Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS

[Guest]

So, on the back of Wales's 10-33 defeat to New Zealand, and Australia's 19-22 victory over Italy, we look towards the final Autumn fixture for both teams.

Having played each other five times in the last twelve months, with the three Tests in the Summer ending 27-19, 25-23, and 20-19, this was, prior to the Autumn, the SANZAR scalp Wales must have felt they could realistically take on home soil.

How important is it for Wales to win? Must they win to hold onto their 'top-8' status, to try and avoid either England or Ireland, and equally so Argentina and Samoa, in their World Cup group? Or do they need to win to halt the decline since the Grand Slam success and the competitiveness of the Australia tour in the Summer? Do they need to win to have any hope of defending their 6 Nations crown? What effect does regional form have upon the way the players performed this Autumn? Can they beat Australia, and how? Should we look outside the current squad, especially in certain positions in the pack, due to injury and non-released players? If so, who do we bring in?




It has not gone to plan for Wales. Sitting in 4th spot on the iRB rankings following the Grand Slam success, they were in 6th place prior to the Autumn series and attempting to regain the coveted 4th to ensure a 'favourable' draw for the World Cup. However, they now sit tentatively in 7th position, only just ahead of Argentina and Samoa, both victorious at the Millennium Stadium, and a defeat to the Wallabies will mean they will have fallen from 4th to 9th following 7 straight Test defeats, and they will be in the third 'tier' for the World Cup seedings. This means they would face one of the first tier (New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, France) and one of the second tier (England, Ireland, Samoa, Argentina) in their group if they lose next Saturday.

This cannot be the position Wales expected to be in three weeks ago, yet having been deservedly beaten in the first two fixtures due to playing a pedestrian, 'territorially-minded' game-plan, they can have little complaint. It was only until the last half hour of the NZ game that Wales displayed any acceptance that their tactics were not conducive to success; you cannot score tries without the ball, and against the best teams you will be slaughtered if you kick down their throats. With New Zealand able to take it down a notch or two around the 50 minute mark, having being invited onto the ball, which they duly did, scoring 33 unanswered points, Wales finally played the running rugby they ought to be famed for, but it was too little too late.

Aside from the tactical noose that is evidently not working, or indeed not being implemented successfully and without error so that Wales can play the low-risk strategy Gatland favours, selection has been a major issue. For the Argentina game, with Ryan Jones and Dan Lydiate injured,
Josh Turnbull started at 6, with his club captain McCusker the back row cover on the bench. Both of these were selected ahead of their Scarlets teammate Aaron Shingler, who was playing exceptionally better rugby at regional level and, when called upon against New Zealand, performed admirably and effectively, something that cannot be said for Turnbull and McCusker. Mike Phillips, although excellent defensively, and a danger when sniping at close quarters, as he did yesterday, is woefully slow to the breakdown, especially when a linebreak is made, something in itself that is too infrequent for Wales. Tavis Knoyle is marginally better, although he himself, like the admission of Shingler, is arguably no longer the strongest scrum half for his region, with Gareth Davies in fine form. With Richie Rees, perhaps the best Welsh distributor after Dwayne Peel, no longer in Gatland's plans, and Rhys Webb ignored, there is decidedly little to choose from. Poor service, whoever it comes from, has been used poorly by Priestland, subject to ironic cheering from the crowd when successfully kicking to touch prior to Wales's first try against NZ and when replaced by James Hook. Priestland has been kicking almost persistently to the detriment of the team, but with the constant repetition of the mantra about 'territory' and "playing in the right areas" ('Re-boot the attack' section), the coaches must be pleased with his decision making, his only fault his execution. With James Hook having played 13 minutes all Series, and unavailable for the Australia game, and the extent of Dan Biggar's injury unknown at present, Priestland is likely to remain in the 10 shirt. Liam Williams performed admirably when he stepped up for George North, as did Scott Andrews for the injured Aaron Jarvis. The latter will likely start in Jarvis's absence, but with a reliance of Halfpenny's boot, Liam Williams will, in all probability, miss out. With French-based players (the excellent Charteris, Phillips, and the somewhat out of form Gethin Jenkins) missing out on selection due to the game falling outside the iRB window, and possibly English-based players too, the squad may be weakened somewhat. With AWJ unavailable, Bradley Davies floored, and uncertainty over Ian Evans, we are facing something of a second row crisis. However, for me, the best 15 we could produce, based on who is in the squad, is as follows. Feel free to add your own:

