the things that impressed me about Wales

Although it wasn't the greatest or most intense test match...and we lost, there were a few things about Wales that impressed me on Saturday. they are as follows:

1. I'm sure plenty have mentioned it but apparently Huw bennett has learned to hit his jumper and the one lineout we lost was not his fault.
2. Rhys Priestland (Although I knew he'd be good)
3. George North
4. Jamie Roberts being more than just a battering ram
5. The fact that when players came off the bench it didn't appear to have a detrimental effect on our performance.
6. Mike Phillips seems to be getting back some form.
7. Fitness looks very good
8. Warburton is not phased by captaincy
9. Morgan Stoddart looked pretty good at FB. damn!

There are probably more things but they are the main ones. I don't want to talk about the negatives. A lot to build on and lets hope all of these are still positives this week and some more...

Wales were very patient in their build up which was good to see. I only saw the highlightd but they still didn't seem to have a set backline move. However they were able to put the ball through the hand for their tries which was good. I think Wales need to start with someone like Priestland or Hook to get the best from their backs. Philips is still slow with his pass though.

I would like to see:

9. Knoyle
10. Priestland
12. JD2
13. Hook

Different and perhaps contraversial but I think that would give us massive creativity

I actually like the look of that mckay. I feel JD2 is wasted at 13 at the moment as the ball never seems to get past Roberts for him to do anything with it.

I'm glad someone does. I would absolutely wet my pants with excitement if that was the backline that ran our on Saturday. I think you could virtually guarantee tries with that little lot...

I think that Wales need Roberts to give them the go forward when in a tight spot and find it strange when Welsh supporters don't like him. When he wasn't making the yards at times in the 6 nations and Wales had all the left to right stuff I thought it seemed more to be because the "give Roberts the ball on a half decent line" moves seemed to not be being called. I'd love Roberts to reveal he's actually English and replace Hape/Flutey! Roberts is a very good player imo.

Having said all this I'm not a Wales fan so I don't follow their games and players as much I guess.

You probably would guarantee trys - my only concen would be to who?

My backline would be

9 - Tavis
10 - S Jones
11 - North
12 - Roberts
13 - JD
14 - Brew
15 - Priestland


S Jones has been the OH for the most attacking region and that is a very powerful and dynamic backline. We could use North and Brew coming off the wings and cutting through the middle. Bid strong runners and S Jones in control of things.

The only risk I'd see in not playing Roberts on Saturday is that he was an absolute monster in defence. Is JD2 able to step it up to match that, because Roberts really was superb in that aspect of his game, and with England having such big backs, we need a rock in our defensive line like him.

Ruby - I like that backline too, reckon both could be v good options.

Thomond wrote:Wales were very patient in their build up which was good to see. I only saw the highlightd but they still didn't seem to have a set backline move.

Thomond, I'm pleased to report that Wales tried a backline move off first-phase ball in the first ten minutes of the match. I couldn't believe my eyes!

We still have the problem of forwards standing still when they take the ball. Is it too much to ask them to be running on to it?

From an English point of view;

1)Wales looked after the ball much better in contact which allowed them to build phases and create the overlaps to score.

2)Pacey backs but they were used well and went through the phases, no random spins to the winger off of every phase.

3)Good line out work guarenting clean ball.

4)Leadership of Warburton. Lead by example and kept his cool to make the right decisions.

Ruby

I think it's horses for courses. You forget that Priestland was also 10 while SJ was away with Wales and did outstanding work. I also don't think Hook has enough time to think at 10 but when he's in space he is a very dangerous runner. I take the point about Roberts defence and I thought he played a bit better in attack than he has done for a while.

I just think with our back row able to turn ball over we need to have a backline capable of turning that into tries and ok it may not be the strongest in defence but I don't think it would be that weak either.

Luckless,it looks like Howley might have finally earned his paycheck!

I have never really been a great fan of shane williams, perhaps because of all the hype Welsh supporters made about him when there were other wingers in world rugby with more all round capabilities.

But in this particular match I saw the value of him.

Wales does tend to become predictable with the way they attack. Williams is the one guy in your team that has some X factor.

I am not talking about his defensive capabilities but rather his skills with ball in hand, he does bring some excitement to the Welsh back line.

he does biltong but he made quite a few handling errors on Saturday (which is unusual for him), and it's a shame that the one point in the match where he looked like going on a great run, Roberts got in his way

He's so important for us though, if he's fit, he has to start in the rwc.

