Welsh Squad for Autumn Tests?

First topic message reminder :

I'm not 100% sure of how many players are allowed in the team. I think it's about 35 though. So whilst considering injuries and and choosing players on form, this is what i think the team should be:

Props:
Gethin Jenkins
Paul James
Rhys Gill
Adam Jones
Samson Lee
Scott Andrews

Hookers:
Hibbard
Ken Owens
Matthew Rees

Locks:
Alyn Wyn Jones
Ian Evans
Bradley Davies
Andrew Coombs

Flankers:
Dan Lydiate
Sam Warburton
Justin Tipuric
Ryan Jones
Aaron Shingler

Number 8:
Toby Falateu
Morgan Allen

Scrum Half:
Mike Phillips
Richie Rees
Gareth Davies

Outside Half:
Dan Biggar
Rhys Priestland
Rhys Patchell

Centres:
Johnathan Davies
Ashley Beck
Scott Williams
Andrew Bishop

Wings:
George North
Alex Cuthbert
Eli Walker

Fullback:
Leigh Halpfenny
Liam Williams

Not Available (so far):
Craig Mitchell
Jamie Roberts

I think players like Morgan Allen, Andrew Bishop, Rhys Gill and Samson Lee all deserve at least a start against Tonga.
Rhys has been sharing the one jersey with Vunipolo but i have watched him once and he was solid, I hear he has been part of a strong Saracens scrum though. Plus Ryan Bevington hasn't really done much for the Ospreys so far this season.
8 for me with Wales is a big worry at the moment because with Toby injured and Ryan seen ore a a versatile substitute, however that's still only 1 cover for our starting 8. Morgan is young, fresh, strong and a great talents who is in form with the Ospreys. We need to start bringing youny 8's like Allen and Baker into the set up for the future. I mean Ryan isn't going to last much longer, we need someone know to start to challenge Toby and be a descent back up.
Bishop - is one of the most under rated players in Britain. Such a strong defender, on par with Barett in my eyes. A great player who is safe and has that experience.
Samson Lee -Been the best tightheads out of all the regions so far this season  (Adam has only just come back). A strong scrummager and would give the Tongan a good run for their money. Surly the successor for Adam when he retires. Obviously Adam to start against South Africa, Argentina and Australia but would rather Scott on the bench for those games. As much as i want Samson to shine NOW, he still needs to be bled into the set up first. SO one appearance against Tonga would be great.
Lastly, Patchell like Samson is still young and needs small steps into the set up. I think one appearance of the bench for Tonga would be nice for him. However we all know what can happen when we rush a young 10 into the spotlight. So even though i want him in the team for the experience, i hope were not forced to play him too much this Autumn.

Concerned who we have in the centre mostly with Roberts out, I think Owen Williams needs to be involved in the squad, the kid looks like he has some talent.

He does, I'd like Dixon in - big unit - very strong in defense

munkian wrote:Maybe they'll start Evans on Friday

Think him and Burton will start to be honest.

IronMike wrote:Concerned who we have in the centre mostly with Roberts out, I think Owen Williams needs to be involved in the squad, the kid looks like he has some talent.

I think if Roberts is out then Gatland has proved before he likes established combos/partnerships so I think its likely we will most probably see JD and Sc Williams, though S Shingler might come into reckoning as well.

Is there a possibility we could see 5 of the 7 backs come from the Scarlets at some stage:

G Davies,
Priestland
JD
Sc Williams
Li Williams

Risca Rev wrote:

munkian wrote:Maybe they'll start Evans on Friday

Think him and Burton will start to be honest.

Would like to see Evans with Tovey but yeah, reckon you are right

Anyone have any news on Pooley ?

if everyone fit  bar doctor bob  then it be all the Welsh  lions with  biggar and Scott Williams

I think we need to reward or punish club form at some point. The Scarlets backs have not been on form this season so far, and IMO it would be unjust to select them ahead of lads who are playing well for their regions.

Richie Rees definately deserves to get recalled. And also Dixon and Amos have been very good in the games that I have seen so far. They all arguably deserve to be included.

And Eli Walker.

I didn't think Amos played too well v Scarlets. Wasn't really holding his depth, otherwise he could've had a bit more joy. Didn't have a bad game, but things like that probably got noticed if I saw it.

A player who has been very good for us is Dan Evans, who I was surprised to learn was only 24. But of course, he is unlikely to get a squad place on the basis that Halfpenny is rightly number one fullback and a player who was in form like Lee Byrne couldn't get near the squad sometimes (and there is also Liam Williams of course).

