Wales vs South Africa match buildup.

by **Biltong** Mon 04 Nov 2013, 9:36 am

First topic message reminder :

OK boys, this weekend Wales and South Africa will both attempt to begin their Autumn Internationals with a win.

Both teams for different reasons.

Wales will want to build on their Six Nations form of the last two years, they will want to confirm to themselves that the British and Irish Lions tour was won because of their players, and they will want to progress from being Northern Hemisphere kings, to a team that has the ability to beat South Africa, New Zealand and Australia.

In my view, and possibly in the view of their supporters the time is now, it has been a while since Wales has been so dominant in Europe, the only thing missing before they can call themselves world beaters is to take the next step.

How much of it is mental, how much of it is due to the fact that they struggle to put 80 minute performances together I cannot be certain of, but what I do know is they have the ability, sadly it seems Cuthbert and Roberts will not be part of what I deem as the most talented and dangerous backline in Europe. For two reasons I might add, it is the most settled back line in Europe, and also very experienced.

Since the World Cup in 2011, Wales have won 9 of their 10 Six Nations matches, undoubtedly a very good record, however their problem was the seven match losing streak in between the two Six Nations.

South Africa on the other hand, has a new coach, been there for near two full seasons and he has made a difference.

Still not yet consistent, the concern is always how will Meyer ensure that the springboks perform on a consistent basis. In the past 18 months under Heyneke Meyer the boks had their fair share of poor games.

Last year out of the twelve test matches played the springboks managed to win 7 tests, drew 2 and lost three.

Although the three tests they lost were against New Zealand (twice) and Australia, there were a number of other performances that were not up to par. England in the third test at home, Argentina in Mendoza and New Zealand at home, those were poor performances by South Africa.

Although they went through the Autumn internationals unbeaten the were less than convincing.

I suppose the positive out of the performances were even when they played poorly, they managed to be on the right side of the scoreboard most of the time.

Although South Africa has shown improvement this year, the consistency is still under question.

The one aspect of their game that has improved immeasurably is their positive approach to attacking play, looking at the number of tries scored this year in comparison to last year it makes for astounding reading, in 2012 during 12 matches South Africa managed only 23 tries, conceding 16. This year in 9 tests they have managed 39 tries, conceding 18 tries.

Only New Zealand have managed to score regular tries against SA, totalling 15 tries in the last two years, the rest of their opponents only managed 19 tries in 17 matches.

Wales during 2012 managed to score 20 tries in conceding 17 in their 13 matches. During 2013 in their seven tests to date, they managed 11 tries, conceding 7.

If South Africa continues with their positive approach to attacking plays I believe Wales will be hard pressed, their defence will have to be up to par, there is no doubt Wales will have a positive approach to the game, so from that perspective it should be an entertaining match.

There are some questions over the selections Meyer will make, will he bring Jaque Fourie, JP Pietersen and Bakkies Botha in for the first tour match, which would add significantly to the experience of the team, or will he give debutant Pieter Steph du Toit his first cap?

Of course Willie le Roux and JJ Engelbrecht may yet be inexperienced, but in my view it would be unfair to summarily dismiss them in favour of the old hands.

Wales have a few selection issues as well, who will replace Cuthbert and Roberts, and the ultimate question, will Phillips’ disciplinary record affect his chances for selection?

I still wonder who is the best fly half in Wales.

Come what may, this match should be a tough encounter, will SA prove they have made the step up and show consistency, or will Wales make the next leap towards world domination?

Springbok team for Wales.

The Springbok team to face Wales in Cardiff is:

15. Pat Lambie 29 caps 55 points
14. JP Pietersen 48 caps 70 points
13. Jaque Fourie 69 caps 160 points
12. Jean de Villiers (captain) 93 caps 120 points
11. Bryan Habana 92 caps 265 points
10. Morné Steyn 51 caps 618 points
9. Fourie du Preez 65 caps 70 points
8. Duane Vermeulen 13 caps 5 points
7. Willem Alberts 27 caps 30 points
6. Francois Louw 25 caps 25 points
5. Flip van der Merwe 31 caps 5 points
4. Eben Etzebeth 20 caps 0 points
3. Frans Malberhe 0 caps 0 points
2. Bismarck du Plessis (v-captain) 54 caps 40 points
1. Tendai Mtawarira 50 caps 10 points
Replacements:
16. Adriaan Strauss 30 caps 25 points
17. Gurthrö Steenkamp 46 caps 30 points
18. Coenie Oosthuizen 11 caps 5 points
19. Pieter-Steph du Toit 0 caps 0 points
20. Siya Kolisi 8 caps 0 points
21. Ruan Pienaar 71 caps 130 points
22. JJ Engelbrecht 10 caps 20 points
23. Willie le Roux 9 caps 15 points