Not before time, Thomond!

rugbydreamer wrote: and it's a shame that the one point in the match where he looked like going on a great run, Roberts got in his way

Yes I remeber that and couldn't decide who felt the bigger idiot. I am sure if williams wighed 20 kilo's more he would have let Roberts have it. He was on a good run there, maybe did go a little too lateral.

rugbydreamer wrote:he does biltong but he made quite a few handling errors on Saturday (which is unusual for him), and it's a shame that the one point in the match where he looked like going on a great run, Roberts got in his way

I saw it the other way, Roberts was in the postition he should have been and Shane decided to play his own brand of 1 man rugby again, and instead of looking to pass to Roberts he decided to go it alone (but I am not a fan of Williams, so that may be why).

I also have to question whether or not the style we played was planned, or whether Steve Jones being pulled form the starting line up caused the players to have to try playing what was in front of them.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:I also have to question whether or not the style we played was planned, or whether Steve Jones being pulled form the starting line up caused the players to have to try playing what was in front of them.

I really hope it was a sign of the way we're going to be playing from now on, Wellies or no Wellies. There was definitely more freedom to our play on Saturday. Not loads more, of course, but it was welcome all the same!

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

rugbydreamer wrote:he does biltong but he made quite a few handling errors on Saturday (which is unusual for him), and it's a shame that the one point in the match where he looked like going on a great run, Roberts got in his way

I saw it the other way, Roberts was in the postition he should have been and Shane decided to play his own brand of 1 man rugby again, and instead of looking to pass to Roberts he decided to go it alone (but I am not a fan of Williams, so that may be why).

I also have to question whether or not the style we played was planned, or whether Steve Jones being pulled form the starting line up caused the players to have to try playing what was in front of them.

Ah see I saw it as originally Shane was going to pass it, but saw he could get on the outside of Tuilagi/Flutey (can't remember who it was) so put on a burst of speed, reckon he'd have made it as well but Roberts just didn't react in time. I think it was an example of Shane trying to play what was in front of him, and Roberts just ....well not. Just how I see it

Dreamer - that would make mroe sense, as Shane didn't play the 1 man rugby that match, which is why that moment stood out so much. Maybe I was a bit harsh on him.

Boys, you know that this is the backline:

9 Peel
10 Jones
11 Williams
12 Williams
13 Davies
14 North
15 Halfpenny.

with Knoyle, Hook and Roberts on the bench.

That's quite a nice backline too Glas. All lots of good options seen so far on this thread, I like that

Glas I think 1/2p aint meant to be ready before the Pumas. Supposedly Adam Jones, Hook and Byrne are back.

I would expect the same back devision to start with the exception of Priestland to fullback and Hook/Jones to flyhalf. Maybe Peel, Hook/Jones, and Henson/Williams on the bench.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Glas I think 1/2p aint meant to be ready before the Pumas. Supposedly Adam Jones, Hook and Byrne are back.

I would expect the same back devision to start with the exception of Priestland to fullback and Hook/Jones to flyhalf. Maybe Peel, Hook/Jones, and Henson/Williams on the bench.

Yes, I understand that, but I was talking about the back line we should be aiming at now. Obviously injuries are going to play bear with us, but if they were all fit, that would be my choice.

As to Henson, I really can't say. If he gets his head around it, he is amazing, but who knows at which point in the "Charvis" cycle he is at the moment?

Don't understand why people keep picking JD2 at 13. He never looks comfortable there and isn't as dangerous running from the 13 position. Would rather have the centres the other way round. Also don't see what Peel has done to deserve a shot when there are younger players in better form. Phillips for experience, Williams and Knoyle for youth and talent.

Peel has to be behind the young upstarts now in the pecking order - they are stronger and more dynamic - Peel actually hasn't showed much form for years. I would play the backline suggested above to give us the power and pace that we need without sacrificing any defensive weaknesses. 1 try conceded from open play at Twickenham is a good return; even a great return considering our recent sieve like defensive performances. There seemed a good overall pattern to Wales on Saturday and next Saturday it has to go up 2-3 notches in intensity and control so that we can see the real deal similar to 2008 - Here's hoping.

Glas a du wrote:Boys, you know that this is the backline:

9 Peel
10 Jones
11 Williams
12 Williams
13 Davies
14 North
15 Halfpenny.

with Knoyle, Hook and Roberts on the bench.

I doubt half penny will be fit till Argentina game

I think it will be difficult to drop Roberts who looked dangerous against (and albet 2nd string and rusty) England, and was great in defence which then allowed JD2 to play his natural defensive game or coming out of the line to jackel the ball.

