Wales XV for France

A few conundrums with Ryan Jones being unlucky not to make the starting XV - Here's mine for what its worth


1 - Adam
2 - Rees (Ken to come on if need be - Italy were strong up front)
3 - Gethin
4 - Ianto (6 8ins)
5 - Charteris (6 10ins)
6 - Dan
7 - Warbs
8 - Toby
9 - Iron Mike
10 - RP
11 - North
12 - JD
13 - Dr
14 - Cuthbert
15 - 1/2p

Bench from

James
Ryan
Owens
Tipuric
Scott W
Hook
Webb

I would prefer Ryan at 8 and Toby on the bench but I suspect Gatland will go back to the RWC team hence I Evans may be dropped which will be crazy, difficult choice we could have two second rows with limited game time!

When team is announced on Thursday and France is on Wednesday...

Ruby,

Got your props wrong way round.

I think for the most it picks itself but I reckon we have AWJ, Charteris, R Jones and Tipuric vying for 3 slots.

I would love to see Evans and Charteris start because of their sheer size, assuming he went for another flyer on the bench in the shape of Tipuric the last slot would be between AWJ and R Jones.

For me R Jones would get the nod

bedfordwelsh wrote:Ruby,

Got your props wrong way round.

I think for the most it picks itself but I reckon we have AWJ, Charteris, R Jones and Tipuric vying for 3 slots.

I would love to see Evans and Charteris start because of their sheer size, assuming he went for another flyer on the bench in the shape of Tipuric the last slot would be between AWJ and R Jones.

For me R Jones would get the nod

For me Charteris and Evans are not strong enough ball carriers to play them both together.
Our back row also lacks a truely monster ball carrier like Morgan or Ferris or SOB. Therefore I think Bradley plus either Evans or Charteris is our best combo as not only does Bradley compliment the other lock, but also the back row. (I know he's not available)
For this match I would continue with Evans and AWJ.

Interesting idea, to play Gethin at THP and Roberts at 13 to confuse the french.

1. Gethin Jenkins
2. Ken Owens
3. Adam Jones
4. Ryan Jones (though it will be AWJ)
5. Ianto Evans
6. Dan Lydiate
7. Sam Warburton
8. Toby Faletau
9. Mike Phillips
10. Rhys Preistland
11. George North
12. Jamie Roberts
13. Jonathon Davies
14. Alex Cuthbert
15. Leigh Halfpenny

16. Paul James
17. Matthew Rees
18. Alun Wyn Jones
19. Justin Tipuric
20. Lloyd Williams
21. James Hook
22. Scott Williams

You guys know what I mean with the props and centres so cut the quips, I'm a little nervous. Now the big calls for me are at 2 and 2nd row and I just think he's going to go with Rees and Ianto/Charteris with Ryan on the bench and AWJ in the stand. Bit risky you might say but watch the team when its announced.

2nd row and the bench spot is a tough call. Charteris did well when he came on and I agree that a combination of him and Evans could work well but AWJ has two 6n games which he has started under his belt. We need Tipuric on the bench covering Warbs and Ryan's form and versatility (and full match fitness...) must also give him a bench spot so reluctantly Charteris should lose out for me just due to lack of game time really. Gats will probably base his decision on this week's training though...

I'd be surprised if AJW isn't on the bench, can se both him and R Jones on the bench to be honest. Would like to see Luke and Ianto starting.

Big game for our front row, especially when you see the qaulity replacements France can bring on 2nd half. They are scary strong there.

When is it announced boys?

I would go for Ryan instead of Toby but then again its a tough call. Charteris and Evans to start.
i still say that if priestland gets injured or is having a shocker then i would be worried to see hook come on at 10, especially against france, would rather have jones on the bench, but then there's no real cover for 15 etc so that won't be happening.I wouldn't start with Rees, Owens to start (but he wont).