Wales thread continued - 2017/18 season

[mikey_dragon]

First topic message reminder :

2017/2018 season results (full fixture list posted below).

Wales 21 - 29 Australia
Wales 13 - 6 Georgia
Wales 18 - 33 New Zealand
Wales 24 - 22 South Africa

Wales 2018 6N Squad:
Forwards: Rob Evans (Scarlets), Wyn Jones (Scarlets), Nicky Smith (Ospreys), Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Elliot Dee (Dragons), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Dillon Lewis (Cardiff Blues), Adam Beard (Ospreys), Bradley Davies (Ospreys), Seb Davies (Cardiff Blues), Cory Hill (Dragons), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys, capt), James Davies (Scarlets), Taulupe Faletau (Bath), Ellis Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Ross Moriarty (Gloucester), Josh Navidi (Cardiff Blues), Aaron Shingler (Scarlets), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys).

Backs: Aled Davies (Scarlets), Gareth Davies (Scarlets), Rhys Webb (Ospreys), Gareth Anscombe (Cardiff Blues), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Rhys Patchell (Scarlets), Rhys Priestland (Bath), Hadleigh Parkes (Scarlets), Owen Watkin (Ospreys), Owen Williams (Gloucester), Scott Williams (Scarlets), Josh Adams (Worcester Warriors), Hallam Amos (Dragons), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), Steff Evans (Scarlets), Leigh Halfpenny (Scarlets), George North (Northampton Saints), Liam Williams (Saracens).

Faletau, Biggar expected to be available later on in the tournament. Amos, L Williams perhaps a little sooner.

Call-ups to cover injuries, etc.
Tomos Williams (Cardiff Blues)

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


I thought we'd start with the Autumn series. Gatland the Great is set to return and shake things up after another disappointing season underneath the Howler and his pal McBryde. The fixtures for this series are as follows:

November 2017
Sat 11th Nov 17 17:15
Wales   v   Australia  
Sat 18th Nov 17 14:30
Wales   v   Georgia
Sat 25th Nov 17 17:15
Wales   v   New Zealand
December 2017
Sat 2nd Dec 17 14:30
Wales   v   South Africa

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well there's no time like now so why not. Last year was a bit disappointing, topped off with an unsuccessful tour to NZ (as expected). Whilst I'm hoping for better this season my expectations are low as we have Howler and some other amateurs in charge who got the job because they were mates with Gatland and others in the WRU.

AI's
Wales V Australia 05/11/2016
8 - 32
Wales V Argentina 12/11/2016
24 - 20
Wales V Japan 19/11/2016
33 - 30
Wales V South Africa 26/11/2016
27 - 13

6 Nations
Italy V Wales 05/02/2017
7 - 33
Wales V England 11/02/2017
16 - 21
Scotland V Wales 25/02/2017
29 - 13
Wales V Ireland 10/03/2017
22 - 9
France V Wales 18/03/2017
20 -18

Very tough AI series but a kind start in the 6N. So far this season Blues and Ospreys look good, but how many of their players will be starters for Wales? Cuthbert is starting to look like his old self and if this continues he could come back into the team. Tomos Williams looks like a good player and if he also continues in this vein then might he take advantage of Gareth Davies' supposed rustiness? It's still early days but going by what I've seen and the reports I've read I would like to see a new centre partnership and also perhaps see our old back 3 of North, Cuthbert and Halfpenny reinstated - although a lot could happen between now and November. With Faletau out I think we can all guess who the wildcards will be, but who does that leave to play at No.8 - possibly Warburton with Ellis Jenkins at 7? What changes (if any) would you like to see? Keep it sensible please.

