your Wales 22 to play Ireland

This is the hardest team selection Gatland has had to make with several players staking real claims for the jerseys and with less injury problems than usual, the hardest decision for me would be who to go with at full-back, if we stick with Lee Byrne then surely North and Halfpenny should start on the wings especially with Priestland not being the best long-range goal-kicker i'd think HP could come in handy but then where does that leave Shane?

also Hook is not a FB and whenever Wales have selected him there we've always seemed to lack that attacking cutting edge and failed to win games we could have won, i would be dissapointed if Wales select Hook at 15 or at this point even in the starting team as hes not a better centre or fly-half than Priestland, Roberts, JD or Sc. Williams at the moment, the question is do we take a gamble with HP at FB out of his familiar role and have Shane and North on the wings or do we go with a natural FB in Byrne and drop our top try-scorer in the history of Welsh rugby?

for me i think i'd go with:

1. Jenkins
2. Bennett
3. Jones
4. AW-Jones
5. Charteris
6. Lydiate
7. Warburton
8. Faletau
9. Phillips
10. Priestland
11. North
12. Roberts
13. J.Davies
14. Halfpenny
15. Byrne

16. Burns
17. P.James
18. B.Davies
19. R.Jones
20. L.Williams
21. S.Jones
22. Sh. Williams

personally i dont think i could select HP at FB now after giving him limited time in the 15 jersey already but i'd have Shane on the bench so that if Byrne appeared to be playing out of form then i could still be able to make the switch at some point in the game however i cant find room for Hook in the side as we may need Stephen Jones to come on to control the game for us at some point

what would you go with?

Thats bang on the 22 I would select, and probably the starting 15 that Mr G will go for.

All depends on Lydiate fitness as he certainly is the style of backrow forward needed against Ireland. Byrne improving each game however I felt that he still was making too many unforced errors, and Halfpenny slotted in easily as a FB and made the difference when he replaced Hook against Samoa, and of course he has the rocket launcher of a left peg. Mr G has pick Shane to start, he still is the man to unlock a game at the highest level and with the "Little & Large Show" on each wing Ireland will have their work cut out. I would find it so hard not to find a spot for Scott Williams in the 22, he could make a massive difference when the game breaks up in the final 20 mins and you certainly couldn't justify Hook ahead of him (for the bench) who again you could only look at a possible FB starting slot or at best a "utility bench slot (covering 15,31,12,10), and hence I would go

1. Jenkins
2. Bennett
3. Jones
4. AW-Jones
5. Charteris
6. Lydiate
7. Warburton
8. Faletau
9. Phillips
10. Priestland
11. Williams
12. Roberts
13. J.Davies
14. North
15. Halfpenny

16. Burns
17. P.James
18. B.Davies
19. R.Jones
20. L.Williams
21. S.Jones
22. L Byrne

Standy
23. S Williams
24. A Powell
25. J Hook

i'd also find it very very difficult to drop Scott Williams, i would'nt mind if he were selected

The pack almost picks itself if Lydiate is fit. The one question mark for me is hooker. The lineout in the Fiji game was poor, particularly when HB was on, and that is a weakness Ireland will really exploit. On the other hand, Burns is pretty inexperienced. It's a tough call, I wish they'd given Owens more game time.

In the backs, I'd pick Priestland at 10, and JD2 at 13. The back three is a real tough call, but I think I'd go for Shane, GN and Lee Byrne. Shane is still capable of producing the moment that will win a very tough game and will worry Ireland if he's playing. Byrne I would pick because we are going to need a full back who is good in the air and is positionally sound. This is not a match for a makeshift FB. It is very much up in the air though, and I can't help feeling Halfpenny should be there for his long penalty kicks.

1. Jenkins
2. Bennett
3. Jones
4. AW-Jones
5. Charteris
6. Lydiate (Jones if not)
7. Warburton
8. Faletau

9. Phillips
10. Priestland

11. Williams
12. Roberts
13. J.Davies
14. North
15. Byrne

16. Burns
17. James
18. Powell
19. R.Jones (Davies if Jones starts)
20. L.Williams
21. S.Jones
22. Halfpenny

Thats the 22 I would pick but I just can't see him leaving Hook out altogether.

Selection nightmare but a nice problem to have.

Forward selection is easy, pretty much gaurenteed to be,

1. Gethin Jenkins
2. Huw Bennett
3. Adam Jones
4. Alun Wyn Jones
5. Luke Charteris
6. Dan Lydiate
7. Sam Warburton
8. Toby Faletau

Then the midfield is fairly settled

9. Mike Phillips
10. Rhys Preistland
12. Jamie Roberts
13. Jonathon Davies (Scott Williams?)

The back 3 is a big ?

