who should make the full Welsh squad for Oz?

i'd like to see

1. Jenkins
2. Rees
3. Jones
4. Charteris
5. Evans
6. Lydiate
7. Warburton/Tipuric
8. Faletau
9. Phillips
10. Priestland
11. North
12. Beck
13. S.Williams
14. Cuthbert
15. Halfpenny

16. Owens
17. James
18. AW-Jones
19. R.Jones
20. R.Webb
21. D.Biggar
22. J.Hook/A.Bishop

if JD2 is fit then i'd go with him and Scott Williams to start, Warbs at 7 if fit with Tips dropping out of the 22 with Ryan Jones on the bench as supersub, im not sure whether to go with Bishop, Hook or Beck at 12 but i've gone with Beck as hes been in superb form all season, although if his defence isn't up to scratch i'd go with Bishop.

other squad members:

23, R.Gill
24, C.Mitchell
25, H.Bennett
26, B.Davies
27, Tipuric
28, A.Shingler
29, L.Williams
30, A.Bishop
31, Li.Williams
32. L.Byrne

i'd like to see all squad members who are'nt involved in the 1st test given a go in the midweek game, i'd completely leave out Gethin & Adam and go with Gill and Mitchell to start with James once again covering from the bench.

LH - G Jenkins, P James, R Jones
HK - M Rees, K Owens, H Bennett
TH - A Jones, C Mitchell, A.N.Other
LK - AW Jones, I Evans, B Davies
BR - D Lydiate, A Shingler, J Tipuric, J Turnbull, R Jones, T Faletau (Warbutron to replace Shingler/Turnbull if fit)

SH - M Phillips, Ll Williams, R Webb
FH - R Priestland, D Biggar
Other Backs - G North, Li Williams, L Halfpenny, A Cuthbert, J Hook, A Beck, Sc Williams, A Hughes

I would go
Props - Jenkins, James, Bevington, A. Jones, Mitchell
Hookers - Rees, Owens, Hibbard
2nd Row - AW Jones, Evans, Charteris, Davies
Back Row - Lydiate, Shingler, Tipuric, Faletau, R. Jones, L.Evans/Warburton

Scrum Half- Phillips, L.Williams, Webb
Fly Half - Priestland, Biggar, Hook
Centre - S.Williams, Beck, Hughes/Davies
Outside Backs - North, Cuthbert, Halfpenny, Brew, Byrne

Jenkins, james, rhodri jones, Adam Jones, Joe Rees

Owens Rees Bennett

AWJ, Charteris, Davies, Ian Evans

Warburton, Lydiate, Faletau, Ryan Jones, Tuperic, Shingler

Phillips, Williams, Webb

Priestland, Hook, Biggar

Jon Davies, Scott Williams, Beck, Warren

Liam Williams, Halfpenny, North, Cuthbert

Will Lee Byrne Ever play for Wales again?

The only reason that i am asking is that I thought he would of played more in the 6ns than he did.

I think GS winning Leigh Halfpenny is pretty firmly in the 15 shirt. Liam Davies looks great as a back up.

If they move North to centre then i think we'll probably see Byrne back in the side

gowales wrote:If they move North to centre then i think we'll probably see Byrne back in the side

I would rather see a young guy with talent like Liam Williams get the chance to be honest.

I'm not sold on Liam, i don't think he's international material but he has time on his side i guess

gowales wrote:I'm not sold on Liam, i don't think he's international material but he has time on his side i guess

what would your squad be?

maestegmafia wrote:

gowales wrote:I'm not sold on Liam, i don't think he's international material but he has time on his side i guess

what would your squad be?

Can't be bothered. I've already posted on a numerous other threads. I'll get back to you closer to the tests

gowales wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

gowales wrote:I'm not sold on Liam, i don't think he's international material but he has time on his side i guess

what would your squad be?

Can't be bothered. I've already posted on a numerous other threads. I'll get back to you closer to the tests

Well copy and paste one of your previous posts?

Bishop??? Can't believe that try machine has been overlooked for so long.

Fast-track him straight back in to the squad.

Ospreys fan?

Casartelli wrote:Bishop??? Can't believe that try machine has been overlooked for so long.

Fast-track him straight back in to the squad.

Ospreys fan?

Has anyone mentioned Bishop?

