Wales changes!

Try to leave the emotion out of it...

Davies and Charteris were very very ring rusty first half. I'd DROP BOTH

Falatau very poor first half and non existant 2nd! JONES TO GET MORE GAME TIME NEXT WEEK

Phillips was shown as a lock at 9... WEBB IN

Preistlands and Phillips kicking single handedly destroyed us nearly! HOOK AT 10?! NOT SURE

The rest of the backline had to take the brunt of the lack of forward nous! BECK AT 13 DAVIES AT 12.

Owens wasn't great either. REES IN, HIBBARD NEEDS TO BE THERE.

Next week I'd go with...

Jones
Rees
Jenkins
AWJ
Evans
Lydiate (wow)
Warburton
Falatau
Webb
Hook
Cuthbert
Davies
Beck
North
1/2p

Infact scratch that, ditch Hook to the bench for Preistland, give him a chance with a bit of quick ball!!!

Great game and Genia was fantastic... Wales need to drop Phillips as they need a Scrum Half not another back row player...

1. Agree Davies was out of sorts think Ian Evand should come in but would keep charts.

2. Beck playes 12 not 13, JD stays in the outside channels.

3. Phillips keeps his place

4. THink NOrth is out so either Halfpenny to wing and Liam W to full back or send a call to Byrne.

1. Gethin
2. Smiler
3. Adam
4. Ianto
5. Charts
6. Lydiate
7. Warbs
8. Faletau
9. Phillips
10. Hook
11. Halfpenny
12. Beck
13. JD
14. Cuthbert
15. Byrne

16. James
17. Hibbard
18. AWJ
19. Ryan J
20. Webb
21. Priestland
22. L Williams

Faletau was awful

Ryan Jones in at 8.

1. Gethin Jenkins
2. Matthew Rees
3. Adam Jones
4. Alun Wyn Jones
5. Ian Evans
6. Dan Lydiate
7. Sam Warburton
8. Ryan Jones
9. Mike Phillips
10. Rhys Priestland
11. George North (hopefully, otherwise I have no idea who starts)
12. Ashley Beck
13. Jonathon Davies
14. Alex Cuthbert
15. Leigh Halfpenny

16. Ken Owens/Richard Hibbard (for impact)
17. Paul James
18. Bradley Davies
19. Justin Tipuric
20. Lloyd Williams
21. James Hook -
22. Liam Williams / Lee Byrne hopefully

Liam Williams to the wing instead of North, keeping Halfpenny to full back

I think we need a much more aggressive pack, we need to push around and bully these Ossies because I think they might have a soft underbelly we can exploit.

15 Priestland
14 HalfPenny
13 Jonathan Davies
12 Ashley Beck
11 Alex Cuthbert
10 James Hook
9 Mike Phillips
8 Ryan Jones
7 Sam Warburton
6 Dan Lydiate
5 Ian Evans
4 Bradley Davies
3 Adam Jones
2 Richard hibbard
1 Gethin Jenkins

1. Gethin Jenkins
2. Matthew Rees
3. Adam Jones
4. Alun Wyn Jones
5. Ian Evans
6. Dan Lydiate
7. Sam Warburton
8. Ryan Jones
9. Mike Phillips
10. (Dan Biggar) Rhys Priestland
11. George North
12. Ashley Beck
13. Jonothan Davies
14. Alex Cuthbert
15. Leigh Halfpenny

16. Ken Owens
17. Paul James
18. Luke Charteris
19. Justin Tipuric
20. Rhys Webb
21. James Hook
22. Liam Williams

Very similar to most teams being suggested.

Tough call on Matthew Rees, but his experience at the break down is needed.
Second rows didn't work today, Evans and Jones are in top form.
Faletau was anonymous today, Jones's work rate and attitude is on another level.
Phillips got us out of some sticky situations today, added some much needed grunt too. If Biggar is once again ignored then Priestland is our only other option.
Beck was good when he came on, Davies likely injured anyway.
If north is injured, then a re-shuffle with Byrne being brought in, Halfpenny to the wing.
Hook on the bench to cover centre only. 10 in an emergancy.

Wasn't the plan to bully the Ossies today Alyn, that didn't seem to work very well...