Id go for

11. George North
14. Leigh Halfpenny (workrate, reliability and boot)
15. Lee Byrne (If O'Gara plays we NEED a specialist FB)

However, Shane could be the difference.

We can also field a very good bench for once,

16. Paul James
17. Lloyd Burns
18. Bradley Davies (tempted to put Powell)
19. Ryan Jones
20. Lloyd Williams
21. Stephen Jones
22. ??? Scott Williams/James Hook/Shane Williams who knows...

Wales606,

The team you selected, I go along with but get rid of S Jones off the bench and have Shane and Hook on the bench so we have some game breakers to come on. I have been happy with Preistland but when the game gets tough or we are behind we don't want a like for like replacement.

I think XV and the make up of the bench is the biggest area for debate but what a nice debate it is for a change.

I feel Shane should and will play if fit whilst North must be one of the 1st name on team sheet at mo.

So:

1 Has Byrne done enough to get the shirt.

2 Will he start Hook there, who for me just hasn't done it at XV.

3 I have alwys wanted to see Halfpenny given a run there but would it be to big an ask for him to start there Saturday.

Outcome:

1 I think Byrne has done enough and if ROG plays then we need a specialist XV there. If however Byrne doesn't play then for me he doesn't make bench either.

2 I have never been a fan of Hook at XV and thats not going to change so I wouldn't play him. If Gatland does then Jones and Halfpenny on the bench.

3 If Halfpenny gets the nod then will he go with Jones and Hook on bench or opt for one of them with Sc Williams.

What a nice position to be in

Can't really have 1/2P at 15 with O'Gara likely to rain kicks on his head, so probably Byrne is the best bet (he did miss one high ball versus Fiji though). Halfpenny versus Shane to start is a dilemna.1/2P has been excellent, but Shane has hurt Ireland so many times before.

Bring SJ on to "control the game?" Gimme a break. Poor against Namib and kicked away possession a few times even against Fiji. Also only covers one position credibly. 1/2P and Hook would cover most of the backline more than adequately. Has to be place for Scott Williams too. If we are well behind with 20 to go, we'll need to go for all-out attack.

The rest picks itself. One area that's going to be crucial is how Faletau goes against a very hard and wily Irish backrow. Done well so far, but this will be a step-up in intensity and pressure.

SD,

It would be harsh indeed if Sc Williams wasn't involved but if he doesn't start who would you leave off bench to accomodate him?

L WIlliams or Knoyle will be one slot witgh possibly Hook or Jones the other so if you pick Williams Halfpenny misses out (unless starts) if you Halfpenny Williams misses out.

As I said its a nice dilemma for a change and Gatland will earn his crust making the decision.

I know this seams a little contreversial, but I would have Mike Phillips on the bench and start with Lloyd Williams. Lloyd has shown much more in his little cameo appereances than Mike Phillips has shown all tournement. In fact I would argue the fact that, Mike Phillips would not have had the vision and speed to score the try that Lloyd Williams did against Fiji. Also his distribution is much better than Phillips.

Lord,

That is a bold move I admit, for me I would start with Phillips but agree his passing has been laboured of late again and will need to get it away from their back row.

LordDowlais wrote:I know this seams a little contreversial, but I would have Mike Phillips on the bench and start with Lloyd Williams. Lloyd has shown much more in his little cameo appereances than Mike Phillips has shown all tournement. In fact I would argue the fact that, Mike Phillips would not have had the vision and speed to score the try that Lloyd Williams did against Fiji. Also his distribution is much better than Phillips.

I agree with that, plus it would also give headslip 1f and SOB something to think about. Hes definitely swifter of hoof and pass than phillips, wonder if Gatts has thought about it, could maybe sneak in under Kidneys radar eh?

1. Jenkins
2. Bennett
3. Jones
4. AW-Jones
5. Charteris
6. Lydiate
7. Warburton
8. Faletau
9. Phillips
10. Priestland
11. North
12. Roberts
13. J.Hook
14. Halfpenny
15. Byrne

16. Burns
17. P.James
18. B.Davies
19. R.Jones
20. L.Williams
21. S.Jones
22. Sh. Williams

Yup, 3 bench spots for the backs, 4 for the forwards. One of the backs spots goes to Lloyd Williams. Have been very impressed with the length and accuracy of his pass.

If 1/2P starts at 15, then the other two are Hook and Scott Williams. You can perm them through the entire back-line, using 1/2P as a wing option.

