How to insult a Tongan

Nice one Shaun

Usually we can rely on WG to make the usual loaded statement pre game just to get the opposition riled up

This time WG has left it to Shaun Edwards to up the anti with his suggestion Wales will need extra protection from the referee from the Tongans who it seems will be boiling players in a big pot on half way when they aren't smashing us into little pieces.

It was Fiji not Tonga who had 4 sent off last week and to make a public comment like this is pretty witless. I know Wales like to draw attention away form the players pre match and WG usually like to throw a barbed comment out there to get under the opposition skin, but this time it may well work against us. An insulted Tonga. Gulp.

We are already fielding a baby faced side with a 9-13 axis that looks pretty ropey, Amos looks like he might miss his bedtime if he plays both halves and lead by a capt who has always struck me as just being too nice a bloke. I am sure the players are quietly hoping Shaun Edwards would have stuck to getting into a fight about what songs get played on the bus rather than getting the collective tongan blood up.

Why not just speak to the ref privately or are wales still collectively sulking with the world's refs and refusing to speak to them before the game.

All that said, the idea that 23 Tongans are 'insulted' did make me laugh a little bit…I can imagine these man mountains sitting down to discuss the statement, i am pretty sure being 'insulted' did not come into it and i expect them to come out on Friday evening looking to fricassee us with a Shaun Edwards jus and a nice Chianti

Oh Wales, will you ever learn.

Yeah, I read about this earlier in the week, the Welsh coaching team does look like they tend to put their foot in their mouths some times.

Biltong wrote:Yeah, I read about this earlier in the week, the Welsh coaching team does look like they tend to put their foot in their mouths some times.

Edwards is becoming a bit of a chump

He gets upset when Irish songs are sung on the team bus yet he makes a thinly veiled and cynical swipe at Islander rugby in order to characterize it as being ill disciplined based on the Fiji game. Personally i admire the Islander physicality and perhaps Edwards needs to be reminded of what happened in 2007 and last autumn. If and when an Islander team acquires the funding and structure that we have our meetings will become pretty one sided.



I hope we smash Tonga into next week but you can be sure this will have focussed their determination.

Can't see Wales having any problems with Tonga, they don't have a well organised pack, so their set pieces are rarely their strong suit.

Having said that, I believe they are a very emotive group, remember how they did against France in the RWC?

Makes you wonder whether as a "D" coach Edwards wouldnt mind have the services of a few more South Pacific Islanders than he has currently.

As for Mike Fraser, I think hes an Ok referee, just so long as he isnt refereeing Wellington!!. after doing the under 20s final this appointment must be pretty big for him.

lievremont's finest hour…yes how can you forget, Tonga beat the finalists convincingly.

That is the point about these sides, they can pull a performance out of nowhere, against what is effectively a Welsh 2nd XV it is not a guaranteed result

I've posted elsewhere about how we never seem to learn (selection wise, but the media sound bites are becoming tiresome now too): Romania, Samoa loads, Fiji, Japan - all losses - all by underestimating/not respecting/putting out weakened teams to experiment. I get experimenting but I'd prefer one or two or maybe three experiments in a settled and experienced team to ease them in. With this team we see a load of players new to each other, new to the coaching methods, new to the national team calls, inexperienced at pro rugby (some of them), still young in terms of physical development, and a couple who have had underwhelming seasons being thrown in to 'find form' - all of this is a recipe for (another) disaster.

Tonga beat France, they beat Scotland in Scotland - so yeah, why not a weakened and experimental Wales team.

aucklandlaurie wrote: Makes you wonder whether as a "D" coach Edwards wouldnt mind have the services of a few more South Pacific Islanders than he has currently.

As for Mike Fraser, I think hes an Ok referee, just so long as he isnt refereeing Wellington!!. after doing the under 20s final this appointment must be pretty big for him.

Tongan discipline is probably why Faletau has been dropped for this game….that or they didn't want him to be permanently broken

aucklandlaurie wrote: Makes you wonder whether as a "D" coach Edwards wouldnt mind have the services of a few more South Pacific Islanders than he has currently.

As for Mike Fraser, I think hes an Ok referee, just so long as he isnt refereeing Wellington!!. after doing the under 20s final this appointment must be pretty big for him.

Not on current showing, I wouldn't have thought. Samoa shipped a ton of points to Ireland (not literally obv.), Fiji shipped a fair few to Italy (who are not know for high scoring rugby) and Tonga conceded about 40 to France. Not the best defences, currently.  

