Wales v Italy - Warburton Out

by bedfordwelsh Tue 06 Mar 2012, 1:04 pm

First topic message reminder :

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 Guest Wed 07 Mar 2012, 10:31 am

Ah well sounds like a nice end to the day then Smile

and well done on finishing the run!

by LordDowlais Wed 07 Mar 2012, 12:09 pm

by Morgannwg Wed 07 Mar 2012, 4:49 pm

Italy have announced their team to face Wales:

http://www.wru.co.uk/eng/news/21503.php

Canale, Birgamasco will make a great difference in the backline. I think they'll miss Castro though.

by maestegmafia Wed 07 Mar 2012, 5:17 pm

Looks a decent Italian team.

Appears Wales are looking to play them off the park. Winning margin of fifty points up is the ambition

by wales606 Wed 07 Mar 2012, 5:20 pm

Italian team looks like the strongest they have played

Burton is there best 10 and Mirco is there best kicker.

by maestegmafia Wed 07 Mar 2012, 5:20 pm

Agreed.

by Cymroglan Wed 07 Mar 2012, 7:02 pm

Italy were competitive for the first 60 against Ireland I'm not sure if all these changes are going to make Italy any more threatening.
I think this selection is for damage limitations they will defend well and try and kill the ball as much as possible.

Wales need to play play a controlled aggressive game for the full 80 min.
We need momentum going into the French match.

by maestegmafia Wed 07 Mar 2012, 7:28 pm

Cymroglan wrote:Italy were competitive for the first 60 against Ireland I'm not sure if all these changes are going to make Italy any more threatening.
I think this selection is for damage limitations they will defend well and try and kill the ball as much as possible.

Wales need to play play a controlled aggressive game for the full 80 min.
We need momentum going into the French match.

Maybe not more threatening but it looks like a wiser team than their previous... They have a lot more caps now.

That's a good backrow, very gritty front five but the backs don't look like much.

by wales606 Wed 07 Mar 2012, 7:31 pm

Burton, Canale and Sgarbi will have a tough day at the office against this welsh backline - non of them are that aggressive in the tackle. I think North will come infield a lot and hopefully run off Roberts shoulder more.

by maestegmafia Wed 07 Mar 2012, 8:04 pm

Aye I think your right, I think Tuperic and Faletau will be trying to get some breaks around the fringes too.

by dogtooth Wed 07 Mar 2012, 8:09 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.

took me a while to see this.

bedford, i know what you mean. i said its good because we havent seen them since the lions tour. they were a formidable front row and should have been lions starters. tut, politics. Rolling Eyes

i hope they can still be a force for wales. but, with all three of them dropping out at one time or another we have found some resonable depth. we've been at once lucky and unlucky with our front row.

by maestegmafia Wed 07 Mar 2012, 8:57 pm

dogtooth 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.

took me a while to see this.

bedford, i know what you mean. i said its good because we havent seen them since the lions tour. they were a formidable front row and should have been lions starters. tut, politics.

i hope they can still be a force for wales. but, with all three of them dropping out at one time or another we have found some resonable depth. we've been at once lucky and unlucky with our front row.

I agree we have given some great opportunities to younger less experienced players who have developed incredibly quickly into excellent second choices.

by Cymroglan Wed 07 Mar 2012, 8:59 pm

The sign of a decent side is the quality of the bench and thats one area we suffered with in the past.

by maestegmafia Wed 07 Mar 2012, 9:00 pm

Cymroglan wrote:The sign of a decent side is the quality of the bench and thats one area we suffered with in the past.

Now we have probably got the strongest squad in the championship. Even with injuries to first choice players.

by Morgannwg Wed 07 Mar 2012, 9:05 pm

Really maes? I think we have quite a way to go before overtaking France on squad depth. Mind you that won't help them in 2 weeks time.

To be fair, Scotland seem to be developing some squad depth (in the forwards at least).

by maestegmafia Wed 07 Mar 2012, 9:07 pm

Morgannwg wrote:Really maes? I think we have quite a way to go before overtaking France on squad depth. Mind you that won't help them in 2 weeks time.

To be fair, Scotland seem to be developing some squad depth (in the forwards at least).

France would be closest, maybe better but there is very little in it... Bring on the last game, should be a belter...! Let's hope this weekends is also a great match too...

by wales606 Wed 07 Mar 2012, 9:21 pm

maestegmafia wrote:
Morgannwg wrote:Really maes? I think we have quite a way to go before overtaking France on squad depth. Mind you that won't help them in 2 weeks time.

To be fair, Scotland seem to be developing some squad depth (in the forwards at least).
France would be closest, maybe better but there is very little in it... Bring on the last game, should be a belter...! Let's hope this weekends is also a great match too...

France have a lot of potential depth with their clubs.

