Welsh World Cup Squad

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Dragons not playing until tomorrow and quiet on here so just wondered what early thoughts are on the Welsh WC squad.  I think a lot of it will pick itself unless injury or shock retirements dictate.  I have gone with a 30 man squad 16/14 forwards/back split same as last world cup so here's my thought.

Here's the 47 man Training Squad, Players in bold are the ones I think are already inked in:

Props (5) JENKINS,JAMES,LEE, Evans, Francis, Jarvis, Andrews
Hookers (3) BALDWIN,OWENS, Dacey
2 Row (3) AWJ, CHARTERIS, Ball, Davies, Day
Backrow (5) FALETAU, WARBURTON, LYDIATE, TIPURIC,Moriarty, King

No9s (3) WEBB, Davies, Ll Williams
No10s (3) BIGGAR, PRIESTLAND, Anscombe, Morgan
Centres (3) ROBERTS, Sc WILLIAMS, Morgan, Allen
Back 3 (5) NORTH, HALFPENNY, Li WILLIAMS, Cuthbert, Walker, Amos, James (Then 2 from Cuthbert, Amos, Walker) For me Cuthbert and Amos

As I said the ones in Bold are the ones I feel are already pencilled in to go. Updated squad as we stand now

He is, but Wales lack quality depth in that position.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:To be honest I think Wales could have dealt with losing Dr Jaw far easier than losing Foxy.  Scott is a very good centre, but I don't think he suits playing alongside Roberts.

I think Roberts is more important to Gatland's gameplan, and has been playing really well. Still, losing the extra left-foot kicking option is a blow, and will put more pressure on Biggar.

Or Priestland!

Morgan withdrawn from U20 squad and expected to be named in the Wales RWC squad.

I've only just read the news on JD2. Really sorry to read headlines like that - great talent and a shame he'll be missing out on the World Cup.

Scott Williams is a fine replacement for the 1st XV however. Is Cory Allen in the reckoning?

FES I think Allen is still out with a dislocated shoulder. As I stated above, Morgan is set to be named in the RWC squad after being withdrawn from the U20 squad, which has no doubt buggered them up in a group with France and England.

The Saint wrote:FES I think Allen is still out with a dislocated shoulder. As I stated above, Morgan is set to be named in the RWC squad after being withdrawn from the U20 squad, which has no doubt buggered them up in a group with France and England.

Sorry to be dumb, but is that Matthew Morgan - the speedy wee guy?

funnyExiledScot wrote:

The Saint wrote:FES I think Allen is still out with a dislocated shoulder. As I stated above, Morgan is set to be named in the RWC squad after being withdrawn from the U20 squad, which has no doubt buggered them up in a group with France and England.

Sorry to be dumb, but is that Matthew Morgan - the speedy wee guy?

Nah. He's over 20 now, and a bit of a regular for Bristol and is playing for them this evening I believe. He won't get selected while Bristol are still in the championship. Tyler Morgan is the Dragons and Wales U20 centre, very good player he is.

Ah, I was about to question Matthew Morgan's "robustness" for playing centre under a Warren Gatland regime!!

Well this is a great opportunity for an U20 lad to get exposure to a RWC environment. Obviously it's important that nothing now happens to Scott Williams and Jamie Roberts before those massive games against Australia and England.

According to the Fail-Online Matthew Morgan is expected to be in the extended 45 man training squad (it in the photo bit of the article)

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/wales-star-jonathan-davies-out-9336986

ScarletSpiderman wrote:According to the Fail-Online Matthew Morgan is expected to be in the extended 45 man training squad (it in the photo bit of the article)

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/wales-star-jonathan-davies-out-9336986

Surprised at that, as there's only ever two fly-half's in our squads. They're also saying Allen is in the mix, is he even going to recover in time?

The Saint wrote:

ScarletSpiderman wrote:According to the Fail-Online Matthew Morgan is expected to be in the extended 45 man training squad (it in the photo bit of the article)

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/wales-star-jonathan-davies-out-9336986

Surprised at that, as there's only ever two fly-half's in our squads. They're also saying Allen is in the mix, is he even going to recover in time?

Two things to remember it is the Fail, and it is only a Training Squad.

I honestly think we will have one fly half (Biggar) and two utility backs (Anscomme and Hook) in the squad.

Although JD is out and it will be a massive blow, as the saying goes, as one door closes, another opens, hopefully one of Dragons youngsters will step up, or perhaps Ben John, or Cory Allen if he is fit, a WC for one of these players could be the making of them.

Hell of a blow. Such a rotten way to do it too, after scoring a nice try. Hardly seemed real when I read the news.

Part of me would've still liked to have seen Tyler go to the JWC, but from a Dragons point of view it's great for Tyler to be training with the big boys again and for Barney Nightingale to now get a JWC experience.

LordDowlais wrote:Although JD is out and it will be a massive blow, as the saying goes, as one door closes, another opens, hopefully one of Dragons youngsters will step up, or perhaps Ben John, or Cory Allen if he is fit, a WC for one of these players could be the making of them.

