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

[LordDowlais]

New Tim Cymru kit

https://store.wru.co.uk/kits-c83/kits-c139

Hmmmmm.......

It's not a bad top, but it's not a good one either. Is it me, or does anybody else miss the white collars ? I dunno, it just made them look all a bit more uniformed, all ship shape and Bristol fashioned.

Or perhaps I am just a bit too old fashioned perhaps.

[LordDowlais]

Also, news is that Rob Evans could miss the AI's with HIA issues.

[munkian]

Also, news is that Rob Evans could miss the AI's with HIA issues.

Crap, that's not good for Scarlets either.

[ScarletSpiderman]

Also, news is that Rob Evans could miss the AI's with HIA issues.

Crap, that's not good for Scarlets either.

Not so much bad news for the Scarlets as after the game Friday, we were no expecting to have him or Wyn Jones until december anyway. So if anything if he is out for the AIs, he will get a chance to recover properly.

[munkian]

Also, news is that Rob Evans could miss the AI's with HIA issues.

Crap, that's not good for Scarlets either.

Not so much bad news for the Scarlets as after the game Friday, we were no expecting to have him or Wyn Jones until december anyway.  So if anything if he is out for the AIs, he will get a chance to recover properly.

Fairy nuff.

Baldwin is back for the spreys on Friday. That's bad news for Team Wales.

[Gwlad]

Byrne is doing a good job on Howley, good for him. What a little tool Howley is

[mikey_dragon]

Interesting comments from Byrne. Everyone knew he was on his way out of international rugby back then, but if the bullying treatment is true then Howley is worse than we thought. No idea why Gats has been carrying him throughout his career.

[mikey_dragon]

Also, news is that Rob Evans could miss the AI's with HIA issues.

Crap, that's not good for Scarlets either.

Not so much bad news for the Scarlets as after the game Friday, we were no expecting to have him or Wyn Jones until december anyway.  So if anything if he is out for the AIs, he will get a chance to recover properly.

Not good news at all. I guess Nicky Smith is in poll position, and Domachowski could come into the squad too. If I had to pick the squad now then, assuming 9gate isn't injured:

Smith, Domachowski, Harris (is he eligible?)/Wyn Jones
Lee, Francis, Brown
Owens, Dee, Dacey
AWJ, Ball, Seb Davies, Adam Beard
Shingler, Tipuric, Griffiths Navidi, Faletau

Davies Webb, Tomos Williams
Biggar, Patchell, Henson
JD2, Watkin, Williams
Liam Williams, Halfpenny, Stef Evans, Amos, Hewitt.

[Gwlad]

Henson, love it Mikey and i think he can do a job in midfield but has been out off top flight for too long

[LordDowlais]

Does anybody know when the squad is being picked ?

The AI's are only 3 weeks away.

[munkian]

Does anybody know when the squad is being picked ?

The AI's are only 3 weeks away.

Tomorrow.

I reckon they'll be waiting on a few injuries though.

[LordDowlais]

Also, news is that Rob Evans could miss the AI's with HIA issues.

Crap, that's not good for Scarlets either.

Not so much bad news for the Scarlets as after the game Friday, we were no expecting to have him or Wyn Jones until december anyway.  So if anything if he is out for the AIs, he will get a chance to recover properly.

Not good news at all. I guess Nicky Smith is in poll position, and Domachowski could come into the squad too. If I had to pick the squad now then, assuming 9gate isn't injured:

Smith, Domachowski, Harris (is he eligible?)/Wyn Jones
Lee, Francis, Brown
Owens, Dee, Dacey
AWJ, Ball, Seb Davies, Adam Beard
Shingler, Tipuric, Griffiths Navidi, Faletau

Davies Webb, Tomos Williams
Biggar, Patchell, Henson
JD2, Watkin, Williams
Liam Williams, Halfpenny, Stef Evans, Amos, Hewitt.

Too many Dragons players in that squad, not surprising though down to who has picked it.

I doubt Henson will be picked, or Hewitt. Also, can see Will Boyde getting called up before Griffiths. Unfortunately we will probably see Cuthbert or James called up before Hewitt.

[LordDowlais]

Does anybody know when the squad is being picked ?

The AI's are only 3 weeks away.

Tomorrow.

I reckon they'll be waiting on a few injuries though.

It's tomorrow ?

For some reason, I am really looking forward to this years AI's. I think we could get three out of four wins.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

I don't see Henson or Hewitt getting called up, and as good as he has been and will be, you can't say Ollie Griffiths has been outstanding this season so far. I'd say James Benjamin has an outside chance though, depending on how Team Wales want to play.

