Wales v Scotland, 15 March

by **George Carlin** Mon 10 Mar 2014, 6:51 am

First topic message reminder :

Walesv Scotland

Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
15 March 2014, KO:14:45

Referee: Jérôme Garces (FFR)
First Assistant: Chris Pollock (NZR)
Second Assistant: Greg Garner (RFU)
TMO: Graham Hughes (RFU)

A. Squads

1. Wales

Forwards: Paul James (Bath), Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Ryan Bevington (Ospreys), Richard Hibbard (Ospreys), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Emyr Phillips (Scarlets), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Rhodri Jones (Scarlets), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Luke Charteris (Perpignan), Ian Evans (Ospreys), Andrew Coombs (Dragons), Ryan Jones (Ospreys), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Sam Warburton Capt (Cardiff Blues), Toby Faletau (Dragons), Dan Lydiate (Racing Metro), Aaron Shingler (Scarlets)

Backs: Rhodri Williams (Scarlets), Mike Phillips (Racing Metro), Rhys Webb (Ospreys), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Rhys Priestland (Scarlets), James Hook (Perpignan), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Jamie Roberts (Racing Metro), Scott Williams (Scarlets), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), George North (Northampton Saints), Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues), Liam Williams (Scarlets).

2. Scotland

Forwards: John Beattie (Montpellier), Kelly Brown (Saracens), Geoff Cross, David Denton, Alasdair Dickinson, Ross Ford (all Edinburgh Rugby), Chris Fusaro (Glasgow Warriors), Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh Rugby), Ryan Grant, Jonny Gray (both Glasgow Warriors), Richie Gray (Castres), Jim Hamilton (Montpellier), Robert Harley (Glasgow Warriors), Scott Lawson (Newcastle Falcons), Kieran Low (London Irish), Moray Low, Pat MacArthur (both Glasgow Warriors), Ross Rennie (Edinburgh Rugby) Alasdair Strokosch (Perpignan), Tim Swinson and Ryan Wilson (both Glasgow Warriors).

Backs: Chris Cusiter (Glasgow Warriors), Nick De Luca (Edinburgh Rugby), Alex Dunbar (Glasgow Warriors), Max Evans (Castres), Dougie Fife (Edinburgh Rugby), Stuart Hogg, Ruaridh Jackson, Sean Lamont (all Glasgow Warriors), Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh Rugby), Sean Maitland (Glasgow Warriors), Matt Scott (Edinburgh Rugby), Tommy Seymour (Glasgow Warriors), Duncan Taylor (Saracens), Greig Tonks (Edinburgh Rugby) and Duncan Weir (Glasgow Warriors).

B. Previous Form

9 March 2013, Murrayfield
18 – 28 to Wales

12 February 2012, Millennium Stadium
27 – 13 to Wales

12 February 2011, Murrayfield
6 – 24 to Wales

13 February 2010, Millennium Stadium
31 – 24 to Wales

8 February 2009, Murrayfield
13 – 26 to Wales

9 February 2008, Millennium Stadium
30 – 15 to Wales

10 February 2007, Murrayfield
21 – 9 to Scotland

12 February 2006, Millennium Stadium
28 – 18 to Wales

13 March 2005, Murrayfield
22 – 46 to Wales

14 February 2004, Millennium Stadium
23 – 10 to Wales

30 August 2003, Millennium Stadium
23 – 9 to Wales (2003 Rugby World Cup preparatory game)

8 March 2003, Murrayfield
30 – 22 to Scotland

6 April 2002, Millennium Stadium
22 – 27 to Scotland

C. Teams

1. Wales
Wales v Scotland, 15 March - Page 3 Tom-jo10

Wales v Scotland, 15 March - Page 3 Tom-jo10

15 Liam Williams (Scarlets)
14 Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues)
13 Jonathan Davies (Scarlets)
12 Jamie Roberts (Racing Metro)
11 George North (Northampton Saints)
10 Dan Biggar (Ospreys)
09 Mike Phillips (Racing Metro)

01 Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues)
02 Ken Owens (Scarlets)
03 Rhodri Jones (Scarlets)
04 Luke Charteris (Perpignan)
05 Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys)
06 Dan Lydiate (Racing Metro)
07 Sam Warburton (CAPT – Cardiff Blues)
08 Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons)

