Wales Tour of Japan

First topic message reminder :

I know there was a thread on this somewhere, but it's been swamped.

Wales Lions - likely replacements

Halfpenny - Liam Williams
Cuthbert - Walker, Robinson
Davies - Williams, Maule
Roberts - Beck, Hewitt
North - Owen Williams (gutted for Mike Poole)
Phillips - Aled Davies, Tavis Knoyle
Jenkins - Gill
Hibbard - Myhill
Jones - Mitchell
AW Jones - Lou Reed
Ian Evans - King, Kohn
Lydiate - Ieuan Jones
Warburton and Tipuric - Thomas
Faletau - Bearman

What do you think? Anybody else you'd like to see tour Japan?

Wales Training Squad:
Forwards: Ryan Bevington (Ospreys), Rhys Gill (Saracens), Sam Hobbs (Blues), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Emyr Phillips (Scarlets), Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Scott Andrews (Blues), Craig Mitchell (Exeter Chiefs), Rhodri Jones (Scarlets), Bradley Davies (Blues), Lou Reed (Blues), Andrew Coombs (Dragons), James King (Ospreys), Aaron Shingler (Scarlets), Dan Baker (Ospreys), Rob McCusker (Scarlets), Andries Pretorius (Blues), Josh Navidi (Blues).
Backs: Lloyd Williams (Blues), Tavis Knoyle (Scarlets), Aled Davis (Scarlets), Rhys Priestland (Scarlets), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Scott Williams (Scarlets), Ashley Beck (Ospreys), Owen Williams (Blues), Jonathan Spratt (Ospreys), Dafydd Howells (Ospreys), Liam Williams (Scarlets), Harry Robinson (Blues), Tom Prydie (Dragons), Steven Shingler (London Irish).

LATEST WRU PRESS RELEASE:




Wales Training Squad Update

Wales have called Cardiff Blues outside half Rhys Patchell and Newport Gwent Dragons hooker Sam Parry into their training squad for the tour of Japan but Scarlets fly-half Rhys Priestland has been ruled out of the tour.

Priestland aggravated his Achilles tendon in the warm-up of the Scarlets’ RaboDirect PRO12 semi-final on Friday evening and will miss the two-test tour.

Patchell, 19, who has scored 147 points in 22 appearances for the Blues this season and Haverfordwest born Parry, joined up with the training squad when they met for the first time this morning.

Ken Owens, Scott Williams and Liam Williams who picked up knocks in the defeat to Ulster, will continue to be monitored by the National Squad medical team.

Rhys PATCHELL (CARDIFF BLUES - Uncapped)
DoB: 17.05.93. 6’2” / 1.88m. 14st 13lbs / 95kgs
International record: Uncapped

Sam PARRY (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS - Uncapped)
DoB: 17.12.91. 6’1” / 1.86m. 16st 11lbs / 107kgs
International record: Uncapped.

Further update:

Scott Williams out. Will not be replaced in the squad.

Further update:

Ken Owens confirmed out, won't be replaced. 27 man squad TBA.

Cheers Munkian:

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE WELSH RUGBY UNION:
WALES ANNOUNCE JAPAN TOUR SQUAD

Cardiff Blues lock Bradley Davies will lead Wales in the forthcoming two-test tour of Japan.

The 26-year-old was named captain as Head Coach for the Japan tour Robin McBryde reduced his initial training squad down to a 27-man touring party.

The squad includes nine uncapped players including Ospreys duo Dafydd Howells and Dan Baker and Blues fly-half Rhys Patchell.

Props Ryan Bevington (Ospreys), Scott Andrews (Blues) and Craig Mitchell (Exeter Chiefs) who all featured for Wales in the 2013 RBS 6 Nations are joined by Saracens’ Rhys Gill and Rhodri Jones (Scarlets).

Uncapped pair Emyr Phillips (Scarlets) and Scott Baldwin (Ospreys) are named as hookers.