1. Paul James
2. Ken Owens
3. Scott Andrews
4. Luke Charteris
5. Ian Evans
6. Aaron Shingler
7. Sam Warburton
8. Toby Faletau
9. Tavis Knoyle
10. Dan Biggar
11. George North
12. Scott Williams
13. Jonathan Davies
14. Alex Cuthbert
15. Leigh Halfpenny

16. Matthew Rees
17. Ryan Bevington
18. Samson Lee
19. Ryan Jones
20. Justin Tipuric
21. Lloyd Williams
22. Rhys Priestland
23. Liam Williams

*If both starting second rows are unavailable, we are in something of a crisis. We would likely be forced to start with Ryan Jones at lock, and possibly Lou Reed too, with Aaron Shingler covering the position, and someone else coming in to fill a replacement position. But I do not know who.

This is far from the 15 I think is the 'best', but it is the best of what I can make with who is in the squad.

So on to Australia. I do not believe that they are a confident team, nowhere near the free-flowing, off the cuff team of two years ago, with key players such as David Pocock struggling (though the excellent Michael Hooper has stepped up in his absence) and James Horwill suffering with injury. At the end of a long tour, Wales have to see them as beatable. Yet, on the back the tightest of wins against Italy, they will surely be fully prepared, and any expectations of catching them dreaming of the sunny shores of home will most probably be misplaced, and punished by the men in gold. Berrick Barnes is a key man, who will punish Wales on the scoreboard in a manner Priestland chose not to in the first half against New Zealand; any mistakes will be chipped away 3 by 3, and if we kick to the Wallabies three quarters, they have the running ability to cut us to shreds. Yet the size of our midfield ought to be an asset, and if we keep the ball in hand, Scott Williams and Jon Davies are capable of both creating and scoring tries. I feel their selection over the injury prone Jamie Roberts, who has been ineffective, and needs time away from international rugby to regain form and develop his game from simply being a human wrecking ball, is imperative to Wales playing a quicker game, less reliant on their formulaic and obvious ball carriers, something Samoa said they were all too aware of. The England-Australia game was tight, but winnable for England, a team who I think are about on a par with Wales, both playing their own brand of tactically poor rugby that does their talented players a disservice (no Mike Phillips pun intended). In this sense, Wales can and should win, regardless of their form in the previous 3 games. It's imperative for World Cup rankings, but perhaps more importantly, to stop the slide and finally get the win, and psychological boon that comes with it, that they ought to have had in the Summer, but for some silly mistakes.

Wales team to face Australia:
15. Leigh Halfpenny
14. Alex Cuthbert
13. Jonathan Davies
12. Jamie Roberts
11. Liam Williams
10. Rhys Priestland
9. Mike Phillips

1. Gethin Jenkins
2. Matthew Rees
3. Scott Andrews
4. Luke Charteris
5. Ian Evans
6. Aaron Shingler
7. Sam Warburton (capt)
8. Toby Faletau.

Bench:
16. Ken Owens
17 Ryan Bevington
18. Samson Lee
19. Ryan Jones
20. Justin Tipuric
21. Tavis Knoyle
22. Dan Biggar
23. Scott Williams

Australia team to face Wales:

15. Berrick Barnes
14. Nick Cummins
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper
12. Ben Tapuai
11. Drew Mitchell
10. Kurtley Beale
9. Nick Phipps

1. Benn Robinson
2. Tatafu Polota Nau
3. Ben Alexander
4. Kane Douglas
5. Nathan Sharpe (capt)
6. Scott Higginbotham
7. David Pocock
8.Wycliff Palu

Bench:
16. Stephen Moore
17. James Slipper
18. Sekope Kepu
19. Dave Dennis
20. Michael Hooper
21. Brendan McKibbin
22. Mike Harris
23. Digby Ioane.

[Shifty]

Australia by 6-10.

Wales are battered and bruised and simply don't have the talent available to beat Australia. The injury list is horrific for Wales. Much worse and we'll be selecting the Dragons team because we'd of put the Scarlets, Blues and Ospreys squads on the treatment table!

