Wales Team vs Tonga

First topic message reminder :

We had a great game yesterday and we thoroughly deserved it.
Now on to next week vs the Tongan's and with our record with injuries, i'm not looking forward to it. Watched them vs Frances and they were very physical. A lot of the French ended up on their arse.
Tonga to have a threat in their backs and a good ball carrying pack. The dilemma we have it that we have Australia the week after and we want as many of out first team starters as we can. However we need to win this game next week against a descent Tongan team without risking our star players because i sense a few more injures will occur against a brutal side who show no mercy:

Here is my team for the game:
1. Paul James
2. Ken Owens
3. Samson Lee
4. Bradley Davies (C)
5. Ian Evans (if fit)
6. Dan Lydiate
7. Justin Tipuric
8. Toby Falateu

9. Rhodri Wiliiams
10. Rhys Priestland
11. Liam Williams
12. Ashley Beck
13. Owen Williams
14. Geogre North
15. James Hook

16. Emyr Phillips, 17. Gethin Jenkins, 18. Rhodri Jones, 19. Luke Charteris, 20. Ryan Jones, 21. Mike Phillips, 22. Dan Biggar, 23. Tom Prydie

The Tongan scrum is shocking and i have no worries what so ever. Paul and Samson would be our key to winning the game at scrum time, both deserve a shot.
If Ian is fit he should start and join with Bradley to have there own little battle to see who is ready for the match against Australia, Bradley can also bring that physicality to the pack as well which will be needed vs the big pacific islanders. For me Bradley has been amazing so far this Autumn and deserve a start vs Australia but if Ian can come back into form Bradley will have to fight for his spot.
Dan needs to be on the field o cut down these tree like figures and needs game time if he is set to start vs the Aussies
To me Gats is definitely going to start Dan and Sam for the Aussie game which is why Tipuric deserves another start int he form he is in.
We need Toby's edge and physicality in the pack; it's a risk but i wuld be willing to take it

Mike was exceptional on Saturday but we still need more depth at 9 because it is the are were we are weakest (depth wise) at the moment. Lloyd has been ok when he has come on but i want to see Rhodri have a shot

Priestland should start for another chance to shine, Biggar played really well on Saturday and made us play an expansive game; if Priestland is to start vs the Aussies he needs a corker.
Don't have much of a choice at Center and we can't risk Scott
George needs to start for the physicality that is set to be set upon us on Friday, again it's a risk but i would be willing to take it. However i wouldn't hesitate in staring Eli if he is fit.
James has stated he wants to play so much and this is the only chance i feel Gatland will give him to shine.

I'm reminded of a certain Tongan/ex-Llanelli winger who had a martial arts style "hand off".

As for Italy v Fiji; think the Filians need to attend a rugby rules refresher course.

Owen Williams is another giant in the backs. Great footwork and picks great lines. I am a big fan, and has proved himself successful at regional level with eye catching breaks. reminds me of a young Gareth Thomas

Its nice to see up and coming fringe players ( Hook aside ) getting a chance as we need to develop our strength in depth - and a few old heads in there to steady the ship.

bradley out of the AI series . shoulder injury . we pretty rich with locks

jimmyinthewell68 wrote:bradley  out of the AI series .  shoulder injury . we pretty rich with locks

link?

not with Charteris and Davies out, Ianto and aw Jones left so R Jones will come onto the bench next week i suspect

Scratch wrote:

jimmyinthewell68 wrote:bradley  out of the AI series .  shoulder injury . we pretty rich with locks

link?

not with Charteris and Davies out, Ianto and aw Jones left so R Jones will come onto
the bench  next week i suspect

i dont know how to do links . Im pretty rubbish with tec sorry

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/25041707

AWJ Evans to start, Coombs or R Jones on bench

Bedford:

No brainer really, better than last year I just hope I Evans does not get injured this week.

glamorganalun wrote:Bedford:

No brainer really, better than last year I just hope I Evans does not get injured this week.

More a case of no other options lol, I would start Charteris if available but if Evans finds some of last seasons form (Pre Lions) then we are not going to be weakened any by his inclusion.

I would be inclined to consider Ryan Jones over Evans against Australia. Think h swill bring leadership and experience to the pack.

Gethin
Hibbard
?
AWJ
Ryan
Lydiate
Warbs
Faletau
Philipps
Biggar
North
Williams
AN Other
Williams
Half

Scratch wrote:I would be inclined to consider Ryan Jones over Evans against Australia. Think h swill bring leadership and experience to the pack.

Gethin
Hibbard
?
AWJ
Ryan
Lydiate
Warbs
Faletau
Philipps
Biggar
North
Williams
AN Other
Williams
Half

Scratch,

At 3 I am guessing that as long as he stays injury free tonight then young Jones will continue there.  

Will dis-agree with you on the 2nd row as I think Evans is the type of dog we need in there.

Centre, well again as you suggested with A N Other, it could be anyone with both O Williams and Beck having a great chance to stake a claim tonight.

One other way out there suggestion to solve the centre spot and to ensure one of our best players is on the pitch, can Tipuric play centre  

I'm still not sold on Owen Williams. I hope that changes tonight!

i would love to see tips at centre , shane (who) Williams said he can play from 6 to 15 . the centre pair be Williams and Williams im guessing if Williams comes through uninjured today . so we be using our second choice 12 and our 3rd choice 13 .   Scott and Owen

jimmyinthewell68 wrote:i would love to see tips at centre , shane (who) Williams said he can play from 6 to 15 . the centre pair be Williams and Williams im guessing if  Williams comes through uninjured today . so we be using our second choice 12 and our 3rd choice 13 .    Scott and Owen

Dam it forgot about beck

We still have three good locks with Coombs, Evans and AWJ.

