Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
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Match Predictions
Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
First topic message reminder :
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.
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.
Last edited by miaow on Thu 29 Nov 2012, 3:30 pm; edited 3 times in total (Reason for editing : Wales & Australia Teams Announced)
Guest- Guest
Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
kiakahaaotearoa wrote:Taking 3 points is not a sign of no confidence. Indeed it is a sign that you are confident you can get back in the target area and get another three points. Going for a try early in a match is not a sign of confidence in your abilities. In my opinion it is a sign that the opposition is going to hit back so we need to make a statement now.
+1
samuraidragon- Posts : 719
Join date : 2011-06-14
Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
kiakahaaotearoa wrote:Taking 3 points is not a sign of no confidence. Indeed it is a sign that you are confident you can get back in the target area and get another three points. Going for a try early in a match is not a sign of confidence in your abilities. In my opinion it is a sign that the opposition is going to hit back so we need to make a statement now.
In test rugby, you always go for the points available. If Wales knuckled down and got the basics right like they did in the last quarter, they wouldn't need to be playing catch up or require a big early lead. They'd be in the game.
I predicted a Wales win this weekend. I all want a beer off you Welsh posters if that comes true.
Apparently the reasoning for going for the corner early was that Wales were planning their 13 man attacking lineout tactic, (code name MALT13). They were confident it would work.
maestegmafia- Posts : 23145
Join date : 2011-03-05
Location : Glyncorrwg
Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
Fair enough but still think you try those things when you've got points on the board. You've got to think you're going to have more opportunities for an attacking lineout on the 22. It's a surprise move. The ABs would've wised up after the first one and kept out any more attempts probably.
Priestland may have missed those kicks for touch because he was trying to get it as close to the line as possible. All the more reason to take the risk out of the equation and get early points. Halfpenny hasn't missed many this year. When you see 0 by your name it's psychologically destroying. There's no point in finishing stronger if the damage is already done. Australia showed in Sydney and in Brisbane the power of chipping away at the ABs with 3 points. You don't need to imitate how the ABs are scoring their points. The important thing is to have points.
Priestland may have missed those kicks for touch because he was trying to get it as close to the line as possible. All the more reason to take the risk out of the equation and get early points. Halfpenny hasn't missed many this year. When you see 0 by your name it's psychologically destroying. There's no point in finishing stronger if the damage is already done. Australia showed in Sydney and in Brisbane the power of chipping away at the ABs with 3 points. You don't need to imitate how the ABs are scoring their points. The important thing is to have points.
kiakahaaotearoa- Posts : 8287
Join date : 2011-05-10
Location : Madrid
Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
maestegmafia wrote:Smirnoffpriest wrote:I'd give up Maes - their intent on their scapegoat (similar to Hook post-WC, Jones for the few seasons before the WC, Jon Davies even came in for a bit in the 2011 6N's, as did Biggar 2010-11)
Aye and now someones using Hooks lack of starts at 10 as a comparison to Priestlands alleged over generous opportunities.
Some people will always look for a scapegoat if we lose. It was a team performance, there were mistakes by both sides in the first half by both teams. Most of the Welsh mistakes were missed tackles in open play. something you can not do against a brilliant team like the All Blacks current mob.
Not sure who's looking for 'a scapegoat'. We could have had Dan Carter at 10 and the ABs would still have been 20 points better than us. I hope Priestland has a decent one, for the sake of his own sanity. Maybe his psychologist can hypnotise him or something.
Against Australia, if we play kick/chase again, I just can't see any way we can win it. If we throw a bit of caution to the wind (like 2nd half against New Zealand) before the game is actually dead and buried this time, maybe we could make a game of it.
Casartelli- Posts : 1935
Join date : 2011-10-08
Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
glamorganalun wrote:samuraidragon wrote:Mr Taff wrote:I miss Steven Jones.
I don't. Already forgotten the bottled dropkick in the World Cup, missed touch that gave the Irish the slam and numerous mediocre international games since 2008?
Agree 100%, he was at his best during 2005 GS he had Henson inside him to add some talent sadly lacking at 10. RP seems to follow his mentor but can't kick goals.
Have to disagree there. Peel was sublime in '05, and it was his brilliant service, with SJ coming onto the ball at pace, that held defensive lines, and then SJ's distribution did the rest, putting people into space (Shanklin coming back on the angle, Henson to move it to the 3/4s etc.) or making the breaks himself (he did make breaks, it's just that people would rather forget this/prefer it if he looked pretty whilst doing so). Whilst he was still an excellent 10 after '08 (ridiculous assertion to claim he was mediocre or to blame for the loss against Ireland in '09), I think the fact SJ made significantly less breaks, along with the evolution of the game meaning there are now more defenders in the line (if not the whole team), due, in part, to Mike Phillips' poor service. If it wasn't for Shane, who carried Wales between '08-'10, we would have had far worse results.
