6N 2018: Wales v Scotland, 3 February

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WALES v SCOTLAND
3 February 2018
KO: 14:15 GMT
Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Live on [ITV, RTE, SC4, FR2, DMAX / BBC (H)]

Referee: Pascal Gaüzère (France)
Assistant 1: Romain Poite (France)
Assistant 2: Matthew Carley (England)
TMO: David Grashoff (England)

A. Head to Head

122 Played 122
70 Won 49
3 Drawn 3
49 Lost 70
1,624 Points 1,263

B. Recent Form

9 March 2013
Murrayfield, Edinburgh
18–28 to Wales

15 March 2014
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
51–3 to Wales

15 February 2015
Murrayfield, Edinburgh
23–26 to Wales

13 February 2016
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
27–23 to Wales

25 February 2017
Murrayfield, Edinburgh
29–13 to Scotland

C. Teams

WALES 

Leigh Halfpenny (Scarlets); Josh Adams (Worcester), Scott Williams (Scarlets), Hadleigh Parkes (Scarlets), Steff Evans (Scarlets); Rhys Patchell (Scarlets), Gareth Davies (Scarlets); Rob Evans (Scarlets), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Cory Hill (Dragons), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys, capt), Aaron Shingler (Scarlets), Josh Navidi (Cardiff Blues), Ross Moriarty (Gloucester).

Replacements: Elliot Dee (Dragons), Wyn Jones (Scarlets), Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs), Bradley Davies (Ospreys), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Aled Davies (Scarlets), Gareth Anscombe (Cardiff Blues), Owen Watkin (Ospreys).

SCOTLAND

Stuart Hogg (Glasgow Warriors); Tommy Seymour (Glasgow Warriors), Chris Harris (Newcastle Falcons), Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors), Byron McGuigan (Sale Sharks); Finn Russell (Glasgow Warriors), Ali Price (Glasgow Warriors); Gordon Reid (London Irish), Stuart McInally (Edinburgh), Jon Welsh (Newcastle Falcons), Ben Toolis (Edinburgh), Jonny Gray, John Barclay (Scarlets, captain), Hamish Watson (Edinburgh), Cornell du Preez (Edinburgh).

Replacements: Scott Lawson (Newcastle Falcons), Jamie Bhatti (Glasgow Warriors), Murray McCallum (Edinburgh), Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh), Ryan Wilson (Glasgow Warriors), Greig Laidlaw (Clermont Auvergne), Pete Horne (Glasgow Warriors), Sean Maitland (Saracens).

The Oracle wrote:

SecretFly wrote:'Reading the forum for a long time' isn't the same as being a member with a name/title.  If you 'left' something, it suggests you were a member.  

Were you a member?  Don't worry about answering that if you don't feel inclined to.  There is lots of shyness in 606 lately.

Happy to answer. I left. The account was deleted. I was not banned. But I cannot/could not (as far as I know) choose the previous name. I took a long break.

Welcome back Griff.

I've read that Josh Adams has featured at full back a few times for Wuss, and was pretty good there. It seems he may be equally comfortable at wing and full-back. If he's any good for Wales then great as we've been crying out for more 'back 3' players. In the near future we could have guys like Adams, Amos, Williams and Halfpenny competing for one or two spots on the team. Sadly I do believe Halfpenny is close to being phased out. He's a great player but hasn't shown any improvement in his attacking play, and now we have some more 'attack-minded' players emerging.

So is Adams returning to Wales? It's been rumoured. He could nail down a spot quite easily at Blues or Ospreys, they're in more need of back 3 player than the other two regions, assuming North returns to Scarlets.

SecretFly wrote:The funny thing about Forums is that some people get the impression they are in their 'Local'.  They are just down their local street, in their cosy local pub, talking to people they might have gone to school with or worked with.  Pardon my directness, but that is a silly concept of what this net space is- thus why everyone gets so mad and can't take it no more when people disagree with them, even mildly!!

