Wales vs France - Friday 21st Feb 8pm KO.

First topic message reminder :

Wales vs France - Friday 21st Feb 8pm KO.
 
Thought I'd start a thread seeing as our Welsh posters are few and far between this week.
 
 
Big, Massive, Huge game for both teams, how do you see it going?

1. Jenkins
2. Hibbard
3. Rhodri Jones
4. AWJ (c)
5. Coombes
6. Warburton
7. Tipuric
8. Faletau
9. Webb
10. Biggar
11. North
12. Roberts
13. Hook
14. Cuthbert
15. Halfpenny

16. James
17. Owens
18. A.Jones
19. Ball
20. Lydiate
21. Priestland
22. Phillips
23. Li Williams

 
 
News
 
- Wales centre Scott Williams has been ruled out of the rest of the Six Nations after injuring his shoulder in the 26-3 defeat by Ireland. (lesson to be learnt there for Mr Williams)
 
- Warburton and Gethin released to play for the Blues this weekend (Please note I used Warburton not WRUburton!)
 
- Guscott - "Wales should 'think about dropping Mike Phillips"
 
- "It's probably one of the worst performances that we've had since I've been involved," said Gatland.
 
- Wales scrum-half Mike Phillips has challenged One Direction's Niall Horan to train with the Welsh squad after the singer criticised him on Twitter.
 
- Ospreys duo Ashley Beck and Dan Baker called up for Wales training.
 
- Centre Jonathan Davies has been ruled out of Wales' Six Nations clash against France on Friday after failing to recover from a pectoral injury.  Osprey Ashley Beck, has also been ruled out.

After last weeks game i am surprised that Gethin Jenkins, Adam Jones, and Sam Worburton have made the team to be honest.

Moving George North in to the centre? Is it a good move on Gatlands part? I guess we will see on Friday. I am not so sure it is a good move for Wales my self, i still think he would be better playing on the wing.

Interesting team. They've basically swapped 2 big men for two smaller men in the backline.

I think Wales will win this one. France will have the advantage in the set piece but if Wales can get their game going I can see them scoring a few tries especially near the end when the French start to tire.

A poor pack performance always makes the half backs look bad. If your pack doesn't improve your new half back pairing won't make much difference.

Wales do not have a habit of recovering from poor performance. We are comming off another indifferent display in the Autumn, a stuttering win over Italy and an abject performance in Dublin. Adam and Gethin are well past their best, Lydiate and Warburton have no form, Charteris can't be match fit, a new 9, the wrong 10, and a wing out of position. Add to this a coach who says perform against France or don't play for Wales again. Is this a team that will can use this kind of pressure to turn things around? Gatland has gambled - I hope it pays off.

France have momentum, confidence, a very good set piece and a few top players playing really well.

Heart and head at odds again.

offload wrote:Wales do not have a habit of recovering from poor performance.  We are comming off another indifferent display in the Autumn, a stuttering win over Italy and an abject performance in Dublin. Adam and Gethin are well past their best, Lydiate and Warburton have no form, Charteris can't be match fit, a new 9, the wrong 10, and a wing out of position.  Add to this a coach who says perform against France or don't play for Wales again.  Is this a team that will can use this kind of pressure to turn things around?  Gatland has gambled - I hope it pays off.

France have momentum, confidence, a very good set piece and a few top players playing really well.

Heart and head at odds again.

We lost four AIs then won a championship.

We were knocked out of a World Cup at the pool stages then won a Grandslam.

Before the Irish game a lot of welsh fans were saying after the scrape past Italy. 'Don't worry we get better & better as the 6Ns progresses'....

Looking back & comparing previous competitions is folly. It's the here & now that counts. Player age, form, injuries & progress of your opponents is what should be considered.

glamorganalun wrote:

bedfordwelsh wrote:

Scrumpy wrote:

bedfordwelsh wrote:Maybe he also watched Priestland in the WC and is hoping he can regin the last minutein that form which was way ahead of what Biggar is capable of.

That was a blip!

He hasn't done much since to be honest.

Neither has Biggar really, Priestland brings Roberts into the game by playing it a lot flatter and thats what Gatland wants.

Bed :

Biggar has done very little? Only won the last 6N with him at 10 now it is going all wrong, how many games against Aust did Priestland grab defeat from the jaws of victory, thank god he was not fit for the lions as Gatland would have picked him.