Replacements:
16 Richard Hibbard (Ospreys)
17 Paul James (Bath Rugby)
18 Adam Jones (Ospreys)
19 Jake Ball (Scarlets)
20 Justin Tipuric (Ospreys)
21 Rhodri Williams (Scarlets)
22 Rhys Priestland (Scarlets)
23 James Hook (Perpignan)

2. Scotland
Wales v Scotland, 15 March - Page 3 Mark11

Wales v Scotland, 15 March - Page 3 Mark11

15 Stuart Hogg (Glasgow Warriors)
14 Dougie Fife(Edinburgh Rugby)
13 Alex Dunbar (Glasgow Warriors) 7
12 Matt Scott (Edinburgh Rugby)
11 Max Evans (Castres)
10 Duncan Weir (Glasgow Warriors)
9 Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh Rugby) vice-cpt

1 Ryan Grant (Glasgow Warriors)
2 Scott Lawson (Newcastle Falcons)
3 Geoff Cross (Edinburgh Rugby)
4 Richie Gray (Castres)
5 Jim Hamilton (Montpellier)
6 Ryan Wilson (Glasgow Warriors)
7 Kelly Brown (Saracens) captain
8 David Denton (Edinburgh Rugby)

Substitutes
16 Ross Ford (Edinburgh Rugby)
17 Alasdair Dickinson (Edinburgh Rugby)
18 Euan Murray (Worcester Warriors)
19 Tim Swinson (Glasgow Warriors)
20 Alasdair Strokosch (Perpignan)
21 Chris Cusiter (Glasgow Warriors)
22 Duncan Taylor (Saracens)
23 Jack Cuthbert (Edinburgh Rugby)

by GLove39 Wed 12 Mar 2014, 11:46 am

The team selection is really a metaphor for Scott Johnson, 7 players short of an XV.

by funnyExiledScot Wed 12 Mar 2014, 11:47 am

A few points:

1. Worrying that both Evans and Seymour are doubtful. Not sure Jones and Fife are a particularly frightening prospect for the Welsh wingers, Jones against Cuthbert has shades of Malzieu-gate about it.

2. Love that NDL is listed as "not considered due to injury". Surely "not considered" would be more accurate.

3. Why is Chris Pillock once again involved in a Scotland game? What have we done wrong?

4. Delighted to see Strokosch back, just a shame he isn't starting with Wilson on the bench.

5. Pleased that Tim Swinson has been retained.

by Dorothy_Mantooth Wed 12 Mar 2014, 11:53 am

If you didn't laugh you would cry. How little do you actually need to do to get in or around the Scotland team?

Lee Jones has "revatlised" himself according to the SRU press realease. He has played one decent game, against an under strength Cardiff team!

Maybe Vernons inclusion as a back is a request from Cotter. Show how incredibly bare the backs cupboard is, so that he can justify bringing in more imports next season.

by MacKnocked-on Wed 12 Mar 2014, 11:55 am

If both Seymour and Evans are doubtful then we really are down to the bare bones now. Vernon has looked quite good recently for Glasgow at 13 but surely he's not ready yet to play for Scotland in the centres? We might see Taylor selected on the wing for this one.

by Tattie Scones RRN Wed 12 Mar 2014, 11:57 am

Thank feic my tickets were free Rolling Eyes

Chin up chaps.....it's Johnson's last match in charge hooray! Yahoo

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Wed 12 Mar 2014, 12:02 pm

funnyExiledScot wrote:Scotland (sponsor RBS) to play Wales in the RBS 6 Nations Championship at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff on Saturday 15 March, kick-off 2.45pm

Backs from

Chris Cusiter (Glasgow Warriors) 67 caps, 3 tries, 15 points
Jack Cuthbert (Edinburgh Rugby) 1 cap
Alex Dunbar (Glasgow Warriors) 7 caps, 3 tries, 15 points
Max Evans (Castres) 41 caps, 3 tries, 15 points
Dougie Fife (Edinburgh Rugby) uncapped
Stuart Hogg (Glasgow Warriors) 19 caps, 4 tries, 20 points
Ruaridh Jackson (Glasgow Warriors)23 caps, 3 conversions, 2 penalties, 2 drop-goals, 18 points
Lee Jones (Glasgow Warriors) 4 caps, 1 try, 5 points
Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh Rugby) 28 caps, 3 tries, 25 conversions, 58 penalties, 239 points
Matt Scott (Edinburgh Rugby) 20 caps, 3 tries, 15 points
Duncan Taylor (Saracens) 9 caps
Richie Vernon (Glasgow Warriors) 20 caps
Duncan Weir (Glasgow Warriors) 12 caps, 1 try, 3 conversions, 1 penalty, 1 drop-goal, 17 points

