France vs Wales

First topic message reminder :

15. Halfpenny, 14. Williams, 13. Davies, 12. Roberts, 11. North, 10. Biggar, 9. Webb, 8. Faletau, 7. Warburton(c), 6. Lydiate, 5. Charteris, 4. AWJ, 3. Lee, 2. Baldwin, 1. Jenkins.
Replacements: Richard Hibbard (Gloucester), Paul James (Bath), Aaron Jarvis (Ospreys), Bradley Davies (Wasps), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Mike Phillips (Racing Metro), Rhys Priestland (Scarlets), Scott Williams (Scarlets).

Some changes to in the pack to counter the France scrum and lineout drive threat - Baldwin to start is a bold call though. Our bench is better this week, apart from the replacement halfbacks.



France team announced:
Dulin - Huget, Lamerat, Fofana, Guitoune - (o) Lopez, (m) Parra - Le Roux, Chouly, Dusautoir (cap) - Maestri, Taofifenua - Slimani, Guirado, Ben Arous.

Subs: Kayser, Debaty, Atonio, Suta, Goujon, Tillous-Borde, Tales, Bastareaud.

can't see France losing this one

aqualung71 wrote:can't see France losing this one

Insightful.

The Saint wrote:

aqualung71 wrote:can't see France losing this one

Insightful.

just a feeling, and feelings don't have to be motivated or explained

My problem is the same as it has been, we need our scrum and lineout to function or we are screwed.

We didn't get away with it against England but managed to against Scotland. I think lineout will function better with Baldwin and Charteris starting and one side of scrum will be better with Lee back but Jenkins needs to pull his finger out and do his primary job first rather than other elements.

The Saint wrote:

aqualung71 wrote:can't see France losing this one

Insightful.

Well according to Martin Williams, what with Wales winning their last Game. Wales are now back on track to win the 6ns.

Is that just a feeling on his behalf?

majesticimperialman wrote:

The Saint wrote:

aqualung71 wrote:can't see France losing this one

Insightful.

Well according to Martin Williams, what with Wales winning their last Game. Wales are now back on track to win the 6ns.

Is that just a feeling on his behalf?

He also said that Wales winning will depend on what team France pick and if Parra plays it lessens our chances.

Big worry over our scrum as Jenkins has creaked all the way through this championship.

GavinDragon wrote:Big worry over our scrum as Jenkins has creaked all the way through this championship.

GD,

Shhhhhh be careful you can't criticise Jenkins mun you be shot down in flames for daring to even think it

France: 15 Brice Dulin, 14 Yoann Huget, 13 Remi Lamerat, 12 Wesley Fofana, 11 Sofiane Guitoune, 10 Camille Lopez, 9 Morgan Parra, 1 Eddy Ben Arous, 2 Guilhem Guidado, 3 Rabah Slimani, 4 Romain Taofifenua, 5 Yoann Maestri, 6 Thierry Dusautoir, 7-Bernard Le Roux, 8-Damien Chouly.

Replacements: 16 Benjamin Kayser, 17 Vincent Debaty, 18 Uini Atonio, 19 Jocelino Suta, 20 Loann Goujon, 21 Sebastian Tillous-Borde, 22 Remi Tales, 23 Mathieu Bastareaud.

We havent won against wales since the last world cup so can't see how we can be favorites. That said am more positive than I was a year ago!

I suspect it will be a very similar game to the 2013 game in Paris. A messy, low scoring affair decided by 1 try here are there. I fear that France will be the ones to get that this time though. I like bringing Charteris in, strengthens our line out considerably, and hopefully Baldwin can hit him enough times!

Key could be how well Biggar and Webb kick. If they can kick well, like against Scotland, we'll have the territorial advantage and that'll be crucial in a low scorer.

Nematode wrote:France: 15 Brice Dulin, 14 Yoann Huget, 13 Remi Lamerat, 12 Wesley Fofana, 11 Sofiane Guitoune, 10 Camille Lopez, 9 Morgan Parra, 1 Eddy Ben Arous, 2 Guilhem Guidado, 3 Rabah Slimani, 4 Romain Taofifenua, 5 Yoann Maestri, 6 Thierry Dusautoir, 7-Bernard Le Roux, 8-Damien Chouly.

