Wales vs NZ

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Team announced
15. Leigh Halfpenny (Toulon)
14. Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues)
13. Jonathan Davies (Clermont Auvergne)
12. Jamie Roberts (Racing Metro)
11. George North (Northampton Saints)
10. Dan Biggar (Ospreys)
9. Rhys Webb (Ospreys)

1. Paul James (Bath)
2. Richard Hibbard (Gloucester)
3. Samson Lee (Scarlets)
4. Jake Ball (Scarlets)
5. Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys)
6. Dan Lydiate (Unattached)
7. Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues, CAPT)
8. Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons)

Replacements:
16. Scott Baldwin (Ospreys)
17. Nicky Smith (Ospreys)
18. Rhodri Jones (Scarlets)
19. Luke Charteris (Racing Metro)
20. Justin Tipuric (Ospreys)
21. Mike Phillips (Racing Metro)
22. James Hook (Gloucester)
23. Liam Williams (Scarlets)

Team to face AB's

Halfpenny
Cuthbert
Davies
Roberts
North
Biggar
Webb

Faletau
Warburton (c)
Lydiate
Jones
Ball
Lee
Hibbard
James

Interesting to see Preistland and Gethin drop out of the 22, especially since both with be available against SA while James and Hook will not.

Jenkins apparently has a hamstring injury, Priestland looks to have been dropped.

* apparently Gethin is injured

If Dan Biggar gets a lengthy injury before the world cup, we are in trouble,

No wonder Gatland is so keen on Anscombe getting involved.

Shocking decision to drop Li Williams, Halfpenny hasn't shown half the amount of attacking intent Williams has.

As much as I think that is our best centre pairing if fully fit I think its a huge ask of JD to come straight back in.

Happy with the pack

I don't think North has done anything to deserve his place. He has been culpable for at least two tries against and maybe another one. His defence has been terrible and he hasn't offered a lot in attack. Cuthbert has been far the better winger. I would have probably dropped North to the bench, brought halfpenny into the wing and played Williams at FB.

mckay1402 wrote:I don't think North has done anything to deserve his place.  He has been culpable for at least two tries against and maybe another one.  His defence has been terrible and he hasn't offered a lot in attack.  Cuthbert has been far the better winger.  I would have probably dropped North to the bench, brought halfpenny into the wing and played Williams at FB.  

mckay,

You mean St George the un-droppable one of the golden childs I am afraid but I agree with you.

I think we all know that this is the World Cup side, or near enough to it, that back 3 were never in doubt.

But I do think Williams needs to be involved somehow, hes proven over the last couple of games he isnt as much of a loose cannon.

I would have persevered with Roberts and Scott Williams, this is JD2's first game back from injury and its against worlds best side.

IronMike wrote:I think we all know that this is the World Cup side, or near enough to it, that back 3 were never in doubt.

But I do think Williams needs to be involved somehow, hes proven over the last couple of games he isnt as much of a loose cannon.

I would have persevered with Roberts and Scott Williams, this is JD2's first game back from injury and its against worlds best side.

Agree there Mike will be a big ask, would have been tempted to start him on bench but then Li Williams would have missed out all together which would have been totally unfair on the guy.

mckay1402 wrote:I don't think North has done anything to deserve his place.  He has been culpable for at least two tries against and maybe another one.  His defence has been terrible and he hasn't offered a lot in attack.  Cuthbert has been far the better winger.  I would have probably dropped North to the bench, brought halfpenny into the wing and played Williams at FB.  

What two tries? I can only think of the one that Biggar took the flack for. Or are you going back to the summer, and back to the last six nations etc? Lets be honest here, Cuthbert is dire in defence too, he took AWJ out, allowing the Aussies to score a try, so that would be one bad defensive decision each IMO. And in Norths Defence he was playing out of position at the time.

I think Priest has dropped from the side as he is seen as a fly half only, unlike Hook. If you look at the backs there is cover for everywhere (bar half backs) from a couple of players, which wouldn't have been the case if Priest were on the bench.

SS,

Not a Hook fan and don't think Priestland deserves half the stick he gets but maybe this is an admission by Gatland that he got it wrong and should have included Hook from the off?

Looks like a very strong team. Halfpenny and Williams must have been very close but Halfpenny has been a standout player in this Welsh squad for the last few seasons, he has some credit in the bank. Also he is still an exceptional defender and offers a great kicking option.

I'm glad to see Hook on the bench, but with a view to this, surely he should have been given 20 minutes on Saturday?

Pack looks physical, a strong bench too with Tipuric and Charteris.

chris_501 wrote:Looks like a very strong team. Halfpenny and Williams must have been very close but Halfpenny has been a standout player in this Welsh squad for the last few seasons, he has some credit in the bank. Also he is still an exceptional defender and offers a great kicking option.

I'm glad to see Hook on the bench, but with a view to this, surely he should have been given 20 minutes on Saturday?

Pack looks physical, a strong bench too with Tipuric and Charteris.

Chris,

You say that and in a way you're right but he won't be available next week so on the flip side maybe he should have kept Priestland in the squad and given him another run off the bench as he will be recalled next week.