Griff wrote:

Tonga beat France, they beat Scotland in Scotland - so yeah, why not a weakened and experimental Wales team.

I don't think it matters whether we win or not. This game should be more about trying to play some rugby and create some good plays. A win is a bonus.

The media focusing on Edwards comments is nothing to do with the game, it is just the journos trying to find a story.

All though I didnt mention Faletau in my post, I must admit he was the player I had in mind.

This is a pretty make shift Tongan team, some of these players are from lower ranked ITM teams, Wales by 40.

Griff wrote:

aucklandlaurie wrote: Makes you wonder whether as a "D" coach Edwards wouldnt mind have the services of a few more South Pacific Islanders than he has currently.

As for Mike Fraser, I think hes an Ok referee, just so long as he isnt refereeing Wellington!!. after doing the under 20s final this appointment must be pretty big for him.

Not on current showing, I wouldn't have thought. Samoa shipped a ton of points to Ireland (not literally obv.), Fiji shipped a fair few to Italy (who are not know for high scoring rugby) and Tonga conceded about 40 to France. Not the best defences, currently.  

In fairness to Fiji, they lost by only 6 points to Italy (37-31) which is remarkable given they were down to 11 men at one stage!!!

Was this necessary from Edwards , really . Gee

How to insult a Tongan

Better not, Edwards has started the fire already; that means at least 3 injuries to our players.
To insult them even more would be carnage.

Too true Griff

Wales have a shocking autumn record, a fairly inconsistent one against Islander sides and a habit of mismanaging selection against sides they don't think deserve respect

I just don't get it. To announce that he is going to rest most of his lions and then make this announcement about Tonga is plain stupid, these guys will see an opportunity here to shut Edwrads.

They nearly qualified for the knockouts in 2011 and beat the finalist so you know they can  produce when required

I just think Wales need to pick their best side at every opportunity, cement a 10 in place and stop offing around still truing to decide who that should be

I appreciate we have (another) injury crisis and perhaps this announcement wa snecessary because we really do need extra protection, we seem very very fragile

maestegmafia wrote:

Griff wrote:

Tonga beat France, they beat Scotland in Scotland - so yeah, why not a weakened and experimental Wales team.

I don't think it matters whether we win or not. This game should be more about trying to play some rugby and create some good plays. A win is a bonus.

The media focusing on Edwards comments is nothing to do with the game, it is just the journos trying to find a story.

?

Of course there is some news making here but that's their job and i disagree, it's everything to do with the game Maesteg, and everything to do with the decision making in the management.

Putting aside the stereotypical Tongans are proud stuff and will take this as a throw down, the fact is we are taking a huge risk fielding a 2nd string and newbies side.

maestegmafia wrote:

Griff wrote:

Tonga beat France, they beat Scotland in Scotland - so yeah, why not a weakened and experimental Wales team.

I don't think it matters whether we win or not. This game should be more about trying to play some rugby and create some good plays. A win is a bonus.

The media focusing on Edwards comments is nothing to do with the game, it is just the journos trying to find a story.

You have made 2 points.. 1) Of course it matters that we win. A Welsh victory is essential for morale and momentum. Another second string disaster will set the whole squad back.

2) Edwards' comments seem a good tactical move to me but as you say it's the media in search column inches.

Bullsbok wrote:Was this necessary from Edwards , really . Gee

He made his comments in a press conference several days ago. It has taken since then for a journalist to get a bite from a Tongan.

It's not really even a story, practically every non PI coach mentions the aggressive nature of the PI game prior to a test, usually because a journalist asks if that coach is worried of the potential injury toll when playing a team famous for aggressive, physical defence.

Scratch wrote:

aucklandlaurie wrote: Makes you wonder whether as a "D" coach Edwards wouldnt mind have the services of a few more South Pacific Islanders than he has currently.

As for Mike Fraser, I think hes an Ok referee, just so long as he isnt refereeing Wellington!!. after doing the under 20s final this appointment must be pretty big for him.

Tongan discipline is probably why Faletau has been dropped for this game….that or they didn't want him to be permanently broken

From the way you talk about Tongan physicality you'd think all our players are made of glass.

Faletau can hold his own physically as can the majority of the squad. Nevertheless, trying to outmuscle the Tongans, for me, would be very ill-advised as it will likely play into their hands as it has against Samoa and Fiji in the past.

