Which exiled players should be picked for Wales ?

Which players that have chose to play outside of Wales have a chance of still being first choice for Wales next year ? We all know that there is no such thing as Gatlands law, and it's just a made up crock of shoite to sell news papers, but Gatland has shown a ruthless streak in years gone by, Dwayne Peel stands out as the highest profile one. But of the following list, who do we think is "safe" for a Welsh spot ?

North
Roberts
O Williams
Priestland
Faletau
Charteris
Halfpenny
M Morgan
Hook
B Davies
I Evans
Hibbard
Francis

Out of that list, I think Roberts, Charteris and Faletau will be picked. Halfpenny is injured but might come back to Wales, but with the others there are better options in Wales. For me I think Faletau needs to be squirming as he has chosen to leave Wales, but the rest have either taken themselves out of the reckoning, or were already playing outside of Wales before the DC's were put into work. North for me does not deserve a place if we are going to go with form.

Priestland, Hibbard, Hook all finished with Wales anyway ..... well Priestland will still be around possibly.North has had one poor phase in a pretty amazing career and will be around for a while. Gatland has the right to do what he needs, let the media have it's little moans. As long as Wales improve a little in 2016 and possibly win a test in NZ well be OK

LordDowlais wrote:Which players that have chose to play outside of Wales have a chance of still being first choice for Wales next year ? We all know that there is no such thing as Gatlands law, and it's just a made up crock of shoite to sell news papers, but Gatland has shown a ruthless streak in years gone by, Dwayne Peel stands out as the highest profile one. But of the following list, who do we think is "safe" for a Welsh spot ?

North
Roberts
O Williams
Priestland
Faletau
Charteris
Halfpenny
M Morgan
Hook
B Davies
I Evans
Hibbard
Francis

Out of that list, I think Roberts, Charteris and Faletau will be picked. Halfpenny is injured but might come back to Wales, but with the others there are better options in Wales. For me I think Faletau needs to be squirming as he has chosen to leave Wales, but the rest have either taken themselves out of the reckoning, or were already playing outside of Wales before the DC's were put into work. North for me does not deserve a place if we are going to go with form.

Don't forget Lord that the 2 player option, increases to 3, I think in season 16/17 (if anybody has a different year please enlighten us), this is on top of the Gatland option of no player in Wales being up to the standard of a departing player, (this is ready made for Faletau) the only downside for him is that he has to have the approval of PRW.

As it's been said Hibbard, along with Priestland and Hook (thank god) are finished with Wales. I also don't see Evans or Morgan getting called up nor Dom Day, whilst Moriarty is 50/50. Most if not all of the others will be selected. Some of them are exempt seeing as they decided to up sticks and move before the new selection policy; Faletau will still be in Wales next year (although next season he won't be); Owen Williams might find it open up for him due to our injury list.

mikey_dragon wrote:Owen Williams might find it open up for him due to our injury list.

I cannot see him ever getting a look in, not as long as Biggar and Anscombe are fit. It will be those two at 10 for Wales until the next WC is over.

That's an easy question, any that are good enough to get in the side.

LordDowlais wrote:Which players that have chose to play outside of Wales have a chance of still being first choice for Wales next year ? We all know that there is no such thing as Gatlands law, and it's just a made up crock of shoite to sell news papers, but Gatland has shown a ruthless streak in years gone by, Dwayne Peel stands out as the highest profile one. But of the following list, who do we think is "safe" for a Welsh spot ?

North
Roberts
O Williams
Priestland
Faletau
Charteris
Halfpenny
M Morgan
Hook
B Davies
I Evans
Hibbard
Francis

Out of that list, I think Roberts, Charteris and Faletau will be picked. Halfpenny is injured but might come back to Wales, but with the others there are better options in Wales. For me I think Faletau needs to be squirming as he has chosen to leave Wales, but the rest have either taken themselves out of the reckoning, or were already playing outside of Wales before the DC's were put into work. North for me does not deserve a place if we are going to go with form.