I feel thats a too dangerous tactic to use with a less rock steady centre next to JD2, so maybe Hook/Roberts or JD2/Roberts or for the wild card selection Williams/JD. I can't choose Henson as I've only seen him in 1 game this year and he was awful, but may have improved so I reserve judgement.

I'd also not want to pick Hook at centre (even though I think thats his best position) as he's been messed around enough in his career, and should either be starting at 10 or bench for 10 throughout the WC.

I also doubt whether they'll play 1/2penny at FB, more likely to be Byrne or Priestland.

Can't see Peel getting a look in, and IMO Lloyd of Knoyle are better options. But I understand you said all things being equal thats the side you'd like to see Glas.

I just thought that we could concivably have a line up of Phillips/Knoyle, Jones, Stoddart, Henson, Hook, 1/2Penny, Priestland - there's some pretty impressive kickers in that line up

You never know, Lee Byrne might come back and play the rugby of his life at full back. I wouldn't bet on it, though.

One thing's for sure, he should never be allowed to kick to the corner from a penalty ever again.

Scrum half I can be persuaded on, but I think we have to this personally...

09 Lloyd Williams
10 James Hook - He needs a chance, and with Jones out it's a shot to step up.
12 Gavin Henson - Play or be dropped time. If he doesn't cut the mustard there's no point wasting a seat on a plane.
13 Jamie Roberts - Played well against England. Henson/JD2 combo had a run, so lets try this one.
11 Shane Williams - Needs to hit top form, so lets give him gametime.
14 George North - Looked a starter last week, so lets give our 1st choice back-3 a run out together.
15 Lee Byrne - Time to find some form Lee byt!

Draigoch wrote:Scrum half I can be persuaded on, but I think we have to this personally...

09 Lloyd Williams
10 James Hook - He needs a chance, and with Jones out it's a shot to step up.
12 Gavin Henson - Play or be dropped time. If he doesn't cut the mustard there's no point wasting a seat on a plane.
13 Jamie Roberts - Played well against England. Henson/JD2 combo had a run, so lets try this one.
11 Shane Williams - Needs to hit top form, so lets give him gametime.
14 George North - Looked a starter last week, so lets give our 1st choice back-3 a run out together.
15 Lee Byrne - Time to find some form Lee byt!

The only change id make to that backline is Brew on the wing instead of North, i think he showed enough against England to be given a rest plus with Stoddart injured and Halfpenney still out we need to look at another winger.

mckay1402 wrote:I would like to see:

9. Knoyle
10. Priestland
12. JD2
13. Hook

Different and perhaps contraversial but I think that would give us massive creativity

I agree with all your points listed in the post McKay. However this isn't something I'd like to see.

Phillps passing was good when forwards cleaned out properly. When they got a bit lazy he went back to his old habbits of crabbing for some reason. Warburton was excellent imo. Davies 12 and Roberts 13 didn't seem to work out well, but when they switch positions it looks pretty good; Priestland is a good 10 so he deserves to keep his place and perhaps Hook can act as cover for 10 and 13.

It was nice to see us play some rugby for a change, looks like they've been drilled quite well. I really do hope they find some consistentcy in this intensity and performance otherwise it's back to the drawing boards. England in Cardiff is a must win otherwise it's all for nothing; and I expect them (Eng) to up their game in this match.

I was at the match Saturday viewing the game from the top tier as you all know watching the game on TV just gives you a narrow picture of what's going on on the field.
I believe that Wales were a much improved side what cost us the game was silly basic errors and the brilliant boot of JW. I thought we were far more creative than our opponents and we certainly were far fitter than them.
Even thought we lost I walked from the stadium feeling that we have turned a corner I was encouraged by the confidence shown by the players and the fact they were encouraging their team mates especially in the second half.

Cymroglan wrote:... I was encouraged by the confidence shown by the players and the fact they were encouraging their team mates especially in the second half.

