Wales v Italy - Warburton Out

by bedfordwelsh Tue Mar 06, 2012 1:04 pm

Welsh side announced and Warburton out with injured knee so Gethin skippers and Tipuirc starts

Full Side:

Leigh Halfpenny (Blues); Alex Cuthbert (Blues), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Jamie Roberts (Blues), George North (Scarlets); Rhys Priestland (Scarlets), Michael Phillips (Bayonne); Gethin Jenkins (Blues, capt), Matthew Rees (Scarlets), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Ian Evans (Ospreys), Dan Lydiate (Dragons), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Toby Faletau (Dragons).

REPLACEMENTS: Ken Owens (Scarlets), Paul James (Ospreys), Luke Charteris (Dragons), Ryan Jones (Ospreys), Lloyd Williams (Scarlets), James Hook (Perpignan), Scott Williams (Scarlets).

Pretty much strongest side he could have selected which is could, personally I would have rested Roberts anyway ready for next week and given Owens another start

Press Release:

WALES SHUFFLE PACK FOR AZZURRI’S MILLENNIUM VISIT

Gethin Jenkins will lead Wales in their 2012 RBS 6 Nations Championship match against Italy at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday with squad captain Sam Warburton ruled out of contention this weekend with a knee problem.

In one of two changes, both up front, to the starting line-up which beat England to lift the Triple Crown at Twickenham last time out, Blues open-side flanker Warburton is replaced by fellow back row specialist Justin Tipuric (Ospreys) who wins his fourth cap, but makes his first start for Wales.

Former squad captain Matthew Rees will pack down at hooker between fellow 2009 British & Irish Lions props Jenkins and Adam Jones (Ospreys) to win his 49th cap, replacing fellow Scarlet Ken Owens who moves to the bench.

In the backs a rapid return from injury for Blues centre Jamie Roberts (knee) means Wales are able to field the same back line for the fourth match running.

There are three changes on the bench with Owens replacing Ospreys hooker Richard Hibbard and Dragons lock Luke Charteris, who completed his return from a wrist injury for his region on Friday, in for the promoted Tipuric. Perpignan fly-half James Hook, now fully recovered from the illness (chicken pox) which meant he was a last minute withdrawal last week in London, returns to the bench in place of Scarlets playmaker Stephen Jones.

Blues prop Jenkins wins his 86th cap having led Wales three times already, the first time against South Africa in November 2007 when he became the 125th Welsh captain, and he takes charge of a side victorious in its last three matches and leading the Championship table with just two weekends of action left.

“Due to injuries to all three players at one time or another we have not been able to field this 2009 Lions front row too often and so, although we are more than happy with the job Ken has done for us, we are giving Matthew the opportunity make his contribution as the competition reaches its climax,” said Wales head coach Warren Gatland.

“We are back at the Millennium Stadium in front of our home fans and we need to refocus sharply, after our Triple Crown triumph at Twickenham, if we are to give ourselves the best chance of being in contention for the Championship going into that final weekend against France.

“Italy will be hoping to find us complacent and with one eye on the French game, but nothing less than victory on Saturday will be accepted by this Wales team or satisfy the nation behind us and all of that leaves the players themselves brimming with ruthless intent.”

Tickets sales are about to break through the 60,000 mark and, although tickets are selling in their hundreds on a daily basis, with 74,500 seats the Millennium Stadium still has capacity. Tickets are available online at wru.co.uk and ticketlineuk.com or from the telephone hotline 02920 230130 .

WALES: Leigh Halfpenny; Alex Cuthbert, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, George North; Rhys Priestland, Michael Phillips; Gethin Jenkins (C), Matthew Rees, Adam Jones, Alun Wyn Jones, Ian Evans, Dan Lydiate, Justin Tipuric, Toby Faletau
REPLACEMENTS: Ken Owens, Paul James, Luke Charteris, Ryan Jones, Lloyd Williams, James Hook, Scott Williams

WALES

15 Leigh HALFPENNY (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,060)
DoB: 22.12.88. 5’10” / 1.77m. 13st 6lbs / 85kgs
International record: 30 caps (W 15, L 15; 119 pts – 11T, 5C, 18PG)