Guest- Guest
Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
Ian Evans is out of the game tomorrow. Lou reed has been brought straight in at lock and Ryan still on the bench which confirms my suspicion that Ryan is not 100% and will only be used in an emergency or for the last 15.
doctornickolas- Posts : 813
Join date : 2011-05-31
Location : Penarth
Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
Agree with you about Peel's service, but not about SJ's post 08- excellence at international level. He was never poor, but nothing like as reliable as people now make out, having his fair share of interceptions etc. Still, let bygones be bygones - he did good service for Wales in his time.
samuraidragon- Posts : 719
Join date : 2011-06-14
Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
doctornickolas wrote:Ian Evans is out of the game tomorrow. Lou reed has been brought straight in at lock and Ryan still on the bench which confirms my suspicion that Ryan is not 100% and will only be used in an emergency or for the last 15.
Down to 5/6th choice lock
Were even more DOOMED
wales606- Posts : 10728
Join date : 2011-03-04
Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
Starting to look thread bare now aren't we. Even worse news for the Ospreys with all these guys out and the Toulouse fixtures looming. Surely the most sensible idea was to move Ryan Jones or Aaron Shingler to 2nd row, and instead of calling up Lloyd Peers to train a few weeks ago, call up Lou Reed? More Wales management blunders. Aus by 6.
Morgannwg- Posts : 6338
Join date : 2011-10-10
Location : Bristol - Newport
Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
Lou Reed... Bugger... Sad for Evans he is a good player when fit, has certainly had enough injury problems over the last few years.
maestegmafia- Posts : 23145
Join date : 2011-03-05
Location : Glyncorrwg
Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
Its all right,
we all know what follows a Grand Slam...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/4467712.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/welsh/7752340.stm
we all know what follows a Grand Slam...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/international/4467712.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/welsh/7752340.stm
wales606- Posts : 10728
Join date : 2011-03-04
Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
doctornickolas wrote:Ian Evans is out of the game tomorrow. Lou reed has been brought straight in at lock and Ryan still on the bench which confirms my suspicion that Ryan is not 100% and will only be used in an emergency or for the last 15.
Well lets hope Reed or Charteris not ger crocked as early as Davies did last week then or Jones will be on for the full 80 anyway. Like I said if you are fit for the bench the surely you are fit to start
bedfordwelsh- Moderator
- Posts : 9962
Join date : 2011-05-11
Age : 56
Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
How can a team with Scott Andrews and Lou Reed win?
Guest- Guest
Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
Lineout calls gonna be fun then. Once again it's one fixture too many.
Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler- Posts : 10344
Join date : 2011-06-02
Location : Englandshire
Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
viewtothegym wrote:How can a team with Scott Andrews and Lou Reed win?
View,
Despite having criticised him a hell of a lot before, I thought he had a very good game last week
bedfordwelsh- Moderator
- Posts : 9962
Join date : 2011-05-11
Age : 56
Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
I agree, i sank in my chair when i saw him ready to take cover for Jarvis v the All Blacks but he did surprisingly well,
But Woodcock is something of a myth at scrummage ability
But Woodcock is something of a myth at scrummage ability
Guest- Guest
Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
[i]miaow wrote:glamorganalun wrote:samuraidragon wrote:Mr Taff wrote:I miss Steven Jones.
I don't. Already forgotten the bottled dropkick in the World Cup, missed touch that gave the Irish the slam and numerous mediocre international games since 2008?
Agree 100%, he was at his best during 2005 GS he had Henson inside him to add some talent sadly lacking at 10. RP seems to follow his mentor but can't kick goals.
Have to disagree there. Peel was sublime in '05, and it was his brilliant service, with SJ coming onto the ball at pace, that held defensive lines, and then SJ's distribution did the rest, putting people into space (Shanklin coming back on the angle, Henson to move it to the 3/4s etc.) or making the breaks himself (he did make breaks, it's just that people would rather forget this/prefer it if he looked pretty whilst doing so). Whilst he was still an excellent 10 after '08 (ridiculous assertion to claim he was mediocre or to blame for the loss against Ireland in '09), I think the fact SJ made significantly less breaks, along with the evolution of the game meaning there are now more defenders in the line (if not the whole team), due, in part, to Mike Phillips' poor service. If it wasn't for Shane, who carried Wales between '08-'10, we would have had far worse results.