A similar approach to the last game should be enough ie spreading the ball wide and playing with some degree of expansion.

Norfolklass wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Griff wrote:

Tonga beat France, they beat Scotland in Scotland - so yeah, why not a weakened and experimental Wales team.

I don't think it matters whether we win or not. This game should be more about trying to play some rugby and create some good plays. A win is a bonus.

The media focusing on Edwards comments is nothing to do with the game, it is just the journos trying to find a story.

You have made 2 points.. 1) Of course it matters that we win. A Welsh victory is essential for morale and momentum. Another second string disaster will set the whole squad back.

2) Edwards' comments seem a good tactical move to me but as you say it's the media in search column inches.  

Can you explain why lass?

Norfolklass wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Griff wrote:

Tonga beat France, they beat Scotland in Scotland - so yeah, why not a weakened and experimental Wales team.

I don't think it matters whether we win or not. This game should be more about trying to play some rugby and create some good plays. A win is a bonus.

The media focusing on Edwards comments is nothing to do with the game, it is just the journos trying to find a story.

You have made 2 points.. 1) Of course it matters that we win. A Welsh victory is essential for morale and momentum. Another second string disaster will set the whole squad back.

2) Edwards' comments seem a good tactical move to me but as you say it's the media in search column inches.  

A win is great and I expect a welsh win, a good one too. But a win over Australia has far more value for future endeavours and that goal should be our focus.

It looks like a talented Tongan team and I hope to see them seriously test us. We have picked a number of inexperienced players and games like this will benefit our lads in the long run.

Knowsit17 wrote:

Scratch wrote:

aucklandlaurie wrote: Makes you wonder whether as a "D" coach Edwards wouldnt mind have the services of a few more South Pacific Islanders than he has currently.

As for Mike Fraser, I think hes an Ok referee, just so long as he isnt refereeing Wellington!!. after doing the under 20s final this appointment must be pretty big for him.

Tongan discipline is probably why Faletau has been dropped for this game….that or they didn't want him to be permanently broken

From the way you talk about Tongan physicality you'd think all our players are made of glass.

Faletau can hold his own physically as can the majority of the squad. Nevertheless, trying to outmuscle the Tongans, for me, would be very ill-advised as it will likely play into their hands as it has against Samoa and Fiji in the past.

A similar approach to the last game should be enough ie spreading the ball wide and playing with some degree of expansion.

I once played in a side with peter Philipps, the Queen's grandson

We were playing an oggie west country local team of farmers and bull inseminators

Big, ugly tough lads and we were silky smoothe spread it wide types

Pete got taken off after about 18 minutes. Had he had a close protection officer i think their back row might have been shot on sight

I have never seen one player get so much attention

In the press the following eek the opposition captain dismissed any suggestion of special treatment saying that it had been a tough game and they had been fairly beaten

what he said: it was a tough game and we were fairly beaten
what he mean't: It was a gong show and we were hammered but we managed to get that pansy arced royal bloke off the pitch

As for being made of glass
Jones
Allen
Cuthbert
Roberts
Foxy
Walker

The list goes on

Griff wrote:I've posted elsewhere about how we never seem to learn (selection wise, but the media sound bites are becoming tiresome now too): Romania, Samoa loads, Fiji, Japan - all losses - all by underestimating/not respecting/putting out weakened teams to experiment. I get experimenting but I'd prefer one or two or maybe three experiments in a settled and experienced team to ease them in. With this team we see a load of players new to each other, new to the coaching methods, new to the national team calls, inexperienced at pro rugby (some of them), still young in terms of physical development, and a couple who have had underwhelming seasons being thrown in to 'find form' - all of this is a recipe for (another) disaster.

Tonga beat France, they beat Scotland in Scotland - so yeah, why not a weakened and experimental Wales team.

You're the first I've noticed to call it experimental. I wouldn't say it is intended as an experiment, just simple rotation. Most of the first team have played the two tests thus far and in some areas we've been mangled by injury. How else would you have it? Play more firsts and as a result risk further injuries or fatigue by the time Australia roll along?

Besides, the majority of Friday's team has had its fair share of involvement over the past year or two so I'd hardly say they're being thrown together out of the blue.

Jhamer25 wrote:How to insult a Tongan

Better not, Edwards has started the fire already; that means at least 3 injuries to our players.
To insult them even more would be carnage.

