Wales vs Samoa KO 19:30 Fri 16th Nov - Match Thread/Build Up etc....

[HERSH]

First topic message reminder :

WALES V Samoa

Venue: Millennium Stadium Cardiff Date: Friday, 16 November Kick-off: 19:30 GMT

Coverage: Live on BBC One Wales & online; live on S4C; live commentary on BBC Radio Wales & online; live commentary on Radio Cymru

Seeing as no one has started a thread yet I thought I would.

Enjoy the discussion.

Leigh Halfpenny
Alex Cuthbert
Ashley Beck
Jamie Roberts
George North
Dan Biggar
Mike Phillips
Paul James
Richard Hibbard
Aaron Jarvis
Bradley Davies
Ian Evans
Ryan Jones (Capt)
Justin Tipuric
Toby Faletau

REPLACEMENTS:
Ken Owens, Gethin Jenkins, Scott Andrews, Luke Charteris, Sam Warburton, Tavis Knoyle, Rhys Priestland, Scott Williams

Samoa:
F Autagavaia (Northland)
P Perez (Eastern Province)
G Pisi (Northampton)
P Williams (Stade Francais)
D Lemi (Worcester, captain)
T Pisi (Suntory)
K Fotuali'i (Ospreys)
S Taulafo (Wasps)
O Avei (Bordeaux-Begles)
C Johnston (Toulouse)
D Leo (Perpignan)
T Paulo (North Harbour)
O Treviranus (London Irish)
M Fa'asavalu (Harlequins)
T Tuifua (Newcastle)

Replacements: T Paulo (Clermont Auvergne), V Afatia (Agen), J Johnston (Harlequins), F Lemalu (Mont de Marsan), T Fomai (Hawke's Bay), J Su'a (Tasman), J Leota (Sale), R Lilomaiava (Laulii).

[bedfordwelsh]

Heres the side

Leigh Halfpenny, Alex Cuthbert, Ashley Beck, Jamie Roberts, George North; Dan Biggar, Mike Phillips; Paul James, Richard Hibbard, Aaron Jarvis, Bradley Davies, Ian Evans, Ryan Jones (Capt), Justin Tipuric, Toby Faletau

REPLACEMENTS: Ken Owens, Gethin Jenkins, Scott Andrews, Luke Charteris, Sam Warburton, Tavis Knoyle, Rhys Priestland, Scott Williams

Harsh on Sc Williams I think and I have always said Charteris and Evans our best combo, also the absence of Shingler is still baffling.

[bedfordwelsh]

Oh and just noticed Andrews on the bench god lets hope we won't need him

[BlueNote]

Leigh Halfpenny; Alex Cuthbert, Ashley Beck, Jamie Roberts, George North; Dan Biggar, Mike Phillips; Paul James, Richard Hibbard, Aaron Jarvis, Bradley Davies, Ian Evans, Ryan Jones (Capt), Justin Tipuric, Toby Faletau.

Replacements: Ken Owens, Gethin Jenkins, Scott Andrews, Luke Charteris, Sam Warburton, Tavis Knoyle, Rhys Priestland, Scott Williams

[thebluesmancometh]

Is that the lineup???

WTF has Scott Williams done wrong, and why does Roberts get another shot?!

Dropping Rees and Jenkins was a must, but why does Davies go from nowhere to starter?

Samoa are going to look at this team and say 8 changes... YES!!!

[tatterd]

1/2p HAS to be there for his placekicking alone. No-one we have even comes close to his success rate, biggar included

[tatterd]

great team - like it. S Williams did not do enough last week - good to see beck being given a chance

[Morgannwg]

Heres the side

Leigh Halfpenny, Alex Cuthbert, Ashley Beck, Jamie Roberts, George North; Dan Biggar, Mike Phillips; Paul James, Richard Hibbard, Aaron Jarvis, Bradley Davies, Ian Evans, Ryan Jones (Capt), Justin Tipuric, Toby Faletau

REPLACEMENTS: Ken Owens, Gethin Jenkins, Scott Andrews, Luke Charteris, Sam Warburton, Tavis Knoyle, Rhys Priestland, Scott Williams

Harsh on Sc Williams I think and I have always said Charteris and Evans our best combo, also the absence of Shingler is still baffling.

Just seen the side on FB. Well done Howley for finally getting the nads to pick this team. Not sure about Beck at 13, why didn't he just leave Scott Williams there? This puts things into perspective in regards to how good an outside centre Jonothan Davies has become. The 2nd row is strong and when they last played together they were effective at ball carrying. The pack could win it for us, as long as our TH isn't substituted. And yes I agree let's hope they do not use Andrews, Knoyle and Le Priest!