EVERYONE HAS FORGOTTEN ABOUT SOMEBODY.

If North the destroyer of worlds is injured. I want to see young flyer Harold Robinson have a go. Inexperienced but has gas and worth a punt.

North was immense till he went off. I knew then the game was lost.

welliamwibb wrote:EVERYONE HAS FORGOTTEN ABOUT SOMEBODY.

If North the destroyer of worlds is injured. I want to see young flyer Harold Robinson have a go. Inexperienced but has gas and worth a punt.

North was immense till he went off. I knew then the game was lost.

He hasn't been forgotten about, just wouldn't want to see anyone gain their first real cap against an on form Digby Ioane! Saying that, I wouldn't be dissapointed to see him in the starting line up.

Dig bee yo wah knee

What a name!

How did North get injury? I thought he was invincible?

anotherworldofpain wrote:How did North get injury? I thought he was invincible?

Apparently the Aussies had kryptonite in their pockets..

I thought it was a tactical mini nuclear device hidden in one of his boots.

gowales wrote:Wasn't the plan to bully the Ossies today Alyn, that didn't seem to work very well...

I really don't think so, our hit men are guys like Ianto, Hibbard, etc. They are the real in your face, nasty guys we have. Bradley was on the field, but he is much more lively when he is having to compete with Ianto as the on field psycho!

CurlyOsp wrote:

welliamwibb wrote:EVERYONE HAS FORGOTTEN ABOUT SOMEBODY.

If North the destroyer of worlds is injured. I want to see young flyer Harold Robinson have a go. Inexperienced but has gas and worth a punt.

North was immense till he went off. I knew then the game was lost.

He hasn't been forgotten about, just wouldn't want to see anyone gain their first real cap against an on form Digby Ioane! Saying that, I wouldn't be dissapointed to see him in the starting line up.

Cuthbert would be against Ioane

Bradley Davies definitely out, replaced by Ian Evans. Disappointing by Davies given that I thought his physicality would be more beneficial but all I noticed from him was a soft knock on to waste good field position. Charteris I don't really mind if he stays or goes, not much to say for or against him.

Faletau could be ousted by Ryan Jones from the starting XV and kept off the bench by Tipuric after today. Didn't see as much of him as I'd have liked.

I'd be seriously tempted to start Rhys Webb in Melbourne for the benefit of his quicker service were it not for his inexperience. Phillips' game was forgettable, far too easily contained and turned over. Maybe he needs to be knocked off the comfort of his perch. I'd at least take the risk of having Webb on the bench.

Wouldn't mind having Beck in at 12. Really hoping North is fit.

AlynDavies wrote:

gowales wrote:Wasn't the plan to bully the Ossies today Alyn, that didn't seem to work very well...

I really don't think so, our hit men are guys like Ianto, Hibbard, etc. They are the real in your face, nasty guys we have. Bradley was on the field, but he is much more lively when he is having to compete with Ianto as the on field psycho!

Yes...lively...dumping people on their heads.

Sorry, couldn't resist

We might have no choice to play Beck, but Beck is going to have a massive shock, he is often asleep in defense and awful at organising the defense line, listening to instructions. He ball watches all the time and when the ball and opposition player are in front of him he often panics because he realises there are men over.

I see it so often at the Ospreys, it's ok to an extent playing for the Ospreys against teams like Aironi, but Australia will score a try every time he switches off.

wales606 wrote:

AlynDavies wrote:

gowales wrote:Wasn't the plan to bully the Ossies today Alyn, that didn't seem to work very well...

I really don't think so, our hit men are guys like Ianto, Hibbard, etc. They are the real in your face, nasty guys we have. Bradley was on the field, but he is much more lively when he is having to compete with Ianto as the on field psycho!

Yes...lively...dumping people on their heads.

Sorry, couldn't resist

I was also referring to that myself!

Though like I said if Ianto had got hold of that Irish lad, they'd still be trying to find the body...

AlynDavies wrote:

wales606 wrote:

AlynDavies wrote:

gowales wrote:Wasn't the plan to bully the Ossies today Alyn, that didn't seem to work very well...

I really don't think so, our hit men are guys like Ianto, Hibbard, etc. They are the real in your face, nasty guys we have. Bradley was on the field, but he is much more lively when he is having to compete with Ianto as the on field psycho!