The truth is we're all talking to people we'd never dream of talking with in that local real-time setting if they entered the pub as strangers.  

We might talk with them if they looked the kind of people we'd talk to; but it's a big world and when we talk online we're talking to all kinds of people from all the roughest ghettos to the biggest mansions, we're talking to people from the darkest dingiest streets or tree lined avenues.  We're talking to bankers and waiters and cheats and scum, to philanthropists and psychopaths, to warm, gentle and good people and to clouded and vicious people, we're talking to alcoholics and teetotallers, we're talking to happy people and morbidly depressed people, we're talking to bible thumpers and atheists, we're talking to ugly people and beautiful people.........

..........we're talking to the world, and yet we have this strange, strange notion that they should all somehow think, look and act just like us - and we get deeply offended when they don't.
Forums are false communities.  Don't take them so seriously, people.

Now who the F**K! said we were the most arrogant People in Northern Europe???!!!  

Not really fair to refer to Jimbo and FES twice in the one post.

Other thoughts from a soapdodger perspective:

- What a show of faith in CDP. This has to be the season where he steps up and makes the position his own. He was good against the All Blacks and we know he is a force of nature - he just needs to be in beast mode all the time. Looking forward to monitoring him. If Strauss is out of favour, this was the only choice. Wilson is not ready, Denton is not a test class player and Derek Whyte isn't answering his phone.

- I like that Toonie has kept McGuigan. He was excellent against the Wallabies, so why shouldn't he keep his place. Toonie obviously sees something in him and I have no issue with seeing how he goes.

- The strategy is clear - start the experienced front row and see how long they last. In every other position, the old hands are there to steady the ship. I have no problem with that strategy. Gilchrist and Lawson are much better as 'in case of emergency, break glass' replacements. The first because he's useless and the latter because he is older than Moses. Thank heavens McInally is one of the fittest in the squad.

Looking forward to it. I am too old to engage in all of the sledging nonsense in this thread. Home advantage matters in this tournament - we have seen it time and time again and it doesn't make that much sense to deny it. That gives Wales the edge for me. Both teams will be unsettled with new people in a couple of areas. That said, recent form cannot be ignored either although some people here are trying to. Scarlets have been sensational this year and so have Glasgow.

Most importantly for neutrals or people like my wife that pretend to be interested in the sport but really aren't - it promises to offer some of the most attractive rugby in the whole competition.

Despite us playing well, I can't help feeling that we'll see a repeat of 2007 against Italy when he game was out of reach after the first 10 minutes and we'll be chasing our tails for the rest of the game.

Happy to be proved wrong though.

Great article by Barclay, rightly showing the Welsh the respect they deserve.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/42882958

Tattie wrote:Great article by Barclay, rightly showing the Welsh the respect they deserve.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/42882958

That guy is awesome. So glad we have a captain like that.

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:

Tattie Scones RRN wrote:Great article by Barclay, rightly showing the Welsh the respect they deserve.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/42882958

That guy is awesome. So glad we have a captain like that.

He'll be a huge loss to the Scarlets, always admired him there.

NeilyBroon wrote:

beshocked wrote:Scotland's scalps have been mostly at home bar Australia.

If this was at Murrayfield I'd be backing Scotland.

I backed Scotland to win last year when many didn't think they'd win, backing Wales this year when many think they are the underdogs.

Home advantage helps most teams.

Last year in the 6 nations the only team who won a match away which wasn't vs Italy was England - this decided the competition and only just.


ruggerradge home advantage was a big factor last season if you discount Italy.

It's been forgotten that France beat both Scotland and Wales at Stade de France. I wouldn't underestimate any team bar perhaps Italy at home.

^This

I don't think it very likely Scotland will pull off a shock (it rightly would be a shock) as Wales tend to be better on home advantage and step up 6Ns time.

On the flipside if Scotland win, then we'll be competing for a title and my tenner on 16/1 odds 6 months ago will be justified.