[bedfordwelsh]

Yep thats the line up Blues, still a few odd calls but also the main calls people have wanted have been done such as Tips, Hibbard, Biggar and Jones in.

I am sure Davies was injured so couldn't play last week

[tatterd]

I like that boilerhouse - Davies a better ball carrier than AWJ

[bedfordwelsh]

great team - like it. S Williams did not do enough last week - good to see beck being given a chance

Still think Becks defence is bit suspect and against the Samoans could be bit of a revolving dooor.

[BlueNote]

In many respects, I think they've made good calls - Mike Phillips, yes; give Biggar a chance; Tipuric and Ryan Jones in the back row; you had to play Bradley Davies alongside Ian Evans, really. It's right to have a specialist tight-head on the bench, although tbh I wouldn't have picked SA.
Scott Williams dropping down is a bit harsh.

[glamorganalun]

I like that boilerhouse - Davies a better ball carrier than AWJ

And slower, drops the ball and good at spear tackles.

Why is Andrews, Preistland and Knoyle on the bench and no Hook? I hope Wales are out of sight before using the bench.

[Morgannwg]

Is that the lineup???

WTF has Scott Williams done wrong, and why does Roberts get another shot?!

Dropping Rees and Jenkins was a must, but why does Davies go from nowhere to starter?

Samoa are going to look at this team and say 8 changes... YES!!!

It's not a bad lineup now is it, apart from 1-2 starters and 1 bench replacement it's spot on. Davies probably gets the nod for being a regular in the training squad where-as Charteris has only just arrived. I stated it's a strong 2nd row pair, but between both of them is a red and yellow card waiting to happen.

Samoa will get nullified by this team IF this Wales team plays smart. Biggar will put is in the right area's of the pitch if his Regional form is anything to go by. Roberts, apart from his poor technique on saturday is a big defender and he makes the defensive calls. Plus he's looking after Biggar. Beck has been a little suspect in defence but against big opposition he's strong. He'd struggle against the backs Australia put out. Beck is also a threat in attack. That's two big carriers in the midfield for Samoa to defend against with another two big wingers running in to support them.

[tatterd]

Spear tackles, give me a break Alun! No complaints from me about this team - if we lose to Samoa there's no excuses, we're just not good enough.
Bedford - agree about Beck's defence - however I'm hoping his attacking play (creativity, good sidestep) will outweigh this!

[Luckless Pedestrian]

My only qualms are over Bradley Davies (I don't rate him, I'd have gone for Charteris) and Ashley Beck (questionable defence and we throw him in against Samoa).

Also, when was the last time Phillips and Biggar played together at half back?

[BlueNote]

They've picked some warriors in the pack - Brad Davies, Hibbard, Paul James, and also Mike Phillips - presumably it being Samoa played a part in that.

[Liam]

Scott Williams was one of the few that stood up and played for the shirt Saturday, Roberts get's in because of his name, although a fit and proper Roberts with a creative centre in Beck is a good combination, if Robert's was match fit.

Biggar thank god (Never thought i'd say that!) but Preistland on the bench? Hook surely has to be there, crazy decision. Apart from that, good line up.

[doctornickolas]

Agree with the team mostly.

Paul James, Hibbard and Jarvis are the form players in the front row this season and will provide a very solid set piece. Second row, I think Brad was selected for his work at the rucks and ball carrying. I prefer Charteris but I think his limited time with the squad went against him.

Back row - best we can put out right now with injuries and form. Sam has definitely been second best to Tipuric this season.

Phillips, yes. Biggar yes.

I think Beck offers a more creative role in midfield than Scott. He put in some good tackles last week but he often ignores the players outside him and I think if we can get the ball we need someone with good hands to put our back 3 in to space.

Overall happy with the starters.

I would have had Hook over Priestland on the bench and I will never be happy with Andrews as our tighthead option. Other than that all ok.

Can't wait until Friday. I am optimistic again which I wasn't after last weeks team was announced.

[BlueNote]

Selecting Davies isn't Charteris vs Davies, it's about having one beanpole (Evans) and one providing the grunt.

[SubsBench]

Ok, so it's probably a step in the right direction. But, Beck, against Samoa. That could be painful to watch. Scott in my opinion should have kept his place.

And while we do have 'warriors' in the pack, the chances of us not picking up a yellow card must be pretty slim!