Not considered due to injury: Nick De Luca (Edinburgh Rugby)

Forwards

1 Ryan Grant (Glasgow Warriors) 17 caps
2 Scott Lawson (Newcastle Falcons) 42 caps, 2 tries, 10 points
3 Geoff Cross (Edinburgh Rugby) 27 caps, 1 try, 5 points
4 Richie Gray (Castres) 36 caps, 1 try, 5 points
5 Jim Hamilton (Montpellier) 54 caps, 1 try, 5 points
6 Ryan Wilson (Glasgow Warriors) 8 caps
7 Kelly Brown (Saracens) captain 62 caps, 4 tries, 20 points
8 David Denton (Edinburgh Rugby) 21 caps

Substitutes

16 Ross Ford (Edinburgh Rugby) 74 caps, 2 tries, 10 points
17 Alasdair Dickinson (Edinburgh Rugby) 33 caps, 2 tries, 10 points
18 Euan Murray (Worcester Warriors) 58 caps, 2 tries, 10 points
19 Tim Swinson (Glasgow Warriors) 6 caps
20 Alasdair Strokosch (Perpignan) 37 caps, 2 tries, 10 points

Referee: Jerome Garces (France). Assistant referees: Chris Pollock (New Zealand) and Greg Garner (England). TMO: Graham Hughes (England).

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Wed 12 Mar 2014, 12:02 pm

GLove39 wrote:The team selection is really a metaphor for Scott Johnson, 7 players short of an XV.

Spot on GLove

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Wed 12 Mar 2014, 12:04 pm

Tattie Scones RRN wrote:Thank feic my tickets were free

Chin up chaps.....it's Johnson's last match in charge hooray!

+1

by **LondonTiger** Wed 12 Mar 2014, 12:05 pm

Asbo, you do not care anymore - stop reading the thread and posting.

Run

by funnyExiledScot Wed 12 Mar 2014, 12:07 pm

Tattie - for that reason, and that reason alone, I will fondly remember this 6 Nations!!

Agree DOT, Lee Jones being recalled at this stage is completely ludicrous, as is Vernon as a back. Surely Alex Grove is a more sensible choice as cover at centre, if needed.

Cuthbert's presence also worries me. Happy with him at 15, but that would mean Hogg on the wing, which would not be ideal. Cuthbert on the wing isn't great, although he did ok in his last outing in that position for Edinburgh (his first half decent performance on the wing granted). I'd rather Cuthbert up against his namesake than Lee Jones, but that's no ringing endorsement.

Mark Bennett called up as a winger perhaps??

by MacKnocked-on Wed 12 Mar 2014, 12:15 pm

funnyExiledScot wrote:Tattie - for that reason, and that reason alone, I will fondly remember this 6 Nations!!

Agree DOT, Lee Jones being recalled at this stage is completely ludicrous, as is Vernon as a back. Surely Alex Grove is a more sensible choice as cover at centre, if needed.

Cuthbert's presence also worries me. Happy with him at 15, but that would mean Hogg on the wing, which would not be ideal. Cuthbert on the wing isn't great, although he did ok in his last outing in that position for Edinburgh (his first half decent performance on the wing granted). I'd rather Cuthbert up against his namesake than Lee Jones, but that's no ringing endorsement.

Mark Bennett called up as a winger perhaps??

You have to applaud Grove for continuing to make himself available for Scotland A games considering the way he seems to be consistently ignored for the main squad, played well in his few games for Scotland then totally ignored, very strange for a country with so few genuine selection options.

by **George Carlin** Wed 12 Mar 2014, 12:18 pm

Oh for the love of Oprah. Trust SJ to make his last selection into a pub game.

Given his highly bespoke approach to selection, I can only assume that the eventual lineup will be:

09. Jack Cuthbert
10. Richie Vernon
12. Ruaridh Jackson
13. Duncan Weir
14. Lee Jones
15. Greig Laidlaw

21. Dan Parks
22. Uncle Dougie
23. The old, rusty birdcage

by **George Carlin** Wed 12 Mar 2014, 12:21 pm

Interesting piece in the Scotsman today, an excerpt of which is below and which seems to make the point that there's not a great deal separating the two sides in a number of respects:

(Kelly) Brown is acutely aware of Scotland’s place atop the 2014 Six Nations table for penalties, with 51, although, in fairness, Wales are not far behind with 47, which has caused their coach Warren Gatland sleepless nights. Wales’ statistics for the championship are similar to Scotland’s across the board. Scotland have conceded 51 turnovers to Wales’ 64, missed 72 tackles to Wales’ 71, both have scored four tries and lost five scrums, while the Welsh have lost 18 rucks to Scotland’s 19.