[TycroesOsprey]

I believe the seedings are based upon the current standings so whilst we may drop out of the top 8, as far as the draw for the RWC goes we are in 7th spot. The bonus is so are Samoa so we wont get them next time around.

As far as Australia goes, if we play with the intensity and execution we managed in the second half yesterday we will win, if not we wont.

1. Gethin or Bevvington
2. M Rees
3. Andrews
4. Ian Evans
5. Charteris (WRU did a good deal to get him)
6. Ryan Jones
7. Warburton (C)
8. Faletau
9. Tavis
10. Priestland or Biggar if fit
11. North
12. JD
13. Sc Williams
14. Cuthbert
15. Halfpenny

16. Bevvington
17. Owens
18. Samson
19. Shingler
20. Tipuric
21. Ll Williams
22. A N Other depending on Biggars fitness, Morgan probably.
23. L Williams

[Morgannwg]

Can't help but agree with you. Wales need to win for all of the reasons you have mentioned. Injuries, etc aside if they show as much passions and urgency as yesterday then they can win. It's an even bigger challenge though because Aus have the better of us with 5 from 5 and will be looking to improve on what they consider a shambolic performance against Italy.

I won't vote until I see the teams picked. But I imagine the pack will look something like;
1. Whoever is available, last choice Bevington..
2. Rees/Owens
3. Andrews/Lee
4. Charteris
5. R. Jones
6. Shingler/Warburton
7. Warburton/Tipuric
8. Faletau

[bedfordwelsh]

Can people stop picking James, Phillips and Hook as none are available we might be getting Jenkins.

My side would be

Jenkins (if free Bevington if not)
Rees
Andrews
Charteris
Evans (if fit Jones if not)
Jones (Shingler if Jones in 2nd row)
Faletau
Warburton

Knoyle
Biggar (if fit Priestland otherwise)

Cuthbert
JD
Sc WIlliams
Halfpenny

L Williams

[TycroesOsprey]

There is always the option of playing two fetchers in the back row. Warburton actually looked better in the last 25 mins when he had moved to 6 and Tips was at 7, although the game had broken up a bit by then.

Australia look to be all over the place with internal dissent, players like Quade Cooper walking out to do a Gavin Henson is not good.(Although it must be pointed out Cooper is going into the boxing ring instead of Strictly). Ex players and pundits on their backs and a near miss against Italy.

If we can play with the intensity levels of yesterday and we are clinical in attack then I think we will beat the Ozzies.

[OzT]

I was going to say Warburton did look good yesterday, and that may be the way to go, two strong fetchers to get the turnovers.

I admit Wallabies blows luke warm and cold at the mo, but still think they will blow hot enough to win the last match of the tour.

[TycroesOsprey]

I was going to say Warburton did look good yesterday, and that may be the way to go, two strong fetchers to get the turnovers.

I admit Wallabies blows luke warm and cold at the mo, but still think they will blow hot enough to win the last match of the tour.

Quade Cooper going into meltdown is a shame for next years lions tour although doesnt affect next week. ARU are in for a difficult summer/winter and a loss to Wales may be the final nail in Dingos coffin. If Deans has lost the dressing room then Wales next week and the Lions prospects look so much more rosy.

[OzT]

I dunno Tycros, a while ago I thought Deans may be edged out the the coaching job by the dressing room, but I think i am seeing a more cohesive side now. could of course be just my rose tainted view, but the reshuffling that has been forced on him, and QC leaving, has forced him to look elsewhere and the new guys are answering the call.

Well this time next week all will be known!!! Can't wait, been looking forward to this game the most in the AI fo rus.

[majesticimperialman]

To be honest this is a hard one to call. Neither team have looked great this Ais. But this is just the type of game that Wales could step up and play well aand maybe get a result.

But then on the other hand, Australia are just has likey to come out firing on all cylinders. and blow Wales right off the field.

Who will win? Dont know. I will go Australia 5 - 10. only because Australia are 2nd 3rd best team in the world.

[flyhalffactory]

Liam Williams looked hungry, was brave, tackled everything and played damn well. It emphasised and highlighted that this "hunger" seems to have disappeared from some of the well paid and too easily selected Welsh players.

