Namibia v Wales Who Stood out ?

Who stood out in Wales's biggest ever World Cup Win ?

George North turned the game on it's head when he came off the bench. Namibia couldn't handle his power and pace. He is a very special player. Gatland suggested on 5Live he might run George North alongside Jamie Roberts in centres at some point saying 'not many people would want to tackle that'. Interesting....

Scott Williams was superb. I can’t believe he didn’t get man of the match. I upset a few people on here when I said Williams could start ahead of JD2 and 3 tries on his first start for Wales tells it's own story. Food for thought for Mr Gatland regarding Scott Williams ?

I Criticised Foxy on these pages as some of you will know but fair play to him he was very good today even though he was overshadowed by Scott. He made some good breaks and his offloading was much better today than in previous games. Showed what he can do with a great break and pass to Byrne who put North in to score his 2nd try.

Powell was impressive coming off the bench and Leigh Halfpenny shone although he didn't get on the scoreboard he played a part in 2 of the tries. Again the Namibians could not handle the pace of Halfpenny.

Who disappointed?

Aled Brew was a little disappointing. Yes he scored a try but he tried too hard and ended up making a lot of errors.Brew has good raw power but silly mistakes seem to let him down when it matters. Had to be replaced by North who was outstanding.

Tavis Knoyle assised in a try but at times he looked lost. Lloyd Williams was much better than Knoyle when he came on.

Lloyd Burns i'm still unsure about. Good in the scrum but felt he could have done better to stop Kohl's try. He gave up the chase early. I felt Ken Owens offered more in the loose and looked livelier.

What does everybody else think?

I didn't see the second half but I thought Faletau and Ryan Jones looked very dynamic with their ball carrying. Warburton too carried well.

Bradley Davies (I think) showed good hands to set up one of the tries and Halfpenny looked sharp and must be pushing Shane Williams and James Hook for a starting spot.

Gethin Jenkins seemed to be conceding a lot of penalties at the scrum early on and Stephen Jones looked a bit rusty.

How about the twenty two brave Namibians who were outmuscled, outgunned and outran?

by RubyGuby Today at 10:57

.This is how it went for me


Jenkins - Decent run out, needs to get his scrummaging right though
Burns - Just doesn't seem to have it for me - some poor lineouts against NAMIBIA
Mitchell - OK nothing special
Davies - Some good drives, seems to want his place back
AWJ - Doing what he needs to do has come on well
R Jones - Rather anonomous performance, sluggish
Warburton - Leads by example but guilty for one turnover -
Falatau - I liked his performance - starting to look for it more
Knoyle - Ponderous with ineffective box kicks giving away good posession
Jones - Rusty, another interception and is now behind Priestland IMO

Brew - I like Brew but he doesnt do himself any favours - its one thing wanting it, its another having the composure - he lacks the top 2 inches.
Davies - Decent game
Sc Williams - Looked sharp, missed some tackles early on but would be interesting to see him and Jamie in the centre at some stage - great bvack up though
1/2p - Loking sharp - FB next weekend for me on in for Shane
Byrne - Did ok but missed touch with his kicks
North - Mountain
Powell - Did what he needed to do against poor opposition
Owens - This is my number 2 hooker, power, speed and brains
Charterris - 20 stone burting through and he looks to offload - He's done well but needs to back himself more when it matters
L Williams - Loked much sharper than Knoyle and may have played himself on to the bench
Priestland - Didn't really get into a scrappy game but has proved himself in the first 2
Bevington - If this guy can learn to scrummage he's the new Gethin!!

Those are the harsh realities and for me this is what we learned IMO

Byrne still misses touch, Brew still lacks composure and looks for contact - North is bigger and doesn't look for contact Aled (think about it) - Scott Wiliams is a great back up centre and is pushing all the way. Wellies is down the pecking order - Knoyle might now be number 3 instead of number 2. Ryan remains a cart horse and I can see a backrow of 6 Toby, 7 Sam and 8 Blond Donkey next weekend. 2nd rows, as you were - Front row for me is Owens as the replacement number 2 with Gethin benching with Bevington.

Any thoughts

Jenkins - Good run out would still probably start James against Fiji.

R Jones and Powell both had good games but we certainly missed Lydiate at the breakdown.

Centres were very good.

Halfpenny would get my nod at XV

Can't see how R Jones was anonymous. I thought he had quite a good game actually and played the number 6 role pretty well. he was down on thee ball quickly when needed and made a few good runs. He's never going to make huge busts but he does hard graft and his influence and experience is invaluable. I would like a back row of Jones faletau and Warbs.