The key stat is points and wins – Wales have scored 71 and won two games while Scotland have amassed just 44 points and won once. “Should have” does not count. There is not much between these teams at this moment in time with Wales’  inability to control games for long periods pointing to a post-Lions tour hangover.

by funnyExiledScot Wed 12 Mar 2014, 12:23 pm

GC - Lee Jones at 14 is just absurd. The rest might work though.

by RuggerRadge2611 Wed 12 Mar 2014, 12:26 pm

Thoughts :

The spectre of Vernon running out against Roberts and Davies is actually hysterical.
This is like one of those things in the back of your mind that you know might happen, but nothing really prepares you for the day when it does. picard

The spectre of Jones being on a wing opposite North or Cuthbert is terrifying.
Roadkill springs to mind.

The spectre of Cuthert (Jock) playing international rugby is lunacy.
Jock Cuthbert to his credit has been playing well for the Burgh but he isn't international class. He positions himself well, he's safe under the high ball and has a good set of hands. But he could be out paced by the Galashiels Zimmer Frame relay team.

Forwards, not what I wanted but as expected.

Finally I can only assume Barclay has offended someones sainted mother in the SRU. The fact he isn't being considered is bizarre.

by **George Carlin** Wed 12 Mar 2014, 12:34 pm

funnyExiledScot wrote:GC - Lee Jones at 14 is just absurd. The rest might work though.

But seriously, how can it be anything other than:

09. Cusiter
10. Weir
11. Fife
12. Scott
13. Dunbar
14. Evans
15. Hogg

21. Laidlaw
22. Jackson
23. Taylor

No Seymour is bad news for Glasgow, apart from anything else.

by BlueNote Wed 12 Mar 2014, 12:46 pm

For Wales, I would be very disappointed if they drop Jake Ball.

James Hook is just not an international full-back. Liam Williams is excellent under the high ball, and with our stupid 'kick long and on' strategy, there'll be a lot of those to be taken under pressure.

MY heart is going to sink when the team is announced and I see Phillips at SH. If it can't be Gareth Davies, it should be Rhodri Williams. I noticed Lyn Jones agrees to judge from his comments on Scrum V!

I'd like to see Rhodri Jones have a go at loose-head. He's looked good in the loose when he has come on, and his real position is loose-head. We need to look beyond Jenkins and James, and Ryan Bevington is great in the loose but struggles in the scrum. It may be Rhodri will too, but's let's see.

by **LondonTiger** Wed 12 Mar 2014, 12:49 pm

Is that Richie Vernon the back row forward amongst those backs named?

by Captain_Sensible Wed 12 Mar 2014, 1:10 pm

LondonTiger wrote:Is that Richie Vernon the back row forward amongst those backs named?

Yep. He's switched to the centres this season. Going well for Glasgow, but playing there at international level is a bit too soon.

by The Bachelor Wed 12 Mar 2014, 1:21 pm

Captain_Sensible wrote:
LondonTiger wrote:Is that Richie Vernon the back row forward amongst those backs named?

Yep. He's switched to the centres this season. Going well for Glasgow, but playing there at international level is a bit too soon.

Joe Worsley did a good job vs Jamie Roberts a few years ago. The fatalistic nature of all the Scottish posts in this thread has me worried they may cause an upset at the weekend.

by funnyExiledScot Wed 12 Mar 2014, 1:22 pm

It's just an excuse to get another number 8 into the squad, now that Beattie is injured. We already have two number 8 specialists in the starting XV, but Scott Johnson's preferred approach is to have three.