And how is this comment less disrespectful than anything Edwards said? How colonial could you be? The Tongans I have known at university are lovely people, gentle giants. They won't give a monkeys about the press. You paint them as some kind of Neanderthals. Shame on you.

Norfolklass wrote:

Jhamer25 wrote:How to insult a Tongan

Better not, Edwards has started the fire already; that means at least 3 injuries to our players.
To insult them even more would be carnage.

And how is this comment less disrespectful than anything Edwards said? How colonial could you be? The Tongans I have known at university are lovely people, gentle giants. They won't give a monkeys about the press. You paint them as some kind of Neanderthals. Shame on you.

 

i am confused

How can you get insulted by that and yet suggest Edwards comments are "a good tactical move"

Scratch wrote:

Knowsit17 wrote:

Scratch wrote:

aucklandlaurie wrote: Makes you wonder whether as a "D" coach Edwards wouldnt mind have the services of a few more South Pacific Islanders than he has currently.

As for Mike Fraser, I think hes an Ok referee, just so long as he isnt refereeing Wellington!!. after doing the under 20s final this appointment must be pretty big for him.

Tongan discipline is probably why Faletau has been dropped for this game….that or they didn't want him to be permanently broken

From the way you talk about Tongan physicality you'd think all our players are made of glass.

Faletau can hold his own physically as can the majority of the squad. Nevertheless, trying to outmuscle the Tongans, for me, would be very ill-advised as it will likely play into their hands as it has against Samoa and Fiji in the past.

A similar approach to the last game should be enough ie spreading the ball wide and playing with some degree of expansion.

I once played in a side with peter Philipps, the Queen's grandson

We were playing an oggie west country local team of farmers and bull inseminators

Big, ugly tough lads and we were silky smoothe spread it wide types

Pete got taken off after about 18 minutes. Had he had a close protection officer i think their back row might have been shot on sight

I have never seen one player get so much attention

In the press the following eek the opposition captain dismissed any suggestion of special treatment saying that it had been a tough game and they had been fairly beaten

what he said: it was a tough game and we were fairly beaten
what he mean't: It was a gong show and we were hammered but we managed to get that pansy arced royal bloke off the pitch

As for being made of glass
Jones
Allen
Cuthbert
Roberts
Foxy
Walker

The list goes on

I don't get the gist of the story, what point exactly are you trying to get across?

As for the injuries, few if any of them have been a result of players coming off second best in terms of physicality. At least three were suffered before the tests began. I'd call it a rotten run of luck, not being made of glass. Have some faith mun FFS, don't be so defeatist  

Knowsit17 wrote:

Griff wrote:I've posted elsewhere about how we never seem to learn (selection wise, but the media sound bites are becoming tiresome now too): Romania, Samoa loads, Fiji, Japan - all losses - all by underestimating/not respecting/putting out weakened teams to experiment. I get experimenting but I'd prefer one or two or maybe three experiments in a settled and experienced team to ease them in. With this team we see a load of players new to each other, new to the coaching methods, new to the national team calls, inexperienced at pro rugby (some of them), still young in terms of physical development, and a couple who have had underwhelming seasons being thrown in to 'find form' - all of this is a recipe for (another) disaster.

Tonga beat France, they beat Scotland in Scotland - so yeah, why not a weakened and experimental Wales team.

You're the first I've noticed to call it experimental. I wouldn't say it is intended as an experiment, just simple rotation. Most of the first team have played the two tests thus far and in some areas we've been mangled by injury. How else would you have it? Play more firsts and as a result risk further injuries or fatigue by the time Australia roll along?

Besides, the majority of Friday's team has had its fair share of involvement over the past year or two so I'd hardly say they're being thrown together out of the blue.

Maybe experimental was the wrong word. But this team will never play together again as it is. So in that respect it's experimental. Players are out of position. Players are returning from injury or lack of form. It's obviously not as experimental as the Japan sides. Second string may better describe them, but then there's a few first team players in there too.

Scratch wrote:

Norfolklass wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Griff wrote:

Tonga beat France, they beat Scotland in Scotland - so yeah, why not a weakened and experimental Wales team.

I don't think it matters whether we win or not. This game should be more about trying to play some rugby and create some good plays. A win is a bonus.

The media focusing on Edwards comments is nothing to do with the game, it is just the journos trying to find a story.

