Wales Vs Scotland - SUNDAY 12th FEBRUARY - KO 15:00 Gonna be a classic..!

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Wales Vs Scotland

Date: Sunday, February 12
Kick-off: 15:00
Venue: Millennium Stadium

Coverage: Live on BBC One Wales, BBC Radio Wales & online, S4C and Radio Cymru, plus live text and score updates on the BBC Sport website

Date: Sunday, February 12
Venue: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Kick-off: 15:00 (15:00 GMT)
Expected weather: Cloudy with a few showers likely. High of 5°C, low of 3°C
Referee: Romain Poite (France)
Assistant referees: Peter Fitzgibbon (Ireland), Simon McDowell (Ireland)
TMO: Giulio De Santis (Italy)



Scotland will encounter a Wales side oozing confidence when round two of the Six Nations concludes at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday.

The opening round of the Championship was a weekend of contrasting fortunes for the two sides.
Wales underlined their status as potential Six Nations champions with a rousing 23-21 victory over Ireland in Dublin. It was a wonderful advert for Six Nations rugby with two teams going at it hammer and tongs for a game won in the last 20 seconds.
That win came less than 24 hours after Scotland had started their challenge with a 13-6 loss to England at Murrayfield. The Scots created enough chances to have beaten their visitors last week, however simple errors coupled with a lack of tries led to another disappointing defeat for Andy Robinson's men, who have now lost three on the trot.
Just once in 13 attempts have Scotland won on the opening weekend of the tournament since Italy joined the Five Nations in 2000.
Scotland must now attempt to bounce back and beat the Welsh in their own back yard - something they have failed to achieve in a decade.
They came mighty close though in their last Cardiff contest after leading by ten points with seven minutes remaining, only for the now retired Shane Williams to score a last-gasp try to secure a dramatic 31-24 come-from-behind victory.
Winning away from home has been a wee bit of a problem for the Scots in the Six Nations, where they have won just once on the road since 2006 (23-20 against Ireland at Croke Park in 2010).
But despite Scotland's poor showing last weekend and dismal away record, Wales will do well not to underestimate Sunday's visitors who are expected to come out all guns blazing after asking for the Millennium Stadium roof to be closed.
With wet weather being forecast, Scotland - notwithstanding the apparent lack of abilities to score tries (at least in the past four games) - have backed themselves to take on Wales at their own expansive game.
"We cannot afford to underestimate Scotland, the amount of possession and territory they had against England last weekend meant that they should have won the game and they will come to the Millennium Stadium buoyed by that knowledge," said Wales coach Warren Gatland.
Wales have won the opening two games of a Six Nations campaign on just two previous occasions - in 2005 and 2008 - and each time they went on to win the title and Grand Slam. Three of the World Cup semi-finalists' remaining four games are in Cardiff, starting on Sunday when try-shy Scotland arrive at the Millennium Stadium.
But following Wales' heroics in Dublin, the build-up to Sunday's Test has been blighted by the suspension of Bradley Davies, who will miss the rest of this season's tournament after collecting a seven-week ban for a reckless tip-tackle on Ireland replacement Donnacha Ryan last weekend.
Davies is the second Wales player suspended for that offence this season following Sam Warburton's dismissal and three-week punishment for an incident in the World Cup semi-final against France last October.
Davies now joins his fellow World Cup locks Luke Charteris and Alun-Wyn Jones on the international sidelines. But in a triple boost for Gatland, flanker Dan Lydiate has recovered from an ankle injury to reclaim the number six shirt, prop Gethin Jenkins has recovered from knee trouble to start and skipper Warburton also features after being in doubt with a leg injury.
However, Warburton has been wrapped in cotton wool this whole week and took a very limited part in training while staying clear of any contact work. Whether he actually leads the team out hangs in the balance and probably won't be known until the morning of the match.
In a game where the back-row battle will be absolutely crucial, everyone in the Welsh camp - and in Wales as a whole - will be keeping their fingers crossed that the inspirational skipper can defy the injury odds and help guide his team to back-to-back wins.
Wales are favourites, but nobody should have any illusions how tough this match will be...
Ones to watch:

For Wales: Former Wales captain Ryan Jones will, as expected, fill the second-row void against Scotland caused by Bradley Davies' seven-week suspension. Jones was exceptional at blindside flanker against Ireland in Dublin and his versatility is proving of immeasurable value to Gatland.
For Scotland: With Dan Parks calling it quits from Test rugby this week, Greig Laidlaw inherits the number 10 jersey for Scotland. The Edinburgh skipper won the first two of his three caps as a replacement scrum-half, before coming on at fly-half for Parks in the Calcutta Cup defeat to England. Yet an impressive display during the small amount of time he was on the pitch has been rewarded with his first Test start.
Head to head: Toby Faletau v David Denton. Scotland's Zimbabwean-born number eight Denton was deservedly named man-of-the-match following his Herculean ball-carrying against England last Saturday, and much of the same will be required against the tough as nails Faletau, who will always be found where the battle is at its most ferocious.

