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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.
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