Agree on them 3 and you have left Moriarty off the list, he is someone else I would have in any future squad. After Lee we have very little options so I would stick with Francis and would also like to see Owen Williams involved.

bedfordwelsh wrote:That's an easy question, any that are good enough to get in the side.

Agreed. We couldn't put a side together to threaten anyone if we relied on the poor buggers running out for the 4 "regions".

offload wrote:

bedfordwelsh wrote:That's an easy question, any that are good enough to get in the side.

Agreed.  We couldn't put a side together to threaten anyone if we relied on the poor buggers running out for the 4 "regions".

Don't totally agree with that but also we cant be as restrictive not to look outside of Wales either.

bedfordwelsh wrote:

offload wrote:

bedfordwelsh wrote:That's an easy question, any that are good enough to get in the side.

Agreed.  We couldn't put a side together to threaten anyone if we relied on the poor buggers running out for the 4 "regions".

Don't totally agree with that but also we cant be as restrictive not to look outside of Wales either.

Bedford - I'm pretty down on the prop12 at the moment and the c**p rugby I'm seeing the regions play. Probably need a bit of xmas cheer.

LordDowlais wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Owen Williams might find it open up for him due to our injury list.

I cannot see him ever getting a look in, not as long as Biggar and Anscombe are fit. It will be those two at 10 for Wales until the next WC is over.

If Roberts gets injured (touch wood) then who would you call up? I think Scott Williams will still be unavailable. I would hope that Gatland calls up Owen Williams to cover 10 and 12 long before he even contemplates Hook.

Which exiled players should be picked for Wales ?

Andy Powell?

doctor_grey wrote:Which exiled players should be picked for Wales ?

Andy Powell?

He ain't exiled, he's playing for my home town team Merthyr.

LordDowlais wrote:

doctor_grey wrote:Which exiled players should be picked for Wales ?

Andy Powell?

He ain't exiled, he's playing for my home town team Merthyr.

Really? I thought he was playing league somewhere (not sure which club). You guys let him back in Wales and in yhour own community? I assume he didn't drive a golf cart back to Wales? Wouldn't it be funny if he joined the local police department?

doctor_grey wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:

doctor_grey wrote:Which exiled players should be picked for Wales ?

Andy Powell?

He ain't exiled, he's playing for my home town team Merthyr.

Really?  I thought he was playing league somewhere (not sure which club).  You guys let him back in Wales and in yhour own community?  I assume he didn't drive a golf cart back to Wales?  Wouldn't it be funny if he joined the local police department?

He comes from Brecon which is only 15 mins away from Merthyr so I guess it suited him to come to the closest club which will still pay decent money for playing.

LordDowlais wrote:

doctor_grey wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:

doctor_grey wrote:Which exiled players should be picked for Wales ?

Andy Powell?

He ain't exiled, he's playing for my home town team Merthyr.

Really?  I thought he was playing league somewhere (not sure which club).  You guys let him back in Wales and in yhour own community?  I assume he didn't drive a golf cart back to Wales?  Wouldn't it be funny if he joined the local police department?

He comes from Brecon which is only 15 mins away from Merthyr so I guess it suited him to come to the closest club which will still pay decent money for playing.

Being serious, that is probably the best thing for him.  Hopefully playing virtually at home helps him get sorted. How is he getting on?

doctor_grey wrote:How is he getting on?

He is having a blinder, and he is captaining the team.

I'd swap him for Cuthbert any day. Great grafter. Speaking of whom I hope he is exiled or rather banished

mikey_dragon wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Owen Williams might find it open up for him due to our injury list.

I cannot see him ever getting a look in, not as long as Biggar and Anscombe are fit. It will be those two at 10 for Wales until the next WC is over.

If Roberts gets injured (touch wood) then who would you call up? I think Scott Williams will still be unavailable. I would hope that Gatland calls up Owen Williams to cover 10 and 12 long before he even contemplates Hook.

MD,

Given they have been included in recent squads I think Gatland see Dixon and Morgan as future centres and Dixon is very much in the Roberts mold but again both are still out injured.