17 MISSED TACKLES in the first half,
thats pretty dire by anyones standards, on top of that apart from Ryan Jones, Liam and Scott Williams I didnt see any other Welsh player nail an AB

NZ 15 players v Wales 9 players
or so it seemed for soo much of the game..........half a welsh dozen players on the floor around the loose. Amazing how many times tim McCaw and Whitelock looking almost amazingly close to the Welsh breakdown that there was so many players lying on the floor and basically out of play.

Of course that wasnt the reason you lost the game, according to some posters it was because your 10 didnt hit the touch on two occasions!!!

Dependant on injuries or availability I would select the following

1. Paul James / Bevington
2. Ken Owens
3. Scott Andrews
4. Luke Charteris
5. Brad Davies / Evans
6. Aaron Shingler
7. Sam Warburton
8. Ryan Jones
9. Tavis Knoyle
10. Dan Biggar / Knoyle
11. George North
12. Scott Williams
13. Jonathan Davies
14. Leigh Halfpenny
15. Liam Williams

16. Matthew Rees
17. Ryan Bevington
18. Samson Lee
19. Toby Faletau
20. Justin Tipuric
21. Lloyd Williams
22. Rhys Priestland
23. Alex Cuthbert

I think Wales have enough quality players to have won all four of the home AI matches, and they certainly have enough quality to win next weekend

[Guest]

I don't think that you're wrong to predict an Australian win Madge, but I don't get your reasoning, particularly when you think England will beat the number one ranked team.

Australia by ten for me. We will probably be missing a fair few players. If Biggar is fit then I will be a bit more confident.

[Morgannwg]

Of course that wasnt the reason you lost the game, according to some posters it was because your 10 didnt hit the touch on two occasions!!!

Nobody said that. You misquoted somebody and refused to admit you were wrong. You nearly posted a good comment here, but this bit kinda ruins it. Agree with everything else btw.

[LondonTiger]

Welsh fans should be worried, as for the 3rd time this Autumn i have voted for a Wales win.

Australia have not been good, hammered by France and lucky to beat Italy. By strength of character they beat England and drew with NZ just before heading over. However they look in disarray.

Wales have been poor this Autumn - but surely there is a performance in there?

[OzT]

Just not next weekend please Wales...

[Guest]

"In a double boost, though, Bayonne scrum-half Mike Phillips and Toulon prop Gethin Jenkins are both available after an agreement was reached with their clubs to release them for a Wallabies fixture that falls outside the International Rugby Board's autumn Test window."

That's according to Scrum.com

[flyhalffactory]

Of course that wasnt the reason you lost the game, according to some posters it was because your 10 didnt hit the touch on two occasions!!!

Nobody said that. You misquoted somebody and refused to admit you were wrong. You nearly posted a good comment here, but this bit kinda ruins it. Agree with everything else btw.

I am getting cheesed of with your stalking immaturity......... Your inflamatory snide comments have already caused a thread to be stopped today, and you are starting another now

How do you know NOBODY said that?, there have been many insinuations that your 10 was a massive contribution to your loss aainst the ABs.
Dont tell me I am wrong again OK, I have an opinion like anyone else THERE IS NO RIGHT OR WRONG.............. this is a forum site for opinions and comments
Every time you message my comments with snide remarks I will report you

Do you understand

[flyhalffactory]

"In a double boost, though, Bayonne scrum-half Mike Phillips and Toulon prop Gethin Jenkins are both available after an agreement was reached with their clubs to release them for a Wallabies fixture that falls outside the International Rugby Board's autumn Test window."

That's according to Scrum.com

Risca
Thats good for Wales......... Phillips I thought had a good game on Saturday

[Guest]

Yeah, he did alright. It was a bit of a sickener still though seeing the zip on the Kiwi 9's service.

[flyhalffactory]

Yeah, he did alright. It was a bit of a sickener still though seeing the zip on the Kiwi 9's service.

Agree
If you could morph Phillips and Peel............ now that would be tasty

[Morgannwg]

Of course that wasnt the reason you lost the game, according to some posters it was because your 10 didnt hit the touch on two occasions!!!

Nobody said that. You misquoted somebody and refused to admit you were wrong. You nearly posted a good comment here, but this bit kinda ruins it. Agree with everything else btw.