Has Coombs back problem cleared up? Apparently he didn't train yesterday because of it. May be an issue with other locks missing too.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Has Coombs back problem cleared up?  Apparently he didn't train yesterday because of it.  May be an issue with other locks missing too.

I am not sure, I haven't seen anyone else called up yet? I guess James King and Aaron Shingler would be the next on the list?

I am ALSo surprised Stephen Shingler hadn't been brought in as centre cover?

I guess his footballing abilities separate him from the players we are currently looking at as centres. Though I think he has looked good for the Scarlets this year.

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:I'm still not sold on Owen Williams. I hope that changes tonight!

Owen Williams is one of the fastest Welsh backs we have, and I am including George North in this as well, trust me, if Owen Williams sees an open gap or a bit of space he will be gone, the kid is like grease lightning, and he can tackle. The Cardiff Blues have some very special backs comming through down at the CAP, now only if they had a decent coach.....

Well you would say that Dowlais, you're best mates with him.

11.22.2013

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:Well you would say that Dowlais, you're best mates with him.

Lets not start this again, I hardley know the kid, I just know his old man from talking to him within the circles inside the circles. 

Shame for Bradley. His partnership with AWJ has been very effective this series. AWJ and Charteris would be my first choice from now on.

LordDowlais wrote:11.22.2013

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:Well you would say that Dowlais, you're best mates with him.

Lets not start this again, I hardley know the kid, I just know his old man from talking to him within the circles inside the circles. 

In the windmills of your mind?

The Saint wrote:Shame for Bradley. His partnership with AWJ has been very effective this series. AWJ and Charteris would be my first choice from now on.

Aye...

Can't blieve how fortunate we are at lock at the moment, it was great to see Charteris back in the squad and playing well. Below AWJ, Ianto, Brad, Luke we have some good lads coming through. Coombs proved his worth last year at lock, James King in a similar vein.

The last time we had two good locks was in the eighties, last time we had four was in the seventies.... GReat to see the academy system working well, producing who we need.

maestegmafia wrote:

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Has Coombs back problem cleared up?  Apparently he didn't train yesterday because of it.  May be an issue with other locks missing too.

I am not sure, I haven't seen anyone else called up yet? I guess James King and Aaron Shingler would be the next on the list?

I am ALSo surprised Stephen Shingler hadn't been brought in as centre cover?

I guess his footballing abilities separate him from the players we are currently looking at as centres. Though I think he has looked good for the Scarlets this year.

Steve is out injured still (I believe).

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Has Coombs back problem cleared up?  Apparently he didn't train yesterday because of it.  May be an issue with other locks missing too.

I am not sure, I haven't seen anyone else called up yet? I guess James King and Aaron Shingler would be the next on the list?

I am ALSo surprised Stephen Shingler hadn't been brought in as centre cover?

I guess his footballing abilities separate him from the players we are currently looking at as centres. Though I think he has looked good for the Scarlets this year.

Steve is out injured still (I believe).

Thats a shame. He's a great prospect.

Let's give Ian Evans a chance to redeem himself this season. Lets not forget he is great when on form. it will be a battle between him, Coombs Luke for the jersey next week but doesn't luke have to go back to his club.

maestegmafia wrote:

The Saint wrote:Shame for Bradley. His partnership with AWJ has been very effective this series. AWJ and Charteris would be my first choice from now on.

Aye...

Can't blieve how fortunate we are at lock at the moment, it was great to see Charteris back in the squad and playing well. Below AWJ, Ianto, Brad, Luke we have some good lads coming through. Coombs proved his worth last year at lock, James King in a similar vein.

The last time we had two good locks was in the eighties, last time we had four was in the seventies.... GReat to see the academy system working well, producing who we need.

I wouldn't say that, we had 4 locks out last year and 2 TH's. This year it's just the THs, centres and wingers . Jordan Williams and Hallam Amos may not have got a look-in if we didn't have an injury crisis. I don't doubt their potential though, I think they'll have good rugby careers.

Good to see them get the opportunity though...

Just getting ready for kick off. Fish supper eaten and we are all ready in front of the fire to watch the game

C'mon wales

Coombs is confirmed as a last minute omission

WHo is stepping up…Lydiate or Warbs

Lydiate. AWJ on bench.

Hell, .i hope Tonga makes a match of it, I don't enjoy routings, it becomrs boring after a while.

Biltong wrote:Hell, .i hope Tonga makes a match of it, I don't enjoy routings, it becomrs boring after a while.

Considering how many first and second choice players Wales are missing then it's sure to be a game.

Tonga can really play some rugby.

Feeling nervous about this one... C'mon Wales

Tonga have a lot of guys plying their trade for big teams in France, England and Australia. They'll make a game of it alright.

jeez Ryan is grinning again like he's on a day trip to Port Talbot

finally...a suitable time to watch a test match!

Good haka

Their scrum half is as big as our hooker..!!!

i won't wear red if you don't……what gives?

Try Wales..!

Looks like Lloyd williams

Or maybe not...?

Dont think that will be given

Ryan jones did some great work charging the clearance.

A fair call... held up

RDSguru wrote:A fair call... held up

Definitely.. Good work by tonga

Scratch wrote:i won't wear red if you don't……what gives?

Agreed - daft for Wales not to wear red if Tonga want to play in white.

England in purple was blydi awful.

Anyway, good pressure from Wales here.

maestegmafia wrote:Good haka

War dance. Not sure what the name for Tonga's is.

Not smart play from Wales, personified in decision mostly from Lloyd Williams.

Awful, awful start from Wales,

we've mananged about 2 passes so far.

Scrum number 5 in 9 minutes....

That Tongan scrum half looks like he belongs in the scrum!