Sorry, I had to laugh S Jones coming onto the ball at pace, what planet were you on in 2005, Jones played well but pace! The GS 2005 was the best because we played fast running rugby with K Morgan, Rhys Williams, S Williams and the class of Henson.
glamorganalun- Posts : 3292
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Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
viewtothegym wrote:How can a team with Scott Andrews and Lou Reed win?
You missed out the the most important player at 10, I would rather Dan Parks or Norton Knight.
glamorganalun- Posts : 3292
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Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
glamorganalun wrote:viewtothegym wrote:How can a team with Scott Andrews and Lou Reed win?
You missed out the the most important player at 10, I would rather Dan Parks or Norton Knight.
No, no, now you are just being silly
wales606- Posts : 10728
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Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
Norton Knight did beat Wales
Guest- Guest
Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
viewtothegym wrote:Norton Knight did beat Wales
So has Preistland he is on a run and he is on the same side.
glamorganalun- Posts : 3292
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Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
viewtothegym wrote:Norton Knight did beat Wales
And he played at FH , I though he got his caps at FB
Wow, I did not know that
http://www.espnscrum.com/australia/rugby/match/25430.html
wales606- Posts : 10728
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Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
Looking at this pessimistically
1. Second choice LH (James missing)
2. Second choice Hooker (Hibbard missing)
3. Fourth choice THP (Jones, Mitchell, Jarvis missing)
4. Fifth choice lock (Davies, Evans missing)
5. Second choice lock (AWJ missing)
6. Third choice flanker (Lydiate, Jones missing)
7. First choice flanker
8. First choice no8
That is not a good pack on paper.
1. Second choice LH (James missing)
2. Second choice Hooker (Hibbard missing)
3. Fourth choice THP (Jones, Mitchell, Jarvis missing)
4. Fifth choice lock (Davies, Evans missing)
5. Second choice lock (AWJ missing)
6. Third choice flanker (Lydiate, Jones missing)
7. First choice flanker
8. First choice no8
That is not a good pack on paper.
wales606- Posts : 10728
Join date : 2011-03-04
Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
glamorganalun wrote:[i]miaow wrote:glamorganalun wrote:samuraidragon wrote:Mr Taff wrote:I miss Steven Jones.
I don't. Already forgotten the bottled dropkick in the World Cup, missed touch that gave the Irish the slam and numerous mediocre international games since 2008?
Agree 100%, he was at his best during 2005 GS he had Henson inside him to add some talent sadly lacking at 10. RP seems to follow his mentor but can't kick goals.
Have to disagree there. Peel was sublime in '05, and it was his brilliant service, with SJ coming onto the ball at pace, that held defensive lines, and then SJ's distribution did the rest, putting people into space (Shanklin coming back on the angle, Henson to move it to the 3/4s etc.) or making the breaks himself (he did make breaks, it's just that people would rather forget this/prefer it if he looked pretty whilst doing so). Whilst he was still an excellent 10 after '08 (ridiculous assertion to claim he was mediocre or to blame for the loss against Ireland in '09), I think the fact SJ made significantly less breaks, along with the evolution of the game meaning there are now more defenders in the line (if not the whole team), due, in part, to Mike Phillips' poor service. If it wasn't for Shane, who carried Wales between '08-'10, we would have had far worse results.
Sorry, I had to laugh S Jones coming onto the ball at pace, what planet were you on in 2005, Jones played well but pace! The GS 2005 was the best because we played fast running rugby with K Morgan, Rhys Williams, S Williams and the class of Henson.
Let's use actual evidence rather than assumptions...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frHFNVfEq3w
Guest- Guest
Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
wales606 wrote:Looking at this pessimistically
1. Second choice LH (James missing)
2. Second choice Hooker (Hibbard missing)
3. Fourth choice THP (Jones, Mitchell, Jarvis missing)
4. Fifth choice lock (Davies, Evans missing)
5. Second choice lock (AWJ missing)
6. Third choice flanker (Lydiate, Jones missing)
7. First choice flanker
8. First choice no8
That is not a good pack on paper.
1. Jenkins maybe second choice but still not a bad second choice
2. Rees for me is still first choice
3. After Jones I don't think there is much of a pecking order as all are untried.
4. Agree with you on this one.
5. Charteris should be first choice (along with Evans)
6. Lydiate is clear first choice but Jones isn't misxsing he's not picked and I think Shingler more than capable and better lineout option.
bedfordwelsh- Moderator
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Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
I agree with bedford's points. Yes clearly we don't have an established team and a number of our best players injured, but it is more the untried that we are forced to rely on than anything else.