Replacements: 16 Benjamin Kayser, 17 Vincent Debaty, 18 Uini Atonio, 19 Jocelino Suta, 20 Loann Goujon, 21 Sebastian Tillous-Borde, 22 Remi Tales, 23 Mathieu Bastareaud.

Frankly delighted they didn't have the wit to start that team in Dublin. Parra and Dulin are a massive upgrade on Kockott and Spedding; that said the positionally all over the shop Teddy Thomas is gone as well.

JDizzle wrote:I suspect it will be a very similar game to the 2013 game in Paris. A messy, low scoring affair decided by 1 try here are there. I fear that France will be the ones to get that this time though. I like bringing Charteris in, strengthens our line out considerably, and hopefully Baldwin can hit him enough times!

Key could be how well Biggar and Webb kick. If they can kick well, like against Scotland, we'll have the territorial advantage and that'll be crucial in a low scorer.

I think Webbs box kicking is slow and has charge down written all over it

bedfordwelsh wrote:

JDizzle wrote:I suspect it will be a very similar game to the 2013 game in Paris. A messy, low scoring affair decided by 1 try here are there. I fear that France will be the ones to get that this time though. I like bringing Charteris in, strengthens our line out considerably, and hopefully Baldwin can hit him enough times!

Key could be how well Biggar and Webb kick. If they can kick well, like against Scotland, we'll have the territorial advantage and that'll be crucial in a low scorer.

I think Webbs box kicking is slow and has charge down written all over it

Indeed, if it is like it was against England then we will struggle. Although I think the guards setting up poorly put him under pressure there, I presume it all will have been dealt with. It would be foolhardy of the management not to have emphasised improvement after how he kicked vs England.

JDizzle wrote:

bedfordwelsh wrote:

JDizzle wrote:I suspect it will be a very similar game to the 2013 game in Paris. A messy, low scoring affair decided by 1 try here are there. I fear that France will be the ones to get that this time though. I like bringing Charteris in, strengthens our line out considerably, and hopefully Baldwin can hit him enough times!

Key could be how well Biggar and Webb kick. If they can kick well, like against Scotland, we'll have the territorial advantage and that'll be crucial in a low scorer.

I think Webbs box kicking is slow and has charge down written all over it

Indeed, if it is like it was against England then we will struggle. Although I think the guards setting up poorly put him under pressure there, I presume it all will have been dealt with. It would be foolhardy of the management not to have emphasised improvement after how he kicked vs England.

I think it's interesting (but not in a good way) the way in which Webb's Welsh international play demonstrates perfectly how over coached the Welsh players are. Webb was called up after having a storming season in the pro12. He's been arguably the form scrum half, he was top try scorer at one point, and his form was one of the reasons the O's were top of the league. That form was based on sniping round the fringes, quick tap 'n go's, that try from near half way (rubbish tackling mind), god knows how many tries from the base of the ruck with the dummy. But he's just not playing that way for Wales. It has to be down to coaching, or rather instructions from the coach, at international level. We've all been critical of Phillips in the past for his excessive box kicking and slow play from the ruck. But now Webb is displaying the same characteristics to his game - surely no coincidence?

Let the shackles off them Gats. Just a little bit!

majesticimperialman wrote:

The Saint wrote:

aqualung71 wrote:can't see France losing this one

Insightful.

Well according to Martin Williams, what with Wales winning their last Game. Wales are now back on track to win the 6ns.

Is that just a feeling on his behalf?

Did he?

I wouldn't take Martyn Williams serious if I were you Maj. He's a ridiculous pundit and I've a feeling he was involved in the recent back-stabbing of Hammett at the Blues.

bedfordwelsh wrote:

GavinDragon wrote:Big worry over our scrum as Jenkins has creaked all the way through this championship.

GD,

Shhhhhh be careful you can't criticise Jenkins mun you be shot down in flames for daring to even think it

Not sure why you keep repeating this to yourself beds; because fans have been vocal in their criticism of Jenkins, North and Cuthbert. James certainly isn't the answer either, but I've already discussed my proposed changes with you. They keep falling on deaf ears with our Gats though

From a French perspective having the Clermont 8 ,9, 10 and 12 will really add to the team cohesion.
Also although Dulin is tiny compared to Spedding IMHO he is the best counter attacking full back in the northern hemisphere. If France pressure Biggar and his kicking is poor then Dulin will punish you. Guitoune is also a really creative winger, good under a high ball ( is a decent full back as well) and currently playing really well for Bordeaux, scoring a couple against Toulon last week.
With the power players France have on the bench if Wales aren't ahead by the break then I cant see past a French win.