So Dragons' players who do deserve a look in (in my opinion) are

Coombs
Evans
Cudd
Toby
Rees
Tovey
Dixon
Amos
Evans

These are who I would consider to be the top performing players at the minute and ones who will probably have their form monitored. I don't think many of them will get selected though.

munkian wrote:

Risca Rev wrote:

munkian wrote:Maybe they'll start Evans on Friday

Think him and Burton will start to be honest.

Would like to see Evans with Tovey but yeah, reckon you are right

Anyone have any news on Pooley ?

Funny you should mention him

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/dragons/10730922.Ex_Dragons_favourite_Mike_Poole_signs_for_Scarlets_and_Wales_Sevens/

Risca Rev wrote:

munkian wrote:

Risca Rev wrote:

munkian wrote:Maybe they'll start Evans on Friday

Think him and Burton will start to be honest.

Would like to see Evans with Tovey but yeah, reckon you are right

Anyone have any news on Pooley ?

Funny you should mention him

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/dragons/10730922.Ex_Dragons_favourite_Mike_Poole_signs_for_Scarlets_and_Wales_Sevens/

Just saw that on the Dragon's forum, sad times  

ScarletSpiderman wrote:I think we need to reward or punish club form at some point.  The Scarlets backs have not been on form this season so far, and IMO it would be unjust to select them ahead of lads who are playing well for their regions.

Richie Rees definately deserves to get recalled.  And also Dixon and Amos have been very good in the games that I have seen so far.  They all arguably deserve to be included.

SS,

True but we have seen before how players have lifted their game in the Welsh set up. Personally I thought Priestland and Li Williams have looked good, JD is class anyway and Shingler has looked good in parts.

munkian wrote:

Risca Rev wrote:

munkian wrote:

Risca Rev wrote:

munkian wrote:Maybe they'll start Evans on Friday

Think him and Burton will start to be honest.

Would like to see Evans with Tovey but yeah, reckon you are right

Anyone have any news on Pooley ?

Funny you should mention him

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/dragons/10730922.Ex_Dragons_favourite_Mike_Poole_signs_for_Scarlets_and_Wales_Sevens/

Just saw that on the Dragon's forum, sad times  

Not really. He was never any good for us.

Bit harsh, he put his body on the line for the Region, I'm sad it didn;t work out for him.

Bedford, maybe I am being a bit harsh on players, but from the Scarlets I think the only ones who really have earnt a place so far this season would be Phil John, Samson Lee, Ken Owens, Rhys Priestland, and possibly Liam Williams. I appreciate that Foxy, Scott and Shingler Snr are all likely to be selected in the squad, and most likely Gareth Davies (or Aled Davies) too, but IMO they should be kept out, and then made to earn their place for the 6Ns squad.

munkian wrote:Bit harsh, he put his body on the line for the Region, I'm sad it didn;t work out for him.

I am not one for poaching players from other regions etc, but I am really glad to see that the Scarlets have got their hands on a decent winger there. Fingers crossed he can come good.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

munkian wrote:Bit harsh, he put his body on the line for the Region, I'm sad it didn;t work out for him.

I am not one for poaching players from other regions etc, but I am really glad to see that the Scarlets have got their hands on a decent winger there.  Fingers crossed he can come good.

Its his injuries that have kept him down. Once saw him launch himself with ball in had at two forwards - he brought one of them down  

In the interview afterwards he said 'I sometimes forget I'm no longer a cage fighter and need to run around people'

Hope he does good for you, we have a few ex Turks ourselves  

Yes I thought I've heard of him before, some Dragons fans love him. I'minteresetd to see what he offers. Look he is cheap, bit of experience, welsh and a winger pretty good news at the moment.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Bedford, maybe I am being a bit harsh on players, but from the Scarlets I think the only ones who really have earnt a place so far this season would be Phil John, Samson Lee, Ken Owens, Rhys Priestland, and possibly Liam Williams.  I appreciate that Foxy, Scott and Shingler Snr are all likely to be selected in the squad, and most likely Gareth Davies (or Aled Davies) too, but IMO they should be kept out, and then made to earn their place for the 6Ns squad.

Scott Williams shouldn't start 12 i don't think, He hasn't stood out at all for me so far. Then Again neither ha Ashley beck at the mo, the only in form 12 playing in Wales is Dixon but im wouldn't be prepared to take that gamble. Therefore, Beck is my 12 for the Autumn, for some reason Scott and John Davies just don't compliment another on the field. For two international you would think they would be much better. Individually they are great, i just get the feeling that both of them are more 13's. Also I though Garteh has been playing great when we have seen him and deserves a spot in the team.

Phil John isn't going to get called up, he has picked a bad time in his career to step up and come in form. Samson deserve a shot against Tonga. To me the only players consecutively playing well for us so far has yet again been Liam Williams and Sasmson Lee.

