the regions starting 15

As a Blues supporter hears my opinion of what Their starting 15. I have indcated alternatives for when welsh internationals are away

1. Benoit Bourrust
2. Andy Kyriacou
3. Campese Mafu
4. Bradley Davies - James Down
5. Lou Reed (possible) - Macauley Cook/ Cory Hill
6. Michael Paterson
7. Sam Warburton - Josh Navidi
8. Andrieus Pretorious (if called up as he becomes eligible at beginning of 2013) - Xavier Rush / Luke Hamilton
9. Lloyd Williams - Lewis Jones
10. Jason Tovey (possible) - Ceri Sweeney
11. Alex Cuthbert - Tom James
12. Jamie Roberts - Daf Hewitt/ Cory Allen
13. Gavin Evans
14. Harry Robinson - Chris Czekai / Richard Mustoe
15. Leigh Halfpenny - Dan Fish / Chris Czekai

looking at the pack theirs a distinctive foreing core however the backline is made up only of welsh young talent that seems a positive step in the right direction

I thought ud kept tito for another year

1 R Jones / Phil John - D Manu
2 Owens-Rees /Phillips
3 NEW SIGNING / Manu
4 Carriza
5 Earle
6 Turnbull / Timani - McCusker
7 Shingler / D Thomas - Edwards
8 Murphy - McCusker
9 Knoyle / G Davies
10 Priestland / J Williams
11 Stoddard / Fenby
12 JD2 / Warren
13 S Williams / Maule
14 North / Lee Williams
15 Liam Williams / Ionghi

Priest,

Hows Stoddards recovery coming along?

welsh-matfield wrote:As a Blues supporter hears my opinion of what Their starting 15. I have indcated alternatives for when welsh internationals are away

1. Benoit Bourrust
2. Andy Kyriacou
3. Campese Mafu
4. Bradley Davies - James Down
5. Lou Reed (possible) - Macauley Cook/ Cory Hill
6. Michael Paterson
7. Sam Warburton - Josh Navidi
8. Andrieus Pretorious (if called up as he becomes eligible at beginning of 2013) - Xavier Rush / Luke Hamilton
9. Lloyd Williams - Lewis Jones
10. Jason Tovey (possible) - Ceri Sweeney
11. Alex Cuthbert - Tom James
12. Jamie Roberts - Daf Hewitt/ Cory Allen
13. Gavin Evans
14. Harry Robinson - Chris Czekai / Richard Mustoe
15. Leigh Halfpenny - Dan Fish / Chris Czekai

looking at the pack theirs a distinctive foreing core however the backline is made up only of welsh young talent that seems a positive step in the right direction

With that pack, how much ball will the backs get?

Dragons:

1. Tim Ryan the new signing. Nathan Williams/Dan Way as back up? Not much choice. Aaron Coundley still there?
2. Steve Jones must be coming to the end now! Sam Parry as back up. Shame about Burns. Gus is being converted still for hooker I think.
3. Nathan Buck. Phil Price as back up? Again, not too strong here.
4. Nimmo - from Cornish Pirates. Seems keen! Adam Jones to back up.
5. Rob Sidoli. Getting on but player of the season last season. Needs some back up options.
6. Dan Lydiate. Andrew Coombes as back up. Jevon Groves?
7. Lewis Evans. Darren Waters as back up?
8. Toby Faletau. Tom Brown as back up?
9. Wayne Evans. Needs some competition though. Jonatahan Evans needs to kick on from U20's. Not convinced by Joe Bedford.
10. Lewis Robling - maybe Steff Jones. Good competition between them.
11. Tom Pridie.
12. Andy Tuilagi - started to look better towards end of season when fit. Robling can cover 12 too. Ashley Smith needs to step down now I reckon.
13. Adam Hughes. Jack Dixon as deputy? Tom Riley?
14. Chavanga. Wouldn't mind seeing Mike Poole get another run after a series of injuries. Pewtner is another option too.
15. Will Harries - injury nightmares hopefully behind him. Hallam Amos as a willing deputy? GOD (Geraint O'Driscoll) has made the step up too.


Overall, there's a few new players but we still don't know if they'll be up to much. The rest is about the same. As always we have some kids who could come through and be good players, maybe even international standard, but they're an unknown too. The only thing we know is that the backrow is good. Lewis Evans has come on leaps and bounds in the last year or 2.

Uncertain times at the Dragons (as always!)

Ospreys

I've indicated the replacements for when the internationals are away.