14 Alex CUTHBERT (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,089)
DoB: 05.04.90. 6’6” / 1.98m. 16st 3lbs / 103kgs
International record: 4 caps (W 3, L 1; 5 pts – 1T)

13 Jonathan DAVIES (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,066)
DoB: 05.04.88. 6’1” / 1.86m. 16st 8lb / 105kgs
International record: 24 caps (W 14, L 10; 35 pts – 7T)

12 Jamie ROBERTS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,057)
DoB: 08.11.86. 6’4” / 1.93m. 17st 5lbs / 110kgs
International record: 42 caps (W 21, L 21; 20 pts – 4T)

11 George NORTH (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,078)
DoB: 13.04.92. 6’4” / 1.92m. 17st 3lbs / 109kgs
International record: 19 caps (W 9, L 9, D 1; 50 pts – 10T)

10 Rhys PRIESTLAND (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,080)
DoB: 07.01.87 1.82m / 6’0”. 15st 0lbs / 95kgs
International record: 13 caps (W 9, L 4; 50 pts – 1T, 12C, 7PG)

9 Mike PHILLIPS (BAYONNE – Cap No 1,022)
DoB: 29.08.82. 6’3” / 1.91m. 15st 10lb / 101kgs
International record: 63 caps (W 31, L 30, D 2; 40 pts – 8T)

1 Gethin JENKINS (CARDIFF BLUES, CAPTAIN – Cap No 1,006)
DoB: 17.11.80. 6’2” / 1.88m. 19st 1lb / 121kgs
International record: 85 caps (W 39, L 44, D 2; 20 pts – 4T)

2 Matthew REES (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,033)
DoB: 09.12.80. 6’0” / 1.83m. 17st 1lbs / 108kgs
International record: 48 caps (W 20, L 27, D 1; 10 pts – 2T)

3 Adam JONES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,018)
DoB: 08.03.81. 6’0” / 1.83m. 19st 4lbs / 122kgs
International record: 78 caps (W 38, L 37, D 3; 10 pts – 2T)

4 Alun Wyn JONES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,046)
DoB: 19.09.85. 6’5” / 1.96m. 19st 4lbs / 122kgs
International record: 60 caps (W 26, L 34; 35 pts – 7T)

5 Ian EVANS (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,045)
DoB: 04.10.84. 6’8” / 2.04m. 18st 3lbs / 116kgs
International record: 20 caps (W 9, L 10, D 1; 5 pts – 1T)

6 Dan LYDIATE (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS – Cap No 1,071)
DoB: 18.12.87. 1.93m / 6’4”. 18st 0lbs / 114kgs
International record: 22 caps (W 10, L 11, D 1)

7 Justin TIPURIC (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,087)
DoB: 06.08.89. 1.88m / 6’2” 15st 13lbs / 101kgs
International record: 3 caps (W 2, L 1)

8 Toby FALETAU (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS – Cap No 1,082)
DoB: 12.11.90. 1.88m / 6’2”. 17st 5lbs / 110kgs
International record: 14 caps (W 8, L 6; 10 pts – 2T)

REPLACEMENTS

16 Ken OWENS (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,088)
DoB: 03.01.87. 6’1” / 1.86m. 17st 3lbs / 109kgs
International record: 3 caps (W 3)

17 Paul JAMES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,021)
DoB: 13.05.82. 6’1” / 1.86m. 18st 2lbs / 115kgs
International record: 33 caps (W 14, L 18, D 1)

18 Luke CHARTERIS (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS – Cap No 1,030)
DoB: 09.03.83. 6’9” / 2.06m. 19st 10lbs / 125kgs
International record: 32 caps (W 16, L 16)

19 Ryan JONES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,029)
DoB: 13.03.81. 6’5” / 1.96m. 17st 12lbs / 113kgs
International record: 61 caps (W 31, L 28, D 2; 5 pts – 1T)

20 Lloyd WILLIAMS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,086)
DoB: 30.11.89. 6’0” / 1.83m. 14st 1lb / 89kgs
International record: 6 caps (W 4, L 2; 10 pts – 2T)