But if Scott Baldwin or Ryan Elias get called up ahead of Elliot Dee, it's a joke.

[munkian]

I don't see Henson or Hewitt getting called up, and as good as he has been and will be, you can't say Ollie Griffiths has been outstanding this season so far. I'd say James Benjamin has an outside chance though, depending on how Team Wales want to play.

But if Scott Baldwin or Ryan Elias get called up ahead of Elliot Dee, it's a joke.

Griffiths has bee brilliant this season ? Apparently hes crocked though.

I reckon Amos will get in ahead of Hewitt as he has international experience and can cover 15 too.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

I wouldn't say he's been brilliant. He hasn't played so well that it would be an outrage if he was left out, but nor would it be undeserved if he was called up.

[munkian]

I wouldn't say he's been brilliant. He hasn't played so well that it would be an outrage if he was left out, but nor would it be undeserved if he was called up.

Hes been getting plenty of praise from lots of pundits and fans. Each to their own though.

No official statement from Dragons on injury yet.

[mikey_dragon]

Too many Dragons players in that squad, not surprising though down to who has picked it.

How do you define this statement? I'm confused by it. Or is it just a case of your crush Baker being injured and you taking it out on Dragons....

[munkian]

Too many Dragons players in that squad, not surprising though down to who has picked it.

How do you define this statement? I'm confused by it. Or is it just a case of your crush Baker being injured and you taking it out on Dragons....

He hasn't even specified which Dragon's players shouldn't be there and who should replace them. He just saw Dragons and went full SEN.

[munkian]

Wales reveal squad for 2017 autumn series

Forwards: Nicky Smith, Rob Evans, Wyn Jones; Tomas Francis, Samson Lee, Leon Brown; Kristian Dacey, Ken Owens, Elliot Dee; Jake Ball, Alun Wyn Jones, Seb Davies, Adam Beard, Cory Hill; Justin Tipuric, Sam Cross, Dan Lydiate, Taulupe Faletau, Aaron Shingler, Josh Navidi.

Backs: Gareth Davies, Rhys Webb, Aled Davies; Dan Biggar, Rhys Patchell, Rhys Priestland, Owen Williams; Hadleigh Parkes, Owen Watkin, Jonathan Davies, Tyler Morgan; Alex Cuthbert, Steffan Evans, Hallam Amos; Liam Williams, Leigh Halfpenny.

[RiscaGame]

Wouldn't have expected no Scott Williams and Charteris. Hell
of a story for Sam Cross, that I guess wouldn't have happened without Griffiths' injury? Cuthbert been playing well for Blues, to justify being picked over say Hewitt?

[munkian]

Wouldn't have expected no Scott Williams and Charteris. Hell
of a story for Sam Cross, that I guess wouldn't have happened without Griffiths' injury? Cuthbert been playing well for Blues, to justify being picked over say Hewitt?

Picking on form for once ?

Possibly lucky with Griffith's injury I guess to be included this early.

I'd have taken Hewitt over Cuthbert but glad we are keeping some Dragon's players tbh

Really glad for Dee and Brown.

[Seagultaf]

Wales reveal squad for 2017 autumn series

Forwards: Nicky Smith, Rob Evans, Wyn Jones; Tomas Francis, Samson Lee, Leon Brown; Kristian Dacey, Ken Owens, Elliot Dee; Jake Ball, Alun Wyn Jones, Seb Davies, Adam Beard, Cory Hill; Justin Tipuric, Sam Cross, Dan Lydiate, Taulupe Faletau, Aaron Shingler, Josh Navidi.

Backs: Gareth Davies, Rhys Webb, Aled Davies; Dan Biggar, Rhys Patchell, Rhys Priestland, Owen Williams; Hadleigh Parkes, Owen Watkin, Jonathan Davies, Tyler Morgan; Alex Cuthbert, Steffan Evans, Hallam Amos; Liam Williams, Leigh Halfpenny.

Francis, Faletau, Priestland, Owen Williams and Liam are all wild cards, that's 5 with only 4 allowed! How does that work?

Also only two 12's picked, Watkins who has only played twice since a serious injury and Parkes who is not currently available to play for Wales, again how will that work?

[munkian]

Wales reveal squad for 2017 autumn series

Forwards: Nicky Smith, Rob Evans, Wyn Jones; Tomas Francis, Samson Lee, Leon Brown; Kristian Dacey, Ken Owens, Elliot Dee; Jake Ball, Alun Wyn Jones, Seb Davies, Adam Beard, Cory Hill; Justin Tipuric, Sam Cross, Dan Lydiate, Taulupe Faletau, Aaron Shingler, Josh Navidi.