1.Duncan Jones/Bevington
2.Richard Hibbard - Scott Baldwin
3.Adam Jones - Joe Rees/Aaron Jarvis
4.AWJ (c) - Ian Gough
5.Ian Evans - JT/James King
6.Ryan Jones - JT/James King
7.Justin Tipuric - Sam Lewis
8.Joe Bearman

9.Kahn Fotuali'i
10.Dan Biggar - Matthew Morgan
11.Eli Walker
12.Ashley Beck - Ben John/Dirksen
13.Andrew Bishop
14.Hanno Dirksen
15.Richard Fussell

Overall a pretty settled first XV. We've lost a lot of players though and it looks like we're going to promote from within, relying on the academy boys.

gowales, you rate Fotuali'i ahead of Rhys Webb? Or has he moved?

Yup i rate Fohtuali'i ahead of Webb

He's coped a bit of stick, but he's a quality player and he started to show some good form towards the end of the season. With a pre-season under his belt, instead of coming straight in from the world cup i think he'll play much better.

I also wonder if the O's will try Matthew Morgan out at wing. He could be like a Shane Williams type of player. Maybe that's why they haven't signed any back three players even though they've lost 5... or not

welsh-matfield wrote:As a Blues supporter hears my opinion of what Their starting 15. I have indcated alternatives for when welsh internationals are away

1. Benoit Bourrust
2. Andy Kyriacou
3. Campese Mafu
4. Bradley Davies - James Down
5. Lou Reed (possible) - Macauley Cook/ Cory Hill
6. Michael Paterson
7. Sam Warburton - Josh Navidi
8. Andrieus Pretorious (if called up as he becomes eligible at beginning of 2013) - Xavier Rush / Luke Hamilton
9. Lloyd Williams - Lewis Jones
10. Jason Tovey (possible) - Ceri Sweeney
11. Alex Cuthbert - Tom James
12. Jamie Roberts - Daf Hewitt/ Cory Allen
13. Gavin Evans
14. Harry Robinson - Chris Czekai / Richard Mustoe
15. Leigh Halfpenny - Dan Fish / Chris Czekai

looking at the pack theirs a distinctive foreing core however the backline is made up only of welsh young talent that seems a positive step in the right direction

Not to be a stickler but Bourrust is a tighthead and will play at 3 and Mafu is a loosehead so will play 1.

gowales wrote:I also wonder if the O's will try Matthew Morgan out at wing. He could be like a Shane Williams type of player. Maybe that's why they haven't signed any back three players even though they've lost 5.

They haven't signed any back three players, YET.

Welshmushroom wrote:

welsh-matfield wrote:As a Blues supporter hears my opinion of what Their starting 15. I have indcated alternatives for when welsh internationals are away

1. Benoit Bourrust
2. Andy Kyriacou
3. Campese Mafu
4. Bradley Davies - James Down
5. Lou Reed (possible) - Macauley Cook/ Cory Hill
6. Michael Paterson
7. Sam Warburton - Josh Navidi
8. Andrieus Pretorious (if called up as he becomes eligible at beginning of 2013) - Xavier Rush / Luke Hamilton
9. Lloyd Williams - Lewis Jones
10. Jason Tovey (possible) - Ceri Sweeney
11. Alex Cuthbert - Tom James
12. Jamie Roberts - Daf Hewitt/ Cory Allen
13. Gavin Evans
14. Harry Robinson - Chris Czekai / Richard Mustoe
15. Leigh Halfpenny - Dan Fish / Chris Czekai

looking at the pack theirs a distinctive foreing core however the backline is made up only of welsh young talent that seems a positive step in the right direction

Not to be a stickler but Bourrust is a tighthead and will play at 3 and Mafu is a loosehead so will play 1.

And they are both crap.

gowales wrote:Ospreys

I've indicated the replacements for when the internationals are away.

1.Duncan Jones/Bevington
2.Richard Hibbard - Scott Baldwin
3.Adam Jones - Joe Rees/Aaron Jarvis
4.AWJ (c) - Ian Gough
5.Ian Evans - JT/James King
6.Ryan Jones - JT/James King
7.Justin Tipuric - Sam Lewis
8.Joe Bearman

9.Kahn Fotuali'i
10.Dan Biggar - Matthew Morgan
11.Eli Walker
12.Ashley Beck - Ben John/Dirksen
13.Andrew Bishop
14.Hanno Dirksen
15.Richard Fussell

Overall a pretty settled first XV. We've lost a lot of players though and it looks like we're going to promote from within, relying on the academy boys.

