Wales vs France Build up Thread - Teams announced.

[maestegmafia]

First topic message reminder :

Venue: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff Date: Saturday, 17 March Kick-off: 1445 GMT
Coverage: Watch live on BBC One, BBC One HD, Red Button and online; listen on BBC Radio 5 Live and Radio Wales; text commentary on BBC Sport website and mobiles; watch again on BBC iPlayer

43 games won by each side

Wales have scored one more point against France than France have against Wales.


France

Poitrenaud - Fofana, Rougerie, Fritz, Palisson - Beauxis, Yachvili - Bonnaire, Harinordoquy, (Cap.) Dusautoir - Maestri, Papé - Attoub, Servat, Poux

bench: Szarzewski, Debaty, Pierre, Picamoles, Parra, Trinh-Duc, Buttin


Wales

Leigh Halfpenny; Alex Cuthbert, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, George North; Rhys Priestland, Mike Phillips;
Gethin Jenkins, Matthew Rees, Adam Jones, Alun Wyn Jones, Ian Evans, Dan Lydiate, Sam Warburton (C), Toby Faletau

Replacements:

Ken Owens, Paul James, Luke Charteris, Ryan Jones, Lloyd Williams, James Hook, Scott Williams

[HERSH]

I don't get why so many of you are worried?

Wales will win.

[Guest]

I agree it would be wonderful to have a match of just pure rugby and no controversial behaviour by Welsh any players or officials.

Fixed that for you HERSH

[Morgannwg]

we owe them one and the 2 players who hurt us in the WC are both non starters, Parra and CLERC!

How did Vincent Clerc hurt us? By not defying gravity? By not landing on his feet like a cat? Blame Sam Warburton for the red card if you're going to blame anyone.

+1

Urrmmmm, Luckless I think he was fooling around.

[HERSH]

Thanks for that dreamer

C'mon guys how can Wales lose, stop worrying about this French team they're past their best they have a limited game plan and they can't drop kick.

Ireland should have won, England did, 3rd weekend on the trot at the MS with thousand of passionate fans behind you, they don't stand a chance.

[Morgannwg]

The team is what most had expected, apart from some places on the bench. I thought Tips was pretty poor against Italy. Some fans must have been excited over the time he almost scored a try. Remember his shocking pass to Ian Evans?

I agree with whocares, some of the French selections seem odd but when that happens they tend to be really good! They have got me nervous now. So they'll be targetting our lineout no doubt and they are also very good at the rolling maul. The centre's are odd, Fritz at 12 with an ordinary Rougerie outside him? When they attack, I think it will be mainly counter-attacking through their back 3.

[RubyGuby]

We will roll their maul back to Calais - We will pound them, We will slice through them in a brutal fashion holding back all that pent up aggression for what has been a poor 6 Nations for this welsh side so far. We will absolutely destroy any hope that they may have and when we have destroyed it we will flatten them beyond recognition leaving nothing left but a worn out bag of french shoite. Then after the first 15 minutes we can then relax and run a few more trys in enjoying another memorable Slam at the MS -

[gregortree]

Poor old Care Bear. Trained twice and needed medical attention !
Hope there are enough medics left by Sunday morning to take care of the good people of Cardiff the morning after.
Wales are not only a v good team righty now, but are on that all important 'roll' of momentum. Just cannot see them letting this one slip through their grasp. Wales by 10+

[majesticimperialman]

I see StAndrae has made some changes for the game on saturday, Bringing back Yashvile into the team is a good move in my opinion, but would have thought that he(STandrae) would have started Morgan Para, after all when he came on France looked totaly different, a more of a threat.

Regards Wales, it is more or less the side that i thought would of started,
would of thought that Gatland would of started Ken Owens instead of Mathew Rees.

I think it will be a tight game, this just might be the game that France finaly wake up. I do think that Wales will have to up their game to win against France. can they (Wales) do it? yes, will they do it? I have a sneeky feeling France will win.

[bedfordwelsh]

Whilst not underestimating them I don't think the Welsh side will be worried about the French.

I am sure that they know if they go out there and perform well and cut put some silly mistakes they will be to good for France.

Its us fans who seem more nervous

[maestegmafia]

Too true Bedford

I think the boys will be relishing the chance to give the French a run for their money. What with tw history and the fact they are so close to winning a third grandslam in eight years.

I can't wait for the kick off.. No matter how nervous I am.

