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

[Welly]

Guy Thompson who has been on fire for Wasps TBF with Dai saying he might look into playing for Wales in the rugby paper.

Dad was born in Jersey which usually means they can have there pick of the home nations.

Plays across the back row although prob best @ 8.

TBh he would of been in my EPS this November.

[mikey_dragon]

Do newly poached players count as a wildcard?

[Welly]

Do newly poached players count as a wildcard?

He wouldn't count as he wasn't approached by a welsh team when he re-signed for Wasps

[mikey_dragon]

Do newly poached players count as a wildcard?

He wouldn't count as he wasn't approached by a welsh team when he re-signed for Wasps

Ah, another loophole...I don't think we'll approach him. We've got Moriarty who can play 8, and the selectors will probably hope that Dan Baker continues to get better.

[mikey_dragon]

Btw Welly do you which Welsh team he was previously approached by?

[munkian]

So North is looking good again for the underperforming Saints.

Well taken try and a superb setup of another this weekend.

Hope he is a busy when playing for Wales.

[Welly]

Btw Welly do you which Welsh team he was previously approached by?

I don't think he was hence the loophole.

[mikey_dragon]

North seems to be on the scoresheet every week now - and his break from inside Saints 22 to set up Hutchinson's try was majestic. That's exactly how we need him to play and the type of form that will see him selected on the wing again. Also for the Ospreys I thought Smith and Tipuric played very well, and played at international level intensity. Smith especially, who I recently wrote off as a no-hoper was strong on the scrum and everywhere around the pitch. It was also probably Dan Baker's best game in a long time, which just goes to show how poor he's been since earning his 2nd cap - if he wants to add to that then he'll need to keep improving in the coming weeks. Baldwin and Parry have both looked good recently so I'm not sure what the selectors are going to do there.

Cardiff's set piece looked like it had the upper hand on Leinster who besides Ulster are probably the strongest in the league - that even happened when Andrews was on the pitch, Wilson is a bloody magician. I can't see Andrews getting picked but Jenkins will.

[munkian]

How we doing in the front row - Samson is being introduced back, I'm assuming he'll be in the squad as will Gethin.

[chris_501]

How we doing in the front row - Samson is being introduced back, I'm assuming he'll be in the squad as will Gethin.

I imagine that the loosies will be Jenkins, James and one of Gill, Nicky Smith or possible Wyn Jones as an outsider. Tightheads Lee, Francis with the third possibly being Andrews? They might have James as an emergency tighthead.

As for hooker, my guess would be Owens, Baldwin and Dacey, but it's a shame Dee has not been fit as I think he would be worth a look in one of the games.

[munkian]

Agree on Dee - very unlucky.

I'm not really seeing any surprise selections - maybe Shingler as backrow/lock cover ? Hopefuly Cubby will get a call up, especially with Warburton possibly being injured.

[bedfordwelsh]

How we doing in the front row - Samson is being introduced back, I'm assuming he'll be in the squad as will Gethin.

I imagine that the loosies will be Jenkins, James and one of Gill, Nicky Smith or possible Wyn Jones as an outsider. Tightheads Lee, Francis with the third possibly being Andrews? They might have James as an emergency tighthead.

As for hooker, my guess would be Owens, Baldwin and Dacey, but it's a shame Dee has not been fit as I think he would be worth a look in one of the games.

Has Dillon Lewis (is it?) been getting any game time for the Blues. Would rather us look at him than waste time on Andrews.

Samson played 40 last weekend,

[chris_501]

How we doing in the front row - Samson is being introduced back, I'm assuming he'll be in the squad as will Gethin.

I imagine that the loosies will be Jenkins, James and one of Gill, Nicky Smith or possible Wyn Jones as an outsider. Tightheads Lee, Francis with the third possibly being Andrews? They might have James as an emergency tighthead.

As for hooker, my guess would be Owens, Baldwin and Dacey, but it's a shame Dee has not been fit as I think he would be worth a look in one of the games.

Has Dillon Lewis (is it?) been getting any game time for the Blues.  Would rather us look at him than waste time on Andrews.

Samson played 40 last weekend,

Just Filise and Andrews for Blues. Brok Harris has predominantly started for the Dragons with Mitchell coming off the bench a few times. Kruger mainly for Scarlets with Pete the Meat backing up. Arhip and Fia for the Ospreys, meaning that all four regions have been regularly starting NWQ tightheads.