To be honest JT will play at 8 when fit. Bearman has probably been the only week link in what looked a formidable pack in the close season.

To me though they look a little light at Loosehead. Please tell me they are not thinking of moving Joe Rees over there.

welsh-matfield wrote:As a Blues supporter hears my opinion of what Their starting 15. I have indcated alternatives for when welsh internationals are away

1. Benoit Bourrust
2. Andy Kyriacou
3. Campese Mafu
4. Bradley Davies - James Down
5. Lou Reed (possible) - Macauley Cook/ Cory Hill
6. Michael Paterson
7. Sam Warburton - Josh Navidi
8. Andrieus Pretorious (if called up as he becomes eligible at beginning of 2013) - Xavier Rush / Luke Hamilton
9. Lloyd Williams - Lewis Jones
10. Jason Tovey (possible) - Ceri Sweeney
11. Alex Cuthbert - Tom James
12. Jamie Roberts - Daf Hewitt/ Cory Allen
13. Gavin Evans
14. Harry Robinson - Chris Czekai / Richard Mustoe
15. Leigh Halfpenny - Dan Fish / Chris Czekai

looking at the pack theirs a distinctive foreing core however the backline is made up only of welsh young talent that seems a positive step in the right direction

Ouch

Ospreys are streets ahead of the other regions. Cant win anything without a good pack.

Welshmushroom wrote:

To be honest JT will play at 8 when fit. Bearman has probably been the only week link in what looked a formidable pack in the close season.

To me though they look a little light at Loosehead. Please tell me they are not thinking of moving Joe Rees over there.

Yea agree about JT. He looked pretty good there before his injury and illnesses, i'd still have Bearman above Stowers in the pecking order though.

You're right about loosehead. Bevington and Duncan Jones are the only recognised looseheads in the senior squad, i can't access the academy squad on the website so i can't say who will most likely make the step up. But Bevington probably won't be away with Wales too much.

1. Sam Hobbs
2. Andy Kyriacou/Kristian Dacey
3. Benoit Bourrust
4. Bradley Davies
5. Cory Hill/Lou Reed
6. Michael Patterson
7. Sam Warburton
8. Rush/Pretorious
9. Lloyd Williams/Rob Lewis
10. Jason Tovey
11. Harry Robinson
12. Jamie Roberts
13. Cory Allen
14. Alex Cuthbert
15. Leigh Halfpenny

That's what i'd be hopeful as our starting 15 with a few alternatives thrown in

Griff - what about Dan Evans?

I reckon Harries will be on the wing and Dan Evans at fullback for the Dragons

Sorry, yes forgot about Dan Evans! Was trying to do it off the top of my head. I'd go for Evans at FB. I think Prydie needs to be in, and Chavanga showed glimpses that he will be very good if put into space. Therefore, I think Will Harries misses out for me unfortunately. Bench cover for wing and FB.

Scarlets

HEC / Rabo(internationals missing) / LV=

Li Williams / A Fenby / A Fenby
Stoddart / Le Williams / V Iongi
S Williams / G Maule / G Maule
J Davies / A Warren / R James
G North / V Iongi / K Phillips
R Priestland / D Newton / J Williams
T Knoyle / G Davies / R Williams

R Jones / P John / R Evans
K Owens / K Myhill / E Phillips
D Manu / P Edwards / S Lee
NEW LOCK(?) / NEW LOCK(?) / S Timani
G Earles / G Earles / L Rawlings
A Shingler / S Timani / A.N.Other
J Turnbull / J Edwards / D Thomas
R McCusker / K Murphy / A.N.Other

gowales wrote:I also wonder if the O's will try Matthew Morgan out at wing. He could be like a Shane Williams type of player. Maybe that's why they haven't signed any back three players even though they've lost 5... or not

Possibly move Morgan to fullback and put Fussel back on the wing? Although looking at the youngsters you have in the back three I assume Morgan will probably stay put at FH battling it out with Biggar.

bedfordwelsh wrote:Priest,

Hows Stoddards recovery coming along?

He's apparently going to be fit for pre-season and I'm hoping he'll be back to match fitness by Nov/Dec, but you just don't know how someone will come back from that sort of injury!

