Wales team for Murrayfield???

Here's the Wales team then:-

WALES: Leigh Halfpenny; Alex Cuthbert, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, George North, Dan Biggar, Mike Phillips; Paul James, Richard Hibbard, Adam Jones, Alun Wyn Jones, Ian Evans, Ryan Jones (C), Sam Warburton, Toby Faletau.

REPLACEMENTS: Ken Owens, Scott Andrews, Ryan Bevington, Andrew Coombs, Justin Tipuric, Lloyd Williams, James Hook, Scott Williams.

Sam Warburton, Paul James and Alun Wynn in, Andrews and Bevington on the bench.

Surprised to see Warburton given his place over Tipuric, I guess Gethin is out injured.

would only change gethin due to injury otherwise I would keep the same squad.

my reasoning is that I want Warburton hungry to prove himself and also show some faith in tipuric who hasn't had much of a chance really. Also coombes has been superb so far this six nations as does not warrant being dropped to bench. I would give Warbs and AWJ 30 mins to prove themselves for the England match

However I think Howley will put James at loosehead (due to gethins injury), sub AWJ for coombes and maybe warburton into backrow (though who for I do not know!)

James
Owens
Jones
Evans
AWJ
Jones
Warburton
Toby
Phillips
bigger
Walker
Hook
Davies
North
Halfpenny

Subs
Mitchell
gil
Hibbard
Lydiate
Tipric
williams
Roberts
Burn

I believe I have picked a strong enough squad that could beat Scotland and it also brings a different style

James
Owens
Jones
Evans
AWJ
Jones
Warburton
Toby
Phillips
bigger
Walker
Hook
Davies
North
Halfpenny

Subs
Mitchell
gil
Hibbard
Lydiate
Tipric
williams
Roberts
Burn

I believe I have picked a strong enough squad that could beat Scotland and it also brings a different style. Plus it gives Warburton a chance to prove him self before england

The team is starting to pick itself again - James for Gethin and AWJ back for Coombs and lets start rocking on - Ianto has been outstanding so far

I agree RG

Amazing what the perspective of winning has on peoples outlook towards the team, squad, coaches etc...

Call me fickle but I haven't read anyone asking to lynch a member of our Six Nations campaign once since saturdays match...

I'm still happy to lynch my mate Howley - he still talks a load of crap but there is some belief coming back with the players and Ryan has lead by example. I've noticed he's far more vocal than Warbs and I like that

When Howely took Ryan Jones off and brought Warburton on...I got the feeling that now he would put RJ back on the bench, and bring Warburton back in as captain.....If Wales did win their last couple of games with Warburton incharge, it would be Howleys WAY of saying to Gatland Sams a great captain for the lions.

Nice try Maj but I dont think Gtaland is that fickle - Sam will not be captaining the Lions

RubyGuby wrote:Nice try Maj but I dont think Gtaland is that fickle - Sam will not be captaining the Lions

Do you think he made a difference when he came on? or not?

RubyGuby wrote:I'm still happy to lynch my mate Howley - he still talks a load of crap but there is some belief coming back with the players and Ryan has lead by example. I've noticed he's far more vocal than Warbs and I like that

Ahh there is more self belief coming in from the fans...! Media lead obviously. But the Team had a bad run, they have jilted it and much of the pointless and mistaken finger pointing is gone... Again we have improved our squad and are hopefully a better team for it.

Two wins and we go from 10th in the IRB rankings to 6th, one point off France in fifth, a good win over Scotland and England and we could retain our title...

Its something worthy of fighting for.

Maj Warburton made no difference coming on but at that stage of the game and in those conditions no one could have. Tipuric needs to keep the jersey as he's done nothing to lose it after 2 impressive victories

Phillips? Will he really play? I look forward to Laidlaw showing him up for the slow donkey he is. laidlaw will harass him ( and then hide behind Hamilton when Philips loses it )

We look forward to Laidlaw harassing Mikey

RubyGuby wrote: Maj Warburton made no difference coming on but at that stage of the game and in those conditions no one could have. Tipuric needs to keep the jersey as he's done nothing to lose it after 2 impressive victories

Don't feed him mate.. He goes on and on about Warburton all the time, asking the same question...!

RubyGuby wrote:We look forward to Laidlaw harassing Mikey

It should be fun to watch. Whilst laidlaw does not work as hard as Cusiter at winding his opponents up he is good at it and he will relish the chance to attack Phillips around the base of the scrums. I will be suprised if Philips does not end up swinging a punch at Laidlaw and Big Jim stepping in to protect him.