You have made 2 points.. 1) Of course it matters that we win. A Welsh victory is essential for morale and momentum. Another second string disaster will set the whole squad back.

2) Edwards' comments seem a good tactical move to me but as you say it's the media in search column inches.  

Can you explain why lass?

Yes. I believe the referee is relatively inexperienced and will be aware of media comments. This may influence decisions in Wales' favour. I think its a clever move. Read Alex Ferguson's autobiography in the art of referee manipulation.

Knowsit

I can have faith and still offer criticism. You choose blind optimism which is your right, My faith is regularly undermined by the press gaffes made by our management and being subjected to the usual feast and famine that as a welsh fan you never quite get used to…Japan this year, Argentina and Samoa last year,

As for the story, its not hard to get the gist, Faletau has been rested and i imagine it is not because he is ill disciplined

maestegmafia wrote:

Norfolklass wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Griff wrote:

Tonga beat France, they beat Scotland in Scotland - so yeah, why not a weakened and experimental Wales team.

I don't think it matters whether we win or not. This game should be more about trying to play some rugby and create some good plays. A win is a bonus.

The media focusing on Edwards comments is nothing to do with the game, it is just the journos trying to find a story.

You have made 2 points.. 1) Of course it matters that we win. A Welsh victory is essential for morale and momentum. Another second string disaster will set the whole squad back.

2) Edwards' comments seem a good tactical move to me but as you say it's the media in search column inches.  

A win is great and I expect a welsh win, a good one too. But a win over Australia has far more value for future endeavours and that goal should be our focus.

It looks like a talented Tongan team and I hope to see them seriously test us. We have picked a number of inexperienced players and games like this will benefit our lads in the long run.

A win is more than great, it is absolutely fundamental because without it beating Aus next week is highly unlikely.

My optimism isn't blind. It's based on the fact that historically Wales are a better side than Tonga, that Tonga have yet to beat Wales and generally that Wales routinely beat better sides than Tonga in the 6N. Whether that's arrogance or honesty I'll let you decide.

That shouldn't be interpreted as taking Tonga lightly. I've said all along we should be wary of them and that we deserve to, in fact we probably will lose if we make similar mistakes as against the other Islanders.

I just find your notion of Faletau being smashed to pieces odd as by my recollection I don't think I have seen anything of the sort happen to him yet in his career. On the contrary he's the one more likely to be doing the smashing. He's sensibly being rested for Australia like most other Lions. Doesn't mean he'd be on the back foot if he was starting.

Scratch wrote:
A win is more than great, it is absolutely fundamental because without it beating Aus next week is highly unlikely.

What has losing Tonga got to do with playing Australia....?

Norfolklass wrote:

Jhamer25 wrote:How to insult a Tongan

Better not, Edwards has started the fire already; that means at least 3 injuries to our players.
To insult them even more would be carnage.

And how is this comment less disrespectful than anything Edwards said? How colonial could you be? The Tongans I have known at university are lovely people, gentle giants. They won't give a monkeys about the press. You paint them as some kind of Neanderthals. Shame on you.

Wow, take a joke can you.
I know Tongans are a lovely peaceful and proud people. Don't for one second call me colonial, you don't know me. Trying to make out im characterising Tongan people. Don't make me laugh.
Weird how only you took it that way (as an insult).

Maesteg

You have to be joking!

Can you imagine NZ or in fact any other team having an attitude like that

It seems Wales psychological issues have spread to their fans as well

staggering

Scratch wrote:Maesteg

You have to be joking!

Can you imagine NZ or in fact any other team having an attitude like that

It seems Wales psychological issues have spread to their fans as well

staggering

I'm not joking. Why would a loss to Tonga effect the Australia game?

It is just as likely to strengthen the team as weaken it. We beat France in Paris last six nations on the back of a terrible run of losses.

So…based on that argument we need to lose more games to strengthen?! Of course, i have stupidly been thinking we need to win every game we play.

Now i get it, Gats said autumn is just pre season for the big one, so we lose in the autumn to win in the 6 Nations. Got it now.

Perhaps that is why we are often ridiculed for talking ourselves up.

maesteg, most of your posts read as if you have plucked them form a Rugby PR Manual, but i think you have finally lost it

The other day i asked if you were Gatland, now i think you must be!

How to upset a Tongan?!
Jokes about national obesity, jokes about cannibalism?
Nope just don't give them the ball and they soon show their true colours.