Fingers crossed

Griff wrote:Dragons:

1. Tim Ryan the new signing. Nathan Williams/Dan Way as back up? Not much choice. Aaron Coundley still there?
2. Steve Jones must be coming to the end now! Sam Parry as back up. Shame about Burns. Gus is being converted still for hooker I think.
3. Nathan Buck. Phil Price as back up? Again, not too strong here.
4. Nimmo - from Cornish Pirates. Seems keen! Adam Jones to back up.
5. Rob Sidoli. Getting on but player of the season last season. Needs some back up options.
6. Dan Lydiate. Andrew Coombes as back up. Jevon Groves?
7. Lewis Evans. Darren Waters as back up?
8. Toby Faletau. Tom Brown as back up?
9. Wayne Evans. Needs some competition though. Jonatahan Evans needs to kick on from U20's. Not convinced by Joe Bedford.
10. Lewis Robling - maybe Steff Jones. Good competition between them.
11. Tom Pridie.
12. Andy Tuilagi - started to look better towards end of season when fit. Robling can cover 12 too. Ashley Smith needs to step down now I reckon.
13. Adam Hughes. Jack Dixon as deputy? Tom Riley?
14. Chavanga. Wouldn't mind seeing Mike Poole get another run after a series of injuries. Pewtner is another option too.
15. Will Harries - injury nightmares hopefully behind him. Hallam Amos as a willing deputy? GOD (Geraint O'Driscoll) has made the step up too.


Overall, there's a few new players but we still don't know if they'll be up to much. The rest is about the same. As always we have some kids who could come through and be good players, maybe even international standard, but they're an unknown too. The only thing we know is that the backrow is good. Lewis Evans has come on leaps and bounds in the last year or 2.

Uncertain times at the Dragons (as always!)

At Loosehead Williams, Price & Watchurst (hopefully), Tighthead would be Buck,Ryan & Way.

Also given the way Waters has played last year I would imagine him as a starter at openside.

Think the wing births will be contested by Harries/Chav and Prydie as I can see Dan Evans featuring heavily from Full Back.

Its going to be interesting how the pack go this year as the backline does not look to bad in my opinion, plus Dixon looks like he could be a international in a couple of years time.

PS I think Riley has signed for the Cornish Pirates so we wont have him as a centre option.

Griff,

I think Smith is what makes us tick but he just seems so injury prone.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Scarlets

HEC / Rabo(internationals missing) / LV=

Li Williams / A Fenby / A Fenby
Stoddart / Le Williams / V Iongi
S Williams / G Maule / G Maule
J Davies / A Warren / R James
G North / V Iongi / K Phillips
R Priestland / D Newton / J Williams
T Knoyle / G Davies / R Williams

R Jones / P John / R Evans
K Owens / K Myhill / E Phillips
D Manu / P Edwards / S Lee
NEW LOCK(?) / NEW LOCK(?) / S Timani
G Earles / G Earles / L Rawlings
A Shingler / S Timani / A.N.Other
J Turnbull / J Edwards / D Thomas
R McCusker / K Murphy / A.N.Other

Mmmm, I think I may have spotted weakness! Thought that an Argentinian had been signed.

Yeah, wasn't sure whether Ryan was a TH or LH. Could have googled it I suppose! Couldn't remember where we'd played Waters in the past either so good shout for openside.

Bedford, Ashley has been very solid for us. A good leader too by all accounts, but he's just not prolific enough as a centre for my liking. OK he doesn't get driven back in the tackle, but then he doesn't make many yards either and he's not one to make many clean breaks. Centre is my favourite position and I like players that can either bash holes or cut lines, i.e. straigthen up and create something either way, but Ash doesn't seem to have that extra bit of skill/size to do either. Would love to see Jack Dixon come on and provide some talent at centre for us, but I think he's a few years away yet.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Scarlets

HEC / Rabo(internationals missing) / LV=

Li Williams / A Fenby / A Fenby
Stoddart / Le Williams / V Iongi
S Williams / G Maule / G Maule
J Davies / A Warren / R James
G North / V Iongi / K Phillips
R Priestland / D Newton / J Williams
T Knoyle / G Davies / R Williams

R Jones / P John / R Evans
K Owens / K Myhill / E Phillips
D Manu / P Edwards / S Lee
NEW LOCK(?) / NEW LOCK(?) / S Timani
G Earles / G Earles / L Rawlings
A Shingler / S Timani / A.N.Other
J Turnbull / J Edwards / D Thomas
R McCusker / K Murphy / A.N.Other

You haven't got Rees in there, and I would put Timani as 2nd choice lock (IMO he could be 1st choice if Earle doesn't hit the ground running. We'll hopefully sign another TH as well (that's what's rumoured) so he'd slot above/below Manu as well.