I thought some of the pens against Jenkins at the scrum were harsh. He quite obviously had their tighthead done up and was being penalised for their tighthead going down. not sure why.

Knoyle did look poor but I think that was a lot to do with the forwards not giving him the platform. Namibia did really well in the first half, disrupting our ball and slowing things down. Once we realised that the ball was a bit quicker.

I have never really rater burns and think Owens is a better hooker. powell should be on the bench and Byrne and Brew should have been left at home.

Agree with most of what your saying Mckay and perhaps I'm a bit harsh on Ryan - I'm just expecting more from him at the moment as the bar is being raised and we all remember this guy in 2005 ripping through defences with pace and power - He just seems a little subdued. We actualy won some poor line out ball today when Burns completely missed his jumper - That would be suicide against Ireland or Fiji for that matter

It's one thing to perform v Namibia and another when facing a top 5 team.

Davies hands were better but it's not under the pressure of a big game and yes some of the forwards mentioned looked decent, r jones , Bradley etc but it's hardly a game to judge a player on.

As expected, Nam ran out of puff in the last 20, allowing us to run in a cricket score. Generally, though we didn't play all that well. Lots of errors and a lack of clinical finishing. Two of our tries - by Lloyd Williams and Byrne - were almost missed due to hesitating before passing and failing to draw the marker respectively. We have to be sharper than that against top teams. Stephen Jones got intercepted by a Namibian forward, who then scored! If Hook had done that, this board would have roasted him alive.

Good things - North was superb, actually tried to run past defenders rather than through them. Halfpenny looked dangerous. Scott Williams took his chances well - though the Nam tackling was appalling, didn't they miss 60 or 70? AJW was solid, Gethin showed his speed, Faletau looked lively.

you're right there samuraidragon, hook would have made the headlines (again ! ) for another interception.
As expected jones was rusty, and he's 2nd choice behind priestland. 1/2p 's got to be in, brew out, ryan looked like he was going through the motions, not really firing. if scott w beefed up his defence awareness could be one to watch. north in the centre someone said and i think this is where he will play eventually. we won, thats about all you can say, not much else.

RubyGuby wrote:perhaps I'm a bit harsh on Ryan

Ruby I think you are being a little harsh on Ryan Jones. I thought Ryan was solid at 6 and worked hard all game. I think Ryan is at his best on the blindside, as he is very good on the floor and is a strong tackler. R.Jones is more than likely to be Lydiate’s replacement for as long as he is out.

I do agree with you about Ken Owens. I've always liked Owens and felt he put his hand up today for 2nd choice hooker. I would like to see Owens get an 80 min game under his belt for Wales.

Apart from Tav the Scarlet boys done good today

some very sloppy play from wales in the first half and i dont think any player covered themselves in glory. second half was more clinical.

not a game to rate players on or to inform future selection. those who we know can play well did.

at least we came through without major injury, (as far as i know)

looking forward to next weekend. i predict a comfortable win, a solid performance and revenge for 4 years ago.

Still wouldn't risk North at centre. He's doing a fine job on the wing and I don't see any need to change that barring an injury crisis in midfield. If it's not broken don't fix it.

Lloyd Williams impressed me when he came on. Not so much a sniping runner as Knoyle, who looked inexplicably hesitant today for some reason, but more of a passing specialist. Breathe of fresh air seeing how fast he swept the ball out of the rucks which helped fuel the second half initiative.

Out of the starters I'd say Byrne, JD2, Scott, Faletau and AWJ stood out while Halfpenny and Knoyle were somewhat disappointing. Off the bench North needless to say, Lloyd, Bevington and Owens all had stormers while Powell looked very handy also.

Knowsit,

I like the idea of North in the centre but as you say now is not the time to mess about (maybe today could have been).

I would leave him on the wing and use him running lines through the centre, also agree that Knoyle was poor today and Lloyd is a different type of playing to Phillips which I like as it gives us different option of the bench.

Powell has proved me wrong in the last two games but I still get bit nervy when he gets the ball and wouldn't be comfortable with him starting.

Nervy, Nervy my ass, I have full blown palpitations and start to hyperventilate - Look there goes Powell, look at my eyes Munn!

Interesting pack at the end of the game, it looked more like a SA pack i.e., a massive back row: AW Jones playing 6, R Jones playing 7 and A Powell playing 8. With Bradley and Charteris in the second row it must be the biggest pack we have ever fielded!

I was pleased for Bryne he had a great game, catching difficult balls, running good lines and created a great try for North. Not really tested in defence but he has to be 15 from now on (he has had his kick up the backside). I though Knoyle has relegated himself to third choice with his looped short passes around the head, marginally quicker service than Phillips but got slower as the game progressed.