Williams himself was initially called up last season but got injured then banned so I guess he is on their radar at least.

How long are those pair injured for Bedford ? Dragons could seriously do with having those pair back.

LD,

Don't forget Amos as well. Not sure on Morgan but think I am right in saying Dixon will be lucky to get back before end of the season. Though it has been commented on the dragons thread that injury news coming out of RP is pretty p poor

bedfordwelsh wrote:LD,

Don't forget Amos as well.  Not sure on Morgan but think I am right in saying Dixon will be lucky to get back before end of the season.  Though it has been commented on the dragons thread that injury news coming out of RP is pretty p poor

TBH Bedford, I am very optimistic for the four regions next year, but that is only because we are talking about players coming back and actually keeping them instead of losing them. With those three back, Dragons have quite a potential game winning back line next season.

Its our old achilles heel up front again that has been our undoing again. That and LJs constant swapping and changing of the side.

LordDowlais wrote:

doctor_grey wrote:How is he getting on?

He is having a blinder, and he is captaining the team.

That's great. A bit of redemption? Does he still harbour goals of getting back to play for one of the Regions?

doctor_grey wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:

doctor_grey wrote:How is he getting on?

He is having a blinder, and he is captaining the team.

That's great.  A bit of redemption?  Does he still harbour goals of getting back to play for one of the Regions?  

He's to old now doc.

LordDowlais wrote:

bedfordwelsh wrote:LD,

Don't forget Amos as well.  Not sure on Morgan but think I am right in saying Dixon will be lucky to get back before end of the season.  Though it has been commented on the dragons thread that injury news coming out of RP is pretty p poor

TBH Bedford, I am very optimistic for the four regions next year, but that is only because we are talking about players coming back and actually keeping them instead of losing them. With those three back, Dragons have quite a potential game winning back line next season.

The last time I seen them, Amos still had a sling and Morgan's shoulder looked okay. I think like most other returnees they are back in January. The Wales team will either be well rested or very rusty.

Bedford I knew that Dixon would be out for quite a while and miss the 6 Nations, that's why I didn't mention him. He's got quite some way to go though in order to fill Roberts' shoes.

LordDowlais wrote:

doctor_grey wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:

doctor_grey wrote:How is he getting on?

He is having a blinder, and he is captaining the team.

That's great.  A bit of redemption?  Does he still harbour goals of getting back to play for one of the Regions?  

He's to old now doc.

Thanks again, mate. Still, I find it good a guy like that can come home again and play and enjoy his Rugby.

mikey_dragon wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:

bedfordwelsh wrote:LD,

Don't forget Amos as well.  Not sure on Morgan but think I am right in saying Dixon will be lucky to get back before end of the season.  Though it has been commented on the dragons thread that injury news coming out of RP is pretty p poor

TBH Bedford, I am very optimistic for the four regions next year, but that is only because we are talking about players coming back and actually keeping them instead of losing them. With those three back, Dragons have quite a potential game winning back line next season.

The last time I seen them, Amos still had a sling and Morgan's shoulder looked okay. I think like most other returnees they are back in January. The Wales team will either be well rested or very rusty.

Bedford I knew that Dixon would be out for quite a while and miss the 6 Nations, that's why I didn't mention him. He's got quite some way to go though in order to fill Roberts' shoes.

MD,

Appreciate that but so has anyone who steps in to fill his boots unless Gatland goes for a rethink on tactics and eventually picks a footballing 12 as opposed to a big bosher. All I meant was that Dixon is in Roberts' mold as a big ball carrying 12.

If Wales have to stick to 2 exiled players then Jamie Roberts and Jon Davies are the picks, as with Scott Williams injured there are really no alternatives. If the agreement is not back dated then Jon won't count as one of the wild cards nor will North, so Charteris can benefit.

With the limit at 3 next season it will be more difficult with: Faletau, North, Roberts, Charteris competing for 3 places. If Halfpenny goes to Wasps and there are any more defections Wales team may be weakened, but I think that priority should be given to players who will be available for 2019.