Smirnoff - I ain't got Smiler in there as IMO Ken is first choice, and then during the Internationals Smiler will be off being first choice hooker for Wales (as i was thinking of the teams for HEC, Internationals Missing, and LV=). I wouldn't be too suprised if Timani keeps his place at lock, possibly with Shingler (injury permitting) for the first few games, as he has played well for us there so far.

Ahh I see (I feared you'd heard he was going or something).

I'd expect to see Reynolds, Iolo and maybe even Owen/Jordan Williams get game time at centre for the LV games, or at least hope.

The teams not actually looking as threadbare as I 1st thought (besides no8 and 7)

gcBlues wrote:1. Sam Hobbs
2. Andy Kyriacou/Kristian Dacey
3. Benoit Bourrust
4. Bradley Davies
5. Cory Hill/Lou Reed
6. Michael Patterson
7. Sam Warburton
8. Rush/Pretorious
9. Lloyd Williams/Rob Lewis
10. Jason Tovey
11. Harry Robinson
12. Jamie Roberts
13. Cory Allen
14. Alex Cuthbert
15. Leigh Halfpenny

That's what i'd be hopeful as our starting 15 with a few alternatives thrown in

I'd be pretty happy with this. Corry Allen looked very good in the JWC, fingers crossed he will continue to improve. I still think I’d have Tom James at 11, I really do rate him. Then again, Harry offers a very different type of threat. I'd also like to see Hamilton get a good 30 mins of game at 6 as oftern as possible to continue bringing him along.

You got the wingers and props the wrong way round.

1. Sam Hobbs
2. Kristian Dacey
3. Benoit Bourrust
4. Bradley Davies (James Down)
5. Lou Reed
6. Michael Paterson
7. Sam Warburton (Josh Navidi)
8. Andreus Pretorious (Xavier Rush)
9. Lloyd Williams (Rob Lewis)
10. Jason Tovey (Ceri Sweeney)
11. Harry Robinson (Tom James)
12. Jamie Roberts (Dafydd Hewitt)
13. Gavin Evans / Cory Allen
14. Alex Cuthbert (Richard Mustoe)
15. Leigh Halfpenny (Chris Czekaj)

16. Andy Kyricau
17. Campese Maufu
18. Fau Filise/Scott Andrews
19. McCauley Cook/Cory Hill
20. Robin Copeland
21. Lewis Jones
22. Rhys Patchell
23. Cory Allen / Gavin Evans.

Wales 606 - I think Phil Davies sees some potential in Fish so I wouldn't be too shocked if he were to get involved a fair bit.

Never really been impressed by Fish, he lacks physicality for me

gcBlues wrote:1. Sam Hobbs
2. Andy Kyriacou/Kristian Dacey
3. Benoit Bourrust
4. Bradley Davies
5. Cory Hill/Lou Reed
6. Michael Patterson
7. Sam Warburton
8. Rush/Pretorious
9. Lloyd Williams/Rob Lewis
10. Jason Tovey
11. Harry Robinson
12. Jamie Roberts
13. Cory Allen
14. Alex Cuthbert
15. Leigh Halfpenny

That's what i'd be hopeful as our starting 15 with a few alternatives thrown in

Think Cory Hill will start to prove himself at second row for The Blues this year. Was u20's captain but unlucky to be ill during World Cup. He is very highly thought of at The Blues and expect him to start making a contribution down there this season.

How well Hill was looking was the reason I thought it was strange the Blues had signed Reed - as Hill (and Cook) could well turn out better than Reed but in the meantime Reed could be away the same time a Bradley, so wouldn't provide cover either.

SubsBench wrote:

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Scarlets

HEC / Rabo(internationals missing) / LV=

Li Williams / A Fenby / A Fenby
Stoddart / Le Williams / V Iongi
S Williams / G Maule / G Maule
J Davies / A Warren / R James
G North / V Iongi / K Phillips
R Priestland / D Newton / J Williams
T Knoyle / G Davies / R Williams

R Jones / P John / R Evans
K Owens / K Myhill / E Phillips
D Manu / P Edwards / S Lee
NEW LOCK(?) / NEW LOCK(?) / S Timani
G Earles / G Earles / L Rawlings
A Shingler / S Timani / A.N.Other
J Turnbull / J Edwards / D Thomas
R McCusker / K Murphy / A.N.Other

Mmmm, I think I may have spotted weakness! Thought that an Argentinian had been signed.