You not been reading the posts?

Risca Rev wrote:Hell of a blow. Such a rotten way to do it too, after scoring a nice try. Hardly seemed real when I read the news.

Part of me would've still liked to have seen Tyler go to the JWC, but from a Dragons point of view it's great for Tyler to be training with the big boys again and for Barney Nightingale to now get a JWC experience.

Sounds like JD2 was coming good at the right time (and about time too). Such a shame for him.

The U20s really missed someone like Tyler in the backline in the 6 Nations, they looked like a bunch of rookies. I was actually wondering what happened to Nightingale is he wasn't in the JWC squad. I guess they just left him out?

The Saint wrote:

ScarletSpiderman wrote:According to the Fail-Online Matthew Morgan is expected to be in the extended 45 man training squad (it in the photo bit of the article)

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/wales-star-jonathan-davies-out-9336986

Surprised at that, as there's only ever two fly-half's in our squads. They're also saying Allen is in the mix, is he even going to recover in time?

Re: Matthew Morgan I always think he'd make a great impact sub. Clearly Biggar is going to start the big games and unlikely to come off if the game is close, but if Wales were needing to change things dramatically, Morgan could be a great impact option coming off the bench with Gareth Davies.

JD out, The Orange one is one step closer to a Welsh revival! We could do worse.

Unless you've got more than one 'Orange One' hasn't he got a broken leg?

Ah feck yeah he does. Shame, actually still believe he has the best flat pass.

JD is a huge loss, I also reckon that anyone playing in the Championship with Bristol won't make the final cut.

As for other options available then Sc Williams would be the obvious and IMO correct choice to replace JD.

Morgan has been pulled from the U20 squad so guess he would then be next in line, after that John has been in great form of late, then there's Dixon who is more in the mould of Roberts, Allen has been out for ages injured which is a shame.

Is moving North to 13 out of the question? Not a particularly subtle combination with Roberts but a very Gatland sort of combo. You'd then have L Williams, Cuthbert at Halfpenny in the back three.

Clearly Scott Williams is a very good next in line, but were he to get injured....

funnyExiledScot wrote:Is moving North to 13 out of the question? Not a particularly subtle combination with Roberts but a very Gatland sort of combo. You'd then have L Williams, Cuthbert at Halfpenny in the back three.

Clearly Scott Williams is a very good next in line, but were he to get injured....

No and No

For me North would be a on field 'emergency' option if you had lets say someone like Amos on the bench and Sc Williams got injured but I wouldn't consider him as a starting option.

funnyExiledScot wrote:Is moving North to 13 out of the question? Not a particularly subtle combination with Roberts but a very Gatland sort of combo. You'd then have L Williams, Cuthbert at Halfpenny in the back three.

Clearly Scott Williams is a very good next in line, but were he to get injured....

We won't beat England or Australia playing North in the centre. Williams is a fine replacement but after that I'm really concerned. JD's loss is a big blow. England and the Aussies will field very good back lines and we can't afford another injury.

To be fair it is best to keep North as far away from where he needs to tackle/be tackled as he is only one head injury from retirement IMO.

I think North will probably be the backup centre option on matchday with Cuthbert at 23.

Unless Hook comes in, which is possible.

Pity we don't really have any 10/12s, although Biggar has played there once or twice.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:To be fair it is best to keep North as far away from where he needs to tackle/be tackled as he is only one head injury from retirement IMO.

I think you could be right unfortunately. Still doesn't look good for Mike Brown.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

The Saint wrote:

ScarletSpiderman wrote:According to the Fail-Online Matthew Morgan is expected to be in the extended 45 man training squad (it in the photo bit of the article)

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/wales-star-jonathan-davies-out-9336986

Surprised at that, as there's only ever two fly-half's in our squads. They're also saying Allen is in the mix, is he even going to recover in time?

Two things to remember it is the Fail, and it is only a Training Squad.

I honestly think we will have one fly half (Biggar) and two utility backs (Anscomme and Hook) in the squad.

I don't think there is any doubt that Biggar and Preistland will be the 10s. Both are playing well and on form, after them and with Owen Williams injured there is a big gulf in ability to Patchell, Anscombe and Hook, one of whom may fill the utility back slot.

JD2 will be really missed as a top class, out and out and very quick outside centre. Scott Williams can play there and is the likely starting centre, but then again there is then a gulf in experience and ability to Tyler Morgan (who is going to be great), Cory Allen (struggling and injured) and Ben John (playing well but looks a bit lacking in pace).

Seagultaf wrote:

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

The Saint wrote:

ScarletSpiderman wrote:According to the Fail-Online Matthew Morgan is expected to be in the extended 45 man training squad (it in the photo bit of the article)

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/wales-star-jonathan-davies-out-9336986

Surprised at that, as there's only ever two fly-half's in our squads. They're also saying Allen is in the mix, is he even going to recover in time?