I guess rugby players are not known for their intelligence but they are pretty naive taking what looks to be poor advice from their greedy agents. Yes they get a bigger salary but they may end up missing out on the significant appearance money they get for playing for team Wales.

doctor_grey wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:

doctor_grey wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:

doctor_grey wrote:How is he getting on?

He is having a blinder, and he is captaining the team.

That's great.  A bit of redemption?  Does he still harbour goals of getting back to play for one of the Regions?  

He's to old now doc.

Thanks again, mate.  Still, I find it good a guy like that can come home again and play and enjoy his Rugby.

Doc, Andy Powell left Union for league with Wigan. He lasted about 1 game I believe and they realised he was a bit 'lost' in the new sport. He was signed by Gwent Dragons last season, played a few times but I think fell out with the coaches and made a few public comments criticising them and selection. Which is when he's ended up in the Welsh 3 tier. Doubt he'll come back to pro rugby now, although he may get promoted to semi-pro next season if Merthyr get promoted. Then who knows!

offload wrote:

bedfordwelsh wrote:That's an easy question, any that are good enough to get in the side.

Agreed.  We couldn't put a side together to threaten anyone if we relied on the poor buggers running out for the 4 "regions".

Not looking for an argument offload, and I'm all for players leaving for better things if they can (and as long as they're not bench warming), but would we really be that weakened if we only chose the 'buggers running out for the regions', e.g. In the next 6N??? Halfpenny - we've spent a lot of time without him when injured in recent seasons and done fine. Yes, he can kick. But so can Biggar. Roberts - yes, here I admit we would be weakened but I reckon Scott Williams is not far behind. Charteris - again yes perhaps, but he's not always a first choice starter for Wales. After that, not sure who's really smashing the rugby world outside of Wales really? All the other first choice players are in Wales I think? Gethin, Baldwin, Ken O, Samson, AWJ, Warbs, Tips, Lydiate, Faletau (for this season), Gareth Davies, Webb, Biggar, Anscombe, Cuthbert, North, Walker, Amos, JD2 (soon), Scott W, Liam W. For the most part the 2nd choices are here too!

Some REALLY bad news for Wales just in - Rhys Priestland wants to forget his 2 year sabbatical and make himself available for Wales once again. Knowing Gatland he'll go and select him... Bath respond by signing Dan Bowden so they must be pretty convinced he won't be with them for as long as they had hoped.

Griff wrote:

offload wrote:

bedfordwelsh wrote:That's an easy question, any that are good enough to get in the side.

Agreed.  We couldn't put a side together to threaten anyone if we relied on the poor buggers running out for the 4 "regions".

Not looking for an argument offload, and I'm all for players leaving for better things if they can (and as long as they're not bench warming), but would we really be that weakened if we only chose the 'buggers running out for the regions', e.g. In the next 6N??? Halfpenny - we've spent a lot of time without him when injured in recent seasons and done fine. Yes, he can kick. But so can Biggar. Roberts - yes, here I admit we would be weakened but I reckon Scott Williams is not far behind. Charteris - again yes perhaps, but he's not always a first choice starter for Wales. After that, not sure who's really smashing the rugby world outside of Wales really? All the other first choice players are in Wales I think? Gethin, Baldwin, Ken O, Samson, AWJ, Warbs, Tips, Lydiate, Faletau (for this season), Gareth Davies, Webb, Biggar, Anscombe, Cuthbert, North, Walker, Amos, JD2 (soon), Scott W, Liam W. For the most part the 2nd choices are here too!

Griff,

Totally agree, we did miss JD but like you said he's back next year. Roberts could be another but I would love to see Sc Williams and JD get a good run, the obvious one after next season will be Faletau as we really don't have another viable option.