Biggar hardly set the 6 Nations alight last year we showed up in one game really the rest whilst its always great to win were hardly brilliant games of rugby.

Harsh on Phillips to single him out, very few from 1 to 9 deserved to keep their places. Although Rhys Webb deserves his start on form.

In the front row alone - Jenkins doesn't look match fit, Hibbard struggling for form and A Jones seems to have completely lost his advantage without the hit at the scrum, no real sign of anything better in the latter stages here either with Owens who's clearly better in the loose but is arguably no more reliable in the set piece, James who most ref's seem to penalise for fun these days and R Jones who has very little experience at TH and is only 3rd choice in that position at PYS.

Hope they go out there and prove me wrong though.

Can't really argue with Gats' selections.

Watch Wales play much better without Philips.

No point having battering rams like the Doctor/Little George in midfield if the defence is already standing next to them drumming their fingers and waiting for Philips to stop shouting/trundling along laterally and actually get the ball to them.

I said all along that Jenkins shouldn't start and stand by that, James is far beter scrummager and is match fit.

Feel its harsh on Coombs and as for the other, most of whom all had poor games I just hope Gatland has read the riot act and if its not going to plan or players not performing then get them off

I don't really know if Webb is the answer but he's on good Regional form so deserves his chance, than again so is Richie Rees.

How fickle some of you are, it wasn't long ago that the general consensus on here was that Phillips could walk on water and woe betide anyone who dared criticise him.

It's true that he hasn't been at his best for a while now, but dropping him may be a mistake. Collectively, the Welsh team were poor against Ireland (and arguably struggled for significant periods against Italy), but do you know what, teams do have bad days. I don't think Wales need panic yet, they're still right up there with a chance to win the tournament. Probably still the best NH team (questionable but not without merit), they just need to pull together, and not go into matches thinking they have a god given right to win because they believe in the hype surrounding them.

maestegmafia wrote:Amazing how one day everyone calls for Phillips as the root of all that is rotten, next he is a scapegoat..?

He done himself no favours last week BUT I agree he is the scapegoat for what was a very poor pack performance and the only decent forward against Ireland gets dropped totally.

Phillips has always been a bit like marmite but he still has no real competition for his place so this could be the old blessing in disguise etc.

Jimpy wrote:How fickle some of you are, it wasn't long ago that the general consensus on here was that Phillips could walk on water and woe betide anyone who dared criticise him.

It's true that he hasn't been at his best for a while now, but dropping him may be a mistake. Collectively, the Welsh team were poor against Ireland (and arguably struggled for significant periods against Italy), but do you know what, teams do have bad days. I don't think Wales need panic yet, they're still right up there with a chance to win the tournament. Probably still the best NH team (questionable but not without merit), they just need to pull together, and not go into matches thinking they have a god given right to win because they believe in the hype surrounding them.

+1 to that (never thought I would say that)

Scarlet, is it you we can ask for this or does it have to be an admin, there are three threads on this page all covering the same thing, could we get them merged ?

Dowlais, I shall see get on it asap.

Cheers Scarlet.   

bedfordwelsh wrote:I don't really know if Webb is the answer but he's on good Regional form so deserves his chance, than again so is Richie Rees.

The two scrum halfs that are on the best form at the moment are Richie Rees and Gareth Davies, and neither have made it into the 6Ns squad at all.

Webb was fortunate to be playing for an Ospreys team that ended up in a highlight reel match at the weekend against the Treviso Girls Under 16s 'B' team. I think that Rees is particularly unlucky - he's been consistently good for a while.

Breaking news: Phillips merged with France.

Painful for Mike but science has gotta keep trying these things.

These mergings, nobody knows what the hell they are talking about for about a day until things settle again.

Nice one Scarlet, you are a credit to this forum.  

Philips be on at some point with a point to prove . its up to web to keep the shirt tho . .

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

bedfordwelsh wrote:I don't really know if Webb is the answer but he's on good Regional form so deserves his chance, than again so is Richie Rees.

The two scrum halfs that are on the best form at the moment are Richie Rees and Gareth Davies, and neither have made it into the 6Ns squad at all.

Its only a matter of time before Davies is capped.

Phillips wil be chomping at the bit to come get on and for what its worth I am going to have a couple of quid on him as last try scorer.

Jimpy wrote:How fickle some of you are, it wasn't long ago that the general consensus on here was that Phillips could walk on water and woe betide anyone who dared criticise him.