The OP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!;

"if JD2 is fit then i'd go with him and Scott Williams to start, Warbs at 7 if fit with Tips dropping out of the 22 with Ryan Jones on the bench as supersub, im not sure whether to go with Bishop, Hook or Beck at 12 but i've gone with Beck as hes been in superb form all season, although if his defence isn't up to scratch i'd go with Bishop."

Casartelli wrote:Bishop??? Can't believe that try machine has been overlooked for so long.

Fast-track him straight back in to the squad.

Ospreys fan?

Yeah he mentioned him along with 2 other centres if our best 2 centres are out injured, don't know whats so wrong with that, the OP said Beck was ahead of him, but Bishop has a good defence and as a 4th option is a decent call - not spectacular but steady, reliable and will fit into the system.

A few seasons ago I liked the look of Bishop and the way he was developing, I seen him very much in the Shanklin mould. Nothing flashy but strong, always got over the gain line and always made the ball available.

He has gone back for whatever reason and has been overtaken by JD and Sc Williams, but I don't think it would be that bad a choice if he toured.

I think Castereli is trolling for an argument again.

Bishop has been usurped by better younger players. He is still an asset at the Ospreys but I can not see him challenging for international honours unless we have a seriously awful run of injuries.

Props - Gethin, Adam, Paul J, Mitchell, Gill, Bevvington
Hooker - Smiler, Owens, Hibbard
Second Row - Bradley, Ian E, AWJ, Charteris
Back Row - Faletau, Tipuric Lydiate, Warburton, Shingler, Ryan, Powell
Scrum Half - Phillips, Ll Williams, Webb
Outside Half - Priestland, Hook, Biggar
Centres, Sc Williams, Beck, JD/Hughs
Wings, North, Cuthbert, Robinson, Brew.
Fullback - Halfpenny, Byrne, L WIlliams.

Big Squad but we do have a game against the babas then the brumbies as well as the tests.

maestegmafia wrote:

gowales wrote:I'm not sold on Liam, i don't think he's international material but he has time on his side i guess

what would your squad be?

Props - Jenkins, A Jones, James, Mitchell, Gill, Bevington
Hookers - Rees, Owens, Hibbard
Locks - Evans, AWJ, Charteris, Davies
Backrow - Lydiate, Faletau, Warbs/Williams (only for Babas game), Tipuric, Ryan J, Powell, Shingler
SH's - Phillips, L Williams, Webb
FH's - Priestland, Hook, Biggar
Centres - Beck, S Williams/Bishop/Hughes
Wing - North, Cuthbert, Brew or Liam Williams
Fullback - Halfpenny, Byrne

Howley said that he's talking a 32-34 man squad, so i've taken that into account.

Hook and North can cover centre.

I still think Brew can offer something, but it's probably unlikely that he will be chosen.

Warburton and Scott Williams are still uncertainties for the tour. If Warbs is out, then i'd play Martyn Williams in the Ba-bas game but i wouldn't bring him on the rest of the tour. I don't think any of the other 7's in Wales are up to the task yet.

Have you guys ruled out JD2 completely... I thought he, Scott Williams and Warburton were thought likely to recover in time to make the BaaBaas and the Ozzie tour.

Warburton is seeing a specialist for his nerve damage next month and it is reported 50/50 until that assessment.

Scott Williams will make the tour and is likely to play against the Blues

In order of selection choice

Props
Gethin Jenkins
Adam Jones
Paul James
Ryan Bevington
Craig Mitchell
(Rhys Gill)

Hookers
Ken Owens
Matthew Rees
Huw Bennett/Richard Hibbard (fitness depending)

Locks
Luke Charteris
Ian Evans
Alun Wyn Jones
Bradley Davies

Flankers
Sam Warburton
Dan Lydiate
Justin Tipuric
Aaron Shingler

No8
Ryan Jones
Toby Faletau

Scrum Half
Mike Phillips
Lloyd Williams
Rhys Webb

Fly Half
Rhys Preistland
James Hook
Dan Biggar

Centres
Jonathon Davies (fitness depending)
Scott Williams
Ashley Beck
(Adam Hughes)

Back 3
George North
Leigh Halfpenny
Alex Cuthbert
Lee Byrne
Liam Williams
(Harry Robinson)