I am getting cheesed of with your stalking immaturity......... Your inflamatory snide comments have already caused a thread to be stopped today, and you are starting another now

How do you know NOBODY said that?, there have been many insinuations that your 10 was a massive contribution to your loss aainst the ABs.
Dont tell me I am wrong again OK, I have an opinion like anyone else THERE IS NO RIGHT OR WRONG.............. this is a forum site for opinions and comments
Every time you message my comments with snide remarks I will report you

Do you understand

This is hilarious . Anyway, I assume you are referring to the Wales/NZ match day thread, the one where you dropped in to give your 'view' while being condescending of other peoples opinions. Nobody on that thread said we lost because RP missed touch twice from a penalty. And Wales606 said you misquoted him (so I back him over you). So the part I highlighted, you are wrong.

Report away baby.

[Pete C (Kiwireddevil)]

Of course that wasnt the reason you lost the game, according to some posters it was because your 10 didnt hit the touch on two occasions!!!

Nobody said that. You misquoted somebody and refused to admit you were wrong. You nearly posted a good comment here, but this bit kinda ruins it. Agree with everything else btw.

I am getting cheesed of with your stalking immaturity......... Your inflamatory snide comments have already caused a thread to be stopped today, and you are starting another now

How do you know NOBODY said that?, there have been many insinuations that your 10 was a massive contribution to your loss aainst the ABs.
Dont tell me I am wrong again OK, I have an opinion like anyone else THERE IS NO RIGHT OR WRONG.............. this is a forum site for opinions and comments
Every time you message my comments with snide remarks I will report you

Do you understand

This is hilarious . Anyway, I assume you are referring to the Wales/NZ match day thread, the one where you dropped in to give your 'view' while being condescending of other peoples opinions. Nobody on that thread said we lost because RP missed touch twice from a penalty. And Wales606 said you misquoted him (so I back him over you). So the part I highlighted, you are wrong.

Report away baby.

Can the pair of you just drop it.

[OzT]

Teo different sort of scrumie Risca, Phillips has never been known for quick disposal of the ball, whereas Smith is known for quick disposal with some zip

[Guest]

Yeah they are Oz. I like a lot of what Phillips does for us to be fair, but would love him to be able to zip his passes out a bit more.

[Guest]

A Phillips and Peel morph would be lovely FHF

[GavinDragon]

I hope we dont approach the game by 'not trying to lose'

I want us to approach the game like we did in the last 20 minutes in the ab game. Just play with ball in hand. DONT kick it to a dangerous wallaby back three. Cut out turnovers and we will be in the game.

Ultimately though I dont think we will play with enough intensity and accuracy for long enough to win sadly.

Australia by 14 for me

[Guest]

I think the point for me was there was a period, between the two tries, where we had the ball in their 22, started off on the left, went to the right, and back to the left, playing relatively quick ball but not looking certain of scoring. Phillips was consistently missing from the base of the ruck, and there was about 4 rucks in a row where he did not provide the ball to his forwards, nor was he anywhere near.

Also, when Jon Davies broke up field and fed it to Liam Williams (?), who was tackled the just after the NZ 10m line, it took about 5 seconds to get to the ruck, crucial time which is the difference between scoring and letting the defence get back into position. Just the way he generally ambled towards a ruck when it was screaming out for quick ball is so infuriating. He can be a fantastic player, and his best attributes are unparalleled in the world game, but I'm not sure we see them often enough nor do they outweigh his detrimental impact to the team in terms of regularly accurate and quick service. But, again, he fits with the low-risk, conservative structure of the game, and the coaches consider him undroppable.

[Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler]

Can the pair of you just drop it.

Are you Englands backs coach ?

[OzT]

That was funny

[bedfordwelsh]

I though Phillips had an ok game but that was about it. He made a few little snipes which is always good to see but he was so lsow to a lot of the breakdowns and at one was virtually just walking to the base of the ruck with the ball clearly there.

If nothing else I think this series has proved we badly need to sort out our half backs if we want to push on again.