I see you still go around making up rubbish. It needs no answer seeing as he has been the No.1 in his position on the past two Lions tours. Can't argue with facts now can you.
  

Gatland has come out with some pretty damning statements in regards to his team:

"If they don't, we've been talking about the next 12 months... and for some of them they don't want this to be maybe their last game for Wales."

"I've spoken to a couple of front-rowers about their performance and the pressure that they're under.

"Justin Tipuric is knocking on the door and we could have played Warby [captain Sam Warburton] at six, and Dan Lydiate hasn't been as sharp as he has been in the last couple of years... he knows he needs a big performance as well.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/26261379

Not for the first time either. Actions speak louder than words.

Reading in the paper today that Warran Gatland as told 6 of the Welsh squad that they must perform this week against France, or they are out of the squad all together.

The 6 players are Rys Priestland, Gethin Jenkins, Adam Jones,Luke Charteris, Dan Lydate. And most important IN MY OPINION, is Sam Warburton.
Most of these players, not sure about Charteris and Lydate, have not been on form for a while now and should not have selected in the first place.

You can not keep picking players based on past performances. Player/s should only get picked( if they are fully fit and form) they should not be chosen because they are Lions players based on last years performance.

I say well done to Warran Gatland for reading the riot act to these players.

The Saint wrote:Not for the first time either. Actions speak louder than words.

100% correct. Don't know why he bothered saying it. He'll never drop the front row, as he's had enough justification to do so before. Until I see Lee in the 23 at the very least, he won't drop Adam Jones for a start. The back row has been underperforming for a while now. He has scapegoated Phillips from Dublin, yet couldn't even drop him from the 23. I wouldn't mind it, if I saw more form players getting selected (even if it meant extending his stupidly small squads), as I'd believe that certain players were under pressure.

Hope he is looking at his coaching staff too. Try actually seeing what Howley and McBryde actually offer for once, as it can't be much. Our line out is never great and our attack play is dire this year.

Did he look in the mirror and give himself a tongue lashing too?

Who let the 'riot act' news out of the dressing room? Who let names be mentioned in a dressing down session that I assume was meant to take place in private?

Madge, are you for real? Well done, my foot. It's a load of rubbish what he's saying.

I don't get how Charteris and Priestland are two of the names, when Charteris has been brought straight back in and Priestland hasn't even been taken off in either game? The other lot, well that's rubbish too. No pressure on Adam Jones, he wouldn't drop Roger's golden boy and Lydiate isn't doing anything different to what he has been (making tackles), so really what's the difference?

Risca Rev wrote:Madge, are you for real? Well done, my foot. It's a load of rubbish what he's saying.

I don't get how Charteris and Priestland are two of the names, when Charteris has been brought straight back in and Priestland hasn't even been taken off in either game? The other lot, well that's rubbish too. No pressure on Adam Jones, he wouldn't drop Roger's golden boy and Lydiate isn't doing anything different to what he has been (making tackles), so really what's the difference?

RiscaRev

Do not shoot the messenger. I am reading it straight from the news paper. Players loose form, Sam Warburton and Gethin Jenkins have been injured and are not fully match fit. I know it is tough when it comes to international rugby you want your players, most experienced players on the field. But if. if they are not fully fit how can you play them.

I'm not shooting the messenger in my second paragraph. I just questioned you in my first paragraph, as I don't see how it's a case of well done Warren Gatland for making idle threats.

Well it's fair to say Gatland has given them a boot up the @rse. We have seen in the past that be can be p very critical on his players performance and singling them out in the media. I think what he has said is good because it should be giving these players more determination and fight for their shirt, instead of knowing they will walk into the starting spot. It might be harsh but hopefully it is a wake up call for some.

Risca Rev wrote:I'm not shooting the messenger in my second paragraph. I just questioned you in my first paragraph, as I don't see how it's a case of well done Warren Gatland for making idle threats.

Are they idle threats though?

SecretFly wrote:Did he look in the mirror and give himself a tongue lashing too?

Who let the 'riot act' news out of the dressing room?  Who let names be mentioned in a dressing down session that I assume was meant to take place in private?

Agreed but typical Gatland, move the blame away from himself as usual i.e, no plan B since managing Wales and now teams in the NH have learnt how to handle Gatland's one dimensional tactics. Wales may struggle against Scotland the way it is going.

[quote="majesticimperialman"]

Risca Rev wrote:I'm not shooting the messenger in my second paragraph. I just questioned you in my first paragraph, as I don't see how it's a case of well done Warren Gatland for making idle threats.