WALES 2016 UNDER ARMOUR SERIES SQUAD
Prop Scott Andrews (Cardiff Blues) (12 Caps) Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs) (14 Caps) Rhys Gill (Cardiff Blues) (6 Caps) Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues) (126 Caps) Samson Lee (Scarlets) (28 Caps) Nicky Smith (Ospreys) (3 Caps)
Hooker Scott Baldwin (Ospreys) (24 Caps) Kristian Dacey (Cardiff Blues) (3 Caps) Ken Owens (Scarlets) (42 Caps)
Second Row Jake Ball (Scarlets) (20 Caps) Luke Charteris (Bath Rugby) (68 Caps) Bradley Davies (Ospreys) (56 Caps) Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys) (102 Caps) Rory Thornton (Ospreys) (UNCAPPED)
Back Row Dan Baker (Ospreys) (3 Caps) Taulupe Faletau* (Bath Rugby) (61 Caps) James King (Ospreys) (8 Caps) Dan Lydiate (Ospreys) (57 Caps) Ross Moriarty (Gloucester) (9 Caps) Justin Tipuric (Ospreys) (43 Caps) Sam Warburton (CAPT) (Cardiff Blues) (67 Caps)
Scrum Half Gareth Davies (Scarlets) (17 Caps) Rhys Webb (Ospreys) (22 Caps) Lloyd Williams (Cardiff Blues) (27 Caps)
Fly Half Gareth Anscombe (Cardiff Blues) (8 Caps) Dan Biggar (Ospreys) (48 Caps) Sam Davies (Ospreys) (UNCAPPED)
Centre Jonathan Davies (Scarlets) (56 Caps) Tyler Morgan (Newport Gwent Dragons) (3 Caps) Jamie Roberts* (Harlequins) (83 Caps) Scott Williams (Scarlets) (38 Caps)
Wing/Full Back Hallam Amos (Newport Gwent Dragons) (10 Caps) Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues) (42 Caps) Leigh Halfpenny (Toulon) (62 Caps) George North* (Northampton Saints) (62 Caps) Liam Williams (Scarlets) (35 Caps) * Denotes Senior Player Selection Policy wildcard selection.
Ospreys wing Keelan Giles, Cardiff Blues full-back Rhun Williams and Dragons pair Leon Brown and Harrison Keddie will train with the Wales squad.  

June summer tour
Tonga 6 - 24 Wales
Samoa 17 - 19 Wales

[chris_501]

As is the norm when we approach the international season, a lot of names get thrown around on here.  Gatland may not be "in charge" but I'll bet my house we'll see the same conservative selection approach with a minimum of forced changes.

This is not a bad thing because we have so little depth of any quality.  Just because you play in a particular position for an average team in a poor league, doesn't make you a test level player.  Some of the suggested names in this thread are really silly.

We have a weak front row but if everyone is fit the best players pick themselves.  Same for the second row.  If neither Lydiate and Faletau are fit Howley will go with what he knows and I suspect Tipuric, Moriarty and Warbuton will be selected.  Webb will partner Biggar and he will pick Roberts and JD in the centre.  Williams, North and Halfpenny will probably make the back three.  

Form will play little part in selection.  Howley will pick players who have done it before (even though in truth they may not have done it for a while).  There are few players putting their hands up anyway! Certainly not in problem positions like 2,8,12,13,14.

Looking at the games so far in the Rugby Championship we probably won't be good enough to beat Australia. We may have a chance against SA and Argentina, provided ou best stay fit.  I think we'll do well to win 2 out of 4. We'll be lucky to win any if we pick a team full of Bakers, Kings and Becks.

I meant to reply to this sooner, but idiots, well one idiot keeps dragging it off topic. I think you might be right about form not really playing a part but I'm still hoping that won't be the case. I'm predicting us to lose all four, that includes Japan. Hope I'm wrong, for once.

Do you think 12,13,14 is a problem position? There's a few putting their hand up but of course a lot can change.

Well, I don't think I've seen a quality performance from our mid-field for a while.  Roberts is not playing well (I seen him twice for Quins) and from what I've seen of JD and S. Williams they are no better.  Williams was awful on the weekend.  I don't see two quality centres with power, defence and all around skill.