Wales team for South Africa
Wales

15 Leigh Halfpenny,
14 George North,
13 Jonathan Davies,
12 Scott Williams,
11 Eli Walker,
10 Rhys Priestland,
9 Mike Phillips,
8 Toby Faletau,
7 Sam Warburton (captain),
6 Dan Lydiate,
5 Alun Wyn Jones,
4 Bradley Davies,
3 Adam Jones,
2 Richard Hibbard,
1 Gethin Jenkins

Substitutes: 16 Ken Owens, 17 Paul James, 18 Scott Andrews, 19 Luke Charteris, 20 Justin Tipuric, 21 Lloyd Williams, 22 James Hook, 23 Liam Williams

by Liam Tue 05 Nov 2013, 1:21 pm

Last time Scott Andrews was crucified by the public he stepped up. I'll have confidence of him doing so again.

Overall what I expected with the exception of Walker for Williams. Think they should have gone for Williams but Walker must be impressing in training and does have that real x factor if the games breaks up.

by bedfordwelsh Tue 05 Nov 2013, 1:21 pm

Liam,

Yeah I agree last time out in Welsh shirt Andrews more than held his own so lets hope he does same again but still fills me with dread when see him getting warmed up.

by RubyGuby Tue 05 Nov 2013, 1:23 pm

SA by 10 - Far too strong all round for this welsh team. thumbsup

by Liam Tue 05 Nov 2013, 1:28 pm

Yeh I fancy South Africa to win comfortably but i'll always fancy us to win so as the game starts.

by bedfordwelsh Tue 05 Nov 2013, 1:30 pm

RubyGuby wrote:SA by 10 - Far too strong all round for this welsh team.

Ruby,

They have supposedly bee to strong for us everytime we play but in the last 4 meetings there has been no more than 5 points between us. That said I still think its a huge ask for us on Saturday as the Boks are rightly 2nd best in the world at the moment.

by jimmyinthewell68 Tue 05 Nov 2013, 1:31 pm

Wales by a converted try i hope ,but realistically if we keep within ten Wales done well

by funnyExiledScot Tue 05 Nov 2013, 1:33 pm

ScarletSpiderman wrote:15.L Halfpenny,
14. E Walker,
13. J Davies,
12. S Williams,
11. G North,
10. R Priestland,
9. M Phillips,

1. G Jenkins,
2. R Hibbard,
3. A Jones,
4. B Davies,
5. AW Jones,
6. D Lydiate,
7. S Warburton (capt),
8. T Faletau

Bench: Owens, James, Andrews, Charteris, Tipuric, Lloyd Williams, Hook, Liam Williams

(From a reliable source)

That's a pretty exciting side - great to see Walker being given a chance. I think this will be a great contest.

I share the concern re: Adam Jones coming off for Andrews, but to be honest with a player of Jones' quality there will always be a step down, and it will be great experience for Andrews. Hook in place of Biggar surprises me, but Hook has the benefit of versatility and can change a game.

by bedfordwelsh Tue 05 Nov 2013, 1:36 pm

I had sneaky feeling Priestland would get the 10 slot given Williams and Davies were likely to be the centres which is why am bit surprise Li Williams not get wing slot to.

by The Saint Tue 05 Nov 2013, 1:39 pm

Team is as expected apart from Walker ahead of L.Williams, though I expected to see Jarvis on the bench instead of Andrews, that one is a massive blunder for me. Hook ahead of Biggar is no surprise as Scott Williams tends to often pick up an injury. Pretty good team if they're fit and ready, plenty of good tacklers but maybe just 3 breakdown specialists at the most (Warbs, Jenkins and Faletau), lots of attacking prowess in the backs but it's a case of whether they do attack.

by ScarletSpiderman Tue 05 Nov 2013, 1:40 pm

I really wonder what some players need to do for Gatland to give them a fair crack. Biggar is far from my favourite player, however it seems a real screw job that he is not even on the bench. That said I can see why Hook has been put on the bench as between him, Lloyd and Liam we have cover for all of the positions in the backs. But I would rather see Biggar there, and move North into centre if needed (or even bring Tips on there).