Very interesting - that point has come up a lot one way or another. Wales are a lot more dangerous when they actually start playing for each other not just turning up expecting to win. I have a feeling my side will be a lot better prepared for next Saturday so should be a very interesting game

Thought that all the replacements brought something to the party.None looked out of place.We have an accomplished squad and should take heart.The wheel is turning and our time is coming again.Could go a bit faster,mind!

lostinwales wrote:
Very interesting - that point has come up a lot one way or another. Wales are a lot more dangerous when they actually start playing for each other not just turning up expecting to win. I have a feeling my side will be a lot better prepared for next Saturday so should be a very interesting game

I would like to see the roof shut next Saturday It's a world cup warm up game so let's turn the heat up by putting the players on the field under as much pressure as possible.
Weight of the Millennium Stadium roof is 10 tonnes. It takes 20 minutes and costs £2.54 to open or close the roof money well spent if it adds to the atmosphere

I havent seen any one welsh fan asking for Gavin Henson to be included in the next match.

Seem a bit strange that, I mean Warren Gatlands love child and nobody wants him in the team.

That's because we know we've got better players who've actually been playing rugby this season, and not just a hanful of games maj

I do! Gavin! Gavin!

Henson-Roberts to cause chaos this weekend!

Draigoch wrote: I do! Gavin! Gavin!

Henson-Roberts to cause chaos this weekend!

In which pub would this happen??

majesticimperialman wrote:I havent seen any one welsh fan asking for Gavin Henson to be included in the next match.

Seem a bit strange that, I mean Warren Gatlands love child and nobody wants him in the team.

Gatland's love child or yours? Gatland doesnt go on about him as much as you. Quite an unhealthy fixation you have with him.

The things that impressed me about Wales...
were its leafy beer, green women, and their lush valleys, as my father used to say.

They weren't half bad at rugby either.

Glas a du wrote:Boys, you know that this is the backline:

9 Peel
10 Jones
11 Williams
12 Williams
13 Davies
14 North
15 Halfpenny.

with Knoyle, Hook and Roberts on the bench.

Like Dreamer has said all those options are fantastic (we are very very jealous of you Welshies) , But I have to say the one from Glas a du is very tasty the changes I would go for however are one positional and one due to injury

9 Knoyle
10 Jones
11 Williams
12 Williams
13 Davies
14 North
15 Priestland
with L Williams, Brew, Hook and Roberts on the bench

Now that has structure, creativity, pace, and power written all over it. Personally I think Mr G will select Phillips, Hook and Byrne to start though.

I appreciate this thread is meant for positive comments, but I am shocked as to how the Welsh can be overly positive about loosing the game. Add to that the fact Wales have omly won 4 out of their last 17 games I find it very strange.

Glas a du wrote:Boys, you know that this is the backline:

9 Peel
10 Jones
11 Williams
12 Williams
13 Davies
14 North
15 Halfpenny.

with Knoyle, Hook and Roberts on the bench.

Sounds a bit dodgy playing halfpenny who has been injured for a long while out of position in his first game back.

He gas played fullback once in three seasons at the Blues. I don't think it would be wise putting him there.

Cymroglan wrote:I was at the match Saturday viewing the game from the top tier as you all know watching the game on TV just gives you a narrow picture of what's going on on the field.
I believe that Wales were a much improved side what cost us the game was silly basic errors and the brilliant boot of JW. I thought we were far more creative than our opponents and we certainly were far fitter than them.
Even thought we lost I walked from the stadium feeling that we have turned a corner I was encouraged by the confidence shown by the players and the fact they were encouraging their team mates especially in the second half.

There were real signs of encouragement, I agree; but we have to bear in mind that England will be fielding a stronger XV this coming Saturday.

wrfc1980 wrote:I appreciate this thread is meant for positive comments, but I am shocked as to how the Welsh can be overly positive about loosing the game. Add to that the fact Wales have omly won 4 out of their last 17 games I find it very strange.

We're not overly positive but we can see improvement on previous games. We see a structure and a gameplan and we see some of the new players coming through putting in good performances. Mike Phillips starting to trouble defences again and the back row looking effective. Nobody in Wales suddenly thinks we're in contention for the world cup but there are good things and we have been so starved of good things for so long that we will happily grasp them with both hands.

Our back line can be very dangerous and if our forwards can gain some decent front foot ball then we may be able to score some tries. that in itself is a reason for optimism.

Having said that about my backline yesterday I have taken the points raised above and now consider this to be my favourite backline:

9. Knoyle
10. Jones
11. Williams
12. JD2
13. Roberts
14. North
15. Priestland

Having said that I would still happily see Hook at 13 and Priestland at 10 but as mentioned above this backline would be a more solid defensive lineup. If I was looking simply to score more tries than the opposition then I would go with:

9. Williams
10. Priestland
11. Williams
12. JD2
13. Hooks
14. North
15. Byrne/Halfpenny

Still think that looks a tasty backline...