[Morgannwg]

Hey guys, here is the latest news from the WRU;


Wales' selectors have delayed announcing the team for their final Dove Men Series clash against Australia this Saturday by 48 hours due to ongoing injury concerns:

AARON JARVIS has been ruled out of the Wallabies game (knee)
BRADLEY DAVIES is recovering from severe concussion and following the appropriate return to play protocols.
JAMIE ROBERTS will not train in the early part of the week (hip)

RYAN JONES has stitches in a head wound and will also take a limited part until the latter stages of the training week.
DAN BIGGAR (shoulder) will resume some rugby training this afternoon.
IAN EVANS (knee) will undergo a fitness test this afternoon with a view to resuming full training.
GEORGE NORTH (hip) is continuing his rehab and at this moment remains in contention to return at the weekend.

Paul James and James Hook have returned to their respective clubs, but Luke Charteris, Gethin Jenkins and Mike Phillips have all remained with Wales.

[TycroesOsprey]

Hey guys, here is the latest news from the WRU;


Wales' selectors have delayed announcing the team for their final Dove Men Series clash against Australia this Saturday by 48 hours due to ongoing injury concerns:

AARON JARVIS has been ruled out of the Wallabies game (knee)
BRADLEY DAVIES is recovering from severe concussion and following the appropriate return to play protocols.
JAMIE ROBERTS will not train in the early part of the week (hip)

RYAN JONES has stitches in a head wound and will also take a limited part until the latter stages of the training week.
DAN BIGGAR (shoulder) will resume some rugby training this afternoon.
IAN EVANS (knee) will undergo a fitness test this afternoon with a view to resuming full training.
GEORGE NORTH (hip) is continuing his rehab and at this moment remains in contention to return at the weekend.

Paul James and James Hook have returned to their respective clubs, but Luke Charteris, Gethin Jenkins and Mike Phillips have all remained with Wales.

Based on that news, if everyone is fit then the team will look something like this,

1. Gethin
2. Rees
3. Andrews
4. Evans
5. Charteris
6. Ryan
7. Warburton
8. Faletau
9. Phillips
10. Priestland
11. North
12. Williams
13. JD
14. Cuthbert
15. Halfpenny

16. Bevvington
17. Owens
18. Lee
19. Shingler (really cant see Bradley being fit)
20. Tipuric
21. Tavis
22. Biggar
23. L Williams

I guess Roberts could come back in but his form hardly deserves it especially after Scott Williams made such an instant impact coming on. It would be harsh on Liam Williams as well as he would likely drop from the bench which after last match would be a shame. If injuries allow us to put that team out and if Pocock is injured I'm predicting a welsh win.

[ScarletSpiderman]

Halfpenny
L Williams
S Williams
Davies
North
Priestland
Phillips

Bevington
Owens
Lee
R Jones (c)
Charteris
Shingler
Tipuric
Faletau

Bench-: Rees, Jenkins, Andrews, Evans (L Reed if unfit), Warburton, Knoyle, Biggar (Beck if unfit), Cuthbert

[thebluesmancometh]

I'd personally go with...

Bevington
Owens
Andrews
Jones/Evans
Charteris
Shinglar
Tipuric
Falatau
Phillips
RP
North
Williams
Davies
Cuthbert
1/2p

Really don't want to see RP in again but who else is there if Biggar is injured and Hook is in France. Who's going to be on the bench??? 1/2p?

The way I see it selection for the squad initially was a joke, the first game proved that, then the changes were all wrong and unfair on the 8 guys coming in, NZ were always going to be a struggle and Australia now is a game where we need to take some positives. I know we could fall out of the top 8 but in all honesty we deserve to, lets give some of the guys who have performed at regional level a shot and hopefully they will play with a passion and surprise a few.

I don't think this Aus side is very special, infact I think it's down right average in comparison to some teams they could and have feilded in recent years, let the younger boys go out, throw the reputation tag away and just give it 80 minutes of blood and guts!!

[Morgannwg]

I'd like to see Biggar, Scott Williams and Liam Williams start. I can't see Bradley making it. Front row should be; Jenkins, Rees, Andrews. Bevington, Owens, Lee on the bench. Wouldn't mind seeing Ryan Jones in the 2nd row.

[thebluesmancometh]

Sorry that was Williams at FB not 1/2p!!!