It will be an interesting contrast in styles and a good pointer for the lions. Laidlaw shows him how a good trad SH plays then he could be writing his name on a plane ticket. Come off badly second best and he won't be going

Gatland loves Iron Mike and many of the independent non welsh media still surprisingly have him as 9 for the Lions - I'm not quite sure what Jim Hamiltons role in this is but it will be interesting all the same - I don't think Laidlaw is anywhere near Gatlands radar but he has a chance to put a case forward in a couple of weeks - Should be interesting

Coombs needs to be kept in the match day squad.I would start him ahead of AWJ.Play his heart out for 50 mins and then bring on AWJ to see them off.We must be cleverer with our subs as we do them to order without thought.
To strengthen our team when the oppo is weakening is the way to go.
Coombs has been a revelation and inspiration to all Rugby players.Keep doing your job without headlines for the spangly hats to coo over and good things will come your way
Coombs selection is the WRU's finest hour in living memory.Someone spotted his heart which quite a few current internationals from all countries lack.He is a top fella.

That's a great point Taff - I guess we'll have to wait and see - AWJ is the main man of course but Coombs has dug in well - Scotland have 2 huge 2nd rows which would be a step up again IMO. I think we need to start well against them and get them on the back foot - to do that we need the best from the start

RubyGuby wrote:Gatland loves Iron Mike and many of the independent non welsh media still surprisingly have him as 9 for the Lions - I'm not quite sure what Jim Hamiltons role in this is but it will be interesting all the same - I don't think Laidlaw is anywhere near Gatlands radar but he has a chance to put a case forward in a couple of weeks - Should be interesting

Jim Hamilton is there so when Phillips tries to punch Laidlaw he can hide behind him

Phillips doesn't punch people (at least not on the field)

Taffineastbourne wrote:Coombs needs to be kept in the match day squad.I would start him ahead of AWJ.Play his heart out for 50 mins and then bring on AWJ to see them off.We must be cleverer with our subs as we do them to order without thought.
To strengthen our team when the oppo is weakening is the way to go.
Coombs has been a revelation and inspiration to all Rugby players.Keep doing your job without headlines for the spangly hats to coo over and good things will come your way
Coombs selection is the WRU's finest hour in living memory.Someone spotted his heart which quite a few current internationals from all countries lack.He is a top fella.

Aye thats a good point...

And its probably best not to rush him back from fitness problems too hard...

What is the latest on Lydiate???

maestegmafia wrote:What is the latest on Lydiate???

Maes,

He was due to be back in contention for te England game but despite being a huge fan I think it might by silly to chuck him back in for that game without any gametime at all.

As for the team for Scotland then this would be mine:

James (even if Jenkins is fit as he's far more technical scrummager)
Hibbard
A Jones
AWJ (just hope Coombes gets credit he deserevs)
Evans
R Jones
Faletau
Tipuric

Phillips
Biggar

Cuthbert
JD
Sc Williams (Roberts is off his game)
North

Halfpenny

Jenkins (Bevington if not fit)
Owens
Mitchell
Coombes
Warburton
Ll Williams
Hook (Due to fact no other option in squad)
Roberts

TJ wrote:Phillips? Will he really play? I look forward to Laidlaw showing him up for the slow donkey he is. laidlaw will harass him ( and then hide behind Hamilton when Philips loses it )

And I look forward to Mike running right over the top of him and scrapping him off his boots. Laidlaw is an absolute liability in defence. Some people touting him a Lions captain, I do like a laugh but come on

15-9 Halfpenny, Cuthbert, Davies, Roberts, North, Biggar, Phillips
1-8 James, Hibbard, Jones, Jones, Evans, Jones, Tipuric, Faletau
16-23 Jenkins, Owens, Mitchell, Coombes, Warburton, Williams, Hook, Williams.

Sorry, not very imaginative.

Laidlaw played well in his last three games for Scotland. It will be a good tussle between the two.

Can't remember seeing them play against each other before....?

Why drop Jenkins if he is fit?

He had a great day against Castrogiovanni and was his usual brilliant self in the loose. I wouldn't change him unless we have too.

Roberts is a fair call. Not sure whether Williams would be better. Williams is more athletic, less powerful but we aren't using Roberts to get over the gain line, he is too well marked.

Though as I said in the OP Roberts invariably goes well vs Scotland.

He's not dropped, he's number 16.

You don't drop Jenks now, he is improving and if he gets his engine going can be deadly in the loose. I think the team should remain unchanged but I think Warbs will come back. If he does i will be hugely disappointe din Howley but there it is. Roberts may be benched for SW but unlikely. Anyway with Warbs/Tipuric on thebench with AWJ et al we are well placed. Scotland have their tails up their kilts at the moment though...