Wing is only a problem if 1/2p, Williams and North aren't the back three.  I don't rate Cuthbert, James or Amos.

As I said I fully expect to see Roberts and JD in the centre (Williams on the bench) continuing to once again create nothing in attack.

You're not wrong there. The Scarlets boys seem like they've forgotten how to pass and tackle.

That's likely to be the back 3. In all fairness James and Cuthbert are playing well but are very limited. If we play like Cardiff they'd flourish...

I'd like to see Allen and Morgan involved in the midfield. I wouldn't complain if Beck was called up - hard to tell if he picks up where he left off given he's injured so often.

The midfield concerns me most. It tends to be the area where our attack stalls at the best of times. But JD2 looks to have come back from France in the way that Lydiate and Geth did, as opposed to how The Count did, i.e. no better.

After his performances for Scarlets last season, I really hoped Scott Williams would impose himself internationally on the NZ tour but wasn't really given a chance. He doesn't seem to have the same zip at the start of this season.

As for Roberts, just when you think he's done, he'll put in a great performance to save his spot, but they are becoming more and more isolated.

[munkian]

Its very frustrating that JD2 can't pass and first response is to just boot the ball away. A return to RWC 2011 form is needed.

[Guest]

Cubby is the same weight here: http://en.espn.co.uk/wales/rugby/player/205129.html - so that's several sources which state he's smaller than Cudd (according to Dragons site as well as ESPN).

Hey Sainty, as I'm sure you're aware (being a world class weight lifter), weight can change. Height cannot. Stop embarrassing yourself, if one is "too small", then by default so is the other. Your argument, based on a woeful misunderstanding of facts, is just dirt on the carpet.

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/psP5G7aodj8/hqdefault.jpg

[Guest]

Scott Williams seems to have had a dip in form, but I wouldn't say he's playing badly per se. He's playing similarly to how JD2 has played a lot for Wales: anonymously. Which isn't great, but equally, it's just sort of "fine".

France is quite clearly not what it used to be for players going over there. I'd say the English Premiership would be the best league to go to, it's a better quality of rugby, and to a higher standard in my opinion. The boring kickfests are becoming less and less common, even in the heart of Winter, and I think the increase in standard and intensity of play could be the league to go to for Welsh players looking to prove themselves. It's sort of make or break: either you handle the step up from the Pro12, where every match now counts in the league, or you don't.

Good assessment of Roberts too.

[offload]

Scott Williams seems to have had a dip in form, but I wouldn't say he's playing badly per se. He's playing similarly to how JD2 has played a lot for Wales: anonymously. Which isn't great, but equally, it's just sort of "fine".

France is quite clearly not what it used to be for players going over there. I'd say the English Premiership would be the best league to go to, it's a better quality of rugby, and to a higher standard in my opinion. The boring kickfests are becoming less and less common, even in the heart of Winter, and I think the increase in standard and intensity of play could be the league to go to for Welsh players looking to prove themselves. It's sort of make or break: either you handle the step up from the Pro12, where every match now counts in the league, or you don't.

Good assessment of Roberts too.

I agree with your comments re the English Premiership. I held season tickets at Bath and Dragons for a while and the quality in the English league is significantly better. Unfortunately a lot of fans in Wales don't like to hear that. Frankly, its getting harder to deny.

[funnyExiledScot]

Its very frustrating that JD2 can't pass and first response is to just boot the ball away. A return to RWC 2011 form is needed.

I think he can pass, in fact he isn't a bad footballer at all, but I'd agree that he's making far far too much use of his left boot these days. Someone has got it into his head that it's a good thing to do whenever an opportunity presents itself, but he's a pretty solid lad and I'd far rather he take contact and offer opportunities for recycling the ball. As you say, he needs to get back to playing in the manner that earned him his call-up in the first place. He's a much better player than we've seen over the last 12-18 months.