[Shane_Williams]

dunno why rougerie wasn't shifted to wing, when he was at his best he was playing on the wing.
and im starting to think st andré is ML in disguise, classic mixing and matching players seemingly randomly. Why Malzieu was dropped no idea..
France have so much depth, especially in the backs, what's happened to Heymans, he was very classy, and Michalak (is he playing in NZ or AUS or smthn). All that was missing is for St André to pick Traille and Chabal. Oh and Bastareaud hahahah

its wales' game to lose.

[maestegmafia]

dunno why rougerie wasn't shifted to wing, when he was at his best he was playing on the wing.
and im starting to think st andré is ML in disguise, classic mixing and matching players seemingly randomly. Why Malzieu was dropped no idea..
France have so much depth, especially in the backs, what's happened to Heymans, he was very classy, and Michalak (is he playing in NZ or AUS or smthn). All that was missing is for St André to pick Traille and Chabal. Oh and Bastareaud hahahah

its wales' game to lose.

The amount of players can hinder selection. In Wales we are lucky to have a heirachial system that gears good players towards the welsh national team. Other countries do not have such simple systems.

The system we have seems to be working well for us.

[Irishhoneymonster]

Is it just me or did it take until the day after the French team was announced before it was even mentioned on this thread? Perhaps I am wrong but thought I noticed that the other day and can't be bothered going back to check now. If that is the case though, perhaps the Welsh on here aren't as worried about the French as they claim to be?

And before anyone decides that I may be a WUM I am nothing of the sort, look through my posting history and you will realise I have actually never written a WUM, I'm boring that way I just found it strange reading this thread on the day when I thought the French team was announced and nobody seemed it important enough to mention! Think it was Wednesday when it was announced?

[maestegmafia]

The French were announced today. They had a number of injury concerns.

[Irishhoneymonster]

The French were announced today. They had a number of injury concerns.

Oh ok fair enough, but it was early in the morning then? Because am pretty sure the firt post here about it was earlyish this morning?

[Irishhoneymonster]

Yeah just checked was 9:23am today when good oul Who Cares posted it, for some reason I thought it was supposed to be announced Wednesday and then thought it must have been announced then because the post here was so early in the morning

[maestegmafia]

The French were announced today. They had a number of injury concerns.

Oh ok fair enough, but it was early in the morning then? Because am pretty sure the firt post here about it was earlyish this morning?

XV France
Revivez la conférence de presse du 15 mars 2012 relative à l’annonce de la composition du XV de France qui affrontera le Pays de Galles, le 17 mars 2012.  


http://touch.dailymotion.com/video/xpggaf_pays-de-galles-france-conference-de-presse-15-mars-2012_sport

[Woodstock]

I agree it would be wonderful to have a match of just pure rugby and no controversial behaviour by Welsh players or officials.

Back are we? Nice holiday away

[Woodstock]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3hFzpUq6w4

You won't let me down:)

[maestegmafia]

From this mornings Guardian.


Six Nations 2012: Wales's land of giants has no room for small wonders
Something is missing from the Six Nations grand slam contenders – the delicate arts once associated with Welsh backs


http://m.guardian.co.uk/ms/p/gnm/op/sdTRW9CAPu_ze3RtcOrYA_w/view.m?id=15&gid=sport/blog/2012/mar/15/six-nations-wales-giants&cat=rugby-union

[BigTrevsbigmac]

From this mornings Guardian.


Six Nations 2012: Wales's land of giants has no room for small wonders
Something is missing from the Six Nations grand slam contenders – the delicate arts once associated with Welsh backs


http://m.guardian.co.uk/ms/p/gnm/op/sdTRW9CAPu_ze3RtcOrYA_w/view.m?id=15&gid=sport/blog/2012/mar/15/six-nations-wales-giants&cat=rugby-union

Very thought provoking.
Most fans would swap skill for success but would they admit it?

[Luckless Pedestrian]

There's been a distinct lack of subtlety to our attacking play, especially in the last couple of games. Yes, we have big, powerful backs, but they're skilful too if we let them express that. The plan at the moment seems to be pretty much bish, bash, bosh; the problem with that is that our last two opponents have shown France that that approach can be largely contained. We'll need to vary our attack tomorrow if we really want to unlock this French defence.

[slartibartfast]

From this mornings Guardian.