I know all wont be fit but lets look at what a potential side would look like for this season

Jenkins Baldwin Lee
AWJ Charteris
Lydiate Faletau Warburton

Davies Biggar

North Roberts JD Li Williams

Halfpenny

So that's 5 playing abroad, now let's look ahead to next season and let's say Gatland didn't pick from outside Wales

Jenkins Baldwin Lee
AWJ Ball
Lydiate ??? Warburton

Davies Biggar

Amos Sc Williams JD Li Williams

Halfpenny (if Welsh rumours are true)

The Faletau selection aside would we really be that much weaker if we did just stick to Welsh based players, though I guess we would be quite weak in the 2nd row as well if Davies and Charteris were ruled out, who out of the Regions 2nd rows could we potentially use?

bedfordwelsh wrote:I know all wont be fit but lets look at what a potential side would look like for this season

Jenkins Baldwin Lee
AWJ Charteris
Lydiate Faletau Warburton

Davies Biggar

North Roberts JD Li Williams

Halfpenny

So that's 5 playing abroad, now let's look ahead to next season and let's say Gatland didn't pick from outside Wales

Jenkins Baldwin Lee
AWJ Ball
Lydiate ??? Warburton

Davies Biggar

Amos Sc Williams JD Li Williams

Halfpenny (if Welsh rumours are true)

The Faletau selection aside would we really be that much weaker if we did just stick to Welsh based players, though I guess we would be quite weak in the 2nd row as well if Davies and Charteris were ruled out, who out of the Regions 2nd rows could we potentially use?

BW, I think it is the 13 day ruling that is important for Gatland, and if North still has that in his contract he should be included in both of your teams above, but if you are going for the only play in Wales to play for Wales scenario, that is 2 good teams, although you would like to see Cuthbert dropped I'm not sure Gatland would agree.

Wayne,

I would happily see Cuthbert and North dropped at the moment but he wont drop the 2.

mikey_dragon wrote:Some REALLY bad news for Wales just in - Rhys Priestland wants to forget his 2 year sabbatical and make himself available for Wales once again. Knowing Gatland he'll go and select him... Bath respond by signing Dan Bowden so they must be pretty convinced he won't be with them for as long as they had hoped.

Harsh, Priestland is probably still the best Welsh flyhalf at getting a backline moving. With a kicker from the tee like 1/2 penny on the team, he is mentally sorted out, imo.

VinceWLB wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Some REALLY bad news for Wales just in - Rhys Priestland wants to forget his 2 year sabbatical and make himself available for Wales once again. Knowing Gatland he'll go and select him... Bath respond by signing Dan Bowden so they must be pretty convinced he won't be with them for as long as they had hoped.

Harsh, Priestland is probably still the best Welsh flyhalf at getting a backline moving. With a kicker from the tee like 1/2 penny on the team, he is mentally sorted out, imo.

I suspect that it was Bath (Ford) who wanted Priestland to step down from Wales duty, so that he could cover for Ford Jr when he was away with England. Looks like Rhys has pushed his case, maybe due to the little game time he is getting despite Ford Jr poor form. Priestland is a good back up to Biggar and played well for Wales in the World Cup, don't forget Wales were down and out when he came on at 10 against England!

VinceWLB wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Some REALLY bad news for Wales just in - Rhys Priestland wants to forget his 2 year sabbatical and make himself available for Wales once again. Knowing Gatland he'll go and select him... Bath respond by signing Dan Bowden so they must be pretty convinced he won't be with them for as long as they had hoped.

Harsh, Priestland is probably still the best Welsh flyhalf at getting a backline moving. With a kicker from the tee like 1/2 penny on the team, he is mentally sorted out, imo.

It's harsh and fair. He has had multiple opportunities to show us his strengths, but he will mostly balls it up - it's one of the reasons that he is reduced to 10 minute cameo's per game whilst Biggar is superior in all departments. I would prefer if he and Hook among others were as far away from the team as possible, and would also like to see 'fresh meat' introduced, perhaps Owen Williams.
Speaking of possibilities, it is possible that both Priest and Hook will be in with a shout of Wales selection. We pretty much have no full back. Halfpenny and Williams are still injured, Williams might make the mid-part of the 6 Nations but throwing him back is a risk as he will be rusty and at higher risk to another injury - I believe Ansombe is also in a similar situation. Amos can play 15 but is still relatively a new boy on the block and will have had little game time as well.