In the long run this injury spate will do us a massive favour. Look at how well lads who have stepped to replace injured players are doing. Two or three years ago we used to worry if geth wasn't fit, james is now fully pushing his place, Owens is on the bench but many see him as our best hooker, (shame hibbards injured as well he has had a good season). Aaron Shingler has proved he can compete at this level and makes a more than adequate third choice replacement, as does Tipuric as a back up for warburton. Three years ago we didn't think we could afford to lose Martyn Williams.
In the long run this injury spate will do us a massive favour. Look at how well lads who have stepped to replace injured players are doing. Two or three years ago we used to worry if geth wasn't fit, james is now fully pushing his place, Owens is on the bench but many see him as our best hooker, (shame hibbards injured as well he has had a good season). Aaron Shingler has proved he can compete at this level and makes a more than adequate third choice replacement, as does Tipuric as a back up for warburton. Three years ago we didn't think we could afford to lose Martyn Williams.
maestegmafia- Posts : 23145
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Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
Well I am not too despondent. The pack is not as bad as some people fear. The Front row has two British Lions and whilst Andrews is a rookie at tight head, he stood up well to the All Blacks last week. The Ozzies are not a feared scrum so whilst we are unlikely to get the upper hand we should easily get parity. In Read, Shingler and Charteris we have a lot of height and multiple targets for our lineout. We can also pressurise the Australian lineout if our tactical kicking is good.
The backs are pretty much our first choice even if players like Priestland and Roberts are way off form. We do have the firepower in JD, Cuthbert, Halfpenny and Phillips to worry the Australian defence and Shinglers speed and Athleticism can help us generate quick ball at the breakdown. for our backs to run.
The most dissapointing aspect of last week was the defence leaking 17 missed tackles in the first half. That cant happen today otherwise we will get killed by the Wallabies.
If we can get parity at setpiece and generate quickball whist regaining solidity in defence we can beat the Australians. The addition of Shingler at blindside is a good move and if he and Warbs can combat pocock at the breakdown then I think we will win.
The backs are pretty much our first choice even if players like Priestland and Roberts are way off form. We do have the firepower in JD, Cuthbert, Halfpenny and Phillips to worry the Australian defence and Shinglers speed and Athleticism can help us generate quick ball at the breakdown. for our backs to run.
The most dissapointing aspect of last week was the defence leaking 17 missed tackles in the first half. That cant happen today otherwise we will get killed by the Wallabies.
If we can get parity at setpiece and generate quickball whist regaining solidity in defence we can beat the Australians. The addition of Shingler at blindside is a good move and if he and Warbs can combat pocock at the breakdown then I think we will win.
TycroesOsprey- Posts : 1839
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Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
Patience and composure, controlled aggression and plenty of pressure on the Aussies.
We need to trust and believe in our ability to play good rugby as we know we can.
We need to trust and believe in our ability to play good rugby as we know we can.
maestegmafia- Posts : 23145
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Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
maestegmafia wrote:Patience and composure, controlled aggression and plenty of pressure on the Aussies.
We need to trust and believe in our ability to play good rugby as we know we can.
And Priestland to accidentally lock himself in a toilet cubicle just before kick off.
Casartelli- Posts : 1935
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Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
Casartelli wrote:maestegmafia wrote:Patience and composure, controlled aggression and plenty of pressure on the Aussies.
We need to trust and believe in our ability to play good rugby as we know we can.
And Priestland to accidentally lock himself in a toilet cubicle just before kick off.
wales606- Posts : 10728
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Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
Casartelli wrote:maestegmafia wrote:Patience and composure, controlled aggression and plenty of pressure on the Aussies.
We need to trust and believe in our ability to play good rugby as we know we can.
And Priestland to accidentally lock himself in a toilet cubicle just before kick off.
Probably be better if one of the Aussie props did rather than Priestland...!
maestegmafia- Posts : 23145
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Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
Enjoy the game Maes - keep everything crossed.
Casartelli- Posts : 1935
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Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
"Rather be lucky than good".
maestegmafia- Posts : 23145
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Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
I wanna see some exciting attacking rugby from Wales.
TJ1- Posts : 2666
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Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
TJ wrote:I wanna see some exciting attacking rugby from Wales.
Here you go buddy - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frHFNVfEq3w
courtesy of miaow
wales606- Posts : 10728
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TJ1- Posts : 2666
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Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
Biggar at 75% is still a better bet than Priestland at 105%.
George Carlin- Admin
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Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
Leigh Halfpenny hasn't won a game since March apparently
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/rugby-news/2012/12/01/wales-star-leigh-halfpenny-out-to-end-run-of-14-straight-defeats-91466-32340526/
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/rugby-news/2012/12/01/wales-star-leigh-halfpenny-out-to-end-run-of-14-straight-defeats-91466-32340526/
wales606- Posts : 10728
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Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
Well it's a new day and its match day and i have got to say i have gone from feeling like we are going to get beat to we are doomed and are in for a good hiding.