Full Back = Leigh Halfpenny / James Hook
Right Wing = George North / Hanno Dirksen
Outside Center = Jamie Roberts / Jonathan Davies
Inside Center = Ashley Beck / Scott Williams
Left Wing = Alex Cuthbert / Liam Williams
Outside Half = Dan Biggar / Rhys Priestland
Scrum Half = Rhys Webb / Mike Phillips
No8 = Toby Faletau / Ryan Jones
Openside Flanker = Sam Warburton / Justin Tipuric
Blindside Flanker = Dan Lydiate / Aaron Shingler
Lock = Alun-Wyn Jones / James King
Lock = Ian Evans / Bradley Davies
Tight head = Jo Rees / Craig Mitchell
Hooker = Matthew Rees / Ken Owens
Loose Head = Ryan Bevington / Rhys Gill

AlynDavies wrote:Full Back = Leigh Halfpenny / James Hook
Right Wing = George North / Hanno Dirksen
Outside Center = Jamie Roberts / Jonathan Davies
Inside Center = Ashley Beck / Scott Williams
Left Wing = Alex Cuthbert / Liam Williams
Outside Half = Dan Biggar / Rhys Priestland
Scrum Half = Rhys Webb / Mike Phillips
No8 = Toby Faletau / Ryan Jones
Openside Flanker = Sam Warburton / Justin Tipuric
Blindside Flanker = Dan Lydiate / Aaron Shingler
Lock = Alun-Wyn Jones / James King
Lock = Ian Evans / Bradley Davies
Tight head = Jo Rees / Craig Mitchell
Hooker = Matthew Rees / Ken Owens
Loose Head = Ryan Bevington / Rhys Gill

A few interesting talking points there Alyn...!

Do you see this as a development tour more than a way to get into the top for in the Rankings pre Xmas...?

The ozzies are not a weak nation... james king for charteris is a big shout... leaving Gethin, Paul James and Adam Jones at home is huge...

PS I think Jamie Roberts has already withdrawn himself from selection.

http://www.therugbyblog.co.uk/jamie-roberts-out-for-six-months-due-to-acl-injury

I was trying to think who my surprise inclusions and omissions might be in response.

Hearing what Howley had said in interview on Scrum V the other day I think Wales will take as close to their GS winning strongest squad as is possible for them. Only injury would change that. With Roberts definitely out and Scott Williams and JD2 both in recovery centre is the place where a surprise might occur.

Adam Warren and Ashley beck would be good choices as inside centre cover and Adam Hughes as an outside centre.

Real wild cards would be Henson, Hewitt, Evans, Maule
We might see a player like Dirksen or Harry robinson get the call on the wing and North selected as a centre?

maestegmafia wrote:I was trying to think who my surprise inclusions and omissions might be in response.

Hearing what Howley had said in interview on Scrum V the other day I think Wales will take as close to their GS winning strongest squad as is possible for them. Only injury would change that. With Roberts definitely out and Scott Williams and JD2 both in recovery centre is the place where a surprise might occur.

Adam Warren and Ashley beck would be good choices as inside centre cover and Adam Hughes as an outside centre.

Real wild cards would be Henson, Hewitt, Evans, Maule
We might see a player like Dirksen or Harry robinson get the call on the wing and North selected as a centre?

I agree with what you say except that Gavin Evans and Hewitt are not international standard centres and Henson has blown it internationally.

Smirnoffpriest wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:I was trying to think who my surprise inclusions and omissions might be in response.

Hearing what Howley had said in interview on Scrum V the other day I think Wales will take as close to their GS winning strongest squad as is possible for them. Only injury would change that. With Roberts definitely out and Scott Williams and JD2 both in recovery centre is the place where a surprise might occur.

Adam Warren and Ashley beck would be good choices as inside centre cover and Adam Hughes as an outside centre.

Real wild cards would be Henson, Hewitt, Evans, Maule
We might see a player like Dirksen or Harry robinson get the call on the wing and North selected as a centre?

I agree with what you say except that Gavin Evans and Hewitt are not international standard centres and Henson has blown it internationally.

Hense the real Wild card status...!

Dirksen isn't qualified yet.

Robinson isn't really ready yet, he has hardly played for the Blues.

Once you get past North, Cuthbert, Halfpenny, Byrne and L.Williams there is very few options, and Byrne won't last much longer.

wales606 wrote:Dirksen isn't qualified yet.