21 James HOOK (PERPIGNAN – Cap No 1,047)
DoB: 27.06.85. 6’0” / 1.83m. 15st 2lbs / 96kgs
International record: 61 caps (W 27, L 32, D 2; 326 pts – 12T, 40C, 58PG, 4DG)

22 Scott WILLIAMS (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,084)
DoB: 10.10.90. 6’0” / 1.83m. 15st 13lbs / 101kgs
International record: 10 caps (W 6, L 4; 25 pts – 5T)

by wales606 Tue Mar 06, 2012 1:06 pm

Hope Warbs isn't too bad - big blow if he misses France.

Apart from that, its the strongest team we can put out (though I think R.Jones should be starting somewhere)

by chris_501 Tue Mar 06, 2012 1:07 pm

Interesting that Geth has been given the captaincy over Rees.

by bedfordwelsh Tue Mar 06, 2012 1:08 pm

606,

Thats why I would have rested Roberts to ready for next weekend, I think AWJ is lucky to keep his starting place as thought he was off the pace last week but then again I suppose he needs game time.

Hopefully we can get a good few scores ahead by half time and with next week then in mind I would get Roberts, A Jones and Faletau or Lydiate off.

Would also like to see Evans and Charteris get some game time together.

by GavinDragon Tue Mar 06, 2012 1:09 pm

wales 606 i agree with your sentiments re jones but where do you start him? its a great headache to have mind!

by Adam D Tue Mar 06, 2012 1:10 pm

WALES SHUFFLE PACK FOR AZZURRI’S MILLENNIUM VISIT

Gethin Jenkins will lead Wales in their 2012 RBS 6 Nations Championship match against Italy at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday with squad captain Sam Warburton ruled out of contention this weekend with a knee problem.

In one of two changes, both up front, to the starting line-up which beat England to lift the Triple Crown at Twickenham last time out, Blues open-side flanker Warburton is replaced by fellow back row specialist Justin Tipuric (Ospreys) who wins his fourth cap, but makes his first start for Wales.

Former squad captain Matthew Rees will pack down at hooker between fellow 2009 British & Irish Lions props Jenkins and Adam Jones (Ospreys) to win his 49th cap, replacing fellow Scarlet Ken Owens who moves to the bench.

In the backs a rapid return from injury for Blues centre Jamie Roberts (knee) means Wales are able to field the same back line for the fourth match running.

There are three changes on the bench with Owens replacing Ospreys hooker Richard Hibbard and Dragons lock Luke Charteris, who completed his return from a wrist injury for his region on Friday, in for the promoted Tipuric. Perpignan fly-half James Hook, now fully recovered from the illness (chicken pox) which meant he was a last minute withdrawal last week in London, returns to the bench in place of Scarlets playmaker Stephen Jones.

Blues prop Jenkins wins his 86th cap having led Wales three times already, the first time against South Africa in November 2007 when he became the 125th Welsh captain, and he takes charge of a side victorious in its last three matches and leading the Championship table with just two weekends of action left.

“Due to injuries to all three players at one time or another we have not been able to field this 2009 Lions front row too often and so, although we are more than happy with the job Ken has done for us, we are giving Matthew the opportunity make his contribution as the competition reaches its climax,” said Wales head coach Warren Gatland.

“We are back at the Millennium Stadium in front of our home fans and we need to refocus sharply, after our Triple Crown triumph at Twickenham, if we are to give ourselves the best chance of being in contention for the Championship going into that final weekend against France.

“Italy will be hoping to find us complacent and with one eye on the French game, but nothing less than victory on Saturday will be accepted by this Wales team or satisfy the nation behind us and all of that leaves the players themselves brimming with ruthless intent.”

Tickets sales are about to break through the 60,000 mark and, although tickets are selling in their hundreds on a daily basis, with 74,500 seats the Millennium Stadium still has capacity. Tickets are available online at wru.co.uk and ticketlineuk.com or from the telephone hotline 02920 230130 .

