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Message: <blockquote data-quote="psychic duck" data-source="post: 568991" data-attributes="member: 48703">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. 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. 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.</blockquote>

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