Are they idle threats though?[/quote,

Yes, just look at the Lions selections Lydiate should not have been selected for the tour, Roberts was not fit, Warburton captain part time and if Preistland was fit he would have played before Sexton.

majesticimperialman wrote:Reading in the paper today that Warran Gatland as told 6 of the Welsh squad that they must perform this week against France, or they are out of the squad all together.

The 6 players are Rys Priestland, Gethin Jenkins, Adam Jones,Luke Charteris, Dan Lydate. And most important IN MY OPINION, is Sam Warburton.
Most of these players, not sure about Charteris and Lydate, have not been on form for a while now and should not have selected in the first place.

You can not keep picking players based on past performances. Player/s should only get picked( if they are fully fit and form) they should not be chosen because they are Lions players based on last years performance.

I say well done to Warran Gatland for reading the riot act to these players.

So here is Gatland "The Man" man manager leaving out

Halfpenny, Hibbard, and AWJ who were pretty dire on the field and defensively (that's Sean Edwards area) as a unit they were very poor, and yet crucifying in public the likes of Charteris who has just come back from injury, and Priestland who literally had probably the worst 6Ns platform from a Welsh pack in nye on a decade.

So lets not bollox them in private but lets tell the worlds press that they are on their last chance saloon, and hence lets put more pressure on the players before the match.

I say "you cowardly custard "Mr Motivator" Warren Gatland for singling out players when it was clear there were just as poor if not worst offenders on show.

Of course they're idle threats Madge. How many times has Adam Jones been warned over fitness etc? How many times has Tipuric been the form 7, only to see Roger's darling get picked no matter what?

I wish I could believe him, but these problems that we have now are not new, so how is it good of him to possibly make proper selections four games into the tournament (ie after this game)?

Just over 24 hours to go - how are the nerves?
Good luck - I'm backing a a Welsh win, but hope you only scrape home  

Yes...if Wales win I hope it's a 6-3 scoreline.  If France win, I hope it's 0-3!

Okay then, in the interests of a more entertaining and exciting game, I might allow those score lines to be somewhat higher.  6-7 or 3-6 maybe

SecretFly wrote:Yes...if Wales win I hope it's a 6-3 scoreline.  If France win, I hope it's 0-3!

Okay then, in the interests of a more entertaining and exciting game, I might allow those score lines to be somewhat higher.  6-7 or 3-6 maybe

As a Welshman I want either 30:0 or 0:30.I do not want a scraped victory or narrow defeat.I want to know where we are.

Taffineastbourne wrote:

SecretFly wrote:Yes...if Wales win I hope it's a 6-3 scoreline.  If France win, I hope it's 0-3!

Okay then, in the interests of a more entertaining and exciting game, I might allow those score lines to be somewhat higher.  6-7 or 3-6 maybe

As a Welshman I want either 30:0 or 0:30.I do not want a scraped victory or narrow defeat.I want to know where we are.

I do not think that Wales will score any where near 30 points against this France team. Especialy this friday night.

Would love to be proved wrong.

majesticimperialman wrote:

Taffineastbourne wrote:

SecretFly wrote:Yes...if Wales win I hope it's a 6-3 scoreline.  If France win, I hope it's 0-3!

Okay then, in the interests of a more entertaining and exciting game, I might allow those score lines to be somewhat higher.  6-7 or 3-6 maybe

As a Welshman I want either 30:0 or 0:30.I do not want a scraped victory or narrow defeat.I want to know where we are.

I do not think that Wales will score any where near 30 points against this France team. Especialy this friday night.

Would love to be proved wrong.

I was talking figuratively.  

majesticimperialman wrote:I do not think that Wales will score any where near 30 points against this France team. Especialy this friday night.

We know you never think Wales will do well. I don't think you need to keep reminding us.

If France were going for the Grand Slam & the ref was Walsh & the old scrum laws were still in I would favour Wales.......   

If Wales lose & joking aside it is an if & 1,3,6,7 don't play well then that is at least half a new pack before the WC. It's a lose/lose situation for Gats surely?

3-0 will do for me. Or 0-3.
0-0 is highly unlikely. Has that ever happened btw ?

gregortree wrote:3-0 will do for me. Or 0-3.
0-0 is highly unlikely. Has that ever happened btw ?

Only in some classic football games.... only in Great football games, gregor....................