WALES: Leigh Halfpenny; Alex Cuthbert, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, George North; Rhys Priestland, Michael Phillips; Gethin Jenkins (C), Matthew Rees, Adam Jones, Alun Wyn Jones, Ian Evans, Dan Lydiate, Justin Tipuric, Toby Faletau
REPLACEMENTS: Ken Owens, Paul James, Luke Charteris, Ryan Jones, Lloyd Williams, James Hook, Scott Williams

WALES

15 Leigh HALFPENNY (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,060)
DoB: 22.12.88. 5’10” / 1.77m. 13st 6lbs / 85kgs
International record: 30 caps (W 15, L 15; 119 pts – 11T, 5C, 18PG)

14 Alex CUTHBERT (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,089)
DoB: 05.04.90. 6’6” / 1.98m. 16st 3lbs / 103kgs
International record: 4 caps (W 3, L 1; 5 pts – 1T)

13 Jonathan DAVIES (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,066)
DoB: 05.04.88. 6’1” / 1.86m. 16st 8lb / 105kgs
International record: 24 caps (W 14, L 10; 35 pts – 7T)

12 Jamie ROBERTS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,057)
DoB: 08.11.86. 6’4” / 1.93m. 17st 5lbs / 110kgs
International record: 42 caps (W 21, L 21; 20 pts – 4T)

11 George NORTH (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,078)
DoB: 13.04.92. 6’4” / 1.92m. 17st 3lbs / 109kgs
International record: 19 caps (W 9, L 9, D 1; 50 pts – 10T)

10 Rhys PRIESTLAND (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,080)
DoB: 07.01.87 1.82m / 6’0”. 15st 0lbs / 95kgs
International record: 13 caps (W 9, L 4; 50 pts – 1T, 12C, 7PG)

9 Mike PHILLIPS (BAYONNE – Cap No 1,022)
DoB: 29.08.82. 6’3” / 1.91m. 15st 10lb / 101kgs
International record: 63 caps (W 31, L 30, D 2; 40 pts – 8T)

1 Gethin JENKINS (CARDIFF BLUES, CAPTAIN – Cap No 1,006)
DoB: 17.11.80. 6’2” / 1.88m. 19st 1lb / 121kgs
International record: 85 caps (W 39, L 44, D 2; 20 pts – 4T)

2 Matthew REES (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,033)
DoB: 09.12.80. 6’0” / 1.83m. 17st 1lbs / 108kgs
International record: 48 caps (W 20, L 27, D 1; 10 pts – 2T)

3 Adam JONES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,018)
DoB: 08.03.81. 6’0” / 1.83m. 19st 4lbs / 122kgs
International record: 78 caps (W 38, L 37, D 3; 10 pts – 2T)

4 Alun Wyn JONES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,046)
DoB: 19.09.85. 6’5” / 1.96m. 19st 4lbs / 122kgs
International record: 60 caps (W 26, L 34; 35 pts – 7T)

5 Ian EVANS (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,045)
DoB: 04.10.84. 6’8” / 2.04m. 18st 3lbs / 116kgs
International record: 20 caps (W 9, L 10, D 1; 5 pts – 1T)

6 Dan LYDIATE (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS – Cap No 1,071)
DoB: 18.12.87. 1.93m / 6’4”. 18st 0lbs / 114kgs
International record: 22 caps (W 10, L 11, D 1)

7 Justin TIPURIC (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,087)
DoB: 06.08.89. 1.88m / 6’2” 15st 13lbs / 101kgs
International record: 3 caps (W 2, L 1)

8 Toby FALETAU (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS – Cap No 1,082)
DoB: 12.11.90. 1.88m / 6’2”. 17st 5lbs / 110kgs
International record: 14 caps (W 8, L 6; 10 pts – 2T)

REPLACEMENTS

16 Ken OWENS (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,088)
DoB: 03.01.87. 6’1” / 1.86m. 17st 3lbs / 109kgs
International record: 3 caps (W 3)

17 Paul JAMES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,021)
DoB: 13.05.82. 6’1” / 1.86m. 18st 2lbs / 115kgs
International record: 33 caps (W 14, L 18, D 1)