With all due respect, there is a chance NZ face another fly-half crisis. Carter and Cruden don't seem to have returned to form yet, and right now are pretty average kicking at goal. Slade just doesn't worry me at all. The fitness of Barrett is absolutely crucial in order for NZ to avoid this potential crisis. And this isn't the situation NZ would like to find themselves in during the RWC either.

With Gethin being injured, the only surprise there is Priestland dropped and Hook on the bench. Otherwise, its the exact team most predicted... Unfortunatly, reckon the ABs predicted this as well

Saying that, apart from the discussed option of Liam at 15 and Halfpenny to wing, not sure there was that many options.

Think Scott Williams can be duly gutted to be dropped for a untested Davies in such a big game.

bedfordwelsh wrote:

chris_501 wrote:Looks like a very strong team. Halfpenny and Williams must have been very close but Halfpenny has been a standout player in this Welsh squad for the last few seasons, he has some credit in the bank. Also he is still an exceptional defender and offers a great kicking option.

I'm glad to see Hook on the bench, but with a view to this, surely he should have been given 20 minutes on Saturday?

Pack looks physical, a strong bench too with Tipuric and Charteris.

Chris,

You say that and in a way you're right but he won't be available next week so on the flip side maybe he should have kept Priestland in the squad and given him another run off the bench as he will be recalled next week.

There is that I guess. My view is that against these top sides you put out the strongest team available, the matches against the likes of Fiji and Samoa should be used to give game time or work on partnerships. I also still hold out hope that Hook can become a reliable outside half, maybe not to usurp Biggar, but as a good second option!

Chris,

I think that boat has sailed for me he will be nothing more than what he is, a good versatile squad member.

I would still rather Hook came on off the bench than Priestland.

I wouldn't be happy with either of them if totally honest. Such a shame he didn't have a look at O Williams this series.

not surprised liam not in, I said as much, although I thought maybe bench. owen Williams good performance against sarries.great final kick for the draw 21/21. gavin Henson 13 points for bath ,including drop goal, 23/ 14v Newcastle. I can hear the laughs, but still reckon he's got it ,real silky performance ( sounds like strictly !!!!) lets hope biggar stays fit until we have a genuine 10 option on the bench to cover for him. either of the above would be better than priest or hook.  seriously. one thing in their favour ,they haven't been ruined by the wales camp training !!!!!

True, williams and Henson would be better than priest or hook.

Don't get me wrong I would like to see us have another look at Henson see if his head is finally in the right place but is he really one for the future.

He will be 33, nearly 34 by time the WC comes around for me we should be looking at Williams, Patchell when fit and I would have said M Morgan but not while he is at Bristol or rather while Bristol are in the Championship.

Good team, but I fear a hiding for you Welsh boys I'm afraid.

Good luck though...

Tattie Scones RRN wrote:Good team, but I fear a hiding for you Welsh boys I'm afraid.

Good luck though...

At least it will be to their 1st XV rather than their 2nd team

Wondered who'd get that in first Rainbow...well done son!

Tattie Scones RRN wrote: Wondered who'd get that in first Rainbow...well done son!

Best to get the truth out there a.s.a.p that's the way I see it:) I am sure Tonga will be far more respectful.

rainbow-warrior wrote:

Tattie Scones RRN wrote: Wondered who'd get that in first Rainbow...well done son!

Best to get the truth out there a.s.a.p  that's the way I see it:)  I am sure Tonga will be far more respectful.

And that worries me......

I think AB s nearly messed up playing their second team against Scotland . I think they ll be the dark horses of the six nations . Wales keep within 10 points against the blacks, i ll take it

jimmyinthewell68 wrote:I think AB s nearly messed up playing their second team against Scotland . I think they ll be the dark horses of the six nations .  Wales keep within 10 points against the blacks,  i ll take it

True, but I fear our backline won't get near the try line, meanwhile they have Visser

I like Lydiate, but after having a good game against Australia, he seemed to not do a lot against Fiji (admitedly no-one did bar Liam Williams). A couple of big tackles (not huge) and that was about it, anonymous at the breakdown.

After watching Kaino at 6 against England, I just want more action from our 6. Faletau carries very well in the wider channels with more space and uses his footwork and pace to get over the gainline. Hes not a bosher for close quarter carrying though, but his breakdown work is superb, tackling is efective but not destructive. Baker just has more potentcy carrying in the tight for me, and has had a very strong opening to the season. His tackling is strong, more destructive than Faletaus but probably less effeective overall in his defensive work. I'd suggest Faletau could be a revelation at 6 after being a bit quiet for a while (imo) having a more powerful ball carrier in the backrow with him at 8. Combining their qualities with Warbs at 7 (breakdown work, carrying and linking) I think it'd be an exceptional backrow, and with Tips on the bench you could go 7 for 7 or change the dynamic of the backrow in numerous ways depending on how the games going.