Backs: Gareth Davies, Rhys Webb, Aled Davies; Dan Biggar, Rhys Patchell, Rhys Priestland, Owen Williams; Hadleigh Parkes, Owen Watkin, Jonathan Davies, Tyler Morgan; Alex Cuthbert, Steffan Evans, Hallam Amos; Liam Williams, Leigh Halfpenny.

Francis, Faletau, Priestland, Owen Williams and Liam are all wild cards, that's 5 with only 4 allowed! How does that work?

Also only two 12's picked, Watkins who has only played twice since a serious injury and Parkes who is not currently available to play for Wales, again how will that work?

No such thing as wildcards anymore is there ?

Owen Williams can play 12, Parkes qualifies for the SA game

[Luckless Pedestrian]

Wouldn't have expected no Scott Williams and Charteris. Hell
of a story for Sam Cross, that I guess wouldn't have happened without Griffiths' injury? Cuthbert been playing well for Blues, to justify being picked over say Hewitt?

Picking on form for once ?

Possibly lucky with Griffith's injury I guess to be included this early.

I'd have taken Hewitt over Cuthbert but glad we are keeping some Dragon's players tbh

Really glad for Dee and Brown.

Yep, they've started the season well and the selectors have rewarded it.

[LordDowlais]

Too many Dragons players in that squad, not surprising though down to who has picked it.

How do you define this statement? I'm confused by it. Or is it just a case of your crush Baker being injured and you taking it out on Dragons....

He hasn't even specified which Dragon's players shouldn't be there and who should replace them. He just saw Dragons and went full SEN.

Ahem, I think you need to re-read through the posts, then come back and try again.

[munkian]

Wouldn't have expected no Scott Williams and Charteris. Hell
of a story for Sam Cross, that I guess wouldn't have happened without Griffiths' injury? Cuthbert been playing well for Blues, to justify being picked over say Hewitt?

Picking on form for once ?

Possibly lucky with Griffith's injury I guess to be included this early.

I'd have taken Hewitt over Cuthbert but glad we are keeping some Dragon's players tbh

Really glad for Dee and Brown.

Yep, they've started the season well and the selectors have rewarded it.

Picking on form ? GOOD GOD !

[RiscaGame]

It'll never catch on. I did expect Baldwin or somebody over Dee. Going to be interesting for Dragons now, with a few injuries and having to deal with so many call ups.

To be fair to Cement Head, I wanted some form selections sooner, but he is right when he says last season was all about rankings. Doesn't really excuse the Six Nations after the last AIs mind

[LordDowlais]

I am glad that we are finally blooding new players, if there is any time to do this, it has to be the AI's.

Wyn Jones, Elliot Dee, Leon Brown, Cory Hill, Owen Watkin will learn massively from this, my only gripe is that we are using Cuthbert instead of Hewitt or Giles.

I would wager that the wings will be filled with Steff Evans and Liam Williams though.

Also I would have taken Will Boyde over others.

[munkian]

It'll never catch on. I did expect Baldwin or somebody over Dee. Going to be interesting for Dragons now, with a few injuries and having to deal with so many call ups.

To be fair to Cement Head, I wanted some form selections sooner, but he is right when he says last season was all about rankings. Doesn't really excuse the Six Nations after the last AIs mind

I did too, pleasantly surprised though wish he picked Clarteris over Hill to leave us with a few players.

[carpet baboon]

What's happened to Scott Williams? He was the best Welsh back last season. Has he been playing that bad?

[RiscaGame]

Seems like Joe Davies is highly thought of by Jackman. We won't miss him if Dai Landman finds proper form again too. Wonder who will be captain now though.

[munkian]

Seems like Joe Davies is highly thought of by Jackman. We won't miss him if Dai Landman finds proper form again too. Wonder who will be captain now though.

It will have to be someone who is nailed on in their position I guess.

[wayne]

Have to say the really pleasing thing for me, is that the vast majority of that squad will be in the succession list for at least the following WC cycle. With the likes of Hewitt, Giles, Davies (he probably won't go down well with at least one on here), Rhun Williams, Blacker, Morgan Williams, Domachowski, Assirati, Griffiths and probably a number that I've missed all pressing, things are really looking promising for the long term future, as long as injuries allow.