Risca Rev wrote:I didn't think Amos played too well v Scarlets. Wasn't really holding his depth, otherwise he could've had a bit more joy. Didn't have a bad game, but things like that probably got noticed if I saw it.

A player who has been very good for us is Dan Evans, who I was surprised to learn was only 24. But of course, he is unlikely to get a squad place on the basis that Halfpenny is rightly number one fullback and a player who was in form like Lee Byrne couldn't get near the squad sometimes (and there is also Liam Williams of course).

So Dragons' players who do deserve a look in (in my opinion) are

Coombs
Evans
Cudd
Toby
Rees
Tovey
Dixon
Amos
Evans

These are who I would consider to be the top performing players at the minute and ones who will probably have their form monitored. I don't think many of them will get selected though.

Risca,strangely I don't rate Dan Evans from the little that I have seen on TV coverage.He seems fine going forward and has a big boot but he is far from JPR in defence.Being old school I like my 15 to relish the tackle and Dan does not give the impression of enjoying this part of the game sadly.

All of those from the Dragons are spot on. I can't see Cudd making the cut for a while, with Warburton and Tips, and with Lewis Evans capable of playing 6 and 7 pretty well. He could make the training squad for the autumn I guess, as can Dixon and Amos, but the latter two will likely be kept out of the Wales squad for another year and be available for the U20's in February.

On form, Allen, O.Williams and Dixon are twice as good as Beck, Bishop and S.Williams. Foxy will be there, he's been doing a lot of work to be fair to him. In fact, he's the only backline player (at the Scarlets) who looks like he is trying. We really need Roberts to be fit!

There is usually a training squad selected, then it is trimmed down for the forthcoming matches. How many players are usually in this squad, 35?

i can't see any gambles against the springboks unless injures are forced . Im really apprehensive about this game . like i said previously why we dont start with tonga i just dont know . if we do pull off this miracle then i be happy to clean Mr gatlands windows free of charge . perhaps they should unleash the NORTH at twelve and give walker or liam the wing but i can't see gats changing the side to extreme on this one  

Against the Boks the only change I see from the 6 Nations back line is someone to cover Roberts if he is out injured.

I would say you are right there Beds mate.. Everyone else is fit and playing well.

Though Dan Lydiate would likely come in for Tipuric following the Lions tour and his return to fitness.

Most of the side picks itself and most are on form.

Not sure how Phillips is going and Jenkins is only just hitting the comeback trail so 1 and 9 could be interesting calls.

bedfordwelsh wrote:Most of the side picks itself and most are on form.

Not sure how Phillips is going and Jenkins is only just hitting the comeback trail so 1 and 9 could be interesting calls.

Phillips is a one man band in Bayonne. Jenkins was in fine form on his comeback last week. I know Edinburgh are bottom of the RP but they have a great scrum.

Maes,

If Jenkins gets the starts, which I imagine he will over the next few weeks then no problem at all though I still stick by my view that James is technically the better scrummager. If Geths all round game is back to his best then even better for us.

As for No9 I would love to see G Davies get a run but imagine it will be Phillips or Ll Williams against the Boks.

bedfordwelsh wrote:Maes,

If Jenkins gets the starts, which I imagine he will over the next few weeks then no problem at all though I still stick by my view that James is technically the better scrummager.  If Geths all round game is back to his best then even better for us.

As for No9 I would love to see G Davies get a run but imagine it will be Phillips or Ll Williams against the Boks.

Like I said Phillips is doing well in the T14 this year.

Gareth Davies has started well this year. Will be interested to see how Rhodri Williams goes for Scarlets this weekend.

9 and 10 axis working well for scarlets,
Priestland has regained his form and confidence it seems, nailing some kicks out of hand and off the tee, combined with his running game. he is in such a confident mood he attempted a cheeky 50+m drop goal!

Good problem to have though with Biggar keeping up his form from last season and Priestland regaining his 2011 form, combined with the likes of Tovey and Patchell both looking good for their regions!

Scott Williams had a cracking game by the reports which is good what with Roberts currently injured and both Biggar and Priestland are in good form.

Who starts at 10? Prestland or Biggar?

Both are on form at the moment, so I guess it will go to Preistland as he suits the gameplan in attack and will be playing alongside the Scarlets midfield

606,

Personally I would go with Biggar as he's the man with the shirt etc, but as you say with a possible Williams/Davies centre partnership Priestland might get the nod.

If both are on form I would be happy with either starting.

Didn't see the Blues game but noticed Cuthbert scored again, as I suggested earlier I doubt there be many changes from the 6 Nations back line (Roberts injury aside) a fair few players are putting their hand up for selection.