And it really bugs me that we are all saying how Adam Jones needs to be able to put in a full shift at tighthead as Andrews isn't up to the job, when we have Samson Lee not even in the training squad. Especially whilst Adam has been struggling with the new scrummaging laws, Samson has been thriving. He has probably been the best tighthead in the Rabo so far this season.

by Luckless Pedestrian Tue 05 Nov 2013, 1:41 pm

I suppose the thinking is that Liam Williams is better bench cover than Walker would be.

Hook on the bench is a big call and a good one, I think. He offers more than Biggar. But (correct me if I'm wrong) didn't he throw a pass that was intercepted by Jean de Villiers for a try the last time the Boks came to Cardiff?

by bedfordwelsh Tue 05 Nov 2013, 1:42 pm

Of course while we are all slating Andrews and rightly so in the main, Gatland does have the option of switching Gethin there or putting James there.

Though that wouldn't do much for Andrews' confidence min you.

by bedfordwelsh Tue 05 Nov 2013, 1:45 pm

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:I suppose the thinking is that Liam Williams is better bench cover than Walker would be.

Hook on the bench is a big call and a good one, I think. He offers more than Biggar. But (correct me if I'm wrong) didn't he throw a pass that was intercepted by Jean de Villiers for a try the last time the Boks came to Cardiff?

LP,

Hook throw an intercept pass no never you must be mistaken surely.

As for bench I would have gone for Biggar and Hook with Williams starting.

by The Saint Tue 05 Nov 2013, 1:48 pm

Hook did exactly that Luckless, in that game he came on at 10 a bit too soon for my liking. TBH I wouldn't like to see him go to fly-half at all against the Boks, maybe Arg or Tonga though. Lee has definitely been one of the best TH's in the league this season, as Phil John has been one of the best LH.

by Luckless Pedestrian Tue 05 Nov 2013, 1:49 pm

At least with Liam Williams on the bench, we shouldn't see Hook at full back. He's never looked convincing at full back.

by kingraf Tue 05 Nov 2013, 1:54 pm

Would love a win, but the law of averages dictate that Wales have to get it right against us again eventually, no? I can see us losing this weekend. New (to the system) players in key positions, and this game is happening at the tail-end of a ridiculously long season.

We aren't there for the taking by any means, but Wales should be confident going in. More concerned about finding World cup Squad tbh, so the returning veterans and rising stars need to make impressions.

by Guest Tue 05 Nov 2013, 1:56 pm

At least Wales will be well prepared after training against a quality outfit

Argus wrote:NEWPORT Gwent Dragons will be playing the part of the Springboks this afternoon when they put Wales through their paces.

The Rodney Parade region have been invited to take on the national squad at their Vale of Glamorgan training base ahead of Saturday’s Test against South Africa.

The likes of Richie Rees, Lewis Evans, Jason Tovey and Hallam Amos won’t be able to give the Wales management a nudge as it will be the Dragons’ LV= Cup squad for Friday’s game against the Scarlets that heads along the M4.

But director of rugby Lyn Jones believes it will be an invaluable learning experience for his young charges as well as vital preparation for Sam Warburton and his team.

He said: “I am disappointed that Wales are not awarding caps but we certainly are! (Wales team manager)

"Alan Phillips asked if we could go along and help in Wales’ preparation. Players on both sides need a bit of rough and tumble. You get some realism out of training because you can only do so much against each other.

“It’s nice for our players to go along and train in such a lovely environment against the Wales players. It will give the fellas such a thrill and confidence.”

In Six Nations periods the seniors often train against their Under-20s while last summer the British and Irish Lions went up against the Wales squad that was heading for Japan.

by ScarletSpiderman Tue 05 Nov 2013, 2:00 pm

Risca - the WRU wanted to try it against the other regions, but then noticed that the Dragons are the only ones not missing any players Run

It seems a good idea to me, give the Welsh team a chance to try stuff in a match type environment, and against people who are not actually aware of what has been practiced in the actual training camp. Its a good way to see what works and what doesn't.

by Guest Tue 05 Nov 2013, 2:08 pm

I wish Richie Rees and a few others were given a chance to train. Be good to see them embarrass the Turk players again this season Wink

by gavstar Tue 05 Nov 2013, 2:09 pm

biggar must be wondering if its worth sticking around wales, when he could quite easily go abroad .