Robinson isn't really ready yet, he has hardly played for the Blues.

Once you get past North, Cuthbert, Halfpenny, Byrne and L.Williams there is very few options, and Byrne won't last much longer.

There is also Brew, Fenby, and a number of the sevens lads that are generally out of the equation. The Owen Williams's, Dan Fish et al.

It's certainly not all doom and gloom.

wales606 wrote:Dirksen isn't qualified yet.

Robinson isn't really ready yet, he has hardly played for the Blues.

Once you get past North, Cuthbert, Halfpenny, Byrne and L.Williams there is very few options, and Byrne won't last much longer.

Martyn Thomas is a very good player. Then there are options like James, Mustoe, Brew, and Fenby who are better than some options we have had as first choice in the past.

To be honest out of Brew, Fenby (is he WQ yet?), Owen Williams's, Dan Fish (isn't he still injured?), James, Mustoe & Martyn Thomas the only ones I'd be comfortable seeing in a Welsh shirt would be Thomas and Brew, and not both of them in the team at the same time. Though it is true we've got a fair few players eligable, including Prydie and Phillips - I don't think many of them will be able to play to a high enough standard to keep Wales at the same level we are currently at, even just as stand ins.

Smirnoff - Fenby is a gog, so he is qualified. I would agree that the players I listed are not up to the same standards as players we have in the international shirts at the moment, however I genuinely believe that if they were required to fill in the gaps, they would probably do a better job than trying to get a player to change positions to fill the gap (like Hook at fullback, or Foxy on the wing etc).

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Smirnoff - Fenby is a gog, so he is qualified. I would agree that the players I listed are not up to the same standards as players we have in the international shirts at the moment, however I genuinely believe that if they were required to fill in the gaps, they would probably do a better job than trying to get a player to change positions to fill the gap (like Hook at fullback, or Foxy on the wing etc).

Ahh apologies thought he was born in England came to N Wales for a bit then got his 1st major contract with Newcastle - didn't realise he was born in Wales.

I think I'm coming at this from a different angle - I was thinking "have we actually got great strength in depth after the current encumbents" and "how far down the line is there a big drop in quality" and to me if you have lost North, Cuthbert, Halfpenny, then there isn't a great drop in quality if you bring in Liam Williams, Byrne/Thomas and Brew/Robinson - but after that I'd say there's a massive drop to Fenby, James, Prydie, Mustoe ect

But I can see your argument that playing Fenby would be better than having Foxy on the wing (though i'm undecided on him being better at FB than Hook, who I think is poor at FB)

JD2 could be well enough for the tour now - they are just weighing up whether to operate or if they can just re-hab it

Its the WRU we are talking about, they will take him, injure him and then rush him back in time for the AIs.

We'll see, I'm sure he has a choice in things too.

Does any know this difference between a sports hernia and a regular hernia ? I take it its not just a piece of intestine trapped through stomach ?

munkian wrote:We'll see, I'm sure he has a choice in things too.

Does any know this difference between a sports hernia and a regular hernia ? I take it its not just a piece of intestine trapped through stomach ?

A hernia is any organ penetrating into somewhere is shouldn't be, normally intestine through the peritoneum (if it was through stomach there would be a big problem), I assume the same is true of sports hernias.

The recovery time from the surgery (barring complications) would be pretty short in any case - so he could well be back for the start of the season even if he has surgery after the Wales tour (although it should have healed naturally if they think about taking him).

JD2 is being considered for this weekends Scarlets match vs Blues.

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/rugby-news/2012/05/02/scarlets-centre-jonathan-davies-set-to-give-wales-fitness-boost-91466-30880750/

maestegmafia wrote:JD2 is being considered for this weekends Scarlets match vs Blues.

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/rugby-news/2012/05/02/scarlets-centre-jonathan-davies-set-to-give-wales-fitness-boost-91466-30880750/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/17927709
On BBC Sport, dated today but not sure when the quote is from, Jon Davies says he's hopeful of making the Oz tour and if everything goes well he'll be training in a few weeks.