Recent results:
2011: Wales won 24-6, Edinburgh
2010: Wales won 31-24, Cardiff
2009: Wales won 26-13, Edinburgh
2008: Wales won 30-15, Cardiff
2007: Scotland won 21-9, Edinburgh
2006: Wales won 28-18, Cardiff
2005: Wales won 46-22, Edinburgh
2004: Wales won 23-10, Cardiff
2003: Wales won 23-9, Cardiff
2003: Scotland won 30-22, Edinburgh
Prediction: Neither history or form is with Scotland heading into this match, and while we're sure they'll give it a good crack - we just can't see Wales letting this one slip. Wales to win by nine points!
Rugby Union betting odds

The teams:

Wales: 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 George North, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Mike Phillips, 8 Toby Faletau, 7 Sam Warburton (c), 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Ian Evans, 4 Ryan Jones, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Huw Bennett, 1 Gethin Jenkins.

Replacements: 16 Ken Owens, 17 Paul James, 18 Lou Reed, 19 Andy Powell, 20 Lloyd Williams, 21 James Hook, 22 Scott Williams.

Scotland: 15 Rory Lamont, 14 Lee Jones, 13 Nick De Luca, 12 Sean Lamont, 11 Max Evans, 10 Greig Laidlaw, 9 Chris Cusiter, 8 David Denton, 7 Ross Rennie, 6 Alasdair Strokosch, 5 Jim Hamilton, 4 Richie Gray, 3 Geoff Cross, 2 Ross Ford (c), 1 Allan Jacobsen.

Replacements: 16 Scott Lawson, 17 Ed Kalman, 18 Alastair Kellock, 19 John Barclay, 20 Mike Blair, 21 Duncan Weir, 22 Stuart Hogg.

Thought that Wales's use of a shortened lineout seemed to solve some of your problems last weekend - I imagine we'll see more on Sunday?

Bennett played well, the lineout was fine in the second half - And I dont thing Bennett throwing was the problem (he threw excellently to Tipuric at the back before JD2s 2nd try)

Knowsit17 wrote:Agreed. Or if Ryan Jones starts alongside Evans and manages an 80 minute game then he can switch to 6 with Reed coming off the bench to fill in at lock.

Turnbull has just come back from injury, just saying in case we find ourselves in need of an extra openside later in the tournament.

Got to say the strength in depth is looking fantastic all of a sudden!

There is a certain other 99 cap number 7 due back this weekend aswell...

I thought it was more Bennetts throwing rather than the jumping that was the problem - at least in the 1st half and a few times Evans (I think) jumped well but the ball was thrown too short/far - I suppose it could have been a problem with the calls/lineout captain (whoever that is in this team), who knows.

But I'd think it unlikely that Bennett is blameless

WALES: Leigh Halfpenny; Alex Cuthbert, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, George North, Rhys Priestland, Mike Phillips; Gethin Jenkins, Huw Bennett, Adam Jones, Ryan Jones, Ian Evans, Dan Lydiate, Sam Warburton (C), Toby Faletau

REPLACEMENTS: Ken Owens, Paul James, Lou Reed, Andy Powell, Lloyd Williams, James Hook, Scott Williams

Pretty harsh on Gill to be dropped, i would of preferred to see Gethin on the bench and given 20/30 mins game time.

James is preferred because he covers both loose and tighthead.

Yeah i realise that but so does Jenkins so we could of kept Gill and put Jenkins on the bench.

But Jenkins is coming back from injury and isn't as good as James at tighthead.

Think thats pretty much what every expected despit he viscious rumours going round that Hook was going to be at XV.

I would have liked to have seen Gill start and Jenkins brought off bench plus he can cover both if the need had arose.

2nd row aside thats pretty much our strongest team so no qualms about it.

Surely if you're coming back from an injury then a bench spot makes more sense and im not all that sure that James is a better tighthead, strength in depth is starting to look very decent indeed though.

Stronger team than last week

Gethin for a hat-trick

mpc,

I dis-agree with you on the bench point, for me if you are fit enough for the bench then you are fit enough to play.

After all there's nothing saying Gill wouldn't have gone down injured in first few minutes and Jenkins would have been on all game anyway.

Agree very harsh on Gill - I hope he gets another chance against Italy and doesn't drop away from the 1st team altogether.

Very good side, I hope Owens gets to come on at the 60min mark and gets some gametime in the Italy game before Rees comes back.