[mikey_dragon]

I agree with your comments re the English Premiership.  I held season tickets at Bath and Dragons for a while and the quality in the English league is significantly better. Unfortunately a lot of fans in Wales don't like to hear that. Frankly, its getting harder to deny.

Last year I would have agreed with you, and probably the season before as well. Most Pro12 teams were abysmal on the whole last year whilst most of premiership teams were playing awesome. I was ready to give up watching the Pro12 and watch the premiership this year, however I'm kind of glad I didn't (so far) because I've really enjoyed the opening few weeks of rugby. Some Welsh teams are becoming a joy to watch once again, like Blues and Ospreys. Teams like Glasgow, Ulster and Leinster also play rugby that's exciting to watch. I hope it continues throughout the season.

[LordDowlais]

I remember a few years back, I went to the Principality Stadium, or the Millenium Stadium as it was called back then, and I watched the Brewers cup final between Trefil and Glyn Coch, a cracking game it was might I add.

Anyway, before the game kicked off, the regional youth finals were on, a group of the 4 regions academy players all playing each other and the top two play for the final and bottom two play for the wooden spoon. I remember watching Scarlets academy and every time John Davies had the ball, he just ran the length of the pitch and scored, he was like a man amongst boys. We all agreed that he was destined for big things, and sure enough we all know what happened. He has lost his magic now.

I think, going to France as a player, not financially, has stifled him. He has now gone too conservative. It's the negative attitude they take in French rugby where they would rather kick the ball then turn it over rather than get turned over. I am sure he will get this out of his system the longer he is playing back in Wales.

I am a firm believer of the saying form is temporary and class is permanent. John Davies just needs to shake his French habits.

[munkian]

Its very frustrating that JD2 can't pass and first response is to just boot the ball away. A return to RWC 2011 form is needed.

I think he can pass, in fact he isn't a bad footballer at all, but I'd agree that he's making far far too much use of his left boot these days. Someone has got it into his head that it's a good thing to do whenever an opportunity presents itself, but he's a pretty solid lad and I'd far rather he take contact and offer opportunities for recycling the ball. As you say, he needs to get back to playing in the manner that earned him his call-up in the first place. He's a much better player than we've seen over the last 12-18 months.

I just seem to remember his passes going into touch far too often

[offload]

I agree with your comments re the English Premiership.  I held season tickets at Bath and Dragons for a while and the quality in the English league is significantly better. Unfortunately a lot of fans in Wales don't like to hear that. Frankly, its getting harder to deny.

Last year I would have agreed with you, and probably the season before as well. Most Pro12 teams were abysmal on the whole last year whilst most of premiership teams were playing awesome. I was ready to give up watching the Pro12 and watch the premiership this year, however I'm kind of glad I didn't (so far) because I've really enjoyed the opening few weeks of rugby. Some Welsh teams are becoming a joy to watch once again, like Blues and Ospreys. Teams like Glasgow, Ulster and Leinster also play rugby that's exciting to watch. I hope it continues throughout the season.

I'll certainly agree with that point, but I think the Pro12 has some way to go to match the Aviva, week in week out.

[Guest]

I agree with your comments re the English Premiership.  I held season tickets at Bath and Dragons for a while and the quality in the English league is significantly better. Unfortunately a lot of fans in Wales don't like to hear that. Frankly, its getting harder to deny.

Part of the problem is historic. In the 00's, and sort of up to 2011, the English Premiership was pretty dull. I remember watching a tries of the season highlight package from 2009 or 2010, and it was so dreary. Literally just a winger making an outside break in the 22, or going into the corner after a few decent passes. Nothing out of the ordinary. Meanwhile, the Celtic League was playing generally good, attacking rugby. You had the Scarlets' flair and Galactico Ospreys (who still scored pretty good tries when they wanted to), Leinster starting to really flourish, and Ulster were a force too. The standard overall between the two leagues is arguable: I'd argue the Celtic League was still slightly better, even if the Premiership had better set piece/forward play.