hope i'm wrong , but rp is not ready , hooky cant follow the plot, only his own, we could be in for a cricket score, and truck load of injuries.

hope i'm wrong.

by Luckless Pedestrian Tue 05 Nov 2013, 2:11 pm

What makes you think Priestland isn't ready?

by Scrumpy Tue 05 Nov 2013, 2:12 pm

Whats the odds for a SA win?

by emack2 Tue 05 Nov 2013, 2:14 pm

Just read Meyers comments on Planet Rugby that these games are more of an arm wrestle
than the 4Ns which is true.That 23 of the 30 RWC places will be more or less fixed by then
so it seems he`s working on the 4year RWC cycle.
BUT his comments about his awesome Scrum is not totally accurate,it was in as much trouble
as others at times.Versus the All Blacks at Ellis mark when packing at times versus 7men they
couldn't establish superiority.THE 3-4-1 Scrum is the BOK invention if they can`t get it right
who can?As to his 100%Line out suggest he goes to specsavers or a memory therapist. At
times in Both AllBlacks matches his Lineout fell apart.The Boks have made huge strides under
him and may well be on a par with the AB`s already.AS to the RWC there is 2 years to go and
it looks like he may well be going back to the old guard.

by ScarletSpiderman Tue 05 Nov 2013, 2:17 pm

gavstar wrote:biggar must be wondering if its worth sticking around wales, when he could quite easily go abroad .

hope i'm wrong , but rp is not ready , hooky cant follow the plot, only his own, we could be in for a cricket score, and truck load of injuries.

hope i'm wrong.

Rhys has been back to the sort of form that had people raving about him. Possibly even better because he has actually slotted a high percentage of his kicks at goal too. Also given he is going to have his regional team mates in the centre, his understanding with them, probably gives him the edge on Biggar

That said I would fully understand if Biggar does feel robbed, as it is arguable as to who is the better out of Biggar and Priest, but lets face it Hook is not even in the same league as them (probably because he jumped to fance because Biggar was better than him at the Ospreys?).

by Casartelli Tue 05 Nov 2013, 2:19 pm

gavstar wrote:biggar must be wondering if its worth sticking around wales, when he could quite easily go abroad .

hope i'm wrong , but rp is not ready , hooky cant follow the plot, only his own, we could be in for a cricket score, and truck load of injuries.

hope i'm wrong.

Has Biggar had any offers from 'abroad'???

He's very unlucky if Priestland suddenly leapfrogs him to get back in the 10 shirt though.

by fa0019 Tue 05 Nov 2013, 2:22 pm

Saw Priestland is playing. SA to win then.

by Scrumpy Tue 05 Nov 2013, 2:24 pm

Will the roof be open or shut?

by **Biltong** Tue 05 Nov 2013, 2:27 pm

open, Meyer won't agree to have it shut, he wants to play in wet weather.

by fa0019 Tue 05 Nov 2013, 2:29 pm

roof will be shut... turf will be churned up(the WRU apparently get a good deal from Glastonbury pitch sellers every autumn) and SA will win, and win well.

by Knowsit17 Tue 05 Nov 2013, 2:31 pm

Eli Walker has earned his start, a very consistent last couple of seasons from him. Also tis good to see options materialising behind Cuthbert and North.

Agree re Andrews, his continued inclusion is a statement of how short on options Wales are at tighthead. The Blues' scrum could never be described as a rock with or without him which is extremely worrying. Hopefully he'll be brought on last 5-10 mins if at all. We need to hope Samson Lee comes good in the long term and regional and national coaches ought to start delving through the age grades to promote some prospects who could ensure a better standard at 3 in future.

I hope Priestland justifies Gatland's faith in him ahead of Biggar, the latter has been extremely consistent with the boot (more so than Priestland) and soon may well be asking himself what he needs to do to break in on a regular basis. Having said that it could be argued that, at his best, Priestland presents a more fluid attacking option and he has been showing glimpses for the Scarlets who are on good form at present.

Other than that it looks like a reasonably strong first XV and bench. When does Meyer announce his own? Excitement starting to crank up now Wales vs South Africa match buildup. - Page 3 3933776953

Wales vs South Africa match buildup. - Page 3 3933776953

by fa0019 Tue 05 Nov 2013, 2:31 pm

Biltong wrote:
open, Meyer won't agree to have it shut, he wants to play in wet weather.