I was impressed with Scott Williams in attack and defence and could have played himself into the team in place of JD2 even if Scot Williams does not get picked he not a bad sub to come off the bench.

Like others on here, Brew did well but he keeps making silly mistakes and he knows it from his reactions. Burns was OK, I wish Hibbard was back in the squad.

Good to see Gethin, Ryan, L Williams and most of the squad players doing so well. Good to see Wales sorted the breakdown in the second half, Wales should try to keep up the high tempo game the only problem is Phillips slow service so we need Williams on the bench for the next game.

For me, Preistland must start at 10 against Fiji, he kicks long to relieve pressue, get's around the park to support breakdowns, gets the backs moving and so far has not passed to the opposition.

Good performance.

Priestland takes the right options, he's just sharper than Steevo now although Steve is just back from injury.

On a different note I was thinking if Lydiate becomes unavailable, or anyone for that matter should we now call up Hibard who was looking good yesterday?

RubyGuby wrote:Priestland takes the right options, he's just sharper than Steevo now although Steve is just back from injury.

On a different note I was thinking if Lydiate becomes unavailable, or anyone for that matter should we now call up Hibbard who was looking good yesterday?

I know I'll get the back row arguments but its worth a thought

I don't know bedford, having certain physical attributes generally associated with a particular position doesn't necessarily make you have to be considered there. Not to draw comparisons between both players, what if Lomu had been shifted to centre due to his unusual build and power for your average wing back then? I'd wager he'd have scored considerably less tries and made less of a name for himself had that been the case.

RubyGuby wrote:

RubyGuby wrote:Priestland takes the right options, he's just sharper than Steevo now although Steve is just back from injury.

On a different note I was thinking if Lydiate becomes unavailable, or anyone for that matter should we now call up Hibbard who was looking good yesterday?

I know I'll get the back row arguments but its worth a thought

Lets just put Melon at 6!

RubyGuby wrote:Nervy, Nervy my ass, I have full blown palpitations and start to hyperventilate - Look there goes Powell, look at my eyes Munn!

Ruby,

You and me both I guess then you through Huw Bennett into the mix and GOD HELP ME

Lets just put Melon at 6!

Why?

how come ryan jones lost the captaincy?

bedfordwelsh wrote:

RubyGuby wrote:Nervy, Nervy my ass, I have full blown palpitations and start to hyperventilate - Look there goes Powell, look at my eyes Munn!

Ruby,

You and me both I guess then you through Huw Bennett into the mix and GOD HELP ME

I would like to say, as I watched the forwards shipping on bad ball back to Phillips to get clattered a number of times against Samoa, I actually shouted at the top of my voice, "GIVE THE BALL TO HUW BENNETT YOU PANSIES".

Im not proud.

ruby, the mans a beast.

if not, I say Hook, we need to shoehorn him into the team somewhere.

alun,

We never seem to agree but I still don't see why Byrne HAS to be XV. I would put Halfpenny then Williams or Brew on the wing.

I do however, agree that if Williams is unavailable then I guess Byrne will start and Halfpenny on the wing.

in order most impressive to least

1. Sc. Williams
2. G.North
3. T.Faletau
4. J.Davies
5. B.Davies
6. L.Halfpenny
7. G.Jenkins
8. S.Warburton
9. A.W.Jones
10. L.Byrne
11. A.Powell
12. R.Jones
13. A.Brew
14. S.Jones
15. C.Mitchell
16. K.Owens
17. L.Williams
18. R.Bevington
19. L.Burns
20. L.Charteris
21. R.Preistland
22. T.Knoyle

what has happened to ryan jones having the captaincy?

Cricketfan 90
Ryan Jones lost the captaincy due to his slump in form. Simple as that.

Mismatches might be matches.

But they are not sporting games.

It was great to see Ryan Jones and Gethin Jenkins playing and playing well at that. To me the early penalties on Gethin were harsh, the opposite tighthead seemed to not engage and take the hit.

Fullback is the big choice now. Personally I would go with Halfpenny as he seems to be in great form in the little gametime he has had. Byrne did seem to play quite well today but I he would be lucky to get the 15 shirt agains Fiji.

So many people were saying Wales shouldn't make so many changes but everyone will be glad they did.
People like Lee Bryne, Stephen Jones, and Gethin Jenkins needed a big game to get their confidence back. Though with all due respect Namibia are a World Away from Fiji and Ireland who could potentially be our next 2 games.

The confidence of the first team is high after pushing South Africa and beating bogey team Samoa, now the reserves will be soaring also after crushing Namibia.

The important players would of had 2 weeks to recover from the hard games and the reserves have had a training session against a weak team, with a chance to get match fit.