Scott Andrews people! SCOTT FRIGGING Sunday amateur league standard ANDREWS PEOPLE!!!!
Might watch the England game to cheer me up
Scott Andrews people! SCOTT FRIGGING Sunday amateur league standard ANDREWS PEOPLE!!!!
Might watch the England game to cheer me up
Guest- Guest
Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
viewtothegym wrote:Well it's a new day and its match day and i have got to say i have gone from feeling like we are going to get beat to we are doomed and are in for a good hiding.
Scott Andrews people! SCOTT FRIGGING Sunday amateur league standard ANDREWS PEOPLE!!!!
Might watch the England game to cheer me up
That's rubbish, Andrews played a great game last week.
maestegmafia- Posts : 23145
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Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
Andrews was good last week, and has had a good few games for the Blues this season.
wales606- Posts : 10728
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Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
wales606 wrote:Looking at this pessimistically
1. Second choice LH (James missing)
2. Second choice Hooker (Hibbard missing)
3. Fourth choice THP (Jones, Mitchell, Jarvis missing)
4. Fifth choice lock (Davies, Evans missing)
5. Second choice lock (AWJ missing)
6. Third choice flanker (Lydiate, Jones missing)
7. First choice flanker
8. First choice no8
That is not a good pack on paper.
As there is no Osprey players remaining in the starting 15, how do you think this team would mange against the Ospreys full starting 15 if they were fit? I suspect they would get stuffed, the backs would hardly get the ball but some seem to think we can beat Aust!
glamorganalun- Posts : 3292
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Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
glamorganalun wrote:wales606 wrote:Looking at this pessimistically
1. Second choice LH (James missing)
2. Second choice Hooker (Hibbard missing)
3. Fourth choice THP (Jones, Mitchell, Jarvis missing)
4. Fifth choice lock (Davies, Evans missing)
5. Second choice lock (AWJ missing)
6. Third choice flanker (Lydiate, Jones missing)
7. First choice flanker
8. First choice no8
That is not a good pack on paper.
As there is no Osprey players remaining in the starting 15, how do you think this team would mange against the Ospreys full starting 15 if they were fit? I suspect they would get stuffed, the backs would hardly get the ball but some seem to think we can beat Aust!
They would certainly be stuffed in the scrums against Adam and Hibbard. Although the Welsh team is stronger at 1,5,7 and 8
wales606- Posts : 10728
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Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
The Ospreys are better at 6,7 and 8 as a unit Adam will be against Gethin he always stuffs him and Andrews against against Duncan would be my choice.
glamorganalun- Posts : 3292
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Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
There's going to be a lot of empty seats today. Cardiff RFC are selling BOGOF tickets and most people I know are looking to sell their's.
Morgannwg- Posts : 6338
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Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
Linebreaker wrote:
I'm feeling a little apprehensive and only see a few points in it... just like the last 5 games between these two teams.
Perhaps this time those "few points" could be on the other side of the scoreboard
wales606- Posts : 10728
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Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
Best of luck to me Welsh buddies.
Although I want the Wallabies to win of course, I don't think it would be too bad a thing for Wales to win at all.
They will have to earn it though... and they showed glimpses of their potential late in last week's game against the ABs.
I'm feeling a little apprehensive and only see a few points in it... just like the last 5 games between these two teams.
I'm hoping it's a free flowing game with both sides throwing the ball around and giving it all to each other up front.
That would be great. Both these teams have plenty of points to prove to themselves and the fans.
Although I want the Wallabies to win of course, I don't think it would be too bad a thing for Wales to win at all.
They will have to earn it though... and they showed glimpses of their potential late in last week's game against the ABs.
I'm feeling a little apprehensive and only see a few points in it... just like the last 5 games between these two teams.
I'm hoping it's a free flowing game with both sides throwing the ball around and giving it all to each other up front.
That would be great. Both these teams have plenty of points to prove to themselves and the fans.
Pal Joey- PJ
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Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
Wales to beat Australia today....Ulster to hammer Scarlet's tomorrow
Guest- Guest
Re: Wales v Australia, 1/12/12, k/o 14:30. DISCUSSION/MATCH THREAD, PREDICTIONS POLL & TEAMS
The last of our 4 internationally experience locks is off after 3 minutes
Ryan Jones on, Charteris hopefully going to come back on
Ryan Jones on, Charteris hopefully going to come back on
wales606- Posts : 10728
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