If Byrne starts, then you need 1/2P as wing/ fullback cover and Hook to cover 10, center and fullback (if 1/2P has to go to wing). In which case, no room for Scott. Which would be a pity, because he might be a better option in the centre than JD. Very impressed with his quick hands versus Fiji.

Choices, choices...

I also think Phillips would want to get into a little bit of a slugfest with the Irish back row, which is something we need to avoid, also we need quick ball from our rucks instead of flapping his arms around in temper. We need to play an open game against the Irish and I think Lloyd Williams is our man.

This selection will go some way to proving how much Gatland wants Hook in the starting XV.

As said for me he's not a wing plus I have not seen Roberts play as well as he has been when Hook been in centre.

Priestland must surely keep 10 slot.

So I guess Hook might have to settle for bench but that might not happen either

Bedford, Hook will be full back for this game, trust me, if he is fit then Gatland will not drop him, and the only position of contetion at the moment is 15 so he will have an excuse to play him there.

For me Hook is our best 10. But it wouldn't be fair to move Priestland now because he has done everything asked of him, with tremendous composure for one with so little experience at this level. The balance will change again at some point. The Irish developed Sexton, but ROG is still capable of winning big games for them. The difference is that there's only 2-3 years (?) between JH and RP, despite the huge differential in caps.

Byrne has done ok and I think he'll retain is place, Shane will come into the wing position instead of 1/2p who is on fire. JD and Roberts in the centres as per SA game. Hook on the bench with SJ not in the 22 is what I'd prefer. Phillips and Priestland are looking good so no change - Front 8 almost picks itself and I would go Gethin HB and Adam across the front with James the unlucky bench cover. Keep the composure lads and it will come as it has done this RWC.

Additionally - I'm not a fan of Hook at 15. The only aspect of his game in which he is superior to Lee Byrne at 15 is the accuracy of his boot. And we miss out on all the other great stuff he can do.

I would be surprised if Gatland doesn't start Phillips, given out likely inferiority in the loose. Though if we are left chasing the game, I hope he brings on L-W with plenty of time to spare.

I would start with Phillips Ireland are already defending with 14 men if ROG is selected.
Get our big guys on the field Phillips Roberts Davies North all of them 6ft plus and Phillips being the lightest as 16 stone Priestland is no lightweight either at 15 st.
You can only double tackle so many players before gaps appear.

Is RP really 15 stone? He doesn't look anything like it.

Cymroglan wrote:I would start with Phillips Ireland are already defending with 14 men if ROG is selected.
Get our big guys on the field Phillips Roberts Davies North all of them 6ft plus and Phillips being the lightest as 16 stone Priestland is no lightweight either at 15 st.
You can only double tackle so many players before gaps appear.

Good point.

As was said on ScrumV yesterday, If the Irish try the choke tackle too much it could be thier undoing, especially since Roberts showed his passing agaisnt Fiji.

North running off Roberts shoulder could create a lot of territory or space.

http://www.espnscrum.com/wales/rugby/player/82089.html

211 pounds = 15.0714286 stones

Anybody see Brynmor's side on ScrumV yesterday? Borderline shocking set of backs imo. They should publish a new version of Where's Wally in which the goal is to identify Hook from positions 1 - 15. Even Shanks still thinks he's a fullback!

My possible 22:

15. Byrne
14. North
13. Sc Williams
12. Roberts
11. Halfpenny
10. Priestland/Hook
9. Phillips
8. Faletau
7. Warburton
6. Lydiate
5. AW Jones
4. Charteris
3. AR Jones
2. Bennett
1. Jenkins

16. Burns
17. James
18. B Davies
19. R Jones
20. L Williams
21. S Jones/Priestland
22. J Davies/Sh Williams

Again agonisingly hard to decide on some positions. If Hook is included he should start at 10, his best performances have come when he's played the whole or nearly the whole game. He's not an impact sub for the final 20.
But then Priestland has done nothing to lose his place.
Just can't decide who takes the final bench spot, JD2 or a fit again Shane.
At least this way it's hard to complain whoever starts. As long as Hook doesn't get messed around out of position.

15 Lee Bryne
14 Leigh Halfpenny
13 Jamie Roberts
12 Scott Williams
11 George North
10 James Hook
9 Mike Phillips
8 Toby Faletau
7 Sam Warburton
6 Dan Lydiate
5 Luke Charteris
4 Bradley Davies
3 Adam Jones
2 Huw Bennett
1 Gethin Jenkins

16 Paul James
17 Lee burns
18 Alun-Wyn Jones
19 Ryan Jones
20 Lloyd Burns
21 Stephen Jones
22 Shane Williams

I ask this as a question for debate.

