Wales - Looking Ahead

First topic message reminder :

Not neccessarily the summer tour but certainly by the AIs nest seasons 6 Nations and then obviously the WC who would people really like to see being given a bit of a run to see if they can establish themselves or at least compete for selection and seriously challenge present incumbents.

Props - Well I think we need to consider James first choice now but Gill has impressed me when played so would like to see him given some decent time. The t/head one is in most people eyes Samson Lee but he just doesn't seem to be what Gatland wants.

Hookers - Hibbard has his place in the squad but Owens is challenging him more than ever before and seems more a safer lineout opton. Emyr Phillips maybe given sometime of the bench as well.

2nd rows - I think with AWJ, Charteris, Evans, Coombs, Davies and Ball we are pretty well covered there but whose coming along to challenge them.

6 & 7 - I would like to Lewis Evans given a chance but again in the 6 and 7 position I cant see passed Lydiate, Warburon or Tipuric with Ryan Jones and Shingler being other options.

No8 - Faletau really needs some competition and we need an alternative if (heaven forbid) he gets injured, so Dan Baker, Morgan Allen or Ieuan Jones maybe should be looked at.

No9 - The 2 form players have been Gareth Davies and Richie Rees but none have figured and can't see Rees figuring anyway. I would really like to see Davies given a shot

O/Half - Biggar must surely now be given a chance Preistland has been poor (not deserved all stick he's got though) but then who - Patchell, Tovey, Morgan, Shingler Hook maybe?

Centres - We need the likes of Owen Williams and Cory Allen to really push on now and challenge the trio of Davies, Sc Williams and Doc - Hook or Shingler may again be options any one else? Jack Dixon possibly

Back 3 - We should I imagine get a chance to see how Li Williams goes at XV come Saturday and with Byrne back at Dave next season maybe he could still figure allowing Halfpenny to challenge North and Cuthbert - Again who else at either XV or wing - Amos, Walker, Dirksen, Jordan Williams maybe (what his is best position)

Anyone else coming through, for me the ones I would like to see really given a chance are Samson Lee, one of the No8 options, Lewis Evans Cory Allen and Gareth Davies.

I think Gatland is trying to get back to winning the contact area, this was the main reason Wales lost against both Ireland and England. The ball they did win was poor backfoot ball which put their half backs under considerable pressure and stifled the Welsh attack.

In the latter stages of the game Rhodri Jones and Ken Owen showed up well in the loose and Wales generated some decent ball.

I really hope it does not backfire but I suspect that Rhodri's scrumaging may let prove to be his Achilles heel.