We've said this many times but Scotland's away record is atrocious in the 6Ns. If we win this then the new dawn that has been happening for the last 3/4 seasons may actually come to fruition but it is another big step up for these guys. Not saying it's impossible but I'd say the scales are very much tipped in Wales' favour, especially with a relatively inexperienced centre pairing.  

Exactly but Scottish fans should be very pleased with Scottish rugby's progress - the attacking mentality spearheaded by Hogg makes Scotland a much more entertaining to watch - both for Scots and neutrals. Opposition teams are much more wary of Scotland than in the past.

I know it seems like I've being overly negative about Scotland - pointing about the defence and away record but there are more difficult things to fix than these!

Belief is something a team can continue to grow in victories and last season showed a confident Scotland.

I agree - if Scotland win, then Scotland become a serious title contender because winning your away games is generally one of the deciding factors.

Having a good coach makes a lot of difference and Scotland did well to have Cotter in charge before Townsend.


In contrast I feel Wales could do with a rehaul in coaching staff with perhaps only keeping Shaun Edwards.

George Carlin wrote:Other thoughts from a soapdodger perspective:

- What a show of faith in CDP. This has to be the season where he steps up and makes the position his own. He was good against the All Blacks and we know he is a force of nature - he just needs to be in beast mode all the time. Looking forward to monitoring him. If Strauss is out of favour, this was the only choice. Wilson is not ready, Denton is not a test class player and Derek Whyte isn't answering his phone.

- I like that Toonie has kept McGuigan. He was excellent against the Wallabies, so why shouldn't he keep his place. Toonie obviously sees something in him and I have no issue with seeing how he goes.

- The strategy is clear - start the experienced front row and see how long they last. In every other position, the old hands are there to steady the ship. I have no problem with that strategy. Gilchrist and Lawson are much better as 'in case of emergency, break glass' replacements. The first because he's useless and the latter because he is older than Moses. Thank heavens McInally is one of the fittest in the squad.

Looking forward to it. I am too old to engage in all of the sledging nonsense in this thread. Home advantage matters in this tournament - we have seen it time and time again and it doesn't make that much sense to deny it. That gives Wales the edge for me. Both teams will be unsettled with new people in a couple of areas. That said, recent form cannot be ignored either although some people here are trying to. Scarlets have been sensational this year and so have Glasgow.

Most importantly for neutrals or people like my wife that pretend to be interested in the sport but really aren't - it promises to offer some of the most attractive rugby in the whole competition.

Totally disagree with this.

I think good is a stretch for Du Preez against New Zealand and haven't seen his beast mode recently.

You have a real issue with Denton, why?  Granted his hands aren't great but he's still a good player, imo he was one of our best players during the RWC15.

Agree with your two other points, McGuigan deserves another game and there's good experience on the bench.

That Barclay article is a great read.

Barclay writes really well (appreciating it goes through Tom English first) and comes across as a well rounded, good bloke. He doesn't just give you the usual media trained drivel, the John Welsh story being a prime example!

ReallyBored - my issue with Denton is that I just don't think it's enough to be a power player at test level any more. I want more. Say whatever you want about Ryan Wilson but he is a quintessential loose forward and link man with very good hands. Denton is just a big strong guy, but that's all he offers.

His body position in contact is not good and he got turned over too much for a man of his size whenever I've seen him play. His hands are awful and do not seem to have improved. I watched him in the Jeff quite a lot over the past year and I am always left expecting more. He is 27 now and should be in his prime but I am never all that excited and felt that he may have peaked (fairly or unfairly). CDP started off as a monster who then looked like couldn't be arsed lacing his boots up. He now has a short window to prove that he is test standard and I think that he could really offer something to the national team.

If he isn't doing that, then he isn't worth his place. I still think that Strauss should be our no 8 but I understand that I'm in the minority with this.