Yes...lively...dumping people on their heads.

Sorry, couldn't resist

I was also referring to that myself!

Though like I said if Ianto had got hold of that Irish lad, they'd still be trying to find the body...

Ianto is big enough, he'll probably eat Genia next week.

I wouldn't be so sure. I can't see anyone getting a nibble in on Genia, let alone eating him, with the space and forwards platform he had today. Improving the tackle area and breakdown are crucial steps towards knocking the Aussies out of their stride. I think that's three games in a row they've now munched us in this department.

Plan B is go to church and pray Genia comes down with flu five mins before kickoff

Knowsit17 wrote:I wouldn't be so sure. I can't see anyone getting a nibble in on Genia, let alone eating him, with the space and forwards platform he had today. Improving the tackle area and breakdown are crucial steps towards knocking the Aussies out of their stride. I think that's three games in a row they've now munched us in this department.

Plan B is go to church and pray Genia comes down with flu five mins before kickoff

'Flu' can be arranged...

I think the tour squad selection wasn't right, nor was the selection for this match.

I'm not a fan, but Biggar should have toured -- he has been the form 10 in Wales recently. Byrne has played well in France and should also have gone.

Beck has been the form 12 and should have started the game. Webb should have started, to bring greater pace and compete with the great Genia. Wales look slow and ponderous in their back play a lot of the time -- they have to play at a much greater pace and improve their back play to trouble top sides like Australia. (If you watch Aus and NZ -- they do things at pace, and perform the basics well -- pass in front of the man, great support play, great kick and chase, run good angles, and defend. ) There must also be different players on the bench that can offer something different. Almost man for man, Wales had bigger, heavier players, but pace and agility also counts for a lot. Players like Robinson have got to be given a chance in the 22, to change things if things are not working. I still think the Wales midfield is too pedestrian, as is much of their back play, and we need a specialist fullback. Wales 9 an 10 combo is not working well, nor is their midfield.

I really wouldnt make too many changes...

The second row needs looking at. Luke Charteris is not playing as well as he was, AWJ looked superb when he entered the fray.

I would be excited to see Beck with Davies in the centre and if North is injured then i would bring on Harry Robinson on the wing or Lee Byrne at Fullback.

We have options. Lets see how the Brumbies game goes midweek before rash calls are made.

Injuries aside I would make 3 possibly 4 changes.

Evans and AWJ in 2nd row

R Jones in at 8 Faletau seems off it

My pissible fourth one would be Hook at 10 as Priestland had a shocker but I am still worried by Hook and fills me with fear everytime he plays.

Ianto and AWJ in,

Math Rees to start instead of Ken Owens

Ryan to start at 8

Liam Williams on the wing if Georgie isn't fit to keep 1/2p at FB (those two can interchange if need be).

Centre is a worry. I just don't think Beck is up to it defensively just yet. Fingers crossed Scott is okay. At times his link play passing with Rhys was v v good. When you consider he hasn't played since March 24th, with more game time he should quickly improve.

We made loads of half chances today don't forget, with more game time together they should start to finisht them off.

I was disappointed with the pack, they looked tried and almost disinterested at times also philips is a senior player in the backs he needs to up his game and lead by example for the young backs
Overall as I expected we would lose at around a score in it.

rugby,

I would leave Owens there and if North isn't fit I hope for the love of god that he does go with either Williams or Brew on the wing and leave Halfpenny at XV.

BUT I suspect if he's not he will go with Hook at XV (god help us) and move Leigh to the wing.

We have to be better on the ground and defend our ruck ball, the Aussies smashed there all day and their counter rucking was pretty impressive.

I just think the first half Rees would be better. Ken is very good in the loose when the game opens up more in the 2nd half for me.

Meant to say agree with you completely about Hook though! He just can't defend at FB, I have this horrible feeling every time I see him in the 15 shirt!

Is Hook worhty of being in the Welsh team?

Surely some one like Byrne would of been a better choice at full back then Hook.