[Seagultaf]

How we doing in the front row - Samson is being introduced back, I'm assuming he'll be in the squad as will Gethin.

I imagine that the loosies will be Jenkins, James and one of Gill, Nicky Smith or possible Wyn Jones as an outsider. Tightheads Lee, Francis with the third possibly being Andrews? They might have James as an emergency tighthead.

As for hooker, my guess would be Owens, Baldwin and Dacey, but it's a shame Dee has not been fit as I think he would be worth a look in one of the games.

Has Dillon Lewis (is it?) been getting any game time for the Blues.  Would rather us look at him than waste time on Andrews.

Samson played 40 last weekend,

Just Filise and Andrews for Blues. Brok Harris has predominantly started for the Dragons with Mitchell coming off the bench a few times. Kruger mainly for Scarlets with Pete the Meat backing up. Arhip and Fia for the Ospreys, meaning that all four regions have been regularly starting NWQ tightheads.

Unfortunately Samson gets match fit by playing, so all the gym work he has been doing is no real help to his game, as showed in Italy last Saturday. Let's hope he stays fit and gets plenty of game time in the next few weeks, because outside him and Francis, the cupboard is pretty much bare.

[maestegmafia]

How we doing in the front row - Samson is being introduced back, I'm assuming he'll be in the squad as will Gethin.

I imagine that the loosies will be Jenkins, James and one of Gill, Nicky Smith or possible Wyn Jones as an outsider. Tightheads Lee, Francis with the third possibly being Andrews? They might have James as an emergency tighthead.

As for hooker, my guess would be Owens, Baldwin and Dacey, but it's a shame Dee has not been fit as I think he would be worth a look in one of the games.

I think Parry is ahead of Baldwin at the Ospreys at the moment

[Higher_Ground]

The team is picked already.
Jenkins
Baldwin
Lee
AWJ
Charteris
Warburton
Tipuric
Faletau
Webb
Biggar
Liam Williams
JR
JD
North

Nailed. On.

Bench : Most likely James, Francis/Andrews, Owens, Bradley, King, Anscombe, Scott Williams.

[mikey_dragon]

I hope that's not the case as some of those are underperforming. Another good game from Nicky Smith and Tips last night. Rob Evans is injured so that makes the LH's Jenkins, James and Smith. The only fit THs seem to be Andrews...followed by Lee and Mitchell who are both lacking game time (the latter because of an idiot selection policy).

[Higher_Ground]

I agree Mikey, but history tells us that it's going to be the above team.
Warburton will be tucked in at 6 to work on his fitness, allowing Tipuric's critics (ie mental people) to complain that he's not dominating the breakdown all by himself.
If Faletau hits his GPS stats in training he'll be picked.
Nicky Smith should start in my humble opinion, but I would be suprised if he makes the 23.
Ben John another who should start.
My ideal team:

15. Dan Evans
14. George North
13. Ben John
12. Scott Williams
11. Liam Williams
10. Sam Davies
09. Rhys Webb
08. James King
07. Justin Tipuric
06. Ross Moriarty
05. AWJ
04. Luke Charteris
03. A.N Other, no standout
02. Kristian Dacey
01. Nicky Smith

We're what...12 on the bounce against Australia? I'd rather lose with that team than the 2011 RWC semi-finalists.

[mikey_dragon]

History tells us exactly that, but I'll be fuming if that's the case. I remember when we had SA first up and Gats threw in rusty players who had little to no game time (Lydiate being one of them I remember) and we got battered. If they haven't learned from that then they need shooting. I've been one of Tipuric's biggest critics and I feel it was justified, however lately he's actually playing like a flanker instead of standing on the wing.
The fact that the best centre's in Wales aren't welsh is worrying and makes it difficult to select a midfield. If they do pick on form I expect it will also be with a sprinkling of the usual suspects, so perhaps something like...

15. L.Williams
14. Walker
13. S.Williams
12. Roberts
11. North
10. Biggar
9. Webb

8. Moriarty
7. Tipuric
6. Warburton
5. AWJ (c)
4. Charteris
3. Lee
2. Baldwin
1. Jenkins

Subs: Parry, Smith, A.N other, B.Davies, King, G.Davies, Anscombe, Halfpenny/JD2.