However, the standards eventually equalled out around 2011, as the regions started to play more to Gatland's dogma, and quelled their attacking instincts. It was also a natural shift in the game towards defence, and game management, rather than attacking running rugby. Which has its place, but can make for pretty dull rugby at times, particularly when it's not done well.

In the meantime, it's come full circle as the money that has flooded into England has seen the game open up dramatically. With all this foreign World Class talent, the Premiership teams haven't lost any power up front, but they have changed mentality and have genuine quality across many teams now that means they can play good attacking rugby. It's not got the Southern Hemisphere flair, but it's genuinely less structured (whilst still displaying better skills) than the Pro12 teams, excusing perhaps Glasgow, and maybe Ulster and Leinster when they turn it on. Why go and watch a game- or play for a team- that looks to win games 19-12, when there's one within a few hours' drive from home winning games 45-33, in a far more monetarily wealthy league? Most fans are still going on the basis that the Premiership is still playing the some old sludge from a decade ago, without actually watching it. Just look at the number of Test players from the SH the Premiership has signed for this season, and it should worry the regions. The likes of Xavier Rush, Regan King, and Justin Marshall are not coming to Wales anymore: they're going to England or France.

The regions need to up their game, not just because the rugby they play is pretty boring, but for identity sake as well: I wonder how many young Welsh players in the academies are coming out with the same level of basic skills as those from the amateur days, all for the sake of nutrition and fitness training and professionalism etc. I want to see running rugby, not just because it's more attractive, but because it's the only way Wales will compete in the long term at the top level of international rugby. I think you can train the elite players in how to be physically fit, what to eat etc., but equally I'd like to see them learn that having come from a culture of good attacking rugby that benefits their all round game and ability. The problem is, it's easy for money men to throw money at a gym and say "look, tangible results!". It's far harder to engineer and create a beneficial culture because it is so reliant on the time and effort and compassion and ability of educated rugby coaches who cultivate an environment for young people, all of whom will not go on to play professional rugby. Unfortunately, I don't think that is seen as efficient for the dominant perspective at the WRU. Wales obviously does have an infrastructure problem in comparison to England, but I don't think that is the unitary answer to giving the regions better footballing players, which in turn improves the "product" of professional club rugby, which in turn benefits Wales with a national team.

[Guest]

Its very frustrating that JD2 can't pass and first response is to just boot the ball away. A return to RWC 2011 form is needed.

I think he can pass, in fact he isn't a bad footballer at all, but I'd agree that he's making far far too much use of his left boot these days. Someone has got it into his head that it's a good thing to do whenever an opportunity presents itself, but he's a pretty solid lad and I'd far rather he take contact and offer opportunities for recycling the ball. As you say, he needs to get back to playing in the manner that earned him his call-up in the first place. He's a much better player than we've seen over the last 12-18 months.

I just seem to remember his passes going into touch far too often

The kicking was definitely encouraged by Gatland. You could almost see the cogs working in his head when he received the ball 2-3 years ago in any sort of space, before finally putting a rather ineffective 10 yard grubber out into touch. There's a painful example where Wales are near the Australia 22m line, and he kicks it out, in the horrible 12-14 game, when Wales were leading and the game is drawing to a close. I understand the merits of using a left footed kicker in the 13 channel, I'm just not sure he's quite comfortable disobeying orders enough to play his natural game, and kick only when it's the better option.

With regards to his passing, when he first broke through for the Scarlets, his passing was great, as was his reading of shoulders etc. It's no surprise that he looked excellent alongside Regan King. He's suffered as now both the Scarlets and Wales play with much flatter backlines, usually with less space between each player, and he regularly seems to be 'forcing' the pass. Similar to his kicking, I think the ability is there (which cannot be said for Roberts), but he just seems to flap a bit when he's in a congested channel wide out on the pitch. It's no big secret that I think he would look a far better player were Wales and the Scarlets to play with a deeper attacking backline, with more pace and space. His running game is massively hampered by the current tactics, and playing alongside Halfpenny and Roberts- who frankly are not natural footballers, and not the best instinctive passers or receivers of the rugby ball- plays perhaps a small part in the difficulty.