Seagultaf wrote:

VinceWLB wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Some REALLY bad news for Wales just in - Rhys Priestland wants to forget his 2 year sabbatical and make himself available for Wales once again. Knowing Gatland he'll go and select him... Bath respond by signing Dan Bowden so they must be pretty convinced he won't be with them for as long as they had hoped.

Harsh, Priestland is probably still the best Welsh flyhalf at getting a backline moving. With a kicker from the tee like 1/2 penny on the team, he is mentally sorted out, imo.

I suspect that it was Bath (Ford) who wanted Priestland to step down from Wales duty, so that he could cover for Ford Jr when he was away with England. Looks like Rhys has pushed his case, maybe due to the little game time he is getting despite Ford Jr poor form. Priestland is a good back up to Biggar and played well for Wales in the World Cup, don't forget Wales were down and out when he came on at 10 against England!

Yeah let's jettison him back into the starting team then... It's idiocy like this that often stops us from moving forward.

mikey_dragon wrote:

VinceWLB wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Some REALLY bad news for Wales just in - Rhys Priestland wants to forget his 2 year sabbatical and make himself available for Wales once again. Knowing Gatland he'll go and select him... Bath respond by signing Dan Bowden so they must be pretty convinced he won't be with them for as long as they had hoped.

Harsh, Priestland is probably still the best Welsh flyhalf at getting a backline moving. With a kicker from the tee like 1/2 penny on the team, he is mentally sorted out, imo.

It's harsh and fair. He has had multiple opportunities to show us his strengths, but he will mostly balls it up - it's one of the reasons that he is reduced to 10 minute cameo's per game whilst Biggar is superior in all departments. I would prefer if he and Hook among others were as far away from the team as possible, and would also like to see 'fresh meat' introduced, perhaps Owen Williams.
Speaking of possibilities, it is possible that both Priest and Hook will be in with a shout of Wales selection. We pretty much have no full back. Halfpenny and Williams are still injured, Williams might make the mid-part of the 6 Nations but throwing him back is a risk as he will be rusty and at higher risk to another injury - I believe Ansombe is also in a similar situation. Amos can play 15 but is still relatively a new boy on the block and will have had little game time as well.

As bench option then I think they both could be though would prefer Priestland over Hook.  I am not as strong or as harsh a critic as some of him but that said I do have kittens every time I see him warming up on the sidelines, especially in a close game due to fact I just don't think he is that type of controlling player you need to close out a game.

Yes he done well in the WC when he was called on but he still needs to do a hell of a lot more to convince me he is back to his best (2011) form.  As for injuries and the XV position we really are going to struggle there come 6 Nations time unless someone makes a miraculous recovery.

Yeah pretty much Bedford. I think the injuries at 15 might also be an opportunity for Dan Evans? Didn't think I would ever be saying that.

bedfordwelsh wrote:I know all wont be fit but lets look at what a potential side would look like for this season

Jenkins Baldwin Lee
AWJ Charteris
Lydiate Faletau Warburton

Davies Biggar

North Roberts JD Li Williams

Halfpenny

So that's 5 playing abroad, now let's look ahead to next season and let's say Gatland didn't pick from outside Wales

Jenkins Baldwin Lee
AWJ Ball
Lydiate ??? Warburton

Davies Biggar

Amos Sc Williams JD Li Williams

Halfpenny (if Welsh rumours are true)

The Faletau selection aside would we really be that much weaker if we did just stick to Welsh based players, though I guess we would be quite weak in the 2nd row as well if Davies and Charteris were ruled out, who out of the Regions 2nd rows could we potentially use?

There are a heap of WQ locks at there regions.  The Ospreys have AWJ, Ashley and Thornton all seeming to feature a fair bit, the Scarlets have Ball, Rawlings getting used most games.  Then the Blues and Dragons have a handful of WQ locks too (but probably not likely to be looked at).

