Welsh Injuries - Hookers

Just heard Rob Harries mention on Scrum V that both first choice hookets for Wales are possible injury doubts, by that I take it he means Bennett and Rees.

Anyone any news on this?

He also mentioned that AWJ and Hibbard called into squad, AWJ not a surprise with out without injuries but Hibbard I guess is only due to injru.

I think we are well into mind game season. It's the use of the word "possible" at this particular time that makes me (perhaps unduly) suspicious. I'd put Ben Morgan's Coach's comment that he shouldn't start for England but come on at 60 mins into a similar questionable category.

Only a week to go now!

I've heard positive reports on Hibbard recently, we know he can be a handful when he's at his best. Or maybe he's just one of those players who can't replicate decent club form when playing int'l.

Could have sworn Rees said after the Ireland game that he'd be fit for Saturday. In any case Owens has been deserving of a first start for a while.

bywdi hell - I hope it's mind games. Didn't smiler get injured in training? What the hell do they do in those sessions FFS? His calf is a bit prone to this isn't it. Really hope he makes it.................

So now Wales don't have a lineout, or a front row. AWJ is one of the most overrated players in the world rugby. If this doesn't deflate the Wales confidence balloon, then a lot of their fans are in for a seriously painful reintroducing to planet Earth come the weekend. Can't wait.

You'll be monstered in set piece and butchered in open play. I feel a cricket score coming on. Swing Low!

At this rate we're gonna have to field a hooker we've found down the docks...

i think mitey might be getting a bit ahead of himself there.

I think that even on 40% possession the Wales backs against the far too narrow Eng defence will score some tries.

Get Hibbard on there - frighten the livin' daylights out of 'em!

Mike Phillips can take the throw ins.

miteyironpaw wrote:So now Wales don't have a lineout, or a front row. AWJ is one of the most overrated players in the world rugby. If this doesn't deflate the Wales confidence balloon, then a lot of their fans are in for a seriously painful reintroducing to planet Earth come the weekend. Can't wait.

You'll be monstered in set piece and butchered in open play. I feel a cricket score coming on. Swing Low!

Mitey, WIND YOUR NECK IN MATE. So Wales have a few injurie problems, or do they? Is this just mind games by Gatland? or is it true?

Either way this does not mean that Wales will be a push over. I still say at this point that the game is 50/50.

But we shall see on saturday.ok.

60/40 to Wales on form and proven player quality I'd think.

If you mean you'l be conceding between 40/60 points, then I agree wholeheartedly!

...Sweet Chariot...

Well, time will tell. Got a strong feeling about this one for Wales.

Surely at least one out of two will be fit, and Ken Owens did well last week.

AWJ to the bench.

Well we beat Ireland with a vastly depleted pack.

Have England ever?

For me Hibbard is the best of the Welsh hookers. However all of our squad hookers are of similar standard. None of them are great. None of them can throw straight. It is a Welsh disease. If Phil "the power" Taylor discovered a Welsh grandmother his career would be over.

If they're both injured, I'd feel confident with Ken starting.
He's deserved a start IMO and he's a genuine threat.

Can't see past a one score game to be honest, I'm certainly not counting any chickens...

I'd be happy to see Ken Owens starting. I might put money on him scoring, too.

I think Wales are going to go for uncontested lineouts as usual