As it stands, he's probably picked simply because he hasn't played masses of rugby for Wales recently, and his defence and experience is still pretty important for the team. He's a player I think should be allowed to play himself back into form, in part (as mentioned) because there is no stand out centre ready to be blooded. Equally I wouldn't mind if Scott Williams came in for him. In the medium term I'd rather Roberts was dropped and the two got a chance together, but that won't happen, and until the two strike up a partnership for the Scarlets, it shouldn't happen (final point: if that is to be a parternship in the centre, I think you'd need a better distributor at 10 than Biggar to make them work. Would be interesting to see Priestland back at the Scarlets next season, and those three at 10, 12, and 13).

[chris_501]

Its very frustrating that JD2 can't pass and first response is to just boot the ball away. A return to RWC 2011 form is needed.

I think he can pass, in fact he isn't a bad footballer at all, but I'd agree that he's making far far too much use of his left boot these days. Someone has got it into his head that it's a good thing to do whenever an opportunity presents itself, but he's a pretty solid lad and I'd far rather he take contact and offer opportunities for recycling the ball. As you say, he needs to get back to playing in the manner that earned him his call-up in the first place. He's a much better player than we've seen over the last 12-18 months.

I just seem to remember his passes going into touch far too often

In the first 12 minutes of the AI v South Africa in 2013, I remember him being unbelievable. In that time he made about 3 clean breaks and looked like he could become an absolute superstar. Shame that he got injured and I think missed the rest of the season.

[mikey_dragon]

Good player but usually erratic - amazing in one game then missing tackles, left pegging it and throwing passes into touch in the next. New face in the coaching team, next I hope for some new faces in the team.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

New face in the coaching team, next I hope for some new faces in the team.

Why would that follow?

[mikey_dragon]

I don't know, he could bring on more Cardiff boys. It was me hoping more than anything.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

Howley doesn't need any encouragement to pick Blues players.

[offload]

I'm no great fan of Gatland (no longer having any positive impact) but to suggest JD's form is down to him is ridiculous.  His distribution, kicking and decision making has been poor for a while including his time with Clermont.  A new coaching voice with Wales is at least a glimmer of light.  Will the same old dull mid-field that has created nothing for years find a new spark?  Don't hold your breath.

[munkian]

JD2 has said several times in the past that he needs to work on his passing - and he still does.

Basic skill levels in the pro 12 are worrying.

[chris_501]

He looks like a man lacking confidence. Maybe part of his personality, But Liam Wlliams never appears to look that way!

[mikey_dragon]

We got Beck and Tyler Morgan starting for their teams this weekend, it'd be worth keeping an eye on them. Baldwin also starts for the Ospreys with Parry on the bench - interesting choice given Parry's form albeit against weaker opposition. I'd still think they'd keep rewarding that form when your other No2 hasn't played that well.

[wayne]

We got Beck and Tyler Morgan starting for their teams this weekend, it'd be worth keeping an eye on them. Baldwin also starts for the Ospreys with Parry on the bench - interesting choice given Parry's form albeit against weaker opposition. I'd still think they'd keep rewarding that form when your other No2 hasn't played that well.

Mikey when do the A team have a fixture, it would be good to see that centre partnership together, perhaps against slightly lesser calibre than first 15s.

[mikey_dragon]

What the Wales A team? It was mooted but I'm not sure if it's official. There's always the Japan game where Howley is probably eyeing up a few changes. If the form of all our centres continues like this then we might see them start sooner rather than later, or not. And by now I thought the coaches would have said to Ospreys to start AWJ and BBBD together - there aren't many tougher tests than Leinster in Dublin.