Yeah surely Byrne has finished with Clermont now and as AWJ and EVans both flew/fly out later then so could Byrne

I didn't think Ken was too bad today, line out went satisfactorily well, and he wasn't completely anonymous in the loose so I'd give him another go. Ian Evans has to come, probably for Davies as the enforcer, and I'd like to see AWJ come for Charteris but wonder what effect that would have on our line out. Back row to stay the same for now, but Ryan is breathing down Toby's neck now. Realistically, Phillips will start next week but Webb should be on the bench and he should get at least 20/25 minutes. I thought it was odd not to switch the nines today to add more tempo to our game. Williams and Davies to stay in the centre, hopefully the game time will have done them a world of good and they showed flashes of stuff today. As delicious as Beck's line and offload was for the Cuthbert try, he was guilty as charged for the McCabe score and we can't cope with that in the midfield so on the bench again for Beck. Hopefully big George is fit, otherwise their is a conundrum. Liam Williams and Harry Robinson are the two best options, I'd back Williams for his better defensive and aerial abilities, although Harry would be the brave choice. I just worry about seeing him exposed by someone this early on in his career, as the Aussies would target him.

Now, for the big one. Why is Daniel Biggar not even out there with the squad? The management can't still be holding that Fiji game against him can they? He was the best fly half in Wales by a country mile towards the end of this season, it's a travesty he's not even out there as an option. And please, please but some actual back three cover on the bench. I don't mind Hook coming on at 10/12/13, but at 15 he is a walking disaster.

One of the reasons Wales lost today was the number of players who have played very little rugby in the last two months: Halfpenny, North, Williams, JD2, Gethin, Charteris, Warburton. Also Rees on the bench. It took a long time for these guys to get up to match pace and by then the game was lost.

Hopefully Williams and North are fit as neither Beck or Hook looked the part. Lovely flip up to Cuthbert mind you, but other than that Beck looked a bit lost. Hook has just lost his mojo.

The only unforced changes I would make are Ianto and Alan Wyn, and I would also be tempted to start with Ryan at 8.

I agree that Biggar should be on the tour, but he was pants against the Barbarians and a long way from pushing himself into a starting place. Hook was worse than Priestland, I wonder what Stephen Jones is doing this summer?

Biggar didn't really get a chance against the Baabaas. Its impossible for a 10 to shine when there is no structure to the game.

Actually I would just Stephen Jones with the 10 shirt a lot more than the options we have at the moment - pity he is ancient, still the best 10 we have had since Jonathan Davies.

bedfordwelsh wrote:Injuries aside I would make 3 possibly 4 changes.

Evans and AWJ in 2nd row

R Jones in at 8 Faletau seems off it

My possible fourth one would be Hook at 10 as Priestland had a shocker but I am still worried by Hook and fills me with fear everytime he plays.

Bedford, I agree with your comments, our "first team" have not played for 5 weeks or more in losing teams except A Jones. We constantly get predictable team selection regardless of form, what form, only the bench players have played at any intensity recently. No doubt we will pick the same team with a poor 10 screwing everything up, Hook must play 10 and I would not play Preistland at 15 he can't catch, Tackle and his kicking is all over the place. I would keep 1/2 Penny at FB and put Brew on the wing if North is not fit. I think the rusty first team players must play on Tuesday to get game time to fight for their team places.

Seagultaf wrote:One of the reasons Wales lost today was the number of players who have played very little rugby in the last two months: Halfpenny, North, Williams, JD2, Gethin, Charteris, Warburton. Also Rees on the bench. It took a long time for these guys to get up to match pace and by then the game was lost.

Hopefully Williams and North are fit as neither Beck or Hook looked the part. Lovely flip up to Cuthbert mind you, but other than that Beck looked a bit lost. Hook has just lost his mojo.

The only unforced changes I would make are Ianto and Alan Wyn, and I would also be tempted to start with Ryan at 8.

I agree that Biggar should be on the tour, but he was pants against the Barbarians and a long way from pushing himself into a starting place. Hook was worse than Priestland, I wonder what Stephen Jones is doing this summer?

Yea but who's fault was it for picking those players. We can't use that as an excuse, we'll start to sound like the Irish then...