Also would have preferred Samson Lee to Andrews on the bench, but then I would have preferred my mother on the bench instead of Andrews!

[bedfordwelsh]

The old adgae of pleasing some of the people some of the time etc etc.

Whilst I would have picked Charteris over Davies, Williams over Beck and Andrews on the bench I am far more pleased with this side that the one against Argentina and the one i expected.

[George Carlin]

Good team - I presume Charteris starts on the bench because he was playing for his club side in France very recently.

[HERSH]

Yes.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

While we do have 'warriors' in the pack, the chances of us not picking up a yellow card must be pretty slim!

The thought did cross my mind. I imagine some money will be placed on it happening.

[MBTGOG]

It will be interesting to see the side Samoa selects. In years past, the tight five was their weakness but I don't see that being the case now and while I think Wales will be a bit stronger there, it won't be the deciding factor in the game.

There are going to be some seriously heavy collisions in this game I feel.

[Morgannwg]

If so then I hope there is some consistentcy with Samoa's closeliners coming in.

[bedfordwelsh]

Good team - I presume Charteris starts on the bench because he was playing for his club side in France very recently.

Yet he started with Jenkins last weekwho hadn't been playing much!!!!!!!!!!

[HERSH]

If so then I hope there is some consistentcy with Samoa's closeliners coming in.

Don't Jynx it

[Morgannwg]

You know one day it gets to that point where it is no longer amusing, given when it was only mildy amusing for just the one night especially. Just a suggestion for you.

[HERSH]

Dropping Warburton does make Wales look like they're panicing a little bit.

Using Pokemon sayings to try and win an argument should never be forgotten Pikachu.

[Morgannwg]

In other news, I don't understand how some Wales fans can be so dull. I read the comments on WRU facebook page quite often. Todays there has been outcries because Tavis Knoyle, James Hook and Gethin Jenkins aren't starters. People are also slating the Hibbard, Tipuric and Beck selections. Two weeks ago some were moaning that they should go play a game at Old Trafford so a few fans from the North could get there.

[Morgannwg]

Dropping Warburton does make Wales look like they're panicing a little bit.

Using Pokemon sayings to try and win an argument should never be forgotten Pikachu.

Panic? It's the form pick. Howley proved last week that his favoured selections don't work. Now we'll see if picking the form players does.

And I think you took it a bit too seriously . Like I said, it was mildy amusing fun & games on the night.

[HERSH]

I think you should use it for your avatar.

http://www.contrib.andrew.cmu.edu/~nguesto/images/pikachu.jpg

Samoa won't be too worried by the Welsh selection imo.

[Guest]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/20291889

Looking at the stats head to head between Tipuric and Warburton this Pro12 season...that cant be right? Warburtons hardly played this season...

[Chunky Norwich]

why does Davies go from nowhere to starter?

I thought you were a Blues season ticket holder? Yet you seemingly didn't know Brad Davies was injured and anavailable last week - hence Wales selected a 6 to cover for lock.

[LondonTiger]

HERSH,

Get back on topic

[Morgannwg]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/20291889

Looking at the stats head to head between Tipuric and Warburton this Pro12 season...that cant be right? Warburtons hardly played this season...

Turnovers have to be the wrong way around? That's Tips best attribute.

[bedfordwelsh]

I also don't think Warburton would have started on Friday anyway, even if he had had a stormer given that we normally rotate players and experiment for the Friday night game

[TJ1]

10 man game plan then? Philips has his attributes but quick distribution is not one of them IMO. So play territory / kicking from Biggar? Is this the right game plan or will the samoans just run it back at you all day? Or do I read the selection wrong?

[Morgannwg]

It's okay TJ nobody cares what you have to say.

[RubyGuby]

Is Rhys Gill injured?

[thebluesmancometh]

Some poor decisions, Samoa will definately fancy this one!!

[wales606]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/20291889

Looking at the stats head to head between Tipuric and Warburton this Pro12 season...that cant be right? Warburtons hardly played this season...

Turnovers have to be the wrong way around? That's Tips best attribute.

Having watched all of Warbs games, that turnover stat is DEFINITELY wrong, 2 turnovers is about right.

More importantly, internationally, Tips has 1, Warbs has 0 despite Warbs playing 7 times as long.

[samuraidragon]

Good back-row, the rest decent given the circs, though I would have started with Charteris. Bench looks weak though. Surprised Hook is out of the 22 - now he's playing regularly at 10 for Perp, looks like he can only get a game for Wales at 12, 13 & 15.