I would have thought Meyer would have preferred dry conditions myself.... wet weather turns match into an arm wrestle which can be difficult to determine the outcome... with it closed it tends to be the better side who wins.. and I would say that is SA.

by Scrumpy Tue 05 Nov 2013, 2:33 pm

fa0019 wrote:roof will be shut... turf will be churned up(the WRU apparently get a good deal from Glastonbury pitch sellers every autumn) and SA will win, and win well.

Can't see any other result to be honest. I haven't seen Preistland play this season, hows he doing?

by ScarletSpiderman Tue 05 Nov 2013, 2:35 pm

fa0019 wrote:
Biltong wrote:
open, Meyer won't agree to have it shut, he wants to play in wet weather.
I would have thought Meyer would have preferred dry conditions myself.... wet weather turns match into an arm wrestle which can be difficult to determine the outcome... with it closed it tends to be the better side who wins.. and I would say that is SA.

Didn't he say something about wanting his team to have to deal with the poor conditions of the NH, so that they will be prepared come 2015?

by jimmyinthewell68 Tue 05 Nov 2013, 2:35 pm

just seen a combo of walker running on Wales on line . the guy seriously quick and side step like shane

by Luckless Pedestrian Tue 05 Nov 2013, 2:36 pm

Scrumpy wrote:
fa0019 wrote:roof will be shut... turf will be churned up(the WRU apparently get a good deal from Glastonbury pitch sellers every autumn) and SA will win, and win well.
Can't see any other result to be honest. I haven't seen Preistland play this season, hows he doing?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ul-r4zY-roY

by Bullsbok Tue 05 Nov 2013, 2:36 pm

fa0019 wrote:
Biltong wrote:
open, Meyer won't agree to have it shut, he wants to play in wet weather.
I would have thought Meyer would have preferred dry conditions myself.... wet weather turns match into an arm wrestle which can be difficult to determine the outcome... with it closed it tends to be the better side who wins.. and I would say that is SA.

apparently , wants to see which guys can rise to the challenge away from the hard grounds of the highveld prior to the World Cup. which makes a lot of sense .

by SecretFly Tue 05 Nov 2013, 2:36 pm

Knowsit17 wrote:

I hope Priestland justifies Gatland's faith in him ahead of Biggar, the latter has been extremely consistent with the boot (more so than Priestland) and soon may well be asking himself what he needs to do to break in on a regular basis. Having said that it could be argued that, at his best, Priestland presents a more fluid attacking option and he has been showing glimpses for the Scarlets who are on good form at present.

Wales getting into the nigglies of their very own O'Gara v Sexton War. Hell, Priestland even has a passing resemblence to one of them!Anyway, Priestland will feel the hot breath of Biggar hovering over him if he doesn't get off to a flier.

by fa0019 Tue 05 Nov 2013, 2:37 pm

no idea about Priestlands form. He's a top class talent but he has a paper tiger heart and you can't have that at flyhalf. Once his head goes down thats it.

He may spring the occasional performance when he's top class, it may happen this saturday but overall its too dangerous to pick a guy who is unreliable at the clutch moments.

by jimmyinthewell68 Tue 05 Nov 2013, 2:37 pm

ScarletSpiderman wrote:
fa0019 wrote:
Biltong wrote:
open, Meyer won't agree to have it shut, he wants to play in wet weather.
I would have thought Meyer would have preferred dry conditions myself.... wet weather turns match into an arm wrestle which can be difficult to determine the outcome... with it closed it tends to be the better side who wins.. and I would say that is SA.
Didn't he say something about wanting his team to have to deal with the poor conditions of the NH, so that they will be prepared come 2015?

yes that's right . who in their group Scotland or Ireland

by ScarletSpiderman Tue 05 Nov 2013, 2:37 pm

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:
Scrumpy wrote:
fa0019 wrote:roof will be shut... turf will be churned up(the WRU apparently get a good deal from Glastonbury pitch sellers every autumn) and SA will win, and win well.
Can't see any other result to be honest. I haven't seen Preistland play this season, hows he doing?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ul-r4zY-roY

You hear people say about players playing with a smile on their face, but that is really true with Priestland leading up to Rhodri Williams' try.

by Scrumpy Tue 05 Nov 2013, 2:38 pm

Thanks Luckless

Seems OK, but against SA 1st up?

by Luckless Pedestrian Tue 05 Nov 2013, 2:43 pm

We'll find out on Saturday, Scrumpy! Smile

by **Biltong** Tue 05 Nov 2013, 2:50 pm

ScarletSpiderman wrote:
fa0019 wrote:
Biltong wrote:
open, Meyer won't agree to have it shut, he wants to play in wet weather.
I would have thought Meyer would have preferred dry conditions myself.... wet weather turns match into an arm wrestle which can be difficult to determine the outcome... with it closed it tends to be the better side who wins.. and I would say that is SA.
Didn't he say something about wanting his team to have to deal with the poor conditions of the NH, so that they will be prepared come 2015?