I expect Dunbar to be shunted to the wing accommodate Richie Vernon. That makes the least sense.

by jimbopip Wed 12 Mar 2014, 1:34 pm

The inclusion of angel

and Richie Vee is mere puffery. The Scott-Dunbar parternship should only be broken if one or other is injured.
Wing would seem to be the big problem. Despite his promising start at Glasgow Lee Jones is probably too small to play international rugby. Magicians like Shane Williams can but he was truly exceptional. If everyone is fit it'll be Seymour-Evans. But it could be
9. Cusiter
10. Weir
11. Hogg
12. Bennett
13. Vernon.
14. Fife
15. Cuthbert.
Anyway it's all academic; we won't turn over any Welsh possession at the breakdown, and Dozer will fall over in contact and lose all of our set piece ball.

by Majestic83 Wed 12 Mar 2014, 1:48 pm

MacKnocked-on wrote:
funnyExiledScot wrote:Tattie - for that reason, and that reason alone, I will fondly remember this 6 Nations!!

Agree DOT, Lee Jones being recalled at this stage is completely ludicrous, as is Vernon as a back. Surely Alex Grove is a more sensible choice as cover at centre, if needed.

Cuthbert's presence also worries me. Happy with him at 15, but that would mean Hogg on the wing, which would not be ideal. Cuthbert on the wing isn't great, although he did ok in his last outing in that position for Edinburgh (his first half decent performance on the wing granted). I'd rather Cuthbert up against his namesake than Lee Jones, but that's no ringing endorsement.

Mark Bennett called up as a winger perhaps??

You have to applaud Grove for continuing to make himself available for Scotland A games considering the way he seems to be consistently ignored for the main squad, played well in his few games for Scotland then totally ignored, very strange for a country with so few genuine selection options.

Really don't understand how Grove keeps getting overlooked.....well actually i can because it is the SRU after all.
Seriously though how can they overlook him when he is playing well in the Aviva week in week out, very solid in defence, works hard around the pitch and has a very good pass on him that would get the ball wide to our back three.

On the team for Saturday I will be hiding behind my Sofa if Lee Jones starts on a wing, the Welsh wings will either run over him or out jump him as they will put bombs up on him all day long.
If Seymour is also injured would rather see Cuthbert on the wing. He might not be the quickest but his pace is deceptive. He would be solid in the tackle against Cuthbert and North and would be solid under the high ball. Would be more comfortable with him starting rather than Jones.

Looking at the options out wide I think Duncan Taylor could well be put on one of the wings which would be the most sensible option I think.

by **George Carlin** Wed 12 Mar 2014, 1:54 pm

Fife has scored 4 tries already this season (against actual teams like Ulster, Leinster and Glasgow) and has played every game. All joking aside, if Visser, Seymour, Maitland and Lamont cannot play then he deserves a chance in a match like this. Would much rather him than the likes of 'Barry' McGuigan or some random centre like Taylor shoehorned into a wing slot.

Being forced to watch Lee Jones try and tackle Alex Cuthbert is effectively something Eli Roth and Tarantino would like to televise just to make their audience chunder.

by reallybored Wed 12 Mar 2014, 1:59 pm

Agree on Grove, always seemed like a solid option when you consider what we've had over past 4 years.

Would like to see Fife get a chance as he's had a good season, obviously if he ends up one-one with one of their brutes I'll hide behind the couch. But it's not like May or Nowell are particularly big or experienced players and they did just fine.

by tigertattie Wed 12 Mar 2014, 2:06 pm

The headline in tomorrows Sun

"Scotland so good, beating Wales only requires 8 men"

This has just summed Johnson up in a nut shell. The man is utterly bonkers.

Wales, like France, have looked shadows of thier former sevles and were there for the taking. But Scott Johnson has gone and done it again.

Wilson, Brown and Denton vs Lydiate, Toby, Warburton (or Tips, Toby, Warburton) is jsut sheer Doh

Imagine the situation where Evans is fit to play but Seymour isn't. Evans and Jones vs Cutherbert and North picard

Tactics for Wales - Go wide or hoof high balls up at the wings

Was supposed to be meeting the rubgy boys for a day in the clubhouse watching the 6ns finale. I might go feckin fishing instead! (where Lee jones is concerned, in going fishing, I'm likely to see better tackles)

by jimmyinthewell68 Wed 12 Mar 2014, 2:27 pm

i feel your pain . we had Scott Johnson too

by EWT Spoons Wed 12 Mar 2014, 2:28 pm

tigertattie wrote:

Wilson, Brown and Denton vs Lydiate, Toby, Warburton (or Tips, Toby, Warburton) is jsut sheer

When you consider that Kellybrows has said

We have conceded far too many penalties,” he said. “We have looked at that and our discipline is something we have focused on this week. If it is a 50-50 call and you are not certain then you should leave it. In the past we have been so enthusiastic to make a positive impact that we have been penalised for it.”