Feel a bit sorry for Wales to be honest. They have to play against a much stronger French side than in previous rounds.

Griff wrote:

JDizzle wrote:

bedfordwelsh wrote:

JDizzle wrote:I suspect it will be a very similar game to the 2013 game in Paris. A messy, low scoring affair decided by 1 try here are there. I fear that France will be the ones to get that this time though. I like bringing Charteris in, strengthens our line out considerably, and hopefully Baldwin can hit him enough times!

Key could be how well Biggar and Webb kick. If they can kick well, like against Scotland, we'll have the territorial advantage and that'll be crucial in a low scorer.

I think Webbs box kicking is slow and has charge down written all over it

Indeed, if it is like it was against England then we will struggle. Although I think the guards setting up poorly put him under pressure there, I presume it all will have been dealt with. It would be foolhardy of the management not to have emphasised improvement after how he kicked vs England.

I think it's interesting (but not in a good way) the way in which Webb's Welsh international play demonstrates perfectly how over coached the Welsh players are. Webb was called up after having a storming season in the pro12. He's been arguably the form scrum half, he was top try scorer at one point, and his form was one of the reasons the O's were top of the league. That form was based on sniping round the fringes, quick tap 'n go's, that try from near half way (rubbish tackling mind), god knows how many tries from the base of the ruck with the dummy. But he's just not playing that way for Wales. It has to be down to coaching, or rather instructions from the coach, at international level. We've all been critical of Phillips in the past for his excessive box kicking and slow play from the ruck. But now Webb is displaying the same characteristics to his game - surely no coincidence?

Let the shackles off them Gats. Just a little bit!

Which I find a bit weird, considering Rob Howley is the attack coach

IronMike wrote:

Griff wrote:

JDizzle wrote:

bedfordwelsh wrote:

JDizzle wrote:I suspect it will be a very similar game to the 2013 game in Paris. A messy, low scoring affair decided by 1 try here are there. I fear that France will be the ones to get that this time though. I like bringing Charteris in, strengthens our line out considerably, and hopefully Baldwin can hit him enough times!

Key could be how well Biggar and Webb kick. If they can kick well, like against Scotland, we'll have the territorial advantage and that'll be crucial in a low scorer.

I think Webbs box kicking is slow and has charge down written all over it

Indeed, if it is like it was against England then we will struggle. Although I think the guards setting up poorly put him under pressure there, I presume it all will have been dealt with. It would be foolhardy of the management not to have emphasised improvement after how he kicked vs England.

I think it's interesting (but not in a good way) the way in which Webb's Welsh international play demonstrates perfectly how over coached the Welsh players are. Webb was called up after having a storming season in the pro12. He's been arguably the form scrum half, he was top try scorer at one point, and his form was one of the reasons the O's were top of the league. That form was based on sniping round the fringes, quick tap 'n go's, that try from near half way (rubbish tackling mind), god knows how many tries from the base of the ruck with the dummy. But he's just not playing that way for Wales. It has to be down to coaching, or rather instructions from the coach, at international level. We've all been critical of Phillips in the past for his excessive box kicking and slow play from the ruck. But now Webb is displaying the same characteristics to his game - surely no coincidence?

Let the shackles off them Gats. Just a little bit!

Which I find a bit weird, considering Rob Howley is the attack coach

Indeed, picking Webb and then not letting him do what he does is a bit weird. Obviously in Test rugby their will be less opportunities and you have to tighten up your game a little bit, but he has taken on some of Phillips' game. The big difference for me though, is that at least when Webb wants to pick up the pace he can snap a pass away from a ruck unlike Phillips, who's actual pass (never mind his faffing) is horribly slow.

Tip of the day for Wales from down-under:

Don't shoot till you see the reds of their eyes!...