Bedford - I think though Geth is fit enough he's still coming back and off the bench you'll play less minutes than if you started - as although Gill could get injured after 5 mins, it's more than likely that he'd play at least a half - giving Geth an easier comeback...

priest,

Hopefully Gill is here to stay now, he got the nod last week ahead of the more experienced James so am guessing its only James' ability to play both sides that got him the nod for the bench.

A rumoured move back home for Gill next season could be beneficial to him.

Yeah you're probably right Bedford, i just think its more than a little harsh on Gill who had a good game against Ireland.

Would also like to see Beck on the bench instead of Scott Williams.

Harsh on Gill but he's done himself a lot of good and is definately in the frame, I know Gatland will let him know that - He featured better than Craig Mitchell and some others who I'd prefer not to mention.

Great to see Cuthbert back in, thought he did well

My conundrum now is that will Ryan Jones have to pass the chip through kicks on to Gethin or will he retain them himself

Agree its harsh on Gill but he will get more game time this championship I am sure.

Also agree about Beck and hopefully he will get bench slot sometime to.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/16971144

Scotland want the roof closed

Bodes well for a good game!

wales606 wrote:Stronger team than last week

Gethin for a hat-trick... of missed tackles

Corrected that for you, 606, no charge

Uh oh! Scotland signing their own death warrant by requesting the roof be closed... they must realize there's no point trying anymore

Knowsit17 wrote:Uh oh! Scotland signing their own death warrant by requesting the roof be closed... they must realize there's no point trying anymore

I wonder how many times Lee Jones will lap the lumbering hulk Cuthbert before he touches down for this second try?

bedfordwelsh wrote:priest,

Hopefully Gill is here to stay now, he got the nod last week ahead of the more experienced James so am guessing its only James' ability to play both sides that got him the nod for the bench.

A rumoured move back home for Gill next season could be beneficial to him.

The reason I said I hope he doesn't drop out all together is because of James' ability to cover both sides - as now that Geth is fit he'll be a shoe in for a starting berth, and then James has been chosen this game not because he's playing better than Gill but because he can cover both sides, and none of that is going to change for the rest of the games in the 6N's (unless Geth is rested for the Italy game).

It'll be a shame if it does happen though as he's looked good.

Also hope Liam Williams gets a chance in one of the games as well.

Good on Scotland I say...... That's the spirit give it go!

Impossible Standards wrote:Good on Scotland I say...... That's the spirit give it go!

Standards, does that come with a free pat on the heid, or is that extra?!

It seems Scotland are going to try and unleash their creative players by 1st getting rid of Parks and now looking for a drier pitch. Should make a good game - I am wary of Jones and Evans but think we should have more than enough (as long as we play for the 80mins)

ASBO I also wonder how many times Geth Jenkins will lap L Jones on his way to his hat trick of tries...

On second thought maybe they realize it would make no difference, the towering frame of George North would provide a roof in any case...

I wonder how many times Lee Jones will lap the lumbering hulk Cuthbert before he touches down for this second try?

A Scottish back run around a Welsh back? Has that ever happened? If Scotland are going to be making any ground and opportunities it'll be via Denton and co but fear not, Lydiate and Bread of Seven'll keep that motley crew under wraps

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:

wales606 wrote:Stronger team than last week

Gethin for a hat-trick... of missed tackles or two

Corrected that for you, 606, no charge

Smirnoffpriest wrote:It seems Scotland are going to try and unleash their creative players by 1st getting rid of Parks and now looking for a drier pitch. Should make a good game - I am wary of Jones and Evans but think we should have more than enough (as long as we play for the 80mins)

ASBO I also wonder how many times Geth Jenkins will lap L Jones on his way to his hat trick of tries...

Well, we're not giving you any longer just so you can win, this isn't roundball you know

WALES SQUAD


Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues); Alex Cuthbert (Blues), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Jamie Roberts (Blues), George North (Scarlets), Rhys Priestland (Scarlets), Mike Phillips (Bayonne); Gethin Jenkins (Blues), Huw Bennett (Ospreys), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Ryan Jones (Ospreys), Ian Evans (Ospreys), Dan Lydiate (Newport Gwent Dragons), Sam Warburton (Blues, capt), Toby Faletau (Dragons).

Replacements: Ken Owens (Scarlets), Paul James (Ospreys), Lou Reed (Scarlets), Andy Powell (Sale Sharks), Lloyd Williams (Blues), James Hook (Perpignan), Scott Williams (Scarlets).