Six Nations 2012: Wales's land of giants has no room for small wonders
Something is missing from the Six Nations grand slam contenders – the delicate arts once associated with Welsh backs


http://m.guardian.co.uk/ms/p/gnm/op/sdTRW9CAPu_ze3RtcOrYA_w/view.m?id=15&gid=sport/blog/2012/mar/15/six-nations-wales-giants&cat=rugby-union

What a pile of pants, Roberts score was from a turnover and a well timed pass from priestland. Roberts didn't bosh anyone. Ciuthbert didn'tbosh for his try. They can't help being fast.

I didn't see Scott Williams bosh anyone for his try at twickenham ?

This is just someone's perception and totally ignores the better back row play and crisper passing which is the real reason why Wales are doing well. I'll give him George north though.

[Woodstock]

..........remember Georges subtle pass to Williams? Superb skill.

[Guest]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/17389846

Talk from the French camp, they're well up for this one. Bit gutted Servat and Bonnaire will be retiring along with Nallet after the tournament though. Some of my fave players right there.

[thebluesmancometh]

Dreamer

That article intrigues me, from a psych point of veiw, they are seeing themselves as underdogs, and as the lesser team. The fact that they want to prove the WC semi was no 'fluke' tells me they beleived they were the lesser team in that game, and by beating Wales their world reacted like it was an upset.

This is far removed from the usual french psyche, they normally believe they are better than us based on their recent history.

I think they're worried...

[Guest]

Worried perhaps, but Imonal does go on to say, that after Sam got carded, The French stopped playing as they thought they'd already got the game won.

I think they want to prove they are better then they appeared that day, and that's a pretty strong motiviating factor.

A worried France is a dangerous France.

[Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler]

From this mornings Guardian.


Six Nations 2012: Wales's land of giants has no room for small wonders
Something is missing from the Six Nations grand slam contenders – the delicate arts once associated with Welsh backs


http://m.guardian.co.uk/ms/p/gnm/op/sdTRW9CAPu_ze3RtcOrYA_w/view.m?id=15&gid=sport/blog/2012/mar/15/six-nations-wales-giants&cat=rugby-union

What a pile of pants, Roberts score was from a turnover and a well timed pass from priestland. Roberts didn't bosh anyone. Ciuthbert didn'tbosh for his try. They can't help being fast.

Sorry did you just try to claim Roberts is fast?

[maestegmafia]

From this mornings Guardian.


Six Nations 2012: Wales's land of giants has no room for small wonders
Something is missing from the Six Nations grand slam contenders – the delicate arts once associated with Welsh backs


http://m.guardian.co.uk/ms/p/gnm/op/sdTRW9CAPu_ze3RtcOrYA_w/view.m?id=15&gid=sport/blog/2012/mar/15/six-nations-wales-giants&cat=rugby-union

What a pile of pants, Roberts score was from a turnover and a well timed pass from priestland. Roberts didn't bosh anyone. Ciuthbert didn'tbosh for his try. They can't help being fast.

Sorry did you just try to claim Roberts is fast?

He allegedly is very quick, though has rarely proved it. Though he is certainly looking faster and quicker accelerating this championship.

Basics are that he was fast enough to be faster than the opposition..!

Does any faster really matter???

[gregortree]

Hersh, wahahha , glad you are back

[maestegmafia]

Hersh, wahahha , glad you are back

How many glove puppet ids has HERSH got ???

[maestegmafia]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/17389846

Talk from the French camp, they're well up for this one. Bit gutted Servat and Bonnaire will be retiring along with Nallet after the tournament though. Some of my fave players right there.

I really like that France want to try to prove that their RWC semi final win over a fourteen man Wales was not a fluke.

There is a very big compliment by mes Amis from the other side of La Manche in that statement by Harinourdiquy.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

There is a very big compliment by mes Amis from the other side of the pond in that statement by Harinourdiquy.

Have the French been training in the States this week?

[maestegmafia]

Ha ha ha...! No they only got a little bit of Canada and filled it full of strip bars.

Will amend...!

[Luckless Pedestrian]

No need to amend, Maesteg, it's Friday afternoon and it's Super Saturday tomorrow!

[maestegmafia]

Tomorrow...!

Godits tomorrow already that only means tonight is gonna last forever, tomorrow morning an eternity...!

Time will pass as Christmas eve does when you are a kid..!