Yes

by fa0019 Tue 05 Nov 2013, 2:53 pm

BB/SA chaps...

I read this morning that Frans Malherbe may get the nod.

Amazing that, can't even get game time over Cilliers (injury return granted) and yet is in the bok squad. Very talented individual but will be tough against a seasoned Welsh front row.

by butterfingers Tue 05 Nov 2013, 2:54 pm

fa0019 wrote:BB/SA chaps...

I read this morning that Frans Malherbe may get the nod.

Amazing that, can't even get game time over Cilliers (injury return granted) and yet is in the bok squad. Very talented individual but will be tough against a ~~seasoned~~ struggling Welsh front row.

by Comfort Tue 05 Nov 2013, 2:56 pm

Leigh Halfpenny (Blues), George North (Northampton Saints), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Scott Williams (Scarlets), Eli Walker (Ospreys), Rhys Priestland (Scarlets), Mike Phillips (Unattached): Gethin Jenkins (Blues), Richard Hibbard (Ospreys), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Bradley Davies (Blues), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Dan Lydiate (Racing Metro), Sam Warburton (Blues, capt), Toby Faletau.

Replacements: Ken Owens (Scarlets), Paul James (Bath), Scott Andrews (Blues), Luke Charteris (Perpignan), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys) Lloyd Williams (Blues), James Hook (Perpignan), Liam Williams (Scarlets).

Ive put the selections I'm unhappy with in bold, reasons below:

Eli Walker - Hasn't done a lot to convince me he's ready for this type of game, he should have been eased in, realistically though this was Liam Williams shot at getting into the squad as genuine wing/fb cover fulltime.

Mike Phillips - Its time to move on, I'd have had him on the bench to fall back on. Rhodrhi Williams has been the best scrumhalf in Wales this season imo.

Scott Andrews - hes been ok in the loose, shambolic in the setpiece this season. Next to some strong scrummagers he might get away with it enough for his work in the loose to cover it, but still, Ive never seen a TH lifted by his opposite number like a ragdoll before.

Lloyd williams - shouldnt be i nthe squad for my money.

James Hook - he's been up and down, classic Hook. Dan biggar should be in the squad, his form has been excellent and he played at FB vs the Dragons and excelled for someone so unused to the role (ok admittedly, against the dragons). Priestland has played FB too, North can move into the centre and we have enough quality cover throughout the backs to cover everything.

Hence my team would have been:

Jenkins
Hibbard
Jones
Davies
AW Jones
Lydiate
Warburton
Faletau
Rhodri Williams
Priestland
North
Sc Williams
JD2
Liam Williams
Halfpenny

James
Owens
Jarvis
Charteris/Coombes (happy with either)
Tipuric
Phillips
Biggar
Eli Walker

by daidimview Tue 05 Nov 2013, 2:58 pm

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:I'd leave Phillips out if it was up to me. He can take too much on himself as it is, but after what's happened at Bayonne, the chances are he'll be out to prove a point and will be even worse. Rhodri Williams is sharp, quick and a fairly physical scrum half in his own right. I'd play him.

I think we tried leaving or could not select Phillips last Autumn first up and went for Knoyle, we all know how that turned out. We should really by now have another 9 ready for the step up but this perseverance with Lloyd Williams still leaves the jury out.

by Luckless Pedestrian Tue 05 Nov 2013, 3:01 pm

I don't know why Lloyd Williams is the next taxi at the rank. Well, I have a theory, but barely any evidence to support it.

by **Biltong** Tue 05 Nov 2013, 3:04 pm

fa0019 wrote:BB/SA chaps...

I read this morning that Frans Malherbe may get the nod.

Amazing that, can't even get game time over Cilliers (injury return granted) and yet is in the bok squad. Very talented individual but will be tough against a seasoned Welsh front row.

FA I read on Supersport they say Lourens Adriaanse, so there is quite a bit of conflicting info going around.

by **profitius** Tue 05 Nov 2013, 3:06 pm

Why have Wales named their team so early?

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