Wales to lose to Japan this summer?

First topic message reminder :

I think a loss to Japan is starting to look very likely after our recent injuries and the squad announcement/cuts. What is McBryde thinking!

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).

We've recently lost Ken Owens to injury and have two hookers who aren't regulars for their Region in contention. Big loss for us because Ken was having a good season and perhaps not far from Lions selection.
Our only openside Josh Navidi has been cut from the squad(?) and that leaves us with a back row mostly consisting of No.6's. Our 8's; Pretorius is just rubbish and has hardly played rugby this season as far as I know and Dan Baker is a Premiership player.
The No.9's haven't played well....one has barely played at all. The two best 9's available (Gareth Davies, Jonathan Evans) have been overlooked.
Our reserve 10 should be playing at the JWC. Hopefully he doesn't get injured and miss every rugby tournament this summer. Maybe Owen Williams should have been chosen instead. Unfortunately Priestland picked up an injury, I think his experience would have been vital on this tour.
Nobody has heard of the 18 year old bolter Howells. His selection is both surprising and pointless given we had other options available such as Ben John, Adam Hughes, perhaps Adam Warren if he was not on Sevens duty.
Back 3 might be a little weak with Robinson and Shingler there.

Japan have a good coach and seem pretty confident of turning us over. Does anyone else remember them play pretty well not so long ago in a world cup? I think this series could end 1-all.

FHF, thanks for taking me seriously. I've made my point Respect You may recall me as Messymessina and Hook debates.

Norfolklass wrote:FHF, thanks for taking me seriously. I've made my point Respect You may recall me as Messymessina and Hook debates.

Norfolk Lass............. Evening lady.

Yes I remember your past life , hope you are well and enjoying yourself. Forgive my little riposte to 100%Beefy, but he is quite irritating and you'll notice whatever I say he will attempt to make an adverse comment against it, he didn't like been challenged in the past and now makes an attempt to wum against me at every possible moment.

On the subject of (Hibbard), Mitchell, Andrews and Owens...... it all bodes well for you lot in Wales as they are all pretty damn good players

PS just to confirm you do realise all my comments are made in the spirit of camaraderie and goodwill

bedfordwelsh wrote:SS,

Kingsley Jones always spoke highly of him when at Sale, his move to Toulon (was it) didn't pay off nad he has had fair few injuries but reckon he will be one of thse 'will never really know' players.

I don't think he has played all season?

The biggest concern about him was his reluctance to get correctly fit. Gatland wouldn't pick him unless he was.

maestegmafia wrote:

bedfordwelsh wrote:SS,

Kingsley Jones always spoke highly of him when at Sale, his move to Toulon (was it) didn't pay off nad he has had fair few injuries but reckon he will be one of thse 'will never really know' players.

I don't think he has played all season?

The biggest concern about him was his reluctance to get correctly fit. Gatland wouldn't pick him unless he was.

Modern day Martyn Madden.

How good are Japan though really? They seem to have a lot of guys in their own league in the squad. Bar one or two guys who are fringe players for Super Rugby teams, the Welsh players are playing at a higher level week in and week out.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

bedfordwelsh wrote:SS,

Kingsley Jones always spoke highly of him when at Sale, his move to Toulon (was it) didn't pay off nad he has had fair few injuries but reckon he will be one of thse 'will never really know' players.

I don't think he has played all season?

The biggest concern about him was his reluctance to get correctly fit. Gatland wouldn't pick him unless he was.

Modern day Martyn Madden.

Luckily we have about six times the depth we had when Madden gained his cap. Great servant of the Scarlets. Never proved a more valuable choice than Duncan or Gethin at international level.