Then that pretty much means we won't be competing for anything on the floor. picard

by tigertattie Wed 12 Mar 2014, 3:38 pm

EWT Spoons wrote:
Then that pretty much means we won't be competing for anything on the floor.

Unless we're off our feet or we've not released the tackled player, then we'll make a play on the ball

by funnyExiledScot Wed 12 Mar 2014, 4:01 pm

reallybored wrote:Agree on Grove, always seemed like a solid option when you consider what we've had over past 4 years.

Would like to see Fife get a chance as he's had a good season, obviously if he ends up one-one with one of their brutes I'll hide behind the couch. But it's not like May or Nowell are particularly big or experienced players and they did just fine.

To be fair to Dougie Fife he has a very low error count and I can't recall him missing many tackles. He's played enough at 13 in his career to not be a ~~Dan Parks~~ revolving door in defence.

If Seymour is injured, I'd have no issue with Fife on the right wing. He's played well this season and as noted by GC above, he's scored tries against some decent sides. He's actually pretty quick, and has a decent step on him.

It's the left wing that worries me, even if Max Evans is fit. I agree that of all the options, sticking Duncan Taylor on the wing probably isn't the worst idea. He'll be solid enough in defence and under the high ball, and he's played on the wing for Scotland A before.

by Nematode Wed 12 Mar 2014, 4:02 pm

What's Bennett done wrong? He was expected to start in the Autumn but now Lee Jones is ahead of him (after only playing what one or two games) and Vernon who has only had a couple of games at centre!?

I doubt the injuries to Evans and Seymour are very significant though. If they are, then I'd expect SJ to go:

Laidlaw, Weir, Taylor, Scott, Dunbar, Fife, Hogg - Cusiter, Cuthbert, Vernon. Didn't know we were that low on reserves...

by funnyExiledScot Wed 12 Mar 2014, 4:03 pm

Nematode wrote:What's Bennett done~~wrong~~?

A very fair question.

by tigertattie Wed 12 Mar 2014, 4:53 pm

Didn't he call Mr Johnson "a big meanie with poo poo breath"?

by Scratch Wed 12 Mar 2014, 7:43 pm

Though i do expect Wales to win i think scotland have a very strong tight 5. Problems seem to be back row and flyhalf and that is where i think Wales will dominate

this will be a closer encounter than most others but it is an absolutely MUST win for us, scotland on the other hand have nought to lose

by Nematode Wed 12 Mar 2014, 7:46 pm

Bit surprised Heathcote is getting so little game time - surely he should be benching for the future to get some caps?

by bedfordwelsh Wed 12 Mar 2014, 7:47 pm

I think its going to be a dire game, Gatland has said that no one outside the sqaud will be involved so can't really see where the spark will come from.

I fear we will be afraid to play rugby in fear of losing so we will end up trying to bully Scotland and use our power game again.

by Nematode Wed 12 Mar 2014, 10:35 pm

To be honest, when you look at Wales' previous games their results make for disappointing reading.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Wales_national_rugby_union_team_results

They just can't seem to beat the SH. If Gatland does nothing then I see no reason why that trend should change. And I would think Australia would fancy their chances. Given England's improving, I think Wales have a serious threat of not escaping their group.

by Taffineastbourne Wed 12 Mar 2014, 10:37 pm

Wales will be fine.How will Scotland get on?

by Nematode Wed 12 Mar 2014, 10:50 pm

Taffineastbourne wrote:Wales will be fine.How will Scotland get on?

In RWC? Well our opposition is SA, Italy and Samoa. We'll lose to SA, but we can beat Italy and I reckon with Cotter's influence we can beat Samoa.

by reallybored Wed 12 Mar 2014, 10:58 pm

It's amazing how little Max Evans has done in a 40 cap career.

by reallybored Wed 12 Mar 2014, 11:01 pm

Nematode wrote:
Taffineastbourne wrote:Wales will be fine.How will Scotland get on?

In RWC? Well our opposition is SA, Italy and Samoa. We'll lose to SA, but we can beat Italy and I reckon with Cotter's influence we can beat Samoa.

We haven't got Italy, it's likely to be USA and Japan joining us in Group B.

So we're absolutely fine, beat Samoa and into quarter against one of Wales, Australia and England.