Best of luck to the Welsh. I think Parra and Dulin could vastly improve that French backline. Lamerat played 12 against Leinster from what I remember, does anyone know how he and Fofana will line out? Maybe whocares?

How well has Lemarat been playing??

Griff wrote:

JDizzle wrote:

bedfordwelsh wrote:

JDizzle wrote:I suspect it will be a very similar game to the 2013 game in Paris. A messy, low scoring affair decided by 1 try here are there. I fear that France will be the ones to get that this time though. I like bringing Charteris in, strengthens our line out considerably, and hopefully Baldwin can hit him enough times!

Key could be how well Biggar and Webb kick. If they can kick well, like against Scotland, we'll have the territorial advantage and that'll be crucial in a low scorer.

I think Webbs box kicking is slow and has charge down written all over it

Indeed, if it is like it was against England then we will struggle. Although I think the guards setting up poorly put him under pressure there, I presume it all will have been dealt with. It would be foolhardy of the management not to have emphasised improvement after how he kicked vs England.

I think it's interesting (but not in a good way) the way in which Webb's Welsh international play demonstrates perfectly how over coached the Welsh players are. Webb was called up after having a storming season in the pro12. He's been arguably the form scrum half, he was top try scorer at one point, and his form was one of the reasons the O's were top of the league. That form was based on sniping round the fringes, quick tap 'n go's, that try from near half way (rubbish tackling mind), god knows how many tries from the base of the ruck with the dummy. But he's just not playing that way for Wales. It has to be down to coaching, or rather instructions from the coach, at international level. We've all been critical of Phillips in the past for his excessive box kicking and slow play from the ruck. But now Webb is displaying the same characteristics to his game - surely no coincidence?

Let the shackles off them Gats. Just a little bit!

Hasnt Webb scored in both games for Wales and in a couple he started in the autumn?

maestegmafia wrote:How well has Lemarat been playing??

He's been our best centre in Dublin when he came in after Thomas injury making a couple of offloads and I think the only line break of the game. Powerful (104kg) and skilled he's a good answer to Dr Roberts. He has been picked for france U16 and onwards. Was meant to be a star in making when he started for casters aged 19 but a series if injuries halted his progress.
Here's Lamerat in action last year againt Leinster :
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x19lo9z_l-essai-de-richie-mcmartin-contre-le-leinster_sport

Engine4, he plays 12 indeed but irrespective of the number I see Fofana as a 13 myself (at least in attack). He was paired with a pure 12 (Dumoulin) during the AIs as well.

maestegmafia wrote:

Griff wrote:

JDizzle wrote:

bedfordwelsh wrote:

JDizzle wrote:I suspect it will be a very similar game to the 2013 game in Paris. A messy, low scoring affair decided by 1 try here are there. I fear that France will be the ones to get that this time though. I like bringing Charteris in, strengthens our line out considerably, and hopefully Baldwin can hit him enough times!

Key could be how well Biggar and Webb kick. If they can kick well, like against Scotland, we'll have the territorial advantage and that'll be crucial in a low scorer.

I think Webbs box kicking is slow and has charge down written all over it

Indeed, if it is like it was against England then we will struggle. Although I think the guards setting up poorly put him under pressure there, I presume it all will have been dealt with. It would be foolhardy of the management not to have emphasised improvement after how he kicked vs England.

I think it's interesting (but not in a good way) the way in which Webb's Welsh international play demonstrates perfectly how over coached the Welsh players are. Webb was called up after having a storming season in the pro12. He's been arguably the form scrum half, he was top try scorer at one point, and his form was one of the reasons the O's were top of the league. That form was based on sniping round the fringes, quick tap 'n go's, that try from near half way (rubbish tackling mind), god knows how many tries from the base of the ruck with the dummy. But he's just not playing that way for Wales. It has to be down to coaching, or rather instructions from the coach, at international level. We've all been critical of Phillips in the past for his excessive box kicking and slow play from the ruck. But now Webb is displaying the same characteristics to his game - surely no coincidence?

Let the shackles off them Gats. Just a little bit!

Hasnt Webb scored in both games for Wales and in a couple he started in the autumn?

He has Maes but his box kicking has been poor and his service slow, just think he needs to concentrate on the areas that got him the nod ahead of Phillips.