Davies returns to the squad after missing the Six Nations campaign due to injury and is named alongside Andrew Coombs (Dragons), Lou Reed (Blues) and James King (Ospreys).

Baker, 20, who featured 25 times for Swansea in the Principality Premiership this season, joins Scarlets duo Aaron Shingler and Rob McCusker and Blues captain Andries Pretorius.

Lloyd Williams (Blues) and Tavis Knoyle (Scarlets) are named at scrum-half alongside Dan Biggar (Ospreys) and Patchell at fly-half.

In the backline Ospreys trio Ashley Beck, Jonathan Spratt and 18-year-old Howells are joined by Blues duo Owen Williams and Harry Robinson, Liam Williams (Scarlets), Tom Prydie (Dragons) and Steven Shingler (London Irish).

Wales face Eddie Jones’ Japan in Osaka on June 8th and then in Tokyo on June 15th and McBryde has been impressed with his squad over the past ten days.

“We’ve had the training squad together for more than a week and we’ve been impressed,” said McBryde.

“They have really put the effort in and stepped up as we have asked them to. Everyone in the training squad put their hand up for selection making our jobs much harder.

“It’s a chance for these players now to experience the international test environment and put their marker down.
Wales Squad:

Forwards: Ryan Bevington (Ospreys), Rhys Gill (Saracens), Emyr Phillips (Scarlets), Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Scott Andrews (Blues), Craig Mitchell (Exeter Chiefs), Rhodri Jones (Scarlets), Bradley Davies (Blues), Lou Reed (Blues), Andrew Coombs (Dragons), James King (Ospreys), Aaron Shingler (Scarlets), Dan Baker (Ospreys), Rob McCusker (Scarlets), Andries Pretorius (Blues).

Backs: Lloyd Williams (Blues), Tavis Knoyle (Scarlets), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Rhys Patchell (Blues), Ashley Beck (Ospreys), Owen Williams (Blues), Jonathan Spratt (Ospreys), Dafydd Howells (Ospreys), Liam Williams (Scarlets), Harry Robinson (Blues), Tom Prydie (Dragons), Steven Shingler (London Irish).

Norfolklass wrote:Dafydd Howells ahead of Prydie??!?

Either wing over Prydie is a bit silly. I don't know what Harry Robinson offers over him?

I don't think Japan will win, but I bet they are smelling blood now, looking at some of those selections.

Lack of a 7 is a problem, but it should still be a strong enough pack to steamroller the Japanese

I'm happy with the Welsh team selection. I'm happy that all the starting 15 play their rugby in Wales, and seven out of eight of the bench players. I think that's a healthy sign.

iantobquick wrote:Sausage it up!!!??? Just doesn't have the same ring!

Sausages and ring in the same post, sounds a bit iffy to me

wales606 wrote:Lack of a 7 is a problem, but it should still be a strong enough pack to steamroller the Japanese

I think the plan may be that we don't need a technically skillful openside as Japan are not widely know for being a technically skillful side, however we could do with some physical lumps to just pummel them into submission.

international197 wrote:I'm happy with the Welsh team selection. I'm happy that all the starting 15 play their rugby in Wales, and seven out of eight of the bench players. I think that's a healthy sign.

And one the odd one out be called Andres at all?

Andres also plays his rugby in Wales so that's 8/8

Possibly the worst Wales team I've seen.

RubyGuby wrote:Andres also plays his rugby in Wales so that's 8/8

Rhys Gill plays for Saracens

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

wales606 wrote:Lack of a 7 is a problem, but it should still be a strong enough pack to steamroller the Japanese

I think the plan may be that we don't need a technically skillful openside as Japan are not widely know for being a technically skillful side, however we could do with some physical lumps to just pummel them into submission.