The partnership that really excites me is the centre partnership of Owen Watkin and Tyler Morgan, if the likes of Shaun Edwards can really have a sustained length of time concentrating on the defensive techniques for that pair, it could reap huge dividends. Owen for me is like a young Jamie Roberts BUT with a sidestep, a good passing game and can actually kick deftly, and Tyler as he showed in the Blues game has pace to burn.

[munkian]

Dragons players are only being picked because they are WRU employees now.

This has replaced the 'C word' danglies that keep certain Blues fans up all night.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

I'm pleased to say I haven't seen any of that. I was expecting to see it, but then maybe anyone who's seen the five play will find it hard to say they don't deserve to be there.

[munkian]

I'm pleased to say I haven't seen any of that. I was expecting to  see it, but then maybe anyone who's seen the five play will find it hard to say they don't deserve to be there.

It's probably doing the rounds of various basement flats before going on Twitter.

[mikey_dragon]

On the whole I like the squad and I wasn't far off with my previous selection either. Too bad for some (well one at least) that Patchell is picked ahead of Super Sam Davies..... I expected Scott Williams over Parkes but I didn't know when Parkes would be eligible, plus Williams has been gash since end of last season. I'm really pleased for Dee and Brown yet didn't expect Hill to also be called up. I'm guessing that Seb Davies is also being considered an option at 6 behind Shingler? That said it's a bit risky taking guys like Lydiate as I don't recall him having much game time this season and not being particularly good either; same for Rob Evans who I thought was due a few weeks off through injury?

I've said it a few times before but how does Aled Davies have a career in rugby, and what the hell has gone on behind closed doors to get him selected over Tomos Williams? RP and Donkey-wing are just big steps backward but I like the rest of the backs in the squad. Patchell and Owen Williams are likely to be considered utility backs?

[munkian]

RP is in fantastic form

[mikey_dragon]

RP is in fantastic form

I'm guessing you're a season ticket holder at the Rec? I think him and Cuthbert are just too unreliable, they'll get targeted by the SH players and fold. To me a good day kicking at goal and fluffing a certain try isn't MOTM worthy, unless your name is Jiffy, but as I said that's just me. Ah well time to get behind all the boyo's now.

On a separate and interesting note, is Hamilton permitted to play for Scotland? There's a chance he's tied in via Wales U20s but I don't know for sure.

[munkian]

RP is in fantastic form

I'm guessing you're a season ticket holder at the Rec? I think him and Cuthbert are just too unreliable, they'll get targeted by the SH players and fold. To me a good day kicking at goal and fluffing a certain try isn't MOTM worthy, unless your name is Jiffy, but as I said that's just me. Ah well time to get behind all the boyo's now.

On a separate and interesting note, is Hamilton permitted to play for Scotland? There's a chance he's tied in via Wales U20s but I don't know for sure.

Yes, Im a Dragons fan that lives in Bristol that has a season ticket for Bath...

[mikey_dragon]

"RP is in fantastic form." was a bit of a stab in the dark then...

[munkian]

"RP is in fantastic form." was a bit of a stab in the dark then...

Because I can't watch games of and read about other teams and players ?

[wayne]

On the whole I like the squad and I wasn't far off with my previous selection either. Too bad for some (well one at least) that Patchell is picked ahead of Super Sam Davies..... I expected Scott Williams over Parkes but I didn't know when Parkes would be eligible, plus Williams has been gash since end of last season. I'm really pleased for Dee and Brown yet didn't expect Hill to also be called up. I'm guessing that Seb Davies is also being considered an option at 6 behind Shingler? That said it's a bit risky taking guys like Lydiate as I don't recall him having much game time this season and not being particularly good either; same for Rob Evans who I thought was due a few weeks off through injury?

I've said it a few times before but how does Aled Davies have a career in rugby, and what the hell has gone on behind closed doors to get him selected over Tomos Williams? RP and Donkey-wing are just big steps backward but I like the rest of the backs in the squad. Patchell and Owen Williams are likely to be considered utility backs?

You really are delusional, so out of the 33 you named one was a joint if Harris was qualified, you got 7 yes seven wrong, and you think you were not far out. For your information what happened before Priestland fumbled the ball over the line, was that the ball was passed back to Patchell with about 5 metres clear to the nearest player, that player was Priestland who then strolled up and charged the ball down and Priestland kicked the ball through and has as been said he fumbled the ball. The main error was the time it took Patchell to kick the ball away. I've seen quicker things going into graves than him, I just hope it doesn't come and bite us in the harris if and when he gets selected for Wales.