Also, I'm worried about the 13/14 channell, JD is great positionally but his first test back is against NZ with a weakdefender outside him? Tackling and positional play from Cuthbert is weak, expect Savea to attack the whole between them all game long. I'd have rather had Cuthbert on the bench to come on later in the game to use his pace and power against tiring legs and shoulders. Halfpennys a better defender all around, even taking into account the size difference in head on collisions. I also dont understand how you can leave out the form outside back in Wales.

Even if you dont want to start Baker, Id have had warbs at 6, tips at 7 with Baker on the bench.

I think the selections at 6, 13 & 14 will cost us, the most anyway.

At last Gats can see the light ( I hope), does it mean we are going to get in NZ import at 10 for SA as Hook is not available or do we go backwards again. Like Hook O Williams and Henson are not options for SA.

If Gats looks at another option for the EWC is Pratchell fit or look at Shingler/Davies/Tovey?

glamorganalun wrote:
If Gats looks at another option for the EWC is Pratchell

Patchell is out for 3 months

That's the best team he could have picked. With good bench options of Williams, Tipuric and Jones in particular. We will need 1/2p's defense and place kicking ability against the best team in the world.

Can't believe that 'has been Henson' has been even mentioned on here.

Offload,

I think Biggars kicking is as good as Halfpennys other than the long range pots at goal Halfpenny takes. If you compare the lets say 'normal' kicks these guys have to take then they are pretty even.

bedfordwelsh wrote:Offload,

I think Biggars kicking is as good as Halfpennys other than the long range pots at goal Halfpenny takes.  If you compare the lets say 'normal' kicks these guys have to take then they are pretty even.

But long range kicks can be all the difference

wales606 wrote:

bedfordwelsh wrote:Offload,

I think Biggars kicking is as good as Halfpennys other than the long range pots at goal Halfpenny takes.  If you compare the lets say 'normal' kicks these guys have to take then they are pretty even.

But long range kicks can be all the difference

They can be yeah but so can a XV who is willing to run the ball back rather than kick it away everytime. I think the long range kicks are seen as a bit of a bonus hit or miss type advantage.

wales606 wrote:* apparently Gethin is injured

He had a hamstring injury vs Fiji...

Personally wouldn't have started him anyway but guess he would have benched. Good be a very young and in-experienced front row next week though if he doesn't recover.

jimmyinthewell68 wrote:I think AB s nearly messed up playing their second team against Scotland . I think they ll be the dark horses of the six nations .  Wales keep within 10 points against the blacks,  i ll take it

Tiz the Welsh way it seems. Losing to SH teams is acceptable, for some reason.

wales606 wrote:

bedfordwelsh wrote:Offload,

I think Biggars kicking is as good as Halfpennys other than the long range pots at goal Halfpenny takes.  If you compare the lets say 'normal' kicks these guys have to take then they are pretty even.

But long range kicks can be all the difference

Wouldn't make any diff against NZ though.
As ever, they know what they are doing and we don't.
Liked the 20 phase NZ try against England in the pouring rain, btw. Two very good teams made that happen.

Cannot believe people keep putting Bakers name up there .Its been stated on here on a few threads that he has not been training because of injury and then throw him in against the ABs or on the bench

Reality is thats about the best team we have right now,but still the All Blacks will be 20 clear points better than us i reckon.

Resting so many NZ players versus Scotland has many benefits for this match. Last two years they've obviously decided the last match of the AI's at the end of a long season makes them vulnerable.

The call for playing big matches 3-4 weeks in a row is showing more and more in fatigue. Look at England in the third test vs NZ, France in Oz. And next year any world cup finalist will have to do that. By playing a largely second string side versus Argentina in the last pool match frees up the side to only play 3 in a row.

No wonder World cup finals are usually intense yet largely non eventful...everyone's stuffed by the time they get there...

DeludedOptimistorjustDave wrote:Reality is thats about the best team we have right now,but still the All Blacks will be 20 clear points better than us i reckon.

They are a pretty awesome team when fit. I hope we play well but anyone beating this All Blacks team is achieving something pretty rare.

my man of the moment is biggar 100%, BUT Henson is the magic man who has the crucial combination we are all seeking at 10, slight of hand ,drop shoulder glide pass, backed by a1 defence. also long range kicking no problem he did it this week, yes age on paper may be against him , but hours on the pitch show a different story. injured, between clubs, disputes, have all taken a substantial slice off the of the cumulative hours he would have put in . I reckon bringing him and owen Williams in as combo 10,12,15 cover for the future would be great news . he looked ace against Newcastle, working well within his limits but somehow managing to see that pass, slip that tackle , I'm in love with rugby again gav !!!!!!!

Taylorman wrote:No wonder World cup finals are usually intense yet largely non eventful...everyone's stuffed by the time they get there...

It's how it should be TM. As soon as the pools are over it's kitchen sink stuff. You can't not give all you have in the QF or SF because the opposition most probably will and that could well mean, and has meant that you won't be there.

Rather have a team that's rooted in a final than a team that's fresh for the 3/4 playoff or one already home from losing the QF!

Hope SBW starts-Tuesday training's a big one usually and he missed that to watch his wee one's birth.

SBW went back to New Zealand?

SecretFly wrote:SBW went back to New Zealand?

No, just took the day off training

Oh...watched on Skype or something....