So from that I doubt he'll play in the Scarlets game/be risked, but I suppose it's who you believe the Western Mail or the BBC

Smirnoff - Foxy, Scott Williams, McCusker, Gardener and Day are all expected to be down at the Pembroke Dock Quins kids presentation evening tomorrow night, so I would not expect any of htem to be involved in the Blues match, unless they are going to be bench warmers.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Smirnoff - Foxy, Scott Williams, McCusker, Gardener and Day are all expected to be down at the Pembroke Dock Quins kids presentation evening tomorrow night, so I would not expect any of htem to be involved in the Blues match, unless they are going to be bench warmers.

That's good for the kids at Pem Dock - I know from personal experience that it really helps engender a strong link with the club by doing stuff like that. Ieuan Evans, Rubert Moon, Phil May and Phil Davies used to come down my rugby club for presentations all the time when I was a kid.

It really shows our injury list as all those players would strenthen our team Saturday.

Smirnoffpriest wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:JD2 is being considered for this weekends Scarlets match vs Blues.

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/rugby-news/2012/05/02/scarlets-centre-jonathan-davies-set-to-give-wales-fitness-boost-91466-30880750/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/17927709
On BBC Sport, dated today but not sure when the quote is from, Jon Davies says he's hopeful of making the Oz tour and if everything goes well he'll be training in a few weeks.

So from that I doubt he'll play in the Scarlets game/be risked, but I suppose it's who you believe the Western Mail or the BBC

Just read the article you linked to your post... Well either way i just hope he recovers soon. He has had a fantastic season so far and I hope there is more to come.

Since hearing the news that JD2 should be fit in time i would go with a backline of

9. Phillips
10. Priestland
11. Cuthbert
12. North
13. Jon Davies
14. Halfpenny
15. Byrne

to stick to a similar game plan with Roberts missing at 12 we could put North in there, its a gamble, but if it comes off he could make an even bigger impact at 12 than Roberts does as he seems just as deadly on the crash ball except he is even quicker!

would be interesting to say the least!

bench cover for backs,

20. Webb
21. Biggar
22. Hook

I don't see north as an inside centre at all. An outside maybe.

I would rather have Beck and JD2 in the centre with Priestland and Phillips at halfback and the regular north, Cuthbert and Halfpenny back three.

maestegmafia wrote:I don't see north as an inside centre at all. An outside maybe.

I would rather have Beck and JD2 in the centre with Priestland and Phillips at halfback and the regular north, Cuthbert and Halfpenny back three.

+1

Smirnoffpriest wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:I don't see north as an inside centre at all. An outside maybe.

I would rather have Beck and JD2 in the centre with Priestland and Phillips at halfback and the regular north, Cuthbert and Halfpenny back three.

+1

But it's the second row I can't call. There are four very good lads all chomping at the bit for the shirt. They are all very different players.

AWJ an athletic bruiser, gives graft and guile also great leadership.

Luke Charteris fantastic RWC and Six nations athletic, great tackler awesome line out.

Ian Evans, great line out, gets around the pitch loads.

Bradley Davies is a monster great in the line out awesome ball in hand.

I have a clue who I would select over another and why... As they all have so many reasons for selection...!

maestegmafia wrote:

Smirnoffpriest wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:I don't see north as an inside centre at all. An outside maybe.

I would rather have Beck and JD2 in the centre with Priestland and Phillips at halfback and the regular north, Cuthbert and Halfpenny back three.

+1

But it's the second row I can't call. There are four very good lads all chomping at the bit for the shirt. They are all very different players.

AWJ an athletic bruiser, gives graft and guile also great leadership.

Luke Charteris fantastic RWC and Six nations athletic, great tackler awesome line out.

Ian Evans, great line out, gets around the pitch loads.

Bradley Davies is a monster great in the line out awesome ball in hand.

I have a clue who I would select over another and why... As they all have so many reasons for selection...!

I'd be happy with any combination to be honest - I may lean towards Evans and Charteris but more for personal preference and certainly wouldn't be unhappy with Bradley and AWJ

North needs to be left where he his out on the wing and develop his game further there. We have a player in fine form in Beck and he should be nailed on for the inside centre position for the tour, touch wood he doesn't suffer an injury (Stay away from ladders).

Great news JD2 will be fit. He said himself he feels good which is great news. It will be a classy midfield duo with Beck and JD2 and with Cuthbert and North coming off their wings and smashing through the heart of the Aussie defence we could be in business.

Nice to have the problem of the four locks. Each one you could argue a starting position for and indeed you could argue at least two could go on the Lions tour next year.