[maestegmafia]

Jenkins
Owens
Lee
Charteris
AWJ Capt.
King
Tipuric
Moriarty
Webb
Davies
North
Roberts
Davies
Williams
Halfpenny

Parry, James, Francis, Brad, Warburton, Davies, Biggar, John

[Seagultaf]

Jenkins
Owens
Lee
Charteris
AWJ Capt.
King
Tipuric
Moriarty
Webb
Davies
North
Roberts
Davies
Williams
Halfpenny

Parry, James, Francis, Brad, Warburton, Davies, Biggar, John

Charteris and Warburton are injured, Jenkins looked his age last night and Anscombe showed that he is not a top level 10. I would have Smith starting at 1 in the absence of Evans, Lee only if he is fully fit, otherwise Francis. Bradley at lock, and I would play the best full back at 15, so Halfpenny on the wing. On the bench, god knows who will cover tight head is Samson is not fully fit, Charteris or Ball as lock cover, if Warbs is not fit then Turnbull or Cuppy as back row cover, and I would have Scott Williams in place of Ben John who is playing well but not in Scott's class.

[maestegmafia]

Jenkins
Owens
Lee
Charteris
AWJ Capt.
King
Tipuric
Moriarty
Webb
Davies
North
Roberts
Davies
Williams
Halfpenny

Parry, James, Francis, Brad, Warburton, Davies, Biggar, John

Charteris and Warburton are injured, Jenkins looked his age last night and Anscombe showed that he is not a top level 10. I would have Smith starting at 1 in the absence of Evans, Lee only if he is fully fit, otherwise Francis. Bradley at lock, and I would play the best full back at 15, so Halfpenny on the wing. On the bench, god knows who will cover tight head is Samson is not fully fit, Charteris or Ball as lock cover, if Warbs is not fit then Turnbull or Cuppy as back row cover, and I would have Scott Williams in place of Ben John who is playing well but not in Scott's class.

Chartrris and Warburton will be fit for AIs apparently.

Smith or Wyn Jones could replace Jenks but I still think we will start Jenks.

[True Raven]

To be fair to anscombe, even Dan carter would have been sh!te behind that blues pack last night. Anscombes played well enough this season so far to justify his wales selection and if he was an osprey would have ran the show last night just like Sam Davies did

[maestegmafia]

To be fair to anscombe, even Dan carter would have been sh!te behind that blues pack last night.  Anscombes played well enough this season so far to justify his wales selection and if he was an osprey would have ran the show last night just like Sam Davies did

Fair comment.

[mikey_dragon]

How does a Turk who thinks both Priestland and Patchell are good fly-halves have the nerve to say that Anscombe isn't?

[RugbyFan100]

Jenkins
Owens
Lee
Charteris
AWJ Capt.
King
Tipuric
Moriarty
Webb
Davies
North
Roberts
Davies
Williams
Halfpenny

Parry, James, Francis, Brad, Warburton, Davies, Biggar, John

I very much doubt whether dually contracted Biggar is going to be dropped for a test debutant.

[mikey_dragon]

Highly doubtful. Still not getting the hype around Sam Davies yet - I think it's best to shut up, leave the lad with his team and allow his development to continue. Right now he would be well out of his depth at international level, probably a waste of time trying to tell this to a few Ospreys fans though.

[bedfordwelsh]

Jenkins
Owens
Lee
Charteris
AWJ Capt.
King
Tipuric
Moriarty
Webb
Davies
North
Roberts
Davies
Williams
Halfpenny

Parry, James, Francis, Brad, Warburton, Davies, Biggar, John

Ok let's say Warburton and Faletau won't make the Aussie game I'd start:

Davies over Charteris
Lydiate over King
Biggar over Davies (but give Davies time off the bench)
Sc Williams over Roberts
Halfpenny on the wing with Li Williams at XV

Then I'd have Roberts, Anscombe, Morgan or Allen on the bench before John.

[bedfordwelsh]

I learnt today that its the Australia game not the SA game that falls outside the window this year so we could see quite a different side come 5th November.

Scott Williams may well get his chance at 12

Liam Williams will be at XV but the two wing slots could be interesting given Halfpenny and North may well not be available.