It thought that was EXACTLY what Japan were known for. Technically skillful but not instinctively skillful or physical enough.

wales606 wrote:

RubyGuby wrote:Andres also plays his rugby in Wales so that's 8/8

Rhys Gill plays for Saracens

RubyGuby wrote:

wales606 wrote:

RubyGuby wrote:Andres also plays his rugby in Wales so that's 8/8

Rhys Gill plays for Saracens

Damn it

Need to read more carefully and pay attention more (oh, just like my old school reports)

HammerofThunor wrote:

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

wales606 wrote:Lack of a 7 is a problem, but it should still be a strong enough pack to steamroller the Japanese

I think the plan may be that we don't need a technically skillful openside as Japan are not widely know for being a technically skillful side, however we could do with some physical lumps to just pummel them into submission.

It thought that was EXACTLY what Japan were known for. Technically skillful but not instinctively skillful or physical enough.

I guess the idea is that we can just physically dominate, as opposed to trying to skillfully win the ball at the breakdown we can just throw a heap of big lads in and drive them off it with brute force instead. And seeing as we have a fair few quality opensides (Warbs and Tips off in Aus, and we all know how good Navidi is) we may be using this tour to try and see how good our depth is for the more lump type flankers. Basically sacrificing an openside to get more blindsiders on the feild and see how they go.

The other thought is that McBryde was a forwards coach at the Scarlets when we tended to play two lads on the flanks (Turnbull and McGog) and utilised them as just flankers (Left and right) as opposed to blind/open sides. Maybe he wants to try that out in the welsh setup, possibly paving the way for a Tips/Warbs partnership in the AIs if it works well.

I would imagine that with such a youthful backline we will see a fair bit of open rugby.

Really looking forwards to this game. Owen Williams and James King have been given a great opportunity to show what they can do

The Japanese side is out. Few changes from the side I watched play UAE in the Asian 5 Nations a month or so ago. Same 8, who I was pretty impressed with. I think Craig Wing the 12 might be a handful too.

A strong pack, even without all the big names. Surprised why the welsh coaches have always overlooked Rhys Gill; I think he is our most promising looshead coming through. But I do like the young Rob Evans as well who is coming through tat the scarlets. Also i'm annoyed that Navidi is being overlooked at 7, he is an out and out 7 yet they choose king who I have never seen play in that position.
Also Coombs lock instead of lou reed and then put Dan baker 6/ or Mccusker to put Dan at 8.
Backs look really weak but they are young and lets hope they can show something.

Jhamer25 wrote:A strong pack, even without all the big names. Surprised why the welsh coaches have always overlooked Rhys Gill; I think he is our most promising looshead coming through. But I do like the young Rob Evans as well who is coming through tat the scarlets. Also i'm annoyed that Navidi is being overlooked at 7, he is an out and out 7 yet they choose king who I have never seen play in that position.
Also Coombs lock instead of lou reed and then put Dan baker 6/ or Mccusker to put Dan at 8.
Backs look really weak but they are young and lets hope they can show something.

Gill has been sat on the bench for Saracens for most of the season

Bevington has been outstanding taking over from Paul James at the O's and thoroughly deserves a shot

Have to agree re Bevington...!

The lads had a great season this year

Why wasn't Kelly Brown picked?

Taffineastbourne wrote:Why wasn't Kelly Brown picked?

???

maestegmafia wrote:

Taffineastbourne wrote:Why wasn't Kelly Brown picked?

???

Sorry.Been in contact with Scots quite a bit andI have picked up the habit of questioning Kelly Brown's non selection in any side in which he does not appear.

Taffineastbourne wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Taffineastbourne wrote:Why wasn't Kelly Brown picked?

???

Sorry.Been in contact with Scots quite a bit andI have picked up the habit of questioning Kelly Brown's non selection in any side in which he does not appear.

I see...


I dont think there is an answer that anyone below professional coaching understands... I am kind of amazed though out of the, far too many, lame Saracens players to make any team at the moment, Brown was missed out in preference of Farrell or Stevens...

Thankfully neither of them made the Welsh tour to Japan either.

maestegmafia wrote:

sirBiggles wrote:Sorry if this has been posted elsewhere, as I know I asked the question who, if anyone, was showing the Japan v Wales games.