However, I would argue that outside the 22, there are very few replacements who are up to the standard.

Dusatoir, Bonnaire, Hari and Picamoles are all very good - But who else is there?

Parra and Yachvilli can both be excellent - but Dupuy has very little experience.

Trin-Duc is very patchy - but is Beauxis any better? Who else is there? Skrela?

Despite Leivermonts decision to cap everyone in France, there are few players with any international experience, and they rely heavily on a set of ageing players. The replacements for these elderly players are not the same (Szarzewski was awful last week and Maestri hasn't been great compared to Servat and Nallet)

France could be in real trouble next WC, because I can't see many of their 22 lasting. Parra was their youngest player last week, at 23 - compare that to the Welsh who's oldest player in the backline is 25.

by maestegmafia Wed 07 Mar 2012, 9:58 pm

Good points.

France do have some good youth players but their club system prevents much exposure, it has no support for the national effort. Very sad...!

by Shifty Thu 08 Mar 2012, 9:08 am

Italy:
15. Andrea Masi (Aironi);
14. Luke McLean (Treviso),
13. Gonzalo Canale (Clermont Auvergne),
12. Alberto Sgarbi (Treviso),
11. Mirco Bergamasco (Racing Metro);
10. Kris Burton (Treviso),
9. Fabio Semenzato (Treviso);

1. Andrea Lo Cicero (Racing Metro),
2. Leonardo Ghiraldini (Treviso),
3. Lorenzo Cittadini (Treviso),
4. Quintin Geldenhuys (Aironi),
5. Cornelius van Zyl (Treviso),
6. Alessandro Zanni (Treviso),
7. Simone Favaro (Aironi),
8. Sergio Parisse (Stade Francais, capt).

Replacements:
Tommaso D'Apice (Aironi),
Fabio Staibano (Aironi),
Marco Bortolami (Aironi),
Robert Barbieri (Treviso),
Tobias Botes (Treviso),
Tommaso Benvenuti (Treviso),
Giulio Toniolatti (Aironi).

Not a bad Italian team, but I fancy us to beat them by 15-20 points to be honest.

by maestegmafia Thu 08 Mar 2012, 10:37 am

AlynDavies wrote:
Not a bad Italian team, but I fancy us to beat them by 15-20 points to be honest.

I agree...!

Though word from the camp says the boys want to put a big score on Italy.

by Guest Thu 08 Mar 2012, 10:51 am

I hope they are patient then and don't try and force it again like they did in the first half against Scotland. Build slowly, keep the score board ticking over with 3 points if necessary, then cut loose in the 2nd half would be my plan.

We can't underestimate this Italian side. If they are within touching distance with 60 mins to go, we could be in trouble.

by maestegmafia Thu 08 Mar 2012, 10:57 am

rugbydreamer wrote:I hope they are patient then and don't try and force it again like they did in the first half against Scotland. Build slowly, keep the score board ticking over with 3 points if necessary, then cut loose in the 2nd half would be my plan.

We can't underestimate this Italian side. If they are within touching distance with 60 mins to go, we could be in trouble.

That's definitely true.

Though the lads have been starting a lot faster in all their matches of recent. Certainly so this championship. Not a bad thing either especially if you immediately put the opposition on the back foot.

by RubyGuby Thu 08 Mar 2012, 10:59 am

That's a strong Italian team with a big weakness at 10 thumbsup

Shoule be a good test for us an discipline will be key against these spoilers thumbsup

by dragonbreath Thu 08 Mar 2012, 11:07 am

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

It will be interesting to see how Tipuric goes. I thought he did very well against Ireland. How will he fare against the combative Italians. He has at times for the Ospreys looked a bit easy to take out at the breakdown, but seemed stronger against the Irish. He is quite young and developing his core strength, as indeed Sam has done since his days in the U20s.

by Guest Thu 08 Mar 2012, 11:10 am

Thing is, we've come out firing in all our first 3 matches for the first 20 mins, but rarely converted that pressure and posession into points, we need to improve on that big time on Sat.

No point making all these half chances if we aren't going to finish them off.

by Glas a du Thu 08 Mar 2012, 11:24 am

RubyGuby wrote:That's a strong Italian team with a big weakness at 10

Just like us then!

by Guest Thu 08 Mar 2012, 11:26 am

Glas!

by maestegmafia Thu 08 Mar 2012, 11:29 am

Glas a du wrote:
RubyGuby wrote:That's a strong Italian team with a big weakness at 10

Just like us then!