[True Raven]

Amos and James have earned the slots

[wayne]

Amos and James have earned the slots

Yes, agree with this

[wayne]

Was going to start a new thread for this, but eventually came to the decision to leave it on here.
Howler is due to announce his squad for the AI's tomorrow, with todays news that the PRL will not release any players for the match against Australia as that is the one outside of the International Window. (please no debate about the rights and wrongs of their decision, because it's been done to death MANY TIMES).
According to the Fail the only player definitely playing outside of Wales that will be released for that game will be Halfpenny, it is not even certain that North has it written into this new contract.
So what does everybody think the full squad is likely to be, I think there will be some extra players named just for the first match and then released back.
Halfpenny, Williams, Amos, James, Cuthbert, S Williams, J Davies, T Morgan, A Beck, D Biggar, G Anscombe, S Davies, R Webb, G Davies, L Williams with J Roberts, G North and possibly R Priestland coming in after the first game, G Jenkins, N Smith, P James, K Owens, S Baldwin, K Dacey, S Lee, S Andrews, ?????, AWJ, B Davies, J Ball, R Thornton, S WRUburton, J Tipuric, D Lydiate, J King, J Turnbull, D Baker, with the likes of Francis, Charteris, Moriarty again coming in after the first game.
I've probably forgotten some of the Welsh based players and some of the English who won't be released, look please don't have a go at me for selecting so many Ospreys, I just cannot think of some of the others, so without haranguing me just say who you think should be in, because don't get me wrong I want as few Osprey players in there as is possible.

[mikey_dragon]

I always did think North was exempt from that, maybe some Northampton fans can help clarify? I'll post the team up here at 12, or you can - maes will likely have a new thread up for it anyway.

You're not far off Wayne but if the selectors are counting form then guys like T Morgan and Owens aren't in. Hopefully Priestland doesn't come in either. Quite happy if all the squad is picked from Wales but it will IMO definitely see our starting props being Jenkins and Lee with Smith and Andrews covering. Andrews is a much improved player under Wilson you can't deny that. Wilson did in a matter of months what McBryde could not do in a years....

[wayne]

I always did think North was exempt from that, maybe some Northampton fans can help clarify? I'll post the team up here at 12, or you can - maes will likely have a new thread up for it anyway.

You're not far off Wayne but if the selectors are counting form then guys like T Morgan and Owens aren't in. Hopefully Priestland doesn't come in either. Quite happy if all the squad is picked from Wales but it will IMO definitely see our starting props being Jenkins and Lee with Smith and Andrews covering. Andrews is a much improved player under Wilson you can't deny that. Wilson did in a matter of months what McBryde could not do in a years....

Yeh you can post the squad Mikey,I'm rubbish at stuff like that, I put Priestland in there, because with Faletau apparently out for all the games because he hasn't recovered from his injury, Priestland could be one of the 3 exemptions, you know how Howler loves him.
Can you think of another Welsh based tight head?

[wayne]

I also wonder if the 13 day rule for players called up to TW will be excused this year, it's a Welsh Region derby weekend Ospreys v Dragons and Blues v Scarlets. It's not fair to the paying public, I know there are a load of events around Swansea that day set up for our game.

[munkian]

Faletau out http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/wales/37680713

[bedfordwelsh]

I always did think North was exempt from that, maybe some Northampton fans can help clarify? I'll post the team up here at 12, or you can - maes will likely have a new thread up for it anyway.

You're not far off Wayne but if the selectors are counting form then guys like T Morgan and Owens aren't in. Hopefully Priestland doesn't come in either. Quite happy if all the squad is picked from Wales but it will IMO definitely see our starting props being Jenkins and Lee with Smith and Andrews covering. Andrews is a much improved player under Wilson you can't deny that. Wilson did in a matter of months what McBryde could not do in a years....

His new contract that he recently signed and made him come under the wild card ruling doesn't include a full release clause.