My money would be on Wales going home early to be honest; can't beat Australia and England looked very impressive at home without Manu.

by butterfingers Wed 12 Mar 2014, 11:02 pm

Nematode wrote:To be honest, when you look at Wales' previous games their results make for disappointing reading.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Wales_national_rugby_union_team_results

They just can't seem to beat the SH. If Gatland does nothing then I see no reason why that trend should change. And I would think Australia would fancy their chances. Given England's improving, I think Wales have a serious threat of not escaping their group.

4/5 weeks ago I would've said Wales and England were favourites to get out of that group, Today I think England and Aus are, by the autumn I can guarentee you one thing, what I think right now will have changed again!

by Guest Wed 12 Mar 2014, 11:26 pm

Nematode wrote:To be honest, when you look at Wales' previous games their results make for disappointing reading.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Wales_national_rugby_union_team_results

They just can't seem to beat the SH. If Gatland does nothing then I see no reason why that trend should change. And I would think Australia would fancy their chances. Given England's improving, I think Wales have a serious threat of not escaping their group.

I know I've quoted the wrong post here, but in the NH as the World Cup will obviously be, there's no reason to say Scotland will lose. They have beaten SA at home and with Cotter having a bigger influence (hopefully for you guys), you could do it again. Wales meanwhile will clearly struggle to get out of the group (relevant to your post), but then we will still be the third ranked team come then (I expect), so no real shock. I only hope we use our 6/7 theoretical friendlies over the summer tour to SA and the AIs. Yes they are test matches, but we need to start trying things or we are in trouble for a few years.

by Nematode Wed 12 Mar 2014, 11:49 pm

Sorry, was harking back to the quadrangular thinking Italy were in our group. I'm tired...

by Guest Wed 12 Mar 2014, 11:54 pm

Happens to the best of us. I do think a Scottish team with nothing to lose is dangerous, much like what will be the case on Saturday (even with the long haired bloke in charge).

by reallybored Thu 13 Mar 2014, 12:00 am

Have an awful feeling Wales will come out the traps flying and be 20 points clear in as many minutes. We've also been poor in the championship minutes this year, that'll no doubt cost us a few points.

We've got to kick well, no point clearing our line and letting them charge right back into our half.

I think we'll score tries but hopefully it won't be lost cause come 60 minutes.

by Guest Thu 13 Mar 2014, 12:12 am

Nah, we will be under more pressure being home and maybe more nerves about. The only good thing with playing at home is we will have a lot of casuals who maybe haven't paid as much attention to previous results and thus initially there'll be less pressure fae the stands (bit of Elgin for you all look, with the fae Wink

), though the players will probably be quite edgy.

Sure the way we've been kicking, Hogg will be licking his lips at doing similar to Brown last week. I'll reserve proper judgement till lunchtime though and see what changes we make.

by Norfolklass Thu 13 Mar 2014, 12:39 am

Risca Rev wrote:Nah, we will be under more pressure being home and maybe more nerves about. The only good thing with playing at home is we will have a lot of casuals who maybe haven't paid as much attention to previous results and thus initially there'll be less pressure fae the stands (bit of Elgin for you all look, with the fae ), though the players will probably be quite edgy.

Sure the way we've been kicking, Hogg will be licking his lips at doing similar to Brown last week. I'll reserve proper judgement till lunchtime though and see what changes we make.

Casuals, hahaha, I just love the way you invent a moral high ground, then take it. There is more than one way of supporting Wales.

by Guest Thu 13 Mar 2014, 12:45 am

Norfolklass wrote:
Risca Rev wrote:Nah, we will be under more pressure being home and maybe more nerves about. The only good thing with playing at home is we will have a lot of casuals who maybe haven't paid as much attention to previous results and thus initially there'll be less pressure fae the stands (bit of Elgin for you all look, with the fae ), though the players will probably be quite edgy.

Sure the way we've been kicking, Hogg will be licking his lips at doing similar to Brown last week. I'll reserve proper judgement till lunchtime though and see what changes we make.

Casuals, hahaha, I just love the way you invent a moral high ground, then take it. There is more than one way of supporting Wales.

Care to explain how there is more than one way, to not make it look like an unnecessary outburst from yourself again? So you think people don't just go to the Millennium on a day out?

by Nematode Thu 13 Mar 2014, 12:48 am

Do any Welsh fans/anyone know if Eli Walker is fit? If he is then Gatland should be putting him in the team by next-day, sign-on-delivery post instead of Cuthbert.

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