Will Gatland experiment with his subs v Scotland?

First topic message reminder :

In 2009 Wales destroyed Scotland in Murrayfield
In 2010 Wales played diabolical for 50 minutes but still won in Cardiff
In 2011 it was a pretty rubbish game, but Wales still won and Scotland were never in it.

Arguably after the Scot v England match, Gats & Co might see Sunday's fixture as the easiest out of the lot. No offence intended to Scots, but Italy should beat them this year.

If Gatland wants to give some of his players a chance then I believe Sunday should have a few newbies on the bench.

I would keep the Same XV that started against Ireland, but there will probably be a shuffle around in the pack if Bradley Egghead gets a ban before Sunday. The backs are fine. Cuthbert needs more experience and the Scots can't even get the ball out to their wings unless Evans comes in looking for work so he shouldn't need to do much tackling. Halfpenny just needs to jump more when trying to take the high ball.

I would like to see Beck and or Harry Robinson on the bench. If Wales are comfortable after 55/60 then it's worth blooding some more youth. I still believe the Roberts / Preistland injuries were mind games from Gatland, but even so I think we have enough battering rams now and Roberts could do without playing the full 80. Would be nice to mix it up a bit and get a different type of 12 on.

I think Gatland will possibly pick Beck and then Hook or Byrne, but Robinson is probably in the squad more for experience than to start.

TycroesOsprey wrote:I see Gatland has delayed his team selection again. Im really starting to think some of what went on with the injuries last week were headgames from the coach. looks like Geth and Lydiate will be back but I would resist the desire for wholesale changes.

1. Gill
2. Bennett
3. Adam Jones
4. Ryan
5. Evans
6. Lydiate
7. Warburton (Tipuric)
8. Faletau
9. Phillips
10. Priestland
11. George
12. Roberts
13. JD
14. Halfpenny (Kicker)
15. Byrne

16. Gethin
17. Owens
18. Powell
19. Tipuric
20. Lloyd Williams
21. Hook
22. Cuthbert.

If its a matchday 23 doesnt it gave to be a prop? in which case Mitchell.

Thats the team I would go for

Only worry I guess is if one of the locks gets injured so maybe Read will get a bench spot instead of Powell. or as well as Powell if Tipuric has to take over from warburton.

It seems reasonable to imagine that Scotland will rule the lineouts and that after a week of pain, they will feel like they are playing for their lives.

Wales have to field their strongest XXIII. That means Gethin at 1, Lydiate at 6, and Ryan in for Bradley D.

Lou Reed on the bench to cover the 2nd row.

rumpelstiltskindoh wrote:It seems reasonable to imagine that Scotland will rule the lineouts and that after a week of pain, they will feel like they are playing for their lives.

Wales have to field their strongest XXIII. That means Gethin at 1, Lydiate at 6, and Ryan in for Bradley D.

Lou Reed on the bench to cover the 2nd row.

There are rumours of player walkouts on a couple of other threads. Maybe Robinson has lost the dressing room.

rumpelstiltskindoh wrote:It seems reasonable to imagine that Scotland will rule the lineouts and that after a week of pain, they will feel like they are playing for their lives.

Wales have to field their strongest XXIII. That means Gethin at 1, Lydiate at 6, and Ryan in for Bradley D.

Lou Reed on the bench to cover the 2nd row.

23? that's cheating

^i was counting George North as 2

rumpelstiltskindoh wrote:^i was counting George North as 2

Only 2, rumple, v conservative!