Wales are just as good as the AB's....honest

First topic message reminder :

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/wales-vs-new-zealand-head-to-heads-8142909

Fantastic piece summarising head to heads for the match at the weekend. Here's some of the best:

Leigh Halfpenny 8 v Ben Smith 9

Lions and Wales maestro Halfpenny is a controversial selection ahead of the in-form Liam Williams at full-back following an injury-hit year but his quality was clear to see before he was forced off against Australia. Smith switches from wing to his Super 15 position and he is a dynamite attacker who could cause Gatland’s side problems

Alex Cuthbert 8 v Julian Savea 9

Two of the hottest try machines in world rugby with Cuthbert having crossed the whitewash in four consecutive Tests to take his haul to 14 in 28 appearances. The Jonah Lomu-like Savea has scored an incredible 29 in 32 outings.

Jonathan Davies 8 v Conrad Smith 8

It’s a major ask for Davies to be on the pace following a season curtailed by foot and shoulder muscle injuries but he’s a quality player who is also adept at the breakdown. He’s up against the ‘Snake’, who doesn’t always get the plaudits he deserves and is the glue in the New Zealand midfield.

George North 8 v Charles Piutau 7

Piutau is one of the most promising players in New Zealand rugby and is the latest model from the golden crop of 2011 who ran away with the under-20 Junior World Championship. But can he stand up physically to the power and pace of Wales strongman North?


Jamie Roberts 8 v Sonny Bill Williams 8

Lion king Roberts had the better of the dual code star and part-time boxer when Cardiff Blues humbled big-spending Toulon in the final of the Amlin Challenge Cup a few years ago and it’s essential he keeps the master off-loader in check again.

Dan Biggar 7 v Beauden Barrett 7

Biggar has recovered from the groin pull that curtailed his appearance against the Wallabies but concerns over whether he could goal-kick without pain meant Halfpenny had to start. Barrett is another relative newcomer to the international arena and Wales will be looking to expose his suspect defence.

Rhys Webb 7 v Aaron Smith 8

The likeable Webb has certainly talked the talk by claiming the All Blacks are there for the taking but he will have a lot on his plate on Saturday evening against a scrum-half opponent who is clever, has the ability to increase the tempo and the vision to spot openings.

Paul James 7 v Owen Franks 7

James got the nod at loose-head prop ahead of four-time Six Nations winner Gethin Jenkins for the 33-28 defeat to the Aussies and the latter’s latest injury, a hamstring strain, sees him going head-to-head with New Zealand tight-head Franks as both sides looking to gain an advantage at the scrum.

Richard Hibbard 8 v Dane Coles 7

Hard man Hibbard was back to his best against Australia and put his body on the line with his trademark thumping hits. He incurred the wrath of Warren Gatland after making a controversial cameo appearance as a substitute for Gloucester last Friday and will want to prove a point against up-and-comer Coles.

Samson Lee 7 v Wyatt Crockett 7

If Crockett had lived in America’s Wild West during the cowboy days there’s no doubt, with his name, he would have been a gun-fighter. He’ll be looking to shoot down Test rookie Lee but the 21-year-old Welshman has already proved he doesn’t care a hoot about reputations.

Jake Ball 7 v Brodie Retallick 7

Along with Piutau and Barrett, lock Retallick was a member of the glittering 2011 under-20 class which destroyed their Welsh counterparts 92-0 during a Rovigo rout. Wales star Ball is the same age, 23, and has the mind-set to get stuck into the Kiwis.

Alun Wyn Jones 9 v Sam Whitelock 8

Wales lock Jones would walk into most international teams in the world with his inspirational play and leadership qualities. Whitelock is another proven leader and their duel at the line-out could prove crucial to determining Welsh prospects.

Dan Lydiate 7 v Jerome Kaino 7

Ospreys-bound Lydiate has had a weight lifted off his mind with the way being cleared for him to sign one of the new dual contracts being brought into Welsh rugby, but he will need to be at his chop-tackling best and use his physique to get the better of the skilled Kaino.

Sam Warburton 8 v Richie McCaw 8

The two captains go head-to-head in the battle of the breakdown, with McCaw sure to come under scrutiny for the legality of his methods. Warburton was top-notch against Australia but what can you say about McCaw? It’s his 100th Test as captain and he’s perhaps the greatest player of all-time.

Taulupe Faletau 8 v Kieran Read 9

Faletau has made a quiet start to the autumn campaign but has had a habit in the past of producing his best against the sport’s biggest names. IRB player of the year Read is certainly one of those and the real Faletau will need to be at his best.


Mental.....