AWJ for Welsh Captain

What a refreshing change AWJ is when compared to Sam Warburton 'Sam Wants'

IMO AWJ should be the Welsh captain, his modest and level headed, Jones says the Ospreys will begin to set their goals after the first few weeks of the season, hoping to regard themselves as strong contenders on all fronts.

Good man.

But he's an average international second row...that when Wales other second rows are fit and firing he will be lucky to make the squad...

Agreed. The obvious issue with AWJ is that Ian Evans, Bradley Davies and Luke Charteris are all better players.

Would be a bit of a Borthwick selection.

Totally unneccesary also. Wales have hoards of possible captains to choose from should they want to relieve Warburton from his duties (and personally I don't think Tipuric is compelling enough a reason to do so yet). They have a Lions front row full of experience, a Lions 9 and a Lions 12 all capable in my view of fulfilling the role (ok, maybe not Phillips but you get my drift). If you wanted another youngster you could also go for Dan Lydiate, a very consistent player who would lead by example.

I think it helps them having AWJ and Ryan Jones around the squad, but neither make the 1st XV.

But he's an average international second row...that when Wales other second rows are fit and firing he will be lucky to make the squad...

If you listen to the Ospreys fans hype Tipuric and Ryan Jones you'd think Warburton would be lucky to make the squad as well.

formerly known as Sam wrote:

But he's an average international second row...that when Wales other second rows are fit and firing he will be lucky to make the squad...

If you listen to the Ospreys fans hype Tipuric and Ryan Jones you'd think Warburton would be lucky to make the squad as well.

For the sake of my sanity I don't....

funnyExiledScot wrote:Agreed. The obvious issue with AWJ is that Ian Evans, Bradley Davies and Luke Charteris are all better players.

Would be a bit of a Borthwick selection.

Totally unneccesary also. Wales have hoards of possible captains to choose from should they want to relieve Warburton from his duties (and personally I don't think Tipuric is compelling enough a reason to do so yet). They have a Lions front row full of experience, a Lions 9 and a Lions 12 all capable in my view of fulfilling the role (ok, maybe not Phillips but you get my drift). If you wanted another youngster you could also go for Dan Lydiate, a very consistent player who would lead by example.

I think it helps them having AWJ and Ryan Jones around the squad, but neither make the 1st XV.

That is ridiculous calling it a Borthwick selection. AWJ was our best 2nd row pre and post World Cup. All have had injuries, suspensions or weddings that has hindered their game time, training and performance. It's not the best time to be listing the better players, but on current form the Ospreys partnership is our best (AWJ and Evans).

He is 3rd best captain choice behind Warburton and Ryan Jones (starter on current form). We haven't got any other options and I'm not even convinced by AWJ yet. He'll need to do something radical on the pitch, something along the lines of dropping O'Connell.

funnyExiledScot wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:

But he's an average international second row...that when Wales other second rows are fit and firing he will be lucky to make the squad...

If you listen to the Ospreys fans hype Tipuric and Ryan Jones you'd think Warburton would be lucky to make the squad as well.

For the sake of my sanity I don't....

It was from Wales fans, not Ospreys fans. Tips and Jones were on fire, Warbs was injured. Makes sense.

I would like to see Tipuric brought on a captain when Warburton is not available (he is the O's captain afterall), that would give some routine with the team always being captained from 7

I wouldnt say Davies is better than AWJ but I have always said that Evans and Charteris is our best 2nd row pairing

Bedford:

I agree with you the only problem has been injuries in the past, how the hell Howley did not pick Evans in Aust is a mystery to me. Wales are currently lucky having 4 very good second rows with R Jones as more than adequate cover if needed. The concern I have is I don't see any young second rows coming through after this group.

Who are wales playing?