Scratch wrote:So…based on that argument we need to lose more games to strengthen?! Of course, i have stupidly been thinking we need to win every game we play.

Now i get it, Gats said autumn is just pre season for the big one, so we lose in the autumn to win in the 6 Nations. Got it now.

Perhaps that is why we are often ridiculed for talking ourselves up.

maesteg, most of your posts read as if you have plucked them form a Rugby PR Manual, but i think you have finally lost it

The other day i asked if you were Gatland, now i think you must be!

Why not just answer the question, it's a perfectly simple question.

I did as far as i can maesteg.

If Wales are in a head space like you where losing to Tonga is not seen as anything but unacceptable failure and think they will do that this week and stand a snowball's chance against Aus a week later, when Aus have beaten them well and repeatedly time and again since what , 2008 (i was there)

That you even pose suggests that accepting defeat has become so much part of the fabric of the Welsh rugby psyche that it is now regarded as a possible way of strengthening our side.

It would be funny if not so tragic

Scratch wrote:I did as far as i can maesteg.

If Wales are in a head space like you where losing to Tonga is not seen as anything but unacceptable failure and think they will do that this week and stand a snowball's chance against Aus a week later, when Aus have beaten them well and repeatedly time and again since what , 2008 (i was there)

That you even pose suggests that accepting defeat has become so much part of the fabric of the Welsh rugby psyche that it is now regarded as a possible way of strengthening our side.

It would be funny if not so tragic

I don't think it's acceptable, I just don't think it matters.

Quit having a dig at the welsh fans mate.

Maes, we lose this and the media is on the players backs. They'll lose confidence, lose motivation, become disillusioned and may take a while to get that back. Confidence is a huge factor in sport, affecting competition anxiety, motivation, etc, etc. You can't underestimate the negative effects of a loss - both on the players in that game and the ones picking up the pieces a week later against even stronger opposition.

For me Biggar was rocked by the Fiji draw, and the blame falling a fair bit on his shoulders, for a fair while afterwards. He didn't seem to kick on and took a while to get back into international frame - maybe knocked his confidence a bit. Just one example, but for me he was thrown into an experimental/deliberately weak side and was left with the media backlash to deal with.

The best teams have a win at all costs mentality, never taking opposition lightly or for granted. They see a loss as slight on their nation, a thing to be ashamed of. That, IMO, is where we need to be - scared to lose, so proud that we do everything possible to get the win. If the opposition is such that there's a chance they'll beat our 2nd team, then we need to reconsider the team and put out a better team that will bring home the win. Not one that'll struggle (although I'm confident that this team will win on this occasion).

Just my opinion though. Don't shoot me down. Some like 'developmental losses'. Some see value in the experience. Teams like New Zealand don't seem to be in that boat, and for me that's a good boat to be in.

Oh i see, …..or what will you do maestegmafia? Order me to be rubbed out?

Forget about it. 

Firstly you think you are a fan and that losing to Tonga doesn't matter? Mmm go figure.

Secondly I am not 'having a go at welsh fans' i am merely pointing out that you shown you have a very odd idea of what is important to Welsh rugby, very odd.

And since i rate myself as being a massive Welsh fan I am more than qualified to criticize our rugby without having someone try and make it personal

Grow up.

Griff wrote:Maes, we lose this and the media is on the players backs. They'll lose confidence, lose motivation, become disillusioned and may take a while to get that back. Confidence is a huge factor in sport, affecting competition anxiety, motivation, etc, etc. You can't underestimate the negative effects of a loss - both on the players in that game and the ones picking up the pieces a week later against even stronger opposition.

For me Biggar was rocked by the Fiji draw, and the blame falling a fair bit on his shoulders, for a fair while afterwards. He didn't seem to kick on and took a while to get back into international frame - maybe knocked his confidence a bit. Just one example, but for me he was thrown into an experimental/deliberately weak side and was left with the media backlash to deal with.

The best teams have a win at all costs mentality, never taking opposition lightly or for granted. They see a loss as slight on their nation, a thing to be ashamed of. That, IMO, is where we need to be - scared to lose, so proud that we do everything possible to get the win. If the opposition is such that there's a chance they'll beat our 2nd team, then we need to reconsider the team and put out a better team that will bring home the win. Not one that'll struggle (although I'm confident that this team will win on this occasion).