Correct, Tomas Vallejos from Quins

Welshmushroom wrote:Ospreys are streets ahead of the other regions. Cant win anything without a good pack.

Mushroom, I'd agree the look strongest overall, and as you say, the pack is the biggest difference, but might be a stretch to say 'streets ahead' tho?

Well looking at how the Scarlet's and Cardiff packs have been destroyed recently, probably. The Dragons seem to hold their own but will probably struggle even more next year with only 3 front line locks who aren't even that good anyway

Asbo - i was thinking of the better quality lock we are meant to be persuing (although not signed), I think that Quins lad will probably be on a par with Timani and battle it out for the bench.

Go - to be fair looking at the regions performances up front, I would say the Ospreys have a solid pack, the other three have acceptable packs, and I don't think the Dragons are any better than the Blues or Scarlets, it may just be people expect less of the Dragons (or expect more from the Blues/Scarlets)

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Asbo - i was thinking of the better quality lock we are meant to be persuing (although not signed), I think that Quins lad will probably be on a par with Timani and battle it out for the bench.

Go - to be fair looking at the regions performances up front, I would say the Ospreys have a solid pack, the other three have acceptable packs, and I don't think the Dragons are any better than the Blues or Scarlets, it may just be people expect less of the Dragons (or expect more from the Blues/Scarlets)

Right you are, Spidey

gowales wrote:Well looking at how the Scarlet's and Cardiff packs have been destroyed recently, probably. The Dragons seem to hold their own but will probably struggle even more next year with only 3 front line locks who aren't even that good anyway

The last time a Scarlets pack was "destroyed" was in the QF against Brive otherwise, until the enforced retirement of Iestyn and Rhys Thomas, we were fine in the scrum last season. Our problems came at the breakdown

And the O's were hardly streets ahead last season, if they were, they'd have beaten us (which they didn't)

As a Blues fan, and one who has his first season ticket in years that is one depressing Tight 5, well front row really!

This is going to be Pretorious's season, I have said it for the last 3 years but it definately will this year. Sam will be a serious weapon given the chance, Paterson I am not that much of a fan of but will be solid. Davies can be destructive given any sort of platform, I think he and Reed will work, but will wonder where the lineout options are, then I look at that front row and well, I wanna shoot myself.

We've lost Geths breakdown work and dynamism, have lost little from TRT and Hobbs/Andrews, and gained a little scrum grunt.

I won't be expecting much from next season, an inexperienced 10, no guile in midfield, little balance in the back 3, and one really weak backline in int windows... BUT I CAN'T WAIT!

15 Ross Jones
14 Hanno Dirksen
13 Andrew Bishop
12 Ashley Beck
11 Eli Walker
10 Dan Biggar
9 Rhys Webb
8 Ryan Jones
7 Justin Tipuric
6 James King
5 Ian Evans
4 Alun Wyn Jones
3 Adam Jones
2 Richard Hibbard
1 Ryan Bevington

16 Richard Fussell
17 Matthew Morgan
18 Tom Habberfield
19 Sam Lewis
20 Jonathan Thomas
21 Jo Rees
22 Scott Baldwin
23 Duncan Jones

Richard Fussell at Hooker? Matthew Morgan a Prop?!

I have a feeling Dragons will go (1-23).

Nathan Williams
Sam Parry (I don't think Jabba will start)
Tim Ryan (I think Buck will be playing backup)
Ian Nimmo (harsh on Adam Jones, but seemingly Nimmo has more grunt)
Rob Sidoli
Danny Lydiate (Lewis Evans for internationals)
Darren Waters
Toby Faletau (Tom Brown for internationals)
Wayne Evans
Lewis Robling
Tondi Chavhanga (meant to be switching to the left wing now)
Ash Smith
Adam Hughes
Tom Prydie
Dan Evans

Phil Price, Steve Jones, Nathan Buck, Adam Jones, Lewis Evans, Jon Evans (though DE will go Bedford in the 23 of course), Steffan Jones, Will Harries.

Captaincy is a bit of an issue too.

Risca,

I think Lewis Evans is more than capable of doing a full time job att 7 for us and I really like the look of a Lydiate Faleatu Evans back row, rest I agree with though front row will again I fear be our achilles heel.

If Lewis could replicate his performance against USAP more regularly, he'd be nailed on at 7. I think at the end of the season (before his disappearance from our squads), that Waters played better.