Easy Glas...! You sound like Biltong and his rants about that ref. Priestland is an alright lad. Best we have. May have been having a few dull games but I perfectly happy with him.

by SubsBench Thu 08 Mar 2012, 11:39 am

Maes, I wouldnt go as far as saying that I'm perfectly happy with him but he is the best we have at present. If he has a decent first 5 - 10 minutes then he can be very good, but if he makes a mistake or two in that period his head can drop and it can go very very wrong.

by Shifty Thu 08 Mar 2012, 11:55 am

I can't wait to see Mirco Bergamasco and Mike Phillips getting into the annual scrap... It's a pity Hook isn't playing too, he normally gives Berg a poke in the eye.

by maestegmafia Thu 08 Mar 2012, 11:55 am

He is a young lad and he hasn't played much rugby since the quarter finals of the RWC.

Last season he played very regularly at the Scarlets and hit form for Wales.

by wales606 Thu 08 Mar 2012, 5:22 pm

L.Williams injured - Webb to the bench

Could be his big chance if Phillips is rested at 50mins.

by Guest Thu 08 Mar 2012, 5:29 pm

wales606 wrote:L.Williams injured - Webb to the bench

Could be his big chance if Phillips is rested at 50mins.

Ah that's a shame. I bet Lloyd was looking forward to some likely game time himself.

by wales606 Thu 08 Mar 2012, 6:25 pm

Risca Rev wrote:
wales606 wrote:L.Williams injured - Webb to the bench

Could be his big chance if Phillips is rested at 50mins.

Ah that's a shame. I bet Lloyd was looking forward to some likely game time himself.

Yep, must be pretty frustrating stuck behind Phillips - especially since Gats tends to keep him on the whole game if its close (Unlike other nations who swap SHs at 60mins to try to change the game up)

by maestegmafia Thu 08 Mar 2012, 6:36 pm

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/17263447

by maestegmafia Thu 08 Mar 2012, 6:37 pm

A thigh strain in training. Good opportunity for Webb.

by Cymroglan Thu 08 Mar 2012, 7:20 pm

Webb is a good player but has a tendency to be looking around when the opposition is counter rucking.

by maestegmafia Thu 08 Mar 2012, 7:23 pm

Cymroglan wrote:Webb is a good player but has a tendency to be looking around when the opposition is counter rucking.

True mate but positives out way the inexperience.

by Cymroglan Fri 09 Mar 2012, 6:12 pm

Roof open weather conditions perfect there are no excuses tomorrow.

by maestegmafia Sat 10 Mar 2012, 12:57 am

Weather this weekend looks superb. Rather glad to be home with a slight chill in the air. Nice and dry though.

Should be good for rugby. Glorious warm weather in Paris too apparently.

by Smirnoffpriest Sat 10 Mar 2012, 1:22 am

Can't wait - hopefully Wales start well and play to their potential then it'll be a great day.

Hopefully Webb, S Williams & Owens get plenty of time off the bench

by maestegmafia Sat 10 Mar 2012, 1:23 am

Be good to see Charteris have a run out too.

by Smirnoffpriest Sat 10 Mar 2012, 1:32 am

Yup definately and R Jones deserves some gametime - but the reason I mentioned the above specifically is because they all need game time and should get it IMO, whereas Luke and Ryan are pretty experienced and should be able to slot straight in against France if the need arose.

by maestegmafia Sat 10 Mar 2012, 1:47 am

Oh yes gOod point.

Charteris and AWJ both need to hit the ground running should we need either of them against France.

Fair play to Evans who has had a great game.

by wales606 Sat 10 Mar 2012, 1:50 am

Yep, Charteris and AWJ have a lot to prove if they want to be in the 22 against France.

Tipuric, Shingler, I.Evans and R.Jones have shown a lot more, they will have to prove they belong in the 22. (and AWJ will have to prove he is a better second row than R.Jones at the moment, because I am not convinced)

by maestegmafia Sat 10 Mar 2012, 12:19 pm

So far it's been a good 6 Nations for the fringe players and the greater squad. We have had more than our fair share of injuries and lads have stood up incredibly well.

The Warburton leadership role seems to stayed as a constant from the RWC. The boys play for each other and work for each other.

by Taylorman Sat 10 Mar 2012, 1:20 pm

About an hour to go...Wales by 25 for me. Thought it might even be higher but Ive come to my senses.

by Shifty Sat 10 Mar 2012, 1:34 pm

I'm looking forward to it, Italy do tent to only take 1 beating each season, which they have had off Ireland, but Wales do often play one very good game and we haven't done that yet.

Hopefully it can all come together today and terrify the French next week! Wales v Italy - Warburton Out - Page 2 3181402168

Wales v Italy - Warburton Out - Page 2 3181402168

by Woodstock Sat 10 Mar 2012, 1:45 pm

Still leaning towards a 30++ win for Wales. At home, fired up, a few lads needing to prove themselves and Italy saving themselves for next week.

by mystiroakey Sat 10 Mar 2012, 2:15 pm

going for a tight game and italy to edge it

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