18 Luke CHARTERIS (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS – Cap No 1,030)
DoB: 09.03.83. 6’9” / 2.06m. 19st 10lbs / 125kgs
International record: 32 caps (W 16, L 16)

19 Ryan JONES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,029)
DoB: 13.03.81. 6’5” / 1.96m. 17st 12lbs / 113kgs
International record: 61 caps (W 31, L 28, D 2; 5 pts – 1T)

20 Lloyd WILLIAMS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,086)
DoB: 30.11.89. 6’0” / 1.83m. 14st 1lb / 89kgs
International record: 6 caps (W 4, L 2; 10 pts – 2T)

21 James HOOK (PERPIGNAN – Cap No 1,047)
DoB: 27.06.85. 6’0” / 1.83m. 15st 2lbs / 96kgs
International record: 61 caps (W 27, L 32, D 2; 326 pts – 12T, 40C, 58PG, 4DG)

22 Scott WILLIAMS (SCARLETS – Cap No 1,084)
DoB: 10.10.90. 6’0” / 1.83m. 15st 13lbs / 101kgs
International record: 10 caps (W 6, L 4; 25 pts – 5T)

by dogtooth Tue Mar 06, 2012 1:11 pm

disapointing for war button.

good to see that front row. i hope they go well.

fingers crossed priestland doesnt have a mare

by Taffineastbourne Tue Mar 06, 2012 1:11 pm

Wasnt that impressed with Luke against Munster.Naturally he is not match fit.If we lose a second row early in the match we'll be stuffed.

by bedfordwelsh Tue Mar 06, 2012 1:13 pm

dogtooth wrote:disapointing for war button.

good to see that front row. i hope they go well.

fingers crossed priestland doesnt have a mare

Dog,

When was the last time the front row actually played together, most would agree its out 1st choice but between injuries to Jenkins and Rees its long time ago.

by bedfordwelsh Tue Mar 06, 2012 1:16 pm

Taff,

I guess thats why he on bench and not starting, hopefully as said if a few scores ahead by half time ish them give him good half hour in the 2nd half

by wales606 Tue Mar 06, 2012 1:16 pm

bedfordwelsh wrote:
dogtooth wrote:disapointing for war button.

good to see that front row. i hope they go well.

fingers crossed priestland doesnt have a mare

Dog,

When was the last time the front row actually played together, most would agree its out 1st choice but between injuries to Jenkins and Rees its long time ago.

Apparently A.Jones played every game in the 6Ns in 2005 and 2008 (and in 2012 so far) - The other 2 are letting him down Wink

by wales606 Tue Mar 06, 2012 1:17 pm

Taffineastbourne wrote:Wasnt that impressed with Luke against Munster.Naturally he is not match fit.If we lose a second row early in the match we'll be stuffed.

Not really...

Ryan to the rescue!

by bedfordwelsh Tue Mar 06, 2012 1:20 pm

wales606 wrote:
bedfordwelsh wrote:
dogtooth wrote:disapointing for war button.

good to see that front row. i hope they go well.

fingers crossed priestland doesnt have a mare

Dog,

When was the last time the front row actually played together, most would agree its out 1st choice but between injuries to Jenkins and Rees its long time ago.

Apparently A.Jones played every game in the 6Ns in 2005 and 2008 (and in 2012 so far) - The other 2 are letting him down

Not bad for a bloke who couldn't last 60 minutes some seasoms back lol

by Glas a du Tue Mar 06, 2012 1:20 pm

Good team. Happy with that. Priestland has the chance to prove me wrong. I hope he blydi does!

by wales606 Tue Mar 06, 2012 1:21 pm

bedfordwelsh wrote:
wales606 wrote:
bedfordwelsh wrote:
dogtooth wrote:disapointing for war button.

good to see that front row. i hope they go well.

fingers crossed priestland doesnt have a mare

Dog,

When was the last time the front row actually played together, most would agree its out 1st choice but between injuries to Jenkins and Rees its long time ago.