Picking a back 3 from the like of Halfpenny, North, Cuthbert, Li Williams, J Williams and Walker is the sort of nightmare most coaches love.

I heard an interesting/funny rumour the other day: along the lines of Mike Phillips punching Owen Farell in training on the lions tour, Gatland being really annoyed by it and basically saying that he won't be selecting Mike to play for Wales again. This is why Phillips came out with that slightly cryptic comment recently about retiring from international rugby or not playing for Wales again, or words to that effect.

Anyone heard this?! Or have I been stitched up by a good yarn?

Griff,

First time I have heard of it, Gatland has proved previously he can be very harsh (Popham) but Phillips has always been one of his golden boys so would be a good call.

The thing is with Phillips coming out and saying what he said and the fact he plays in France Gatland can always use those two excuses for any non-selection.

Farrell getting punched twice by team mates ? Popular guy  

bedfordwelsh wrote:Griff,

First time I have heard of it, Gatland has proved previously he can be very harsh (Popham) but Phillips has always been one of his golden boys so would be a good call.

The thing is with Phillips coming out and saying what he said and the fact he plays in France Gatland can always use those two excuses for any non-selection.

I do find it hard to believe. Though understandable action in all counts.

Griff wrote:I heard an interesting/funny rumour the other day: along the lines of Mike Phillips punching Owen Farell in training on the lions tour, Gatland being really annoyed by it and basically saying that he won't be selecting Mike to play for Wales again. This is why Phillips came out with that slightly cryptic comment recently about retiring from international rugby or not playing for Wales again, or words to that effect.

Anyone heard this?! Or have I been stitched up by a good yarn?

I can see it being true, however Phillips did start the third Lions test, so I assume that if there were any issues between him and Gats that they got resolved pretty quick.

munkian wrote:Farrell getting punched twice by team mates ? Popular guy  

who else hit him. Shalk Brits and ?

Mike Phillips....

...allegedly! JHamer, see my 'rumour' post further up the page.

Heard Quinnell and Gibbs hit Martin Johnson on the 97 tour. This story came from Jiffy's mouth.

Who did Barry Williams have a big bust up with as well, can't remember Was it Cockerill?

Well Farrell does have a face that you would love to it. He seems very arrogant and cocky, just a shame it was Sean O'Brien or George North because then it would have left a mark  

I thought Rhodri Williams and Priestland had a very composed game for Scarlets on the weekend. I would be keen to see them start. Scott and JD2 looked in fine form as did Shingler.

Jhamer25 wrote:Well Farrell does have a face that you would love to it. He seems very arrogant and cocky, just a shame it was Sean O'Brien or George North because then it would have left a mark  

Philips is 6'3 and 16 stone, I wouldn't want a cwtch off him let alone a slap  

My team
1. Gethin Jenkins/Ryan Bevington/
2. Richard Hibbard/Ken Owens
3. Adam Jones/Samson Lee
4. AWJ
5. Ian Evans/Andrew Coombes
6. Dan Lydiate/Aaron Shingler/Lewis Evans
7. Justin Tipuric/Sam Warburton
8. Toby Faletau
9. Rhodri Williams/Gareth Davies/Lloyd Williams
10. Dan Biggar/Rhys Prietland
11. George North
12. Scott Williams
13. Jon Davies
14. Alex Cuthbert
15. Leigh Halfpenny / Liam Williams

Hey Iron Mike,

Why some multiple choices and others not? What's your thinking? And why leave out so many regulars?

Here's what mine would be against the Boks:

James (Not sure what Jenkins' form is like and James technically better)
Hibbard
A Jones
AWJ
Evans
Lydiate
Faletau
Warburton

Phillips (Maes says he's in top form at mo)
Biggar

North
Davies
Sc Williams
Cuthbert

Halfpenny

Jenkins, Owens, Coombes, R Jones, G Davies, Priestland, Li Williams

bedfordwelsh wrote:Here's what mine would be against the Boks:

James (Not sure what Jenkins' form is like and James technically better)
Hibbard
A Jones
AWJ
Evans
Lydiate
Faletau
Warburton

Phillips (Maes says he's in top form at mo)
Biggar

North
Davies
Sc Williams
Cuthbert

Halfpenny

Jenkins, Owens, Coombes, R Jones, G Davies, Priestland, Li Williams

There are a few contentious selections, Flyhalf as ever is a good point of debate. Blindside flanker, Shingler and Lewis Evans have been in sparkling form. Partner to AWJ in the bolierhouse, Coombs ixS in great shape, Charteris is recovered, Evans is his usual abbrasive self.