Well just noticed this on the "Josh Navidi and Adam Warren replace injured duo" post on the BBC Sport site.

JAPAN V WALES
Venues: Hanazono Stadium, Osaka & Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground, TokyoDates: Saturdays 8 & 15 June, 2013Kick-offs: 06:00 BSTCoverage - First Test: (Osaka) - Live on BBC One Wales, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru & onlineCoverage - Second Test: (Tokyo) - Live on S4C, BBC Radio Cymru, BBC Radio Wales & BBC online

So looks like the first test is on BBC Wales with the second on S4C...

GREAT ...

BBC 1 Wales is channel 952 and s4c is 134 on sky TV if you need to record from your iPhone

BBC 1 Wales is 101 and BBC 1 Wales HD is 141 if you live in the BBC Wales capture area. Not sure if you live outside of Wales, guess MM is right with those... Mind you, I know someone who had a "lets say unorthodox" Sky box, which had the default BBC 1 channel set to BBC London, so they had to use the "higher" channel number...

As for earlier posts on Kick Off... The 1st Test is definitly 6am. Not sure about the second, I think it is also 6am, but the BBC fixture list says differently, so will just have to wait until the electronic planner can pick it up to confirm.

I'm in Hampshire these days. Hadn't thought about that.

Also if you are setting record via the iPhone app it's the numbers I gave.

Japan have drafted in former England captain Steve Borthwick to work on their lineout as they set their sights on an historic first victory over Wales.

Coach Eddie Jones knows the 57-times capped second row from their time together at Saracens and has turned to him for his set-piece expertise ahead of the two-Test series against a fresh-faced Welsh team.

Borthwick is renowned as one of the best lineout technicians in world rugby and he has been working hard behind the scenes on that aspect of the Japanese game over the past few weeks.

“He’s had a very good impact,” said Jones.

“The great thing about Steve is he’s still a player and his communication is first class.

“One of the areas we are short of is set-piece expertise, so we have got Marc del Maso – who played 33 times for France – looking after our scrum and Steve looking after our lineout.”

Jones believes if Japan can hold their own in those areas, they can then play to their expansive strengths and exploit the inexperience of the Wales team and the high temperature in tomorrow’s first Test in Osaka.

“They have picked a couple of locks in their back row and they are obviously there for a reason,” said the former Wallabies coach.

“They are not going to go too far away from the Gatland formula. There’s no secret about the way they play.

“They have spoken all week about being physical and dominating the set-piece.

“We know where the challenge is going to be and we’ve got to be good enough to meet it.

“If we can match them in those physical and set-piece areas, then we think we can move Wales around.

“We play rugby a lot differently to any other team in the world.

“We pass the ball more and do things quicker than any other team in the world.

“If we can put them under enough pressure there’s a chance for us to make their inexperience tell.

“We have picked our best team and we think we can win the game.

“We have got some guys coming back and we have prepared well and are really looking forward to playing our game.

“It’s a chance to show the rest of the world that Japan can be a respected country in rugby.”

Jones admitted rugby is very different in Japan and would be a culture shock for a young Welsh side.

“It’s going to be a different experience for them, very hot and probably over 30 degrees,” he said.

“I know the Welsh team want water breaks.

“We never seem to get heat breaks to warm up when we go to the cold in the northern hemisphere, so I can’t see why we should have water breaks here!”

Jones has made seven changes of personnel and three positional switches from last week’s defeat to Fiji.

Super 15 pair Fumiaki Tanaka (Hurricanes) and Shota Horie (Melbourne Rebels) come in at scrum-half and hooker respectively, while former Australian rugby league star Craig Wing is recalled at centre.

Dafydd Howells - has played 5 games for neath and 2 for the ospreys...yet he's considered international class? It's ridiculous and is basically throwing a welsh cap at him for the sake of it. I'd much rather we field as close to full strength as possible and treat Japan with respect than do this.

And to make matters worse...No Navidi, not even on the bench. SMH

If the coaches think Dafydd Howells is good enough, why not play him?