"Hook was worse than Priestland" Really? Hook was playing out of position at 15, after playing in Wales vs. Ba-Bas (at 12) last Saturday. Priestland was playing in his favoured position after being out early in Oz for conditioning. No comparison.

samuraidragon wrote:"Hook was worse than Priestland" Really? Hook was playing out of position at 15, after playing in Wales vs. Ba-Bas (at 12) last Saturday. Priestland was playing in his favoured position after being out early in Oz for conditioning. No comparison.

Agreed

If Hook plays then play him at 10 anywhere else on the field fills me with dread.

Wales for the Brumbies

WALES: Liam Williams; Harry Robinson, Andrew Bishop, Ashley Beck, Aled Brew; James Hook, Rhys Webb; Paul James, Richard Hibbard, Rhodri Jones, Alun Wyn Jones (Captain), Luke Charteris, Josh Turnbull, Justin Tipuric, Aaron Shingler

REPLACEMENTS: Ken Owens, Rhys Gill, Ian Evans, Gareth Delve, Lloyd Williams, Rhys Priestland, Alex Cuthbert

maes,

Is that not to in-experienced I would say we need to win that game so I would be tempted to make some of the big boys 'back it up' again on tuesday.

Notice Delve on bench is he with the squad?

Faletau is out of the tour so Delve's probably been called up and about time to he's been on fire for the Rebels for the past 2 seasons

gowales wrote:

samuraidragon wrote:"Hook was worse than Priestland" Really? Hook was playing out of position at 15, after playing in Wales vs. Ba-Bas (at 12) last Saturday. Priestland was playing in his favoured position after being out early in Oz for conditioning. No comparison.

Agreed

10 is a much higher pressure position than 15, Hook still looked poor. He has had plenty of shots at 10 but comes up short every time, Perpignan almost got relegated with him at 10.

If there was another international class 10 available, then by all means but there isn't.

Hook has his chance at 10 on Tuesday, lets see how he gets on, its his chance to put down a marker.

Seagultaf wrote:

gowales wrote:

samuraidragon wrote:"Hook was worse than Priestland" Really? Hook was playing out of position at 15, after playing in Wales vs. Ba-Bas (at 12) last Saturday. Priestland was playing in his favoured position after being out early in Oz for conditioning. No comparison.

Agreed

10 is a much higher pressure position than 15, Hook still looked poor. He has had plenty of shots at 10 but comes up short every time, Perpignan almost got relegated with him at 10.

If there was another international class 10 available, then by all means but there isn't.

Hook has his chance at 10 on Tuesday, lets see how he gets on, its his chance to put down a marker.

Love sacks to all that. Haven't heard such a bunch of cow turd in a long time.

Priestland, Biggar, Stephen Jones wouldn't have made a difference to Perpignan's season, they were crap the whole year.

gowales wrote:

samuraidragon wrote:"Hook was worse than Priestland" Really? Hook was playing out of position at 15, after playing in Wales vs. Ba-Bas (at 12) last Saturday. Priestland was playing in his favoured position after being out early in Oz for conditioning. No comparison.

Agreed

Hook received positive reviews from the French press, despite playing in a poor Perpignan team and not getting regular game time at 10 until the second half of their season.

Priestland has been found out - he looked fantastic in the RWC warm up games but has been on the decline ever since. Flash in the pan.

Biggar deserves a shot but isn't there - and anyway, Wales play a kicking game now, and Hook kicks it a lot further than either Biggar or Priestland, so it's a no brainer - Hook to 10 for the next 2 or 3 seasons.

Casartelli wrote:

gowales wrote:

samuraidragon wrote:"Hook was worse than Priestland" Really? Hook was playing out of position at 15, after playing in Wales vs. Ba-Bas (at 12) last Saturday. Priestland was playing in his favoured position after being out early in Oz for conditioning. No comparison.

Agreed

Hook received positive reviews from the French press, despite playing in a poor Perpignan team and not getting regular game time at 10 until the second half of their season.

Priestland has been found out - he looked fantastic in the RWC warm up games but has been on the decline ever since. Flash in the pan.

Biggar deserves a shot but isn't there - and anyway, Wales play a kicking game now, and Hook kicks it a lot further than either Biggar or Priestland, so it's a no brainer - Hook to 10 for the next 2 or 3 seasons.

Hook doesnt kick it better than Biggar though - but you do have a point.