When Webb first appeared on the international scene, he was Dwayne Peel-like in his speed of thought and broken field play. Sounds like he's been told to play a more structured (= slower) game.

whocares wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:How well has Lemarat been playing??

He's been our best centre in Dublin when he came in after Thomas injury making a couple of offloads and I think the only line break of the game. Powerful (104kg) and skilled he's a good answer to Dr Roberts. He has been picked for france U16 and onwards. Was meant to be a star in making when he started for casters aged 19 but a series if injuries halted his progress.
Here's Lamerat in action last year againt Leinster :
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x19lo9z_l-essai-de-richie-mcmartin-contre-le-leinster_sport

Engine4, he plays 12 indeed but irrespective of the number I see Fofana as a 13 myself (at least in attack). He was paired with a pure 12 (Dumoulin) during the AIs as well.

Cheers WC

Like most have said I think this is by far the best side France have picked for a while (blydi typical) but I wonder how much they have trained with this combination. Hoping not a lot, Parra is my big worry and that front row unit that they seem to change en masse in 2nd half.

Don't forget we've got our own super subs front row to bring on, right? Right?! Oh. Dear. 

Griff wrote:Don't forget we've got our own super subs front row to bring on, right? Right?! Oh. Dear. 

Yeah was thinking that myself to Griff, though I bet Hibbard will be chomping at the bit just hope if he does come on he can do it in a controlled manner.

Yes, that's true. It's funny how far backwards a Hibbard has gone. Two seasons ago he would have been one of the first names on my team sheet. He was more than just the big hits. Our lineout improved (a bit) when he first came on the scene. And he scored a few tries I think. Now though the scrum is struggling, lineouts are struggling, he's not much of a presence with ball in hand and he's not making the big hits - or perhpas he's looking for THE big hit and not just defended normally.

But I think you're right. Give him 20 minutes at the end running round like a crazy man and I think he could have some impact.

That's a much better side for France than the one they picked for Ireland. Parra will bring far more speed and movement into the match.

Frankly, I am happy to not see Bastareaud starting. He is a very dangerous player, not in the attacking sense but in the defensive sense. He tackles very high and is not afraid of a head clash. I still maintain that his head clashes with Sexton (especially the second one) were intentional and dangerous play.

Predictions : France front row to win it. Parra gets gets the plaudits on the internet though. Dubious yellow card for Roberts going high in exactly the same way everyone else did for the entire game.

Wales can certainly in this but I feel could well be won in the first 20mins. Its so important for Wales to come out of the blokes on fire putting the French under extreme pressure and get a couple of sores. France under pressure early tend to go into their shells.

Nachos Jones wrote:Wales can certainly in this but I feel could well be won in the first 20mins. Its so important for Wales to come out of the blokes on fire putting the French under extreme pressure and get a couple of sores. France under pressure early tend to go into their shells.

I don't usually pick up on typos since I produce plenty myself, but as team instructions go, I have to say I'd be very interested to see the Welsh team follow these.

Oh Christ...

Bit of a shocker that one

Ah thats priceless.

made me laugh, anyway

whocares wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:How well has Lemarat been playing??

He's been our best centre in Dublin when he came in after Thomas injury making a couple of offloads and I think the only line break of the game. Powerful (104kg) and skilled he's a good answer to Dr Roberts. He has been picked for france U16 and onwards. Was meant to be a star in making when he started for casters aged 19 but a series if injuries halted his progress.
Here's Lamerat in action last year againt Leinster :
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x19lo9z_l-essai-de-richie-mcmartin-contre-le-leinster_sport

Engine4, he plays 12 indeed but irrespective of the number I see Fofana as a 13 myself (at least in attack). He was paired with a pure 12 (Dumoulin) during the AIs as well.

Thanks!

Its no wonder I am a psychologist's dream

I really rate lamerat, it's a really tasty back line on paper... but its France so...

We know you want to roger the French, but you didn't have to be so literal about it...

I don't want to comment anymore

Watching from the US…or trying to….anyone know any decent free streaming sites?

Almost like that scene from Escape to Victory there for the French anthem.

Gwlad wrote:Watching from the US…or trying to….anyone know any decent free streaming sites?

Check your inbox.

Agh, jiffy is back

Even whilst watching France turn the ball over he's going on about how something's good for the welsh