I bet it's really obvious, but what does SMH mean?

1st XV

1. Gethin Jenkins
2. Richard Hibbard
3. Adam Jones
4. Alun Wyn Jones
5. Ian Evans
6. Dan Lydiate
7. Sam Warburton
8. Toby Faletau
9. Mike Phillips
10. Dan Biggar
11. George North
12. Jamie Roberts
13. Jonathan Davies
14. Alex Cuthbert
15. Leigh Halfpenny


2nd XV

1. Paul James
2. Ken Owens
3. Craig Mitchell
4. Bradley Davies
5. Luke Charteris
6. Aaron Shingler
7. Justin Tipuric
8. Ryan Jones
9. Lloyd Williams
10. Rhys Preistland
11. Eli Walker
12. Ashley Beck
13. Scott Williams
14. Liam Williams
15. Lee Byrne


3rd XV

1. Ryan Bevington
2. Matthew Rees
3. Scott Andrews
4. Andrew Coombes
5. James King
6. Rob McCusker
7. Josh Navidi
8. Andreus Pretorious
9. Tavis Knoyle
10. Rhys Patchell
11. Harry Robinson
12. James Hook
13. Owen Williams
14. Tom Prydie
15. Steven Shingler

4th XV

1. Rhys Gill
2. Emyr Phillips
3. Samson Lee
4. Lou Reed
5. Ian Gough
6. Ellis Jenkins
7. Josh Turnball
8. Dan Baker
9. Rhys Webb
10. Owen Williams
11. Dafydd Howells
12. Jonathan Spratt
13. Adam Warren
14. Richard Fussell
15. Dan Evans


5th XV

1. Sam Hobbs
2. Scott Baldwin
3. Aaron Jarvis

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:If the coaches think Dafydd Howells is good enough, why not play him?

I bet it's really obvious, but what does SMH mean?

I would just look at what happened to Prydie, thrown in to the wales team after a handful of games and then struggled forgames with the o's and disappeared back to the WP for a while. Then he pops up for a few games at wasps and is now only starting to get back to his early promise because he's getting games with the dragons. Plus, i like to think that playing for your country is earned and is a special achievement - which i don't see how is possible having only played 7 senior games.

SMH = Shake/Shanking my head.

So let's say we have a real prodigy on our hands; should we purposely not select him, and make him serve his time in the league for a season or two?

Thanks for the clarification.

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:If the coaches think Dafydd Howells is good enough, why not play him?

I bet it's really obvious, but what does SMH mean?

Shaking my head on google

I would still have had to have started Prydie over either of the wingers. If they want to look at Howells then fine, but there's no justification for Harry Robinson starting over him really.

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:So let's say we have a real prodigy on our hands; should we purposely not select him, and make him serve his time in the league for a season or two?

The problem is with that scenario is that Howells doesn't fit in to the 'prodigy' category. He's played 5 games for neath...they finished 10th in the premiership, are we really saying that a guy who played 5 games in a very poor side is more deserving in a spot in the SENIOR wales squad than his peers who have played for their regions all season or even in the WP? For instance, Ponty finished top by a clear margin in the WP and ran tries in for fun...is he better than any of those?

gcBlues wrote:

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:If the coaches think Dafydd Howells is good enough, why not play him?

I bet it's really obvious, but what does SMH mean?

I would just look at what happened to Prydie, thrown in to the wales team after a handful of games and then struggled forgames with the o's and disappeared back to the WP for a while. Then he pops up for a few games at wasps and is now only starting to get back to his early promise because he's getting games with the dragons. Plus, i like to think that playing for your country is earned and is a special achievement - which i don't see how is possible having only played 7 senior games.

SMH = Shake/Shanking my head.

Pry due had a very serious knee injury. Main cause of him not playing much until this year. He's been superb since then.

Good news for the future us having so many good players fighting for places.

gcBlues wrote:

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:So let's say we have a real prodigy on our hands; should we purposely not select him, and make him serve his time in the league for a season or two?