Apparently A.Jones played every game in the 6Ns in 2005 and 2008 (and in 2012 so far) - The other 2 are letting him down

Not bad for a bloke who couldn't last 60 minutes some seasoms back lol

I doubt he played 80minutes in all off them (off the bench in 2005 for Horseman?)

If Wales win a GS this year and A.Jones plays all the games, will he be the only player to have played 15games in 3GSs?

by Guest Tue Mar 06, 2012 1:39 pm

I wouldn't be surprised to see Roberts drop out later in the week. In fact I'm certain he will. He has to come through training tomorrow too apparently. Pity about Warburton, but I doubt it's that bad an injury if this is the first we have heard of it.

Good side. Bit disappointed Owens has been dropped. Smiler needs a huge game now.

by Shane_Williams Tue Mar 06, 2012 1:40 pm

well, tipuric really deserves a start so that's ok Very Happy

i still prefer ryan to AW jones at lock, at least on current form, however as mentioned above, AW probs needs some game time

Charteris is on the bench as R.Jones is covering the back row so some second row cover is needed. I feel Gatland hasn't been the kindest to the squad, he's been known to shuffle things up, so far 6 backs not played and not even given a spot on the bench ( has lloyd williams played? my memory fails me but didnt count him). Although you can't blame Gatland for the results i'm not sure up to what point its not healthy for the squad. i know its never good to shuffle things up too much but i think a change at 9 and roberts given a rest with beck playing some part would have been good.
anyways, not really got any problems with any of the players starting apart from maybe phillips , its more that i want to see some of the others given a chance. that can't be a bad situation to be in though Wink

by bedfordwelsh Tue Mar 06, 2012 1:41 pm

Rev,

I would have rested Roberts anyway and if he does drop out cant really see the point of any 'mind games' at this stage.

by miteyironpaw Tue Mar 06, 2012 1:42 pm

Poor Gatland. Last year he rotates the squad for Italy and you guys hammer him for naming a weakend side and giving away potential points difference.

This year he names as close to his best that he can, and you hammer him for not playing the mud trackers!

Harsh guys! Harsh.

by bedfordwelsh Tue Mar 06, 2012 1:44 pm

[quote="Shane_Williams"]well, tipuric really deserves a start so that's ok Very Happy

i still prefer ryan to AW jones at lock, at least on current form, however as mentioned above, AW probs needs some game time

What ' current' form has AWJ got exactly, last week was his first game back, I am not R Jones' biggest fan but would have been happy to see him start ahead of AWJ.

Gatland has learnt his lesson on the subject of change ofr change sake, we nearly came a croper against Italy few seasons back and he got slated for it.

What I am hoping happens is that we get a decent lead by half time or just after then use the bench.

by gowales Tue Mar 06, 2012 1:47 pm

Who else reckons that Roberts and Warburton will be out for a long time after this 6 nations

by bedfordwelsh Tue Mar 06, 2012 1:50 pm

go,

Its hard to say they both still young lads and bodies heal quicker, I guess the Blues will want them both back for the HC quarter final but maybe a rest on the summer tour wouldn't halm either of them.

by Comfort Tue Mar 06, 2012 1:53 pm

good side, big shame about warbs.

Charteris needed to be on the bench, warbs injury gives him the chance to do this. Tipuric gets a chance to show what he can do against a big pack at this level.

I would have rested Roberts after he took a knock last week and to give beck some time off the bench.

Happy with this team, nice to see Rees back, very happy having him and owens as our hookers. Lets see if they can get their game going and how Priestland goes after last week.

Can anyone tell me what Lloyd Williams has done to be ahead of Webb in the pecking order though? I wouldnt say theres much between them and I would have thought Webb's form this season would have seen him get the bench spot. Williams' experience of the squad perhaps?

by Shane_Williams Tue Mar 06, 2012 1:56 pm

[quote="bedfordwelsh"]

Shane_Williams wrote:well, tipuric really deserves a start so that's ok
i still prefer ryan to AW jones at lock, at least on current form, however as mentioned above, AW probs needs some game time

What ' current' form has AWJ got exactly, last week was his first game back, I am not R Jones' biggest fan but would have been happy to see him start ahead of AWJ.