[mikey_dragon]

"RP is in fantastic form." was a bit of a stab in the dark then...

Because I can't watch games of and read about other teams and players ?

It depends. If you don't read about it from WOL then I'm sure I can give you the benefit of the doubt. As far as I'm concerned he won't contribute positively when he have Patchell and Owen Williams ready to come in.

[mikey_dragon]

On the whole I like the squad and I wasn't far off with my previous selection either. Too bad for some (well one at least) that Patchell is picked ahead of Super Sam Davies..... I expected Scott Williams over Parkes but I didn't know when Parkes would be eligible, plus Williams has been gash since end of last season. I'm really pleased for Dee and Brown yet didn't expect Hill to also be called up. I'm guessing that Seb Davies is also being considered an option at 6 behind Shingler? That said it's a bit risky taking guys like Lydiate as I don't recall him having much game time this season and not being particularly good either; same for Rob Evans who I thought was due a few weeks off through injury?

I've said it a few times before but how does Aled Davies have a career in rugby, and what the hell has gone on behind closed doors to get him selected over Tomos Williams? RP and Donkey-wing are just big steps backward but I like the rest of the backs in the squad. Patchell and Owen Williams are likely to be considered utility backs?

You really are delusional, so out of the 33 you named one was a joint if Harris was qualified, you got 7 yes seven wrong, and you think you were not far out. For your information what happened before Priestland fumbled the ball over the line, was that the ball was passed back to Patchell with about 5 metres clear to the nearest player, that player was Priestland who then strolled up and charged the ball down and Priestland kicked the ball through and has as been said he fumbled the ball. The main error was the time it took Patchell to kick the ball away. I've seen quicker things going into graves than him, I just hope it doesn't come and bite us in the harris if and when he gets selected for Wales.  

Wayne you're a funny guy, pretty short and angry too. I wasn't far out and I was a lot closer than you. Good to see I was right about Patchell over Davies and you were wrong . Yeah so Priestland did fumble it then, I was right about that too. I've commented before and it was well documented, that Patchell was too flaky however his improvement under coach Pivac has been excellent. It seems his weaknesses are being ironed out unlike Sam Davies who is still weak and has gone backwards. The WOL must be scratching their heads thinking about what they can write. Get off this thread with your delusional comments and take them back where they belong (Ospreys 'season' thread).

[wayne]

Angry (with you) don't make me laugh, your not important enough for anybody to get angry with. How would you know that you're closer than me, the only players I've said I would have picked last week sometime was the 3 hookers, I would have been wrong on Cross and would have selected Scott Williams and yes I would have had Sam Davies ahead of the slow coach. That's about it, so no I would have been a lot closer than you. As for ironing out his faults, you cannot iron out lack of speed in thought and deed (you'ld know all about that). As for the delusional quip there has only been one on this topic and it certainly isn't me.

[mikey_dragon]

Well stop being so angry then. Slow coach, really? Patchell is faster than Anscombe who gassed whimpering Davies for a try, don't tell me you've forgot? So delusional Wayne.

[Seagultaf]

Wales reveal squad for 2017 autumn series

Forwards: Nicky Smith, Rob Evans, Wyn Jones; Tomas Francis, Samson Lee, Leon Brown; Kristian Dacey, Ken Owens, Elliot Dee; Jake Ball, Alun Wyn Jones, Seb Davies, Adam Beard, Cory Hill; Justin Tipuric, Sam Cross, Dan Lydiate, Taulupe Faletau, Aaron Shingler, Josh Navidi.

Backs: Gareth Davies, Rhys Webb, Aled Davies; Dan Biggar, Rhys Patchell, Rhys Priestland, Owen Williams; Hadleigh Parkes, Owen Watkin, Jonathan Davies, Tyler Morgan; Alex Cuthbert, Steffan Evans, Hallam Amos; Liam Williams, Leigh Halfpenny.

Francis, Faletau, Priestland, Owen Williams and Liam are all wild cards, that's 5 with only 4 allowed! How does that work?

Also only two 12's picked, Watkins who has only played twice since a serious injury and Parkes who is not currently available to play for Wales, again how will that work?

No such thing as wildcards anymore is there ?

Owen Williams can play 12, Parkes qualifies for the SA game

New rules don't come in until 2018 season start, so yes the 4 wild card rule still applies. Also Owen Williams only plays 12 to fit him in the side as he is a decent goal kicker.

[mikey_dragon]

I thought it had been scrapped too, but I was also sure that Francis, Moriarty and Williams were not considered wildcards?

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