The problem is with that scenario is that Howells doesn't fit in to the 'prodigy' category. He's played 5 games for neath...they finished 10th in the premiership, are we really saying that a guy who played 5 games in a very poor side is more deserving in a spot in the SENIOR wales squad than his peers who have played for their regions all season or even in the WP? For instance, Ponty finished top by a clear margin in the WP and ran tries in for fun...is he better than any of those?

I've never understood this kind of thinking. Don't you think it's possible for a player in a poor side to be a quality player? I'd rather we capped a great player from a poor side than an average player who just happens to play for a good side.

Why be argumentative about it? I'd love to know what justifies Howells inclusion. Is it really wise to trust the coaches and say "well they must think he's good if they picked him" after some of the selections they have making all season .

Saying 'they must think he looks good if they picked him' isn't trusting the coaches, it's stating the obvious. They wouldn't have picked him if he looked rubbish!

Sorry if it sounds like I'm being argumentative, I'm in a really good mood here. I'm just trying to have a debate, maybe that doesn't come across.

Oh I see. Yeah that must be what the coaches think but it doesn't mean their correct, especially if it's that lot.

I can understand your cynicism, believe me!

wales606 wrote:

Jhamer25 wrote:A strong pack, even without all the big names. Surprised why the welsh coaches have always overlooked Rhys Gill; I think he is our most promising looshead coming through. But I do like the young Rob Evans as well who is coming through tat the scarlets. Also i'm annoyed that Navidi is being overlooked at 7, he is an out and out 7 yet they choose king who I have never seen play in that position.
Also Coombs lock instead of lou reed and then put Dan baker 6/ or Mccusker to put Dan at 8.
Backs look really weak but they are young and lets hope they can show something.

Gill has been sat on the bench for Saracens for most of the season

Bevington has been outstanding taking over from Paul James at the O's and thoroughly deserves a shot

Yes I do agree that Bevington has been outstanding, he really has and does deserve a start. But I believe that if Rhys is given the chance he can put major pressure on Gethin and Paul James. He is a very strong scrummager, every time he has started for the Saracens this year and I have seen him play he has given them a much stronger set piece from the scrum. It's just Vunipolo is keeping him out.
But Rhys just needs these chances and this is the type of tour I would give it him. We are in a good position for the future with Looshead props with Rhys Gill, Bevington and Rob Evans but I just feel that Rhys is the most promising an needs to be given the chance to show that at both club and international level. Don't forget he was first choice last year for the Saracens as well in a very competitive team. The only reason he has become second choice is because Vunipolo has broke into the English set up. He is still only 26 and he needs to find a club like the dragons where he can strengthen their team and show every what he is worth.

Gill had a stormer in Dublin last year

If Rhys Gill wanted to come to the Dragons, I would not complain at all!

As good as Gill would be, it's not really the loosehead we need. We need a tighthead desperately.

Hopefully that Argentinian will turn out to be the real deal.

Risca Rev wrote:As good as Gill would be, it's not really the loosehead we need. We need a tighthead desperately.

We have Adam Jones, Craig Mitchell, Andrews, Jarvis and young Sampson. That's better depth at Tighthead than almost every team bar SA, France and NZ. I think the other home Unions would be grateful to have half those players available to them...!

I was referring to the Dragons in response to the Gill signing bit of people's posts Maes.

Our depth for Wales sure is decent.

Risca Rev wrote:I was referring to the Dragons in response to the Gill signing bit of people's posts Maes.

Our depth for Wales sure is decent.

I see

Anyone up then???

Was that Rhys Patchell singing the anthem so beatifully? Fairdo's!

I agree on them picking out the Japanese 8. I think the wingers are different to the ones I saw, but they generally seem to have pace on the wings.

Bit twitchy about this one now.

Morning Rev

Yeah this is a very inexperienced and young Welsh side. It's a little nervy...I just hope the heat doesn't get the better of them first.