Alyn,

I was one of those that suggested making as few changes as possible but then use the bench when the BP was in the bag.

That said it was good to see the likes of Sc Williams get a run (would like to see him and Roberts get some gametime as a combo) and also see Byrne and R Jones find some form

Didn´t see the match but a result like this won´t do Wales any harm in giving them confidence for Fiji and for later their match against Ireland. The SA Samoa result is interesting but I think they must just concentrate on winning, whatever the outcome. Winning is more important.

If Samoa get hammered are we through or do we have to beat Fiji for definite. What comes first the head to head result or the points difference - Not worrying of course

RubyGuby wrote:If Samoa get hammered are we through or do we have to beat Fiji for definite. What comes first the head to head result or the points difference - Not worrying of course

Head-to-head results first, then points difference.

So Fiji and Scotland still have some hope but both would have to stop their opponents gaining a losing bonus point - All to play for I'd settle for just a 30 point win over Fiji then with 4 trys

bedfordwelsh wrote:alun,

We never seem to agree but I still don't see why Byrne HAS to be XV. I would put Halfpenny then Williams or Brew on the wing.

I do however, agree that if Williams is unavailable then I guess Byrne will start and Halfpenny on the wing.

Hi Bedford:

The main reason I am keen on Bryne is, it stops Gatland picking Hook (when he is fit) there as he is the only proper FB in the 30 man squad. I thought Bryne was back to his best taking balls out of the air and his runs to make breaks and support (he has not been doing for a while). With Shane out, I prefer 1/2 Penny on the wing and North on the other wing. For me Brew has blown it for this RWC unless someone gets injured, he keeps making silly mistakes for all his hard work. We are not that far appart in our views, maybe I am looking beyond the next game, I never thought I would say that as we were so poor prior to the warm ups.javascript:emoticonp('')

Oh only if scotland could win and deny England a losing bonis point and the Argies trounce Georgia. It would be priceless, the howls of outrage and how the world cup was devalued and of a poor standard would be worth putting up with as the Sais got on a plane home.

TycroesOsprey wrote:Oh only if scotland could win and deny England a losing bonis point and the Argies trounce Georgia. It would be priceless, the howls of outrage and how the world cup was devalued and of a poor standard would be worth putting up with as the Sais got on a plane home.

Good to see the Welsh aren't still obsessed with England

just supporting my second team safe

TycroesOsprey wrote:just supporting my second team safe

Yep, your second team being ABE!

yep

Wales team v Fiji

James - Geth sublime but rusty
Bennett - owns it right now
A Jones - Fiji scrum not a worry but he is our tighthead
Davies - Only because Charteris makes such stupid errors
AW Jones - On the rise
Lydiate - picks himself if fit, Ryan if not
Warburton - Nuff said
Faletau -
Philipps - Will need his physicality round breakdwon
Priestland - Sorry SJ but you are now his understudy
Brew - I want his physicality v a big Fijian over Shane
Roberts- Picks himself
Davies - Improved v Namibia needs to produce that v big teams
North - wish there was an emoticon for the wood i have
Halfpenny - great back 3 player

Bench - something like
Burns
Jenkins - Gatts decision to bring him justified in 1 moment of Gethin brilliance. Give him a half
R Jones - the ultimate utilty lock/back row
S Jones - RP's back up
Sc Williams - Strong and definitely will figure
Sh Williams - not sure on this one
Hook - fit or not you aren't our 10/12/15 and that is Gatland's fault

SafeAsMilk wrote:Good to see the Welsh aren't still obsessed with England

Patience old fellow... all in good time, were knocking you out in the Semis

Who was named as MOTM, to me the stand out player, considering he had to totally change his style was AWJ his support play when moved into the back row was absolutely outstanding. To me the only disapointment was Brew, I contributed to a different topic a few days ago and I said then we should have taken another specialist openside instead of Brew and today only reinforced that view, taking the chance on our outstanding young captain could have gone horribly wrong in my eyes.

MOM was the Namibian back rower - nice touch I thought

wayne wrote:Who was named as MOTM

The Namibian Blindside Tinus Du Plessis for his tackle count.
It made the Namibians smile anyway, the bench looked like they enjoyed the announcement.
I liked it also.

Difficult to draw conclusions against essentially a club standard side that had played 4 times in 17 days with little incentive.

Listen to Mr Gatland.

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:Difficult to draw conclusions against essentially a club standard side that had played 4 times in 17 days with little incentive.

Listen to Mr Gatland.

Well not really, Gethin, Wellies, Ryan, Bryne got to play their first games for months and all while on the front foot, itwould of done their confidence the world of good!