So you don't think its better to have the stronger scrum at the start, with the looser player coming on after the softening up?

I would have the same match day 23 to be honest, I think the bench is strong and I believe its better to have players who can make an impact off the bench.

Glas a du wrote:So you don't think its better to have the stronger scrum at the start, with the looser player coming on after the softening up?

Not if Geth is scrummaging well, I think we go out to win and Geth has the magic touch on form, PJ can still have an impact in th elast 30

Will Howley do another early team announcement?

He was keen to keep faith with a winning team etc. If he changes tack now he runs the risk of looking like he's making this up as he goes along.

I can't disagree, it's a matter of preference, but isn't it nice to have this sort of selection issue, not some people wanting to shoot ROG and others wanting him made Pope?

Casartelli wrote:Will Howley do another early team announcement?

He was keen to keep faith with a winning team etc. If he changes tack now he runs the risk of looking like he's making this up as he goes along.

I think he will announce the same side but late doors, and yes Glas great to have the likes of AWJ and Warbs and Hook fighting for places

Jenkins has never been as technically good as James and I think if Jenkins plays against murray and Cole then he will be shown up.

Not denying he has played well but I have said all along I would have staretd James from game one.

That's the point though, it's horses for erm, courses (that sounds wrong now doesn't it) James will have to start against England, so why not give him a start at Murrayfield? I won't be upset either way though to be honest...

bedfordwelsh wrote:Jenkins has never been as technically good as James and I think if Jenkins plays against murray and Cole then he will be shown up.

Not denying he has played well but I have said all along I would have staretd James from game one.

Geth did really well against Castrogiovanni who is as good a scrummager as any tight head around.

It was all in the early hit that Poite ignored. Get a decent ref and he'll end up in the bin.

dragonbreath wrote:And I look forward to Mike running right over the top of him and scrapping him off his boots.

Just like he did to Genia.... we all know Phillips struggles with pure Scrum halves. Call this his test for the England game, if he can keep Laidlaw quiet he'll have a chance against Youngs the following week.

All 6N Phillips is yet to come up against a classy and intelligent player at 9, he was extremely lucky to avoid Parra in France but has yet to be tested by a Genia style rapid, and quick thinking Scrummy.

That's a point, it's the other side's back row that Phillips terrorises...

Glas a du wrote:It was all in the early hit that Poite ignored. Get a decent ref and he'll end up in the bin.

A decent ref in the six nations????

You must be joking, we get all dross

Well, since you put it that way...

OK, if he gets Barnes or Joubert he'll be in the bin.

maestegmafia wrote:

bedfordwelsh wrote:Jenkins has never been as technically good as James and I think if Jenkins plays against murray and Cole then he will be shown up.

Not denying he has played well but I have said all along I would have staretd James from game one.

Geth did really well against Castrogiovanni who is as good a scrummager as any tight head around.

Maes,

Normally I would agree but Castro was for some reason or other totally inept in his technique on Saturday and eben more surprising for someone of his experience he didn't seem to be able to change what he was doing.

Castro was for some reason or other totally inept in his technique on Saturday

I tell you, it was the early hit. It split the Italian front row.

dragonbreath wrote:

TJ wrote:Phillips? Will he really play? I look forward to Laidlaw showing him up for the slow donkey he is. laidlaw will harass him ( and then hide behind Hamilton when Philips loses it )

And I look forward to Mike running right over the top of him and scrapping him off his boots. Laidlaw is an absolute liability in defence. Some people touting him a Lions captain, I do like a laugh but come on

Laidlaw's playing at 9, not 10. Do try to keep up. When was the last time you saw him get brushed off a cover tackle at 9?

Glas a du wrote:Well, since you put it that way...

OK, if he gets Barnes or Joubert he'll be in the bin.

Come on mate,

Barnes hasn't a clue, he just awards penalties to whoever he thinks are in ascendency. Joubert avoids calls at the scrum.

What! Look at the matches from the weekend again. Joubert pinged France off the park for it and Barnes was only too happy to blow up for a free kick for technical stuff rather than have to actually ref the scrum. I tell you, starting jenkins against England will be a mistake FOR THE SCRUMS. If you are content that he gives you other stuff to more than compensate, then fine.

Glas a du wrote:What! Look at the matches from the weekend again. Joubert pinged France off the park for it and Barnes was only too happy to blow up for a free kick for technical stuff rather than have to actually ref the scrum. I tell you, starting jenkins against England will be a mistake FOR THE SCRUMS. If you are content that he gives you other stuff to more than compensate, then fine.

Yes you are right. I was commenting more on the fact that neither Joubert or Barnes have the faintest idea what's going on at the scrum.