Two things to remember it is the Fail, and it is only a Training Squad.

I honestly think we will have one fly half (Biggar) and two utility backs (Anscomme and Hook) in the squad.

I don't think there is any doubt that Biggar and Preistland will be the 10s. Both are playing well and on form, after them and with Owen Williams injured there is a big gulf in ability to Patchell, Anscombe and Hook, one of whom may fill the utility back slot.

JD2 will be really missed as a top class, out and out and very quick outside centre. Scott Williams can play there and is the likely starting centre, but then again there is then a gulf in experience and ability to Tyler Morgan (who is going to be great), Cory Allen (struggling and injured) and Ben John (playing well but looks a bit lacking in pace).

Being a bit cynical here, but Anscommbe is definitely going to be in the squad as there is need to justify putting him on a NDC. I think with Foxy out that Hook will be seen as a good bench option, covering 10/12/13/15, so will sneak into the squad. And with Priest not being available for the training camps (unless it has been resolved, I can't remember), he could be dropped to make room for Hook.

SS,

Do you really think he would drop Preistland? He has always been one of his faves and I expect him and Biggar to be there.

I have not always been a Hook fan but his ability to play as you say 10/12/13 and 15 makes him an ideal bench option but I still have a horrible feeling Anscombe will get the nod - though now JD is out maybe both will be included.

It looks like Ross Moriarty may follow his father...http://www.gloucestercitizen.co.uk/Ross-Moriarty-line-shock-World-Cup/story-26591067-detail/story.html

Bedford, I honestly wouldn't be surprised. Especially with Rhys moving to Bath, and the gifting of an NDC to Anscommbe, it could on the cards. Personally I wouldn't as I think an ospreys half back combo starting and Scarlets half backs coming on should do us well.

With Fixy being out, we will need centre cover, I can see Morgan and Hook the centre cover.

If Moriarty jnr does switch to Wales I would be happy, but for the RWC that would be harsh on the likes of Navidi, Turnbull, Shingler and Cubby who have all played good rugby this season.

Squad announcement brought forward a week, out next Monday June 1st

Haven't seen much of Moriarty, but it will be cruel if he gets a place and Navidi is left out.

wales606 wrote:Haven't seen much of Moriarty, but it will be cruel if he gets a place and Navidi is left out.

Knowing Gatland it will be put him in the wider squad, cap him off the bench against Italy, then call him up in a few years time if we need/want him.

I would be glad to see another Moriarty in the fold, his father and uncle were very good players in their day. He looked very usefull as an under 20. I would have thought he was behind a number of players in the welsh set up, I would suppose he is main rival would be Nalvidi, as a blindside/number 8.

He show a lot of potential though

I thought Moriarty had picked up a Saxons cap but obviously just their U20s.

does Cuthbert look like he deserves another look after baa baa game?

I wouldn't really call that Barbarians game enough of a test to rate Cuthbert on if I was Gatland.  If he gets the England game and plays a big prominent role there then I'd reckon that'll be a better indicator.

unlikely though considering it's only a couple of days away! now that I think about it.... so, not really enough to rate him on.

If Cuthbert was going to be considered a first team player for the RWC he wouldn't have been involved in the baabaas squad.

Hook can play 10, 12, 13, & 15 but none of those positions anywhere near well enough to get into the Wales test team. If Priestland is unavailable for the training camp then other England based players (apart from North) won't be available either. Ross Moriarty I believe is an outside bet, he has been playing well for Gloucester at 8 but only because Ben Morgan is injured. I say cap him in one of the warm ups but others are ahead of him for World Cup squad.

Reckon Anscombe will probably now be the utility player for wales for Fly Half and Full back. Reckon Gats will have to take 4 centres now though given only Roberts & Scotty have any real test experience. Tyler will no doubt go but I reckon Ben John might play his way in.

On a side note what the hell happened to Beck? Is he injured?

With regards to English based players, I think only the ones heading back this summer and the ones not joining until after the WC have a realistic shout (plus North with his clause). Be really interesting to see what happens with Bradley Davies who was 4th choice Lock.

With the exception of any forced by injury (Morgan for JD) I still don't reckon there will be many big surprises in the main squad.

The training squad will have the odd one such as Moriarty but when it gets whittled down the main core of the squad will be familiar faces.

The squad announcement is tomorrow?

Yeah 11am

And the surprise call ups are to be Moriarty, Ben John and Tom Francis

maestegmafia wrote:And the surprise call ups are to be Moriarty, Ben John and Tom Francis

I don't think Francis will be a surrpise Maes and given its the extended squad neither will John, Moriarty will be though. That said out of the 3 I think only Francis will be near getting in the actual WC squad.

I'd have Ben John in for Jon Davies at the moment. He looks in better form that everyone else

maestegmafia wrote:I'd have Ben John in for Jon Davies at the moment. He looks in better form that everyone else

He has been in good form but only the last part of season, if anyone I reckon it will be Tyler Morgan given he's been pulled from the U20s sqaud.