[bedfordwelsh]

Was going to start a new thread for this, but eventually came to the decision to leave it on here.
Howler is due to announce his squad for the AI's tomorrow, with todays news that the PRL will not release any players for the match against Australia as that is the one outside of the International Window. (please no debate about the rights and wrongs of their decision, because it's been done to death MANY TIMES).
According to the Fail the only player definitely playing outside of Wales that will be released for that game will be Halfpenny, it is not even certain that North has it written into this new contract.
So what does everybody think the full squad is likely to be, I think there will be some extra players named just for the first match and then released back.
Halfpenny, Williams, Amos, James, Cuthbert, S Williams, J Davies, T Morgan, A Beck, D Biggar, G Anscombe, S Davies, R Webb, G Davies, L Williams  with J Roberts, G North and possibly R Priestland coming in after the first game, G Jenkins, N Smith, P James, K Owens, S Baldwin, K Dacey, S Lee, S Andrews, ?????, AWJ, B Davies, J Ball, R Thornton, S WRUburton, J Tipuric, D Lydiate, J King, J Turnbull, D Baker, with the likes of Francis, Charteris, Moriarty again coming in after the first game.
I've probably forgotten some of the Welsh based players and some of the English who won't be released, look please don't have a go at me for selecting so many Ospreys, I just cannot think of some of the others, so without haranguing me just say who you think should be in, because don't get me wrong I want as few Osprey players in there as is possible.

Its old news anyway as it happens every year.

As for the squad I think that's pretty much spot on though I certainly expect Ellis Jenkins and Cubby to be involved and hope Navidi gets a call as well but not sure if Beck will, he'll name the English/French based guys from the off and just use them as and when.

As for your number of Os then Beck aside and my own personal thoughts on King I think your pretty spot on again and against Australia I think we could we see the Os 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 starting.

[bedfordwelsh]

I always did think North was exempt from that, maybe some Northampton fans can help clarify? I'll post the team up here at 12, or you can - maes will likely have a new thread up for it anyway.

You're not far off Wayne but if the selectors are counting form then guys like T Morgan and Owens aren't in. Hopefully Priestland doesn't come in either. Quite happy if all the squad is picked from Wales but it will IMO definitely see our starting props being Jenkins and Lee with Smith and Andrews covering. Andrews is a much improved player under Wilson you can't deny that. Wilson did in a matter of months what McBryde could not do in a years....

Hardly a surprise given McBryde is ab absolute incompetent as a coach. Given the players that won't be available for the Aussie game to we have any other option other Andrews.

Is Rhodri Jones back playing or what about the young lad Lewis at the Blues?

[LordDowlais]

Sam Davies get's a call up then.

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.

[LordDowlais]

Also, I thought Taulupe Faletau was injured.

[munkian]

He is

[LordDowlais]

He is

Then how on earth has he been selected for team Wales ?

[No 7&1/2]

Faletau is not expected back in training by club Bath until mid-November, but the back row is boosted by Dan Lydiate's return after the flanker missed the summer tour of New Zealand following shoulder surgery.

"Taulupe is still in his rehab process and has been working closely with Bath," Wales coach Rob Howley said.

"We hope he will be available in the later part of the campaign, but his experience will be vitally important to have around the squad."

[LordDowlais]

According to Rob Howley, George North and Jamie Roberts and Leigh Halfpenny are all available to be picked for the Australia game:-

http://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/37691717

[propdavid_london]

So who is the likely starting no.8? Does Moriarty cover? Whos the specialist?

[LordDowlais]

So who is the likely starting no.8?  Does Moriarty cover? Whos the specialist?

It obviously should be Dan Baker who starts at no. 8, because, well that is his specialist position. I cannot fathom this obsession with playing players out of position when we already have players who play every week. Why would we need Moriarty to cover no.8 when we have Dan Baker ?

[propdavid_london]

I haven't seen a lot of Pro-12 - was asking the question.
I thought Moriarty had played a bit of no.8 for Gloucester before.

[wayne]

Not too disappointed with that squad, apart for the inclusion of Cuthbert, pleased there are a few less Ospreys than I visualised being selected.

I notice in his Press Conference Howler, said discussions have already taken place between the Regions Coaches and himself, for allowing some of this squad to return to the Regions for match time. It will be done when they have conversations with individual players, we (Ospreys) could do with one of the 10s and one of the 2nd rows to return.

Finally have to congratulate Sam and Rory on their selection to this squad, and hopefully both will get some game time in the next month or so.

[maestegmafia]

Great to read that Faletau, Roberts and North all have full international release in their English club contracts.

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