Picking on form and the 'man in possession'

I was wondering what people thought about first choice players coming back from injury and whether the covering player should be dropped automatically? Obviously if a covering player is struggling then he should drop out, but for Wales out second or third choice players have done really well, so should the first choice be made to win it back? (I'm not counting the Alyn Wyn Jones recall recently because Ryan Jones was covering by playing out of position so it was sensible to bring back a specialist straight away.)

A good example is Ian Evans. Probably 4th choice lock but has done really well. I don't think Charteris should come straight in when he's fit. My opinion is that he should prove that he's in excellent form at club level and then the national coach can decide who he chooses, but not before.

Ken Owens did very well at hooker. Should Matthew Rees waltz back in it should he prove he's awesome for the Scarlets and therefore good enough to oust Ken?

Should Lydiate have come straight back in for Ryan Jones at 6 (although that was only a 1 game absence)?.

Does it depend on the injured player's level of experience more than form? Does past reputation therefore get him recalled?

These are questions I suppose Gatland will be addressing shortly as Charteris is apparently fit and so too Matthew Rees. I say let them prove their club form first and let their understudies continue as the 'man in posesion' as they're doing a great job do far.

Play the man in form. Simple.

If a first choicer is returning from injury...but the man in his shirt is playing outstanding...then that man should keep the shirt and the first choicer needs to fight to get the shirt back.

Its international...and no player should have a right to a position.

Griff,

As far as Lydiate is concerned yes he should no questions asked, admittedly it was only as you said 1 game.

I would have kept R Jones in the 2nd row and had AWJ on the bench.

Likewise I would give Owens another start against Italy but have Rees or Bennett depending whose fit on the bench.

I don't think we need to change for change sake, letting all players see there is no guaranteed place is good IMO.

If you find out a definative answer could you please let the hundreds of proffesional coaches around the world know...

Its one thing isf youi have a guy in the side whos doing the job and the bigger repuation player comes back from injury to stick by your previous second choice.

But to know when to swap players for "form" is more difficult. Constantly chopping and changing sides ( especially in the state england are currently) can be hugely counter productive.

Looking at Wales ...youd think Owens would keep the spot for now, certianly during this tournamanet. Its not like Rees was so amazing in the first place.
But if Swilliams scr were to announce his unretirement you think he shouldnt be recalled over Cuthbert? Maybe if it were a choice for North or halfpenny youd say " no thanks" at this point.