Scotland

R Lamont (Glasgow Warriors); L Jones (Edinburgh), N De Luca (Edinburgh), S Lamont (Scarlets), M Evans (Castres); G Laidlaw (Edinburgh), C Cusiter (Glasgow Warriors); A Jacobsen (Edinburgh), R Ford (capt, Edinburgh), G Cross (Edinburgh), R Gray (Glasgow Warriors), J Hamilton (Gloucester), A Strokosch (Gloucester), R Rennie (Edinburgh), D Denton (Edinburgh).

Replacements: S Lawson (Gloucester), E Kalman (Glasgow Warriors), A Kellock (Glasgow Warriors), J Barclay (Glasgow Warriors), M Blair (Edinburgh), D Weir (Glasgow Warriors), S Hogg (Glasgow Warriors).

The best back row forward last week is now in the second row where he least effective, typical the way Gatland messes players around no doubt Hook will end up at full back by the end of the game. I think Lou Reid should be in the second row and Lydiate on the bench, if there is an injury or playing poorly Ryan can move or be replaced by Lydiate.

I agree regarding Gill, he had a very good game but we need cover on the bench for the tighthead position.

alun,

We won't agree on the Lydiate/Jones debate much like the Delve debate but we certainly won't lose anything with Lydiate back at 6 and I guess Jones' experience is what got him the nod to start.

Have you not seen the welsh team anouncement ? I maded a thread innit

I thought Gill was brilliant last game - unlucky to not even make the bench but I guess James can cover both sides of the scrum and Gethin is an animal all over the park and adds a lot of experience.

Great to have Lydiate back - tackling machine.

Hope Jones and Evans can improve the lineout this week.

munk, why have you created a brand new thread?

I was not overly impressed withGill last week and James has been poor for the Ospreys. I am very happy to see Geth back.

We won't lose too much with Ryan Jones at lock, he is very experienced there. Great news that Alun Wynn Jones is on the mend and will be playing for the Ospreys this weekend.

No surprises in selection really for either team.

Very happy that dullard Parks was forced into a retirement decision. Shame though that Robinson still lacks the guts too pick Hogg or Scott in that back line too.

Should be a great game though...!

The Ryan Jones conundrum

When AWJ is fit, where do we put RJ?

The people demanding Gatland to pick on form can't deny Jones has been Wales' best forward in the last two games he has started (Ireland and 3/4th where he got MOTM)

Was there one with both teams on it ? Build up thread just seemed like speculations

Maes edited the teams into his thread about 20 minutes after you posted this one Munkian.

Do people want this merged to that one?

There is no conundrum we select on form and on fitness. AW Jones may need a month of Ospreys games to get back to his best. He may be even better and there be no place for Ryan Jones.

The more difficult it is to get selected the better.

Sorry had been out of Internet contact for a few days hence late update.

Can lock or delete this one , I won't cry. Much

HERSH wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Messymesina wrote:Does anyone know why Cuthbert was substituted
?

No I was meaning to try and find out...?

Because he was out of his depth, not to say he won't get there, but he did remind me of Banahan.

Because of a head injury,as stated on the BBC and Western Mail

I'm actually glad Parks is not playing. One of the lads pointed out in work all Park had to do was stand back and kick for the corners and pressurise the Welsh line out, which lets be honest Ryan Jones and Ian Evans would of struggled against the Scottish guys.

If their planning to have a loose game against Wales it will play right into our hands.
Scotland have beaten Wales once in nine games, the last time they beat us at home was 10 years ago, and I'd be very suprised if Wales didn't beat them again this week.

Bedford:

I don't have worries regarding Lydiate in his specialist position but we lose Jones as a lineout specialist in the back row and the Scots are very good in the second row so we could lose out in both positions. If it all goes wrong as with the ospreys Jones will get the stick not the coaches, it is similar with Hook. We will benfit with the extra mobility in the second row but could lose out overall.

AlynDavies wrote:I'm actually glad Parks is not playing. One of the lads pointed out in work all Park had to do was stand back and kick for the corners and pressurise the Welsh line out, which lets be honest Ryan Jones and Ian Evans would of struggled against the Scottish guys.

If their planning to have a loose game against Wales it will play right into our hands.
Scotland have beaten Wales once in nine games, the last time they beat us at home was 10 years ago, and I'd be very suprised if Wales didn't beat them again this week.

Since when did Parks kick accurately. Loads of sentimental rubbish being spouted now he is out of scots colours. Parks kicked a lot. Most of it was aimless.

We are up against a decen scots halfbacks this weekend. They will pressurise Wales if they get opportunities a lot more than a brainless dullard like Parks ever did.

maestegmafia wrote:They will pressurise Wales if they get opportunities a lot more than a brainless dullard like Parks ever did.

More personal attacks on Parks. This really is getting a bit petty and spiteful.

Agreed. Completely unnecessary as well as untrue.