[Guest]

Tried taking the other thread in a more productive direction before it got locked by posting this:

Anyone got a prediction for who might be a stand out player in the Autumn? Either someone goes on the rack up a few tries across the series, or a new face who does well, or even an old face who hits a good run of form?

If North's fit I hope we see the kind of player that was threatening to break out against NZ. He could be the missing link between a decent season and a 6Ns Grand Slam if he starts scoring and performing like Shane Williams, i.e. the key go to man to make something happen, averaging roughly a try a game.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

It's never really happened for Tom James at Test level; maybe now's the time.

[munkian]

It's never really happened for Tom James at Test level; maybe now's the time.

He doesn't have the pace

[LordDowlais]

I wonder if they will pick a bolter like they have in the past ? A young gun, with potential, like they have done with Prydie and Robinson. I wonder if we should be looking out for Keelan Giles or someone of his ilk to be given the chance to sample the team Wales environment.

[munkian]

I wonder if they will pick a bolter like they have in the past ? A young gun, with potential, like they have done with Prydie and Robinson. I wonder if we should be looking out for Keelan Giles or someone of his ilk to be given the chance to sample the team Wales environment.

Giles or Hewitt would be cool.

[LordDowlais]

I wonder if they will pick a bolter like they have in the past ? A young gun, with potential, like they have done with Prydie and Robinson. I wonder if we should be looking out for Keelan Giles or someone of his ilk to be given the chance to sample the team Wales environment.

Giles or Hewitt would be cool.

Yeah, they do it sometimes don't they ? It would not be out of the blue to see them do something like that.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

It's never really happened for Tom James at Test level; maybe now's the time.

He doesn't have the pace

I'm not his biggest fan, and there's something a bit Forrest Gump about him, but by all accounts he's in good form.

[munkian]

It's never really happened for Tom James at Test level; maybe now's the time.

He doesn't have the pace

I'm not his biggest fan, and there's something a bit Forrest Gump about him, but by all accounts he's in good form.

Amos would've made THAT try

[LordDowlais]

For my liking, Tom James will be a very good regional player, and that's it. He will, never be good enough to be a top international, what is he now ? 28 ? I think he has found his plateaux in the Pro12. he was not very prolific for Exeter if I remember rightly. He was awesome for Merthyr though.

[bedfordwelsh]

For my liking, Tom James will be a very good regional player, and that's it. He will, never be good enough to be a top international, what is he now ? 28 ? I think he has found his plateaux in the Pro12. he was not very prolific for Exeter if I remember rightly. He was awesome for Merthyr though.

30 in April and yeah I agree with you, then again that's all I've ever thought he would be.

[LordDowlais]

30 in April and yeah I agree with you, then again that's all I've ever thought he would be.

Wow, he is that old. I thought he was a little younger. We really need to be looking for the future now. There are some cracking young wingers in Wales, lets not forget either, George North is only 24.

[RiscaGame]

I wonder if they will pick a bolter like they have in the past ? A young gun, with potential, like they have done with Prydie and Robinson. I wonder if we should be looking out for Keelan Giles or someone of his ilk to be given the chance to sample the team Wales environment.

Giles or Hewitt would be cool.

Should probably be Hewitt first, given that he has shown more form at regional level. Hope he has a good game this week and kicks on from last season.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

30 in April and yeah I agree with you, then again that's all I've ever thought he would be.

Wow, he is that old. I thought he was a little younger. We really need to be looking for the future now. There are some cracking young wingers in Wales, lets not forget either, George North is only 24.

Howley'll pick him.

[mikey_dragon]

When he was last selected for the 6N I get the impression that James was told weeks before hand he would be starting for Wales (going by what his mates had said here btw) and yes he was told by Howley. Wonder if it's the same this time around.