Is Faletau that far ahead of Jones now for Jones not even to be considered at No.8?

I am concerned that sometimes Faletau looks a little ponderous and a little lightweight picking the ball up from the back of the scrum. Ireland have a mighty backrow.

Messymesina wrote:
I ask this as a question for debate.

Is Faletau that far ahead of Jones now for Jones not even to be considered at No.8?

I am concerned that sometimes Faletau looks a little ponderous and a little lightweight picking the ball up from the back of the scrum. Ireland have a mighty backrow.

Faletau's tackle stats and metres gained stats make him invaluable.

R.Jones is unlucky, but he will make an excellent bench option as Lydiate tends to be shattered after 60 minutes of tackling everything that moves.

I would go for hook over Steven jones on the bench.

Jenkins Bennet Jones - Jenkins has shown enough coming back and what he adds in the loose can make a difference
Charteris AWJ - Davies has come back well but Charteris has been playing out of his skin and his lineout presence is so valuable
Lydiate Warburton Felatau - Easy selection if Lydiate is fit
Phillips - Experience and extra tackling ability against a dangerous back row
Priestland - Best all round game out of the 3 options
Roberts Davies - Scott Williams has impressed with ball in hand but the defence needs to be strong to start with
North Halfpenny - Toughest choice but Halfpenny has been on form and his kicking could be the difference
Byrne - Best full back available, who would have thought a month ago

James
Burns - Owens not tried enough, bit of a liability for penalties and lineouts, concerned if Bennet gets injured early
Davies - Tough call with Powell but the back row is fit enough to last the game and 2 replacements could ruin the unit.
Jones - Played well, adds more than Powell
Williams - great performances, another who doesnt get phased by the occasion, better all round game than Knoyle
Hook - versitility and can change a game, i think he'll go in at 13 if trailing in the last quarter
Williams - can change a game especially when full of energy in what could be his last game

Hard to see the justification for picking Davies in the centre with Scott williams in such good form. Don't get me wrong, JD has a massive future, but Scott Williams had an opportunity, and he took it - that's why they call it an opportunity. I think we've seen enough of Roberts and Davies to know that it's not the perfect partnership, and for anyone who claims JD has more experience, it's only a few caps at most, and players like North and Faletau prove that experience isn't the be all and end all.

To Hook, one of my favourite players, have we been more direct without him?
I know Lee Byrne made a few mistakes but I lost count of the amount if times he hit the line and got over the gainline, like a natural fullback would. It's not Hook's fault, he's just not a fullback.

What of Shane? Dare we leave a fit Shane Williams on the bench? For my money we do:

Byrne
Halfpenny
Scott Williams
Roberts
North
Priestland
Phillips
Faletau
Warburton
Lydiate/Ryan Jones
AWJ
Charteris
Adam Jones
Bennett
Jenkins


Paul James
Lloyd burns
Bradley Davies
Ryan Jones - if Lydiate fit, if not Andy Powell
Lloyd Williams
Stephen Jones
JD2

My team:

Jenkins
Bennett
Jones
Charteris
AWJones
Lydiate
Faletau
Warburton

Phillips
Priestland
Sh Williams
Davies
Roberts
North
Halfpenny

Bench:

Burns
James
Davies/R Jones
Ll Williams
Hook
S Jones
Sc Williams

the forwards pick themselves
Geth
Bennett
Jones
AWJ
Charters
Lydiate
Warburton
Faletau

Philipps

Backs are more difficult

Priest/Hook/Jones
Well this is the big debate. I think it is hard to drop RP as he has been solid but Jones experience v a rampant Ireland is important especially in the first half hour when i feel Wales will win or lose the game. Hook at 10...not for me, the problem with him being treated as utility is that he does not readily identify in any particular role and can be played anywhere. For me he goes on the bench if selected at all.

I go with Priestland

Roberts
Nailed on

JD2/Williams
JD2 has stuttered whereas Scott has looked very competent to me and has invigorated our midfield linking up with North, scoring tries and working well with Roberts. We haven't seen JD2s club form and I know he is very strong defensively.
I go with Williams on form.

North
Also nailed on

Shane/half
Tricky. Shane is a match winner but i have been really impressed with Half, defensivley sound, very good under the high ball and strong on the counter. Great boot. Think he deserves it. Half

Byrne/Half
Well he isn't hitting the line but he is a step up from hook at 15 even off form and for me he starts. Byrne.