If Biggar doesn't show well, then Priestland will be back for the two big games as sure as eggs is eggs.

Despite the better selection, I'm not all that confident for this game. I feel other stuff has gone wrong beside the team picks. After all 12 of the GS winning team started vs. Argentina. Game-plan, morale, confidence, don't know quite what it is.

[wales606]

Really happy with this selection

Gethin, Rees, Warbs, Preistland all dropped after poor performances

I think Charteris should be first choice, but I understand the decision to go with Davies as we lacked any carriers in the pack last week and Davies has had more preparation time.

Ryan Jones as captain is the right decision, he is the only experienced member of the pack who is guaranteed to start (Warbs, Gethin and Rees obviously are not). Jones and Tipuric will improve the standard of our breakdown considerably after last week.

James and Hibbard are the form choices, and also strong carriers which we need

Biggar deserves his chance, i'm just worried that Howley will use any slip up against him in order to bring Preistland back against NZ rather than judging them on a level playing field. I'm pleasantly surprised not to see Hook starting, although I wouldn't have minded him being given a chance.

Ashley Beck at 13? I thought it would make more sense to move Roberts over. Roberts is more experienced at 13 than Beck, Roberts is also the better defensive player and should be better at making the right decision at 13 (which is very important in a drift/blitz). I understand the thinking in not moving Roberts from his defensive role at 12, but I think it would be better for Biggar to be playing with familiarity at 9 and 12, with Roberts leading the defence from 13.

Scott Williams didn't show a huge amount last week, neither did Roberts, but I would argue that Roberts and Beck are the better players. Disappointed not to see JD2 back as it will make it difficult for him to return against NZ.

Scott Andrews on the bench seems to be being criticized. All I will say is that he has been pretty good this season on his few games for the Blues, and with the weakness of the Samoan scrum, he is probably the best THP in the loose that we have. Still, I would have given Lee a chance.

Is Matthew Rees injured? Or has he been completely dropped from the 23?

[HERSH]

When the fixtures were announced this one looked like it was the easiest fixture for Wales ok the game would be a physical and bruising affair as you would expect, but ultimately Wales would have been odds on, now I'm beginning to have doubts after seeing Howleys selections.

Can't wait for the KO.

[wales606]

When the fixtures were announced this one looked like it was the easiest fixture for Wales ok the game would be a physical and bruising affair as you would expect, but ultimately Wales would have been odds on, now I'm beginning to have doubts after seeing Howleys selections.

Can't wait for the KO.

I didn't think it would be an easy game even before last week, we only just beat Samoa by 7pts during the WC when players like Warburton, Faletau and Preistland were on form - and that was thanks to Shane Williams' ability to pick up a ball one handed while sprinting.

[thebluesmancometh]

This is more about what you do than who is doing it IMHO, Samoa will be Samoa, however they were very samrt V Canada the other day and didn't really perform how anyone were expecting.

They were much more controlled, and went wide much less often than they normally do, but then Canada were poor!!

Selections were totally wrong first game, in an attempt to correct that they've gone wrong again, and although I think Wales will have enough I just get this sneaking feeling we are still not there, and 8 new players who havn't played international rugby for ages will take a while to get into the game!!!

Hopefully Wales will have enough but I get this feeling Samoa come at us all guns blazing and we never get into the game!!

[TJ1]

It's okay TJ nobody cares what you have to say.

Oh dear - I really did upset you simply by giving my opinion and challenging you to back your up

come on - its not that bad - and others agree with me. Hows about letting it drop? Ta

[Newsilure]

A better selection that builds nicely towards having a good team on the pitch for the NZ and Aus matches. One major improvement will be having 3 ball carrying forwards on the pitch, Toby tried hard but needed help from the likes of Ryan and Bradley who may not be our best all round second row but is the only one of the four who still has occasional dreams of stomping towards the line knocking wing forwards and half backs asside like skittles.

I doubt very much that Gethin is being dropped, what did he do wrong? This is just sensible front row rotation and I would be amazed if he didn't start next week. Not quite so sure about SW as JT could easily play a blinder and cement his starting place, if that happens we might see SW at 6 against NZ.

Roberts had to play if fit as without him our backline looks very fragile in defence and unable to make ground in attach. I didn't think Scott did anything wrong last week accept for occasional positional problems in defence, certainly when he was in the right place he tackled well and had some good carries so he is unlucky to loose his place to Beck who may be a little more inventive but is unlikely to defend better.

I hope Halfpenny has some better studs in his boots and I hope we find a way to get North and Cuthbert running into the line at pace

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