Gatland has learnt his lesson on the subject of change ofr change sake, we nearly came a croper against Italy few seasons back and he got slated for it.

What I am hoping happens is that we get a decent lead by half time or just after then use the bench.

i agree about changes for changes sake, gotta ensure the win of course. and read again what i said about R. Jones, and AW Jones, that ifyou compare their current form, i would rather have Ryan starting."i still prefer ryan to AW jones at lock". i wasn't saying that AW jones had good form ( a dislocated toe is a very tricky injury and after almost three months out of course he will have little form)

by Shane_Williams Tue Mar 06, 2012 1:58 pm

didn't bergamasco break webb's nose a week or two ago, i read nothing about him subsequentially being unavailable for selection but it can't have helped. otherwise i definitely rate Webb, needs a chance to show his worth for wales

by bedfordwelsh Tue Mar 06, 2012 2:01 pm

Doh,

Apologies SW, yeah he had smack in chops lol.

by Morgannwg Tue Mar 06, 2012 2:07 pm

"Pretty much strongest side he could have selected which is could, personally I would have rested Roberts anyway ready for next week and given Owens another start."

I would have done that too.

Anyone else think AWJ is looking overweight?

by Guest Tue Mar 06, 2012 2:12 pm

Gutted for Sam but Tipuric is a worth replacement, and needs game time, same with Matthew Rees and AWJ.

by gowales Tue Mar 06, 2012 2:14 pm

Morgannwg wrote:"Pretty much strongest side he could have selected which is could, personally I would have rested Roberts anyway ready for next week and given Owens another start."

I would have done that too.

Anyone else think AWJ is looking overweight?

AWJ's injured his toe right? He said in an interview that he wasn't able to do any Cardio work, so thats probably why!

by Glas a du Tue Mar 06, 2012 2:24 pm

Injured his toe is an understatement. They had to cut the top of his big toe off as the joint had completely dislocated and fuse it back on so that it was straight.

by gowales Tue Mar 06, 2012 2:27 pm

The life a professional rugby player eh

by Glas a du Tue Mar 06, 2012 2:28 pm

Put it this way, his performance against England was amazing given what he's been through.

by thebluesmancometh Tue Mar 06, 2012 2:37 pm

Owens very unlucky as is Ryan Jones, but Rees needs game time and I get the feeling Owens isn't ready for the French front row yet!

I disagree, I think AWJ was ok, and is prob our best option at present, the fact that Jones is coming off the bench and looking good is good news that our bench now adds to our game and doesn't just come in to make up numbers, with Williams, Hook, Jones and Charteris on the bench they can step in with 20 to go and actually up our game in certain facets, I don't think the Italians could live with that.

by Effervescing Elephant Tue Mar 06, 2012 2:45 pm

Glas a du wrote:Injured his toe is an understatement. They had to cut the top of his big toe off as the joint had completely dislocated and fuse it back on so that it was straight.

Blimey! Is that for real? Professional Rugby players certainly are made of sterner stuff!!!

by maestegmafia Tue Mar 06, 2012 4:15 pm

Sad to hear about Sam warburton. Unfortunate injury, let's hope he has a speedy recovery but these situations only give us opportunity to cap and experience the incredibly talented replacements.

Owens deputising last week for Rees was a great example, a third choice player who, after his performance in Twickenham. Many of us think he deserved to keep his space.

Competition in is squad is ferocious. Now we ave our two former first choice locks getting fit and coming into contention the depth is looking great.

I read a few of you concerned about Jamie Roberts and I must say I am a little concerned myself. I thought Scott Williams showed he is an ample deputy last week and the decision could have gone in his favour. Maybe Roberts injury was not so bad as we initially thought.

by CurlyOsp Tue Mar 06, 2012 4:34 pm

Sounds like this knee has been troubling Warburton for a while, the rest will do him a world of good.

Glad to see that Gatland has gone with a specialist 7 in Tipuric rather than shuffling around the back row. Definatly deserves his chance too.