[maestegmafia]

Gwyn Jonse’s thoughts



The Championship has been all but secured – but it’s the Grand Slam we want. Eighty minutes of biting nerves, screaming at the action and maybe even the odd prayer and Wales could be lifting their third Grand Slam in a generation.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

France will enjoy nothing more than to spoil the party and the inclusion of Dimitri Yachvili causes me concern.  He is one of those rare players who can get the game to be played around him. His vision, skill and authority can dominate not just his own team but the opposition too. At his best the game dances to his rhythm and he is able to provide the direction of which this French side is in most need.

Dan Lydiate with his leg chopping tackles will be key to putting the veteran scrum half under pressure. Physically Yachvili could struggle against those scything hits.

Their other major threat is Wesley Fofana in midfield. Through the course of the championship he has grown in confidence and stature. He has devastating pace and obviously a knack of scoring tries. I’d like to see big George North run down his channel to welcome him to Cardiff and see how much he fancies the physical challenge.

WINNING THE CONTACT AREA

The 2005 Grand Slam was wonderful. It was rugby played the ‘Welsh way’. It was non-contact rugby, attacking space not the man. It had moments of genius, which were exhilarating.  But it was also high risk and fragile. Rugby is a collision sport and ultimately to win matches over a long period you must be able to consistently win the contact. South Africa and England have proven that, especially in World Cups.

That is the aspect of play that Warren Gatland has brought. Without subduing the natural flair of individuals, he has made Wales a team capable of consistently winning the battle at the contact area.

That is where international rugby is won and lost and that is why players such as Mike Phillips and Jonathan Davies have been ever present, getting picked instead of other players who offer different virtues.

PREDICTION

I think it will be close. Games of this magnitude often are. Wales are a second half side, which is proven by the points scored in the second period compared to the first. However, three yellow cards in four matches in that crucial second half has disrupted the plans significantly.

We want to see the extra fitness pushing home an advantage rather than being used to soak up pressure, and so discipline will be vital yet again.

Anyone who spends time in the company of the Welsh squad cannot but be impressed by their calmness, their pleasant demeanor and their unbending determination.

I think that by a margin of less than one score, Wales will win the match, seal the championship and deliver a Grand Slam to a proud and jubilant nation.

In the words of the current popular song, “don’t let us down”. They won’t, no matter what.

[flyhalffactory]

Re the Locks, i really dont know, there is an excellent case for all the candidates. It would be very tough on Ian Evans to drop him.

Chateris looked great when he cam on, AWJ Jones has been getting back to fitness and starting to look his usual useful self. Ryan Jones has been fantastic as a lock and as a backrow.

What do we do.

I would guess that if Warburton is fit Gats will likely start with AWJ and Ian Evans with Ryan Jones covering and no room for Charteris.

Personally I think I would try out AWJ and Evans to start with Charteris and Jones on the bench at the expense of Tuperic.

Evening posties

Twitchy bum time and I am not even from the land of somebodys fathers

Interesting talking about the locks.........
I think this side is probably better as a balance and man for man than the 05 and 08 slam sides, with the exception of

Shanklin at 13 (such a close call as Foxy is probably overall your best player of the 6Ns so far)

but..... I really think that Ryan Jones (a back three player really) and Charteris are better locks (and should be in your starting 15) than AWJ and Evans who I think under pressure are penalties waiting to happen.

I have a funny feeling the North God is going to have a barnstorming MOM game along with Foxy Davies and Smiler Rees and the SLAM DUNK is yours bretheren

But of course the main game as you know is that earlier "top of the bottom of the tableclash" between the two giants of rugby

Enjoy the moment chaps it will never come again

[maestegmafia]

Best if luck in Rome mate..!

[maestegmafia]

"Rugby football is about grace and style

About making the difficult look easy

We fans have long memories, a precise recall of special moments, there are always new stars in the firmament. One myth perpetuates another.

The moment we think that the past is irretrievably lost, we rediscover it." Richard Burton

[Woodstock]

"We are the nation of the possessed where rugby football is concerned.
We identify with our national team more completely than any other nation.

Now again we are in ecstacy"

Richard Burton

[maestegmafia]

Love it...!

I'm like a kid at Christmas... Hope you watched Scrum V classics last night. Scott Quinnell's debut season. First time we hadbeaten the French in years.

[maestegmafia]

Listening to the build up show on bbc radio Wales

Great show..!!!

Supersticious reasons reflecting who might win this afternoon.

[Shifty]

God this is driving me bonkers, I wish the game was over already

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