Regional based XV (at the moment)

15 -: Li Williams* / D Evans* (additional options of Amos, Patchell, or Anscombe)
14 -: Cuthbert* / Hewitt (additional option of Li Williams)
13 -: Allen* / Morgan*
12 -: Sc Williams* / Dixon
11 -: Amos* / James*
10 -: Biggar* / Anscombe*
9 -: Webb* / Davies*

8 -: Faletau* / Baker*
7 -: Warburton* / Tipuric*
6 -: Lydiate* / King*
5 -: AWJ* / Rawlings
4 -: Ball* / Thornton
3 -: Lee* / Jarvis*
2 -: Baldwin* / Owens*
1 -: Jenkins* / James*

*denotes already capped.

Don't forget Coombes! I know he's not an out and out lock but he did a sterling job when called upon for Wales IMO. Haven't seen him at the Dragons for a while. Can't remember if he's injured or not??

I'm no fan of Priestland but good on him for defying Mike Ford. Also a glaring admission on Ford's part:

"We agreed to sign Rhys on the basis that he did not play international rugby"

Solid proof of the club culture which is gradually endangering the quality and credibility of international rugby. If Bath are doing it, other clubs most certainly are as well. Boudjellalon and similar figures spring to mind.

Surely Roberts will still get selected won't he?

Priestland? I am still not sure about him.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Regional based XV (at the moment)

15 -: Li Williams* / D Evans* (additional options of Amos, Patchell, or Anscombe)
14 -: Cuthbert* / Hewitt (additional option of Li Williams)
13 -: Allen* / Morgan*
12 -: Sc Williams* / Dixon
11 -: Amos* / James*
10 -: Biggar* / Anscombe*
9 -: Webb* / Davies*

8 -: Faletau* / Baker*
7 -: Warburton* / Tipuric*
6 -: Lydiate* / King*
5 -: AWJ* / Rawlings
4 -: Ball* / Thornton
3 -: Lee* / Jarvis*
2 -: Baldwin* / Owens*
1 -: Jenkins* / James*

*denotes already capped.

SS, if we are building for the next WC I would not select anybody that would not be available at that time, and going by last weeks game I would select Rob and Nicky as our Loose heads, I thought Rob was outstanding in the loose and didn't let you down in the scrum either.

Griff wrote:Don't forget Coombes! I know he's not an out and out lock but he did a sterling job when called upon for Wales IMO. Haven't seen him at the Dragons for a while. Can't remember if he's injured or not??

Long-term injured, not sure what or when he might be back. He is always at Dave Parade in his blazer so he is definitely still playing for us.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

bedfordwelsh wrote:I know all wont be fit but lets look at what a potential side would look like for this season

Jenkins Baldwin Lee
AWJ Charteris
Lydiate Faletau Warburton

Davies Biggar

North Roberts JD Li Williams

Halfpenny

So that's 5 playing abroad, now let's look ahead to next season and let's say Gatland didn't pick from outside Wales

Jenkins Baldwin Lee
AWJ Ball
Lydiate ??? Warburton

Davies Biggar

Amos Sc Williams JD Li Williams

Halfpenny (if Welsh rumours are true)

The Faletau selection aside would we really be that much weaker if we did just stick to Welsh based players, though I guess we would be quite weak in the 2nd row as well if Davies and Charteris were ruled out, who out of the Regions 2nd rows could we potentially use?

There are a heap of WQ locks at there regions.  The Ospreys have AWJ, Ashley and Thornton all seeming to feature a fair bit, the Scarlets have Ball, Rawlings getting used most games.  Then the Blues and Dragons have a handful of WQ locks too (but probably not likely to be looked at).

SS,

Not saying we dont have any but who are the next lot to come through, I have already named AWJ and Ball. Never rated Ashley Thornton is up and coming I guess as is Rawlings but would they be able to go to next level at tmoment.