason, and I don't feel that is necessarily an area Wales have a big advantage on Japan either, Ono and Goromaru did well in tactical territorial kicking last November as well.

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As I have said, Japan's advantage on Wales is passing ability of the midfield and the fact they should be well gelled unit after thrashing the A5N and then facing Pacific Islanders with more games under their belt as a team. They can match Wales for goal kicking, finishing on the wings and in the back row. The area of big advantages for Wales is the defensive play, Japan fall off too many tackles in the backs and they will need to cut his out otherwise Beck could have a fruitful match and the Japanese front five isn't great in the tight although Wales won't get as much advantage with a pretty average front five. They can struggle under pressure situations tactically as was seen in the RWC match with Tonga.

The final factor is weather. High 20's, Wales will need to make sure of fitness. We don't want a repeat of Lou Reed plodding watching players run past him like we saw in November vs Australia. Some of the Welsh will have just come off the end of the season. It was acknowledged in Australia last June that some of the performances seemed a bit tired and not up to the level of intensity we saw against France for example in the Grand Slam game in the 6 Nations.

 

[Draggs]

Eddie Jones has described us as having best scrum in the Six Nations, standoff who kicks, and centres who don't pass.
The last point doesn't wholly apply to Ashley Beck, but he has pretty much hit the nail on the head.
I like Eddie. His attitude of telling it the way it is would make him the shortest lived head coach in WRU history if they appointed him. We could do with someone like him as an assistant coach. Wouldn't mind Kirwan (John) either. Not sure who I'd pick as head coach. I don't mind Warren, but the way we play is getting dealt with greater ease every year. Keep Shaun as defence coach, I'd consider White as head coach I suppose. Not sure about Mallet, seems like a bit of a highlight coach. Speaks well on TV and can make a point, but I don't think he can actually coach.

Ieuan would have gone had the U20 not been going on. Jonathan Evans can be considered hard done by. Sure he has made a few errors, but Aled was pretty poor when he first came into the Turk side this year. Knoyle has played almost no rugby for the Scarlets, while Evans has started most matches. Kirwan (Chris) is one of the few rugby journalists I enjoy reading and wholly respect. He makes a good point, our biggest problem is wins. We were damn close on a few occasions (Bayonne home and away, et al) but really need to get that finishing ability. The Munster win last month was an improvement. Sure we let them back into it, but we managed to take control and get that win. The occasional 'Glasgow' skews the data. We were somewhat competitive in many matches. Both matches against the Blues were somewhat close at times (missed kicks, knock ons) and both of those going our favour would have made the Pro12 a bit more interesting.

With regards to Japanese passing. That is all well and good in their tournament, but I would fancy our defence putting much more pressure on them than Samoa, etc. (Ignore November, we all know many things were at play there). Scott Williams' defence has been improving (remember that hit he did early on against Argentina? GIF?) and Beck is decent as well. Our blitz can shut them down or force them to go deeper than usual. It will be a much more difficult task for them to put width on the ball and make good gains.

I trust Biggar to put us where we need to be. He does play more 'infield' than with the Ospreys, but then again, the Ospreys backline has been dire this season, negating the need to use them. Put it into their half and make them go from there. Bevington, Owens, Shingler, Navidi are all athletic forwards, they can run all day.

 

[psychic duck]

Eddie Jones has described us as having best scrum in the Six Nations, standoff who kicks, and centres who don't pass.
The last point doesn't wholly apply to Ashley Beck, but he has pretty much hit the nail on the head.
I like Eddie. His attitude of telling it the way it is would make him the shortest lived head coach in WRU history if they appointed him. We could do with someone like him as an assistant coach. Wouldn't mind Kirwan (John) either. Not sure who I'd pick as head coach. I don't mind Warren, but the way we play is getting dealt with greater ease every year. Keep Shaun as defence coach, I'd consider White as head coach I suppose. Not sure about Mallet, seems like a bit of a highlight coach. Speaks well on TV and can make a point, but I don't think he can actually coach.

He upset a few in Japan too after he went on this rant after a match last year. If watch at 2:50 he even tells his own captain off for laughing. But as you say, tells it like it is and is worth listening to unlike some other mundane interviewees.

By the way, Graham Henry said that he doesn't think that Gatland will be able to go back to coach Wales successfully after the Lions, he says he will need a break after being emotionally exhausted and not deal with disgruntled players. http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2013/apr/27/warren-gatland-lions-graham-henry

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Ieuan would have gone had the U20 not been going on. Jonathan Evans can be considered hard done by. Sure he has made a few errors, but Aled was pretty poor when he first came into the Turk side this year. Knoyle has played almost no rugby for the Scarlets, while Evans has started most matches. Kirwan (Chris) is one of the few rugby journalists I enjoy reading and wholly respect. He makes a good point, our biggest problem is wins. We were damn close on a few occasions (Bayonne home and away, et al) but really need to get that finishing ability. The Munster win last month was an improvement. Sure we let them back into it, but we managed to take control and get that win. The occasional 'Glasgow' skews the data. We were somewhat competitive in many matches. Both matches against the Blues were somewhat close at times (missed kicks, knock ons) and both of those going our favour would have made the Pro12 a bit more interesting.

Robinson got taken out the U20's, I would have taken Ieuan Jones too. He's impressed me more than McCusker (who I don't rate) and Baker (who I haven't seen yet at regional rugby).

 

[TRF_Olyy]

By the way, Graham Henry said that he doesn't think that Gatland will be able to go back to coach Wales successfully after the Lions, he says he will need a break after being emotionally exhausted and not deal with disgruntled players. http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2013/apr/27/warren-gatland-lions-graham-henry

What? No he doesn't. That's the exact opposite of what he says.

There, Henry believes, the similarities end, and he does not see Gatland returning to Wales at the end of the tour emotionally drained and having to deal with disgruntled players.

 

[Draggs]

Yeah, I had that interview in my mind when I was on about Jones.
Wouldn't want him as the head coach, but certainly involved in some way.

Maybe with Robinson it was due to the fact that he has had experience on tour with the national squad before. No clue, just trying to tie some logic to t (not that there is much in the WRU).

 

[dullonien]

If the Lions are successful with Welsh players playing key roles it could really help Wales get over the mind block we seem to have against the SANZAR sides. Whilst Warburton being captain might not be to everyone's taste, from a purely selfish Welsh perspective it's a great thing because it's a step in making sure that Gatland is still respected by the Welsh players post tour.

 

[psychic duck]

What? No he doesn't. That's the exact opposite of what he says.

Sorry. My mistake.

I do think though that lessons need to be learnt be the WRU about to handle post-Lions situation after Henry's reign collapsed into a disaster after that tour, they need to avoid the same happening with Gatland. Any issues or problems that arise on the Lions tour could follow him to Wales.

Yeah, I had that interview in my mind when I was on about Jones.
Wouldn't want him as the head coach, but certainly involved in some way.

Maybe with Robinson it was due to the fact that he has had experience on tour with the national squad before. No clue, just trying to tie some logic to t (not that there is much in the WRU).

Similar to how he was involved with South Africa when they won the World Cup?

However as you pointed out, it would never happen as I couldn't see him tolerating the crap at the WRU.