[ScarletSpiderman]

Am I the only person who thinks we should say screw it and just let the boys on the feild play it their way. A bit like against he All Black in the RWC in '03? Feild a side that want to be playing, and tell them to do as they see fit. If it works Gats looks like a genius and if it fails we will know who is 'over-coached' and who lacks the skill set to play the game instinctively.

[samuraidragon]

Halfpenny
L Williams
S Williams
Davies
North
Priestland
Phillips

Bevington
Owens
Lee
R Jones (c)
Charteris
Shingler
Tipuric
Faletau

Bench-: Jenkins, Andrews, Evans (L Reed if unfit), Warburton, Knoyle, Biggar (Beck if unfit), Cuthbert

SS, you'd still pick Priestland over Biggar? And no start for Evans?

[thebluesmancometh]

SS

I see your point but it would be a mistake to throw the playbook out all together, we definately need to run systems and plays, but I would definately loosen the reigns a bit, offer a bit more freedom to the backline, especially with regards to kicking long and infeild etc...

[rodders]

Right I'll do you blokes a favour...I've tipped Wales every week so far so this week I won't........

[ScarletSpiderman]

SamuraiDragon - yeah I would go with Priestland instead of Biggar, unless Biggar is showing 100% fit. If Biggar is then I would have no problem with him starting. But I have a worry that we may chuck a 75% fit Biggar in just because he isn't Rhys, and then end up getting him injured again. Same With Evans really. Lets not take risks with players wellfare.

(P.S. in hindsight they are both Ospreys, throw them in, and if they get injured oh well )

[Guest]

No 10 replacement on the bench Spiderman if Biggar isn't fit? And however good Lee is, Scott Andrews certainly deserves to retain his place in the side after the performance he put in against NZ.

[glamorganalun]

Again I will not make a prediction prior to the team selection, for the NZ game I predicted 50+ when I saw the team and if the AB's had not made a lot of changes I think the prediction would have been correct. Credit to many players in the Welsh team for performing very well in some aspects of the game but Wales cannot win with a poor game plan, under performing half backs and missing so many tackles not helped by blind/one eyed officials.

I have heard Biggar starts full training, I just pray he is picked for Sat and spare Preistland and the public the ongoing suffering.

[ScarletSpiderman]

No 10 replacement on the bench Spiderman if Biggar isn't fit? And however good Lee is, Scott Andrews certainly deserves to retain his place in the side after the performance he put in against NZ.

What fly half replacement is there in the squad?? I have not heard of anyone being called up.

[glamorganalun]

No 10 replacement on the bench Spiderman if Biggar isn't fit? And however good Lee is, Scott Andrews certainly deserves to retain his place in the side after the performance he put in against NZ.

What fly half replacement is there in the squad?? I have not heard of anyone being called up.

My thought exactly, we are stuck with our current 10 hopefully on the bench for 80mins with luck Biggar playing.

[Morgannwg]

Might Tovey get called up to train as a precaution?

[Guest]

Might Tovey get called up to train as a precaution?

Not likely, when he can't get in a pretty poor Blues side at the minute.

[ScarletSpiderman]

If I were calling up it would be little Matthew Morgan, just training cover. And that would add up with Samson Lee, Kirby Myhill, and Lloyd Peers being called up. Getting them into the training squad, learning the environment/attitude etc.

[Liam]

Hook to start at 10
Williams to FB, 1/2p to wing
S.Williams at 12, JD2 13
Knoyle at SH
Warbs 6, Tips 7, Toby 8
Andrews to 3

Those are the changes I'd be making and I would tell the boys just to go for it. Ball in hand, no aimless kicking and just take it to the Aussies. We've got nothing to lose, when we took it to them down under they struggled. They will score tries so let's just try and out score them with running rugby, similar to what we saw in 05

[Guest]

No 10 replacement on the bench Spiderman if Biggar isn't fit? And however good Lee is, Scott Andrews certainly deserves to retain his place in the side after the performance he put in against NZ.

What fly half replacement is there in the squad?? I have not heard of anyone being called up.

True, but if by tomorrow Biggar is looking anything less than 80%, I would have thought someone (be it Morgan, Stephen Jones...whoever) would be called up as a precaution. Otherwise, if Priestland gets injured during the game, we're facing the scenario of having Liam or Scott Williams having to play first receiver.

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