Bench - 3 forward 4 backs split

James
Burns
Ryan - covers 4-8
Hook
Jones
JD2
Shane Williams

4 Forwards 3 backs

Burns
James
Ryan
Davies
Williams
Shane
Hook

i picked a xxii on another thread. im not going to try agian, it is too hard.

but...

shane must start. he is such a dangerous player. attack and defenese (banahan?)

hook is a hugely talented player. he is great bench cover and would make such an impact in the last quater from 10 or centre.

scott and jd. one of these guys is going to miss out. as jd has the experience with jimbob. i reckon he will get the nod over the very impressive new kid williams.

and so it goes.

but, who playes fullback. possibly the biggest choice. it must go to 1/2p

I think the bench is going to be the most important aspect. Imo it's what cost us the game against SA - we didn't have proven players to call on, now we do.

Do we go 4/3 or 3/4 in the forwards/backs split?

It's such a tough one to think on, but Gatts I think I'd generally agree with both of yours (although I would have shane in my starting team)

Is it worth mentioning that Scott Williams, although didnt look out of place, really only played vs the weakest teams in the group. To select him ahead of Davies or even Hook against Ireland in a world cup quater final seems like a big risk.

Lordy, looking through these 22's I can't help but think how tight this game is going to be. Should be epic! Really feel whoever wins this game should make the finals. May the best team win

Final*

Going into the quarter finals you have to pick players who firstly can defend then must be aware of what is going around them i.e. "team" players.

Against Ireland who have a great pack and will have a strong set of forwards from the bench, Wales will have to select 4 forwards on the bench, certainly a prop and hooker, flanker, and cover for the back row. You will have to have a cover for 10, 15 and possibly 9 unless you select Shane as a winger/scrumhalf.

What you have got to realise is that Ireland will be as, if not more formidable than SA were in the first match, you cannae select players who will might not be able to defend their channel.

Byrne (or 1/2p), Jones, and L Williams (or Sc Williams) must be selected on the bench to control the game and even close it down. You cannae have any mavericks running blind alleys and getting turned over in such an important game

Its starting to look like Hook is going to be the Jimmy Greaves of our world cup campaign. Sacrificed for less talented individuals who work better within the team.

TycroesOsprey wrote:Its starting to look like Hook is going to be the Jimmy Greaves of our world cup campaign. Sacrificed for less talented individuals who work better within the team.

Do you mean defensive talents or offensive talents?............. or maybe you mean he is more talented in all aspects?

TycroesOsprey wrote:Its starting to look like Hook is going to be the Jimmy Greaves of our world cup campaign. Sacrificed for less talented individuals who work better within the team.

i think you are spot on...he is now super sub

Hello FHF up late this evening,

I think Hook is supremely talented but not good enough at OH where Priestland deserves his spot and Wellies is a better option to bring on at 10 to close out a game.

Not effective enough at 15 and Halfpenny or Byrne can both do a better job there. Best at outside centre but Williams and JD are both better defensively and Sc W is scoring tries for fun. I would however like to see him picked here for Wales but if it aint broke dont fix it.

However probably the best most instinctive broken field runner we have other than Shane who also might miss out. Hooks big boot and goal kicking will be missed but Priestland showed against FIJI hes ready for the responsibility, lets hope Byrne can start finding some accuracy kicking from hand

TycroesOsprey wrote:Hello FHF up late this evening,

I think Hook is supremely talented but not good enough at OH where Priestland deserves his spot and Wellies is a better option to bring on at 10 to close out a game.

Not effective enough at 15 and Halfpenny or Byrne can both do a better job there. Best at outside centre but Williams and JD are both better defensively and Sc W is scoring tries for fun. I would however like to see him picked here for Wales but if it aint broke dont fix it.

However probably the best most instinctive broken field runner we have other than Shane who also might miss out. Hooks big boot and goal kicking will be missed but Priestland showed against FIJI hes ready for the responsibility, lets hope Byrne can start finding some accuracy kicking from hand

Gatland's treatment of him as a utility player has contributed to this

hore, humphries, holley and johnson as well.

Although I do find it amusing that half of the ospreys coaching team make up one camp 80s pop singer.

Typo in the heading!

Wales will need at least 30......





You're all Welsh aren't you......




Hah! Look over there at that funny Irish type fellow all dressed in green!

TycroesOsprey wrote:hore, humphries, holley and johnson as well.

and Ruddock, Geech, and Jones...............and and and ................

Kinda seems like every coach ever born plays him not in one role...............they must be all wrong

You should have played him with one number on his back all the time...................

What the number ?................. please tell us Oh Wise One