[bedfordwelsh]

I wonder if they will pick a bolter like they have in the past ? A young gun, with potential, like they have done with Prydie and Robinson. I wonder if we should be looking out for Keelan Giles or someone of his ilk to be given the chance to sample the team Wales environment.

Giles or Hewitt would be cool.

Should probably be Hewitt first, given that he has shown more form at regional level. Hope he has a good game this week and kicks on from last season.

Yeah but come on Giles is the new saviour of Welsh rugby as he plays for the Os mun so has to be at least 10 x better than anyone else surely

[munkian]

He's the new Walker, mun !

[mikey_dragon]

Nice to see you lot can rate Hewitt highly without being attacked - I wish I had been afforded that privilege .

[mikey_dragon]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/37456233

"Some players made the decision - selfish decision - to go away at the time and they've known about this for a period of time.

"I'm comfortable and just looking forward to the challenges of selection in the next four or five games."
____________________________________________________________________________________

Is Howley full of it? I get the feeling RP is in line for a call-up again, same aul BS .

[Seagultaf]

It's never really happened for Tom James at Test level; maybe now's the time.

He doesn't have the pace

He certainly has pace in abundance but not really much in the way of rugby skills such as passing, tacking etc. He is again superb for the blues in the Pro12 where is is one of the biggest and fastest players on the park, but at test level, up against bigger and faster guys he looks a different player and seems to lose his confidence.

[RiscaGame]

It's never really happened for Tom James at Test level; maybe now's the time.

He doesn't have the pace

He certainly has pace in abundance but not really much in the way of rugby skills such as passing, tacking etc. He is again superb for the blues in the Pro12 where is is one of the biggest and fastest players on the park, but at test level, up against bigger and faster guys he looks a different player and seems to lose his confidence.

I think the biggest problem most would have is Amos doesn't have the top end winger speed, but then King Tom had a run in and blew it. Guess it depends what your agenda is, Mr Cement

[majesticimperialman]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/37456233

"Some players made the decision - selfish decision - to go away at the time and they've known about this for a period of time.

"I'm comfortable and just looking forward to the challenges of selection in the next four or five games."
____________________________________________________________________________________

Is Howley full of it? I get the feeling RP is in line for a call-up again, same aul BS .

I do not see how Howley can say some players moved for selfish reasons. After all Howley himself moved to play for Wasp. And as far as i know Wasp have never been based in Wales.

[RiscaGame]

I've seen a wasp in Wales. I've seen Wasps too.

[mikey_dragon]

Not really afraid of wasps myself, but it is amusing to see people go running frantically around the room when one shows up.

[bedfordwelsh]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/37456233

"Some players made the decision - selfish decision - to go away at the time and they've known about this for a period of time.

"I'm comfortable and just looking forward to the challenges of selection in the next four or five games."
____________________________________________________________________________________

Is Howley full of it? I get the feeling RP is in line for a call-up again, same aul BS .

I do not see how Howley can say some players moved for selfish reasons. After all Howley himself moved to play for Wasp. And as far as i know Wasp have never been based in Wales.

Because he's a feckin idiot and a hypocrite

[BigTrevsbigmac]

Not really afraid of wasps myself, but it is amusing to see people go running frantically around the room when one shows up.

I'd wager most people would run away if Ashley Johnson turned up unannounced.

http://cdn.24.co.za/files/Cms/General/d/2979/4dc1a96beec74d348be64fdbba1effe3.jpg

[mikey_dragon]

Not really the type of guy you want running at you...

[mikey_dragon]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/37456233

"Some players made the decision - selfish decision - to go away at the time and they've known about this for a period of time.

"I'm comfortable and just looking forward to the challenges of selection in the next four or five games."
____________________________________________________________________________________

Is Howley full of it? I get the feeling RP is in line for a call-up again, same aul BS .

I do not see how Howley can say some players moved for selfish reasons. After all Howley himself moved to play for Wasp. And as far as i know Wasp have never been based in Wales.

Because he's a feckin idiot and a hypocrite

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