Just my opinion though. Don't shoot me down. Some like 'developmental losses'. Some see value in the experience. Teams like New Zealand don't seem to be in that boat, and for me that's a good boat to be in.

   

I just think that with Gatland resting so many of his best players, Lions, players etc etc. He may be taking Tonga for Granted.

Does he believe that the game is already in the bag?

Surely the objective is to win (ALL YOUR GAME'S) in the Ais...If they (Wales) do get a win against Tonga,...then all well and good for Wales. But, But what if Wales lose?

Will their be calls for Gatland to resign for Losing to Tonga. If they lose that is.

The stated aim for this Autumn is 3/4

Calls to resign, yes

Forced to resign, no

he might go of his own accord if the vitriol is anything like the Lions stuff but i doubt it

Just won back to back 6 Nations

But a defeat now would be unbearable for true fans, we will never compete at the top table unless we put these games away with clinical merciless performances

majesticimperialman wrote:I just think that with Gatland resting so many of his best players, Lions, players etc etc. He may be taking Tonga for Granted.

Does he believe that the game is already in the bag?

Surely the objective is to win (ALL YOUR GAME'S) in the Ais...If they (Wales) do get a win against Tonga,...then all well and good for Wales. But, But what if Wales lose?

Will their be calls for Gatland to resign for Losing to Tonga. If they lose that is.

No Gatland won't be asked to resign.

The game lacks importance in the greater picture.

I think even our massively weakened team with plenty of third, fourth and fifth choice players will win this match.

But we all know the squad is far more focused on beating Australia and winning the next six nations.

majesticimperialman wrote:I just think that with Gatland resting so many of his best players, Lions, players etc etc. He may be taking Tonga for Granted.

Does he believe that the game is already in the bag?

Surely the objective is to win (ALL YOUR GAME'S) in the Ais...If they (Wales) do get a win against Tonga,...then all well and good for Wales. But, But what if Wales lose?

Will their be calls for Gatland to resign for Losing to Tonga. If they lose that is.

As I said in an earlier post, the majority of the first team has started the two tests thus far and with Australia to come this is the rational game to make rotations. I don't see how that's taking Tonga for granted.

majesticimperialman wrote:I just think that with Gatland resting so many of his best players, Lions, players etc etc. He may be taking Tonga for Granted.

Does he believe that the game is already in the bag?

Surely the objective is to win (ALL YOUR GAME'S) in the Ais...If they (Wales) do get a win against Tonga,...then all well and good for Wales. But, But what if Wales lose?

Will their be calls for Gatland to resign for Losing to Tonga. If they lose that is.

This Welsh team would beat England,
full of players who have never lost to England and many who have won in Twickers too!
I would go as far as saying this team would win a six nations.
Plenty of Lions still in the team a winners of multiple six nations titles.

Food for thought there madge.

maestegmafia wrote:

majesticimperialman wrote:I just think that with Gatland resting so many of his best players, Lions, players etc etc. He may be taking Tonga for Granted.

Does he believe that the game is already in the bag?

Surely the objective is to win (ALL YOUR GAME'S) in the Ais...If they (Wales) do get a win against Tonga,...then all well and good for Wales. But, But what if Wales lose?

Will their be calls for Gatland to resign for Losing to Tonga. If they lose that is.

No Gatland won't be asked to resign.

The game lacks importance in the greater picture.

I think even our massively weakened team with plenty of third, fourth and fifth choice players will win this match.

But we all know the squad is far more focused on beating Australia and winning the next six nations.

This is an utterly ridiculous statement

With Wales propensity to really balls it up only a fool would have their eye n the Aussie game prior to this week

 

I have always been of the opinion that ALL games are important after all they are 'Test Matches'. Since the World Cup and professionalism things have changed. Subs are allowed where once if you were injured you had to play on. Every country uses rotation now even the Lions did that without disrespecting any Aussie team.

Wales were once extremely poor when it came to strength in depth but this has changed because of WG selections and players need to be blooded into international games don't they????

I do not feel we are disrespecting Tonga in the least and I feel the squad playing on Friday is a good squad. Anyway with the injured we already have I feel it is appropriate to blood a few so we can be strong for the Aussie game when we will lose some players back to their clubs and remember them injuries too.

A loss would be hard to take but I do not feel it will upset the squad in terms of how they front up against Aussie. Don't think it is serious enough for Welsh fan to fight Welsh fan.