Very strong looking team in all! Can't wait!

by Knowsit17 Tue Mar 06, 2012 4:36 pm

Shame about Warbs, big blow for the team losing its finest leader and for him personally, he's had some terrible luck with injuries so far. Hopefully he'll pull through in time for France, we WILL need him for that one.

Still, a compliment to our strength in depth to have a replacement like Tipuric.

by Glas a du Tue Mar 06, 2012 4:38 pm

Anybody else think Warburton is nailed on a glittering media career after his retirement?

by maestegmafia Tue Mar 06, 2012 4:41 pm

Glas a du wrote:Anybody else think Warburton is nailed on a glittering media career after his retirement?

By glittering do you mean sparkly? Like come dancing? Or glittering as in successful?

I think the world is his oyster, talented young man... Big loss great opportunity for Tuperic to continue his former good work.

by Morgannwg Tue Mar 06, 2012 4:44 pm

Lydiate and Faletau do a lot of hard work and are usually in the top 3 of Wales' tacklers. This should allow Tipuric to do some fetching. I think Italy have thrown in the towel already, they will come and just play a negative game. Watch scrum after scrum go down.

by Glas a du Tue Mar 06, 2012 4:49 pm

Successful. The guy is lucid, intelligent and even tempered. A pundit/journo in the making.

by maestegmafia Tue Mar 06, 2012 4:52 pm

Glas a du wrote:Successful. The guy is lucid, intelligent and even tempered. A pundit/journo in the making.

I agree, hopefully a glittering career in rugby first. But I completely agree always interesting.

by Shifty Tue Mar 06, 2012 6:31 pm

I'm glad to see Tipuric being given a start he deserves it.

Pretty happy with the team, you can't really find much fault there.

by LordDowlais Wed Mar 07, 2012 8:48 am

This is the strongest team we have available to us, so I cannot complain, I am starting to get the butterfly's now ready for the weekend. Also isn't this the first time our front three Lions hero's have started together for Wales since the Lions tour ?

by Guest Wed Mar 07, 2012 8:57 am

I think it is you know Dowlais. One or both, or all of them seem to have been injured at some point since 2009. Will be great to see them all back together in the front row.

by LordDowlais Wed Mar 07, 2012 9:49 am

Hello dreamer, are you from Llanelli ? I was down there on the weekend doing the half marathon Yahoo

. Anyway back on topic, how unlucky have Wales been to not have their first front three fit for a while 3 years Shocked

by Guest Wed Mar 07, 2012 10:00 am

It's a bit crazy when you think of it isn't it? I mean Geth had 2 years pretty much out with injury, at least for Wales. Smiler of course got injured pre world cup, and Adam was injured a bit after it. Mental.

Nah not form Llanelli, I am from Llandeilo way, although live in Cardiff at the mo. How'd the half marathon go? I'd never be able to run one I don't think!

by wales606 Wed Mar 07, 2012 10:04 am

"The trio have rarely been together since, though they did have a brief reunion for the 33-10 thumping of Italy two years ago.

That’s the only time they have been in the same Wales team in the Six Nations since shining for the Lions.

Their other two appearances as a unit occurred at the Millennium Stadium in November 2010 – Wales going down 25-16 to Australia and 37-25 to New Zealand."

Read More http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/rugby-news/2012/03/07/analysis-the-long-road-back-to-six-nations-action-for-wales-lions-front-row-91466-30474555/#ixzz1oQLk2kuW

by Guest Wed Mar 07, 2012 10:06 am

wow, just the 3 games in three years then. That's still a bit mental.

by LordDowlais Wed Mar 07, 2012 10:10 am

rugbydreamer wrote:It's a bit crazy when you think of it isn't it? I mean Geth had 2 years pretty much out with injury, at least for Wales. Smiler of course got injured pre world cup, and Adam was injured a bit after it. Mental.

Nah not form Llanelli, I am from Llandeilo way, although live in Cardiff at the mo. How'd the half marathon go? I'd never be able to run one I don't think!

Even though I am not allowed to use naughty words on this site, lets just say I was phoooooked after it. Although me the wife and my kids went to the Upper Boat carvery after with a couple of freinds and that seemed to do the trick. thumbsup

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