The 16th man/woman/gender neutral will play its part in the Principality Stadium.

One thing I'm not looking forward to is the director going to shots of the crowd during the anthems / when a try's scored / every five minutes. They don't do it at other grounds, but for some reason they think the viewing public wants to see some random drunk woman in a daffodil hat gawping at herself on the big screen than the rugby match they tuned in to see. They'd probably say it 'adds colour.'

Lol, to be fair England games have it too, Lovely collection of Barbour/tweed jackets on show as normal.

Agree, it's fine in France where the women are attractive, but Wales...

Do they show the crowd as often at the other grounds though? I'm not sure they do. Certainly not during the anthems.

They do it in Aus and SA too, honing in on the pretty girls/WAGs in rugby tops 4 sizes too small for them, enjoying the blazing sun.

Aye that annoys me too.

I'd forgotten we have that to look forward to.

The Oracle wrote:They do it in Aus and SA too, honing in on the pretty girls/WAGs in rugby tops 4 sizes too small for them, enjoying the blazing sun.

And then there's this bloke...

is that stapled to his gut?

Ah I think you're being a bit tough there, Luckless. Yes, I'd agree that going to the crowd at the wrong times when you'd prefer look at how players are perhaps reacting to an incident that might have stopped play for a bit - that can annoy me. But if there are a few moments when nothing is happening and there is no controversy in the stall of play.... then I don't see why not show some people in the crowds.
I like to see kids enjoying the day and some of them will enjoy looking back at a 'special' game and seeing their younger selves there. It's part of the magic, it's a spectator sport and the crowd DO play their part in these memorable days.

RDW_Scotland wrote:

The Oracle wrote:They do it in Aus and SA too, honing in on the pretty girls/WAGs in rugby tops 4 sizes too small for them, enjoying the blazing sun.

And then there's this bloke...

Yeah well...........some fans need to be committed.................. but that's a whole other topic!

SecretFly wrote:Ah I think you're being a bit tough there, Luckless.  Yes, I'd agree that going to the crowd at the wrong times when you'd prefer look at how players are perhaps reacting to an incident that might have stopped play for a bit - that can annoy me.  But if there are a few moments when nothing is happening and there is no controversy in the stall of play.... then I don't see why not show some people in the crowds.  
I like to see kids enjoying the day and some of them will enjoy looking back at a 'special' game and seeing their younger selves there.  It's part of the magic, it's a spectator sport and the crowd DO play their part in these memorable days.

If nothing's happening, then maybe, Fly. But only if nothing's happening!

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:If nothing's happening, then maybe, Fly. But only if nothing's happening!

So during Welsh phase play?

It is international sport, after all. It's meant to be a big day out and something a bit special. Plenty of crowd action picked up on cameras in football internationals too. I guess it attracts a slightly different crowd that get caught up in the national fervor. Non-die hards, if you will. And I think that's great. I've always disliked the criticism that international games are full of people who aren't die-hards and don't go to club games week in week out. I've got no problem with that, as long as they're watching and enjoying the game (the corporates and p*ss heads who just chat schidt and watch 0 minutes of the game should be banned though ). I think it's great when you see an old lady, someone's grandmother in her 80s, belting out the songs at an international game. You know she probably doesn't watch Aberf*ckknows 3rds vs Pontypandy seniors on a wet Friday night in December, but it's international and it's her country so she's more than welcome to be there. Go grandma!

Call me old fashioned, but if they're showing a match on TV I want to see the match, not the spectators.

George Carlin wrote:ReallyBored - my issue with Denton is that I just don't think it's enough to be a power player at test level any more. I want more. Say whatever you want about Ryan Wilson but he is a quintessential loose forward and link man with very good hands. Denton is just a big strong guy, but that's all he offers.

His body position in contact is not good and he got turned over too much for a man of his size whenever I've seen him play. His hands are awful and do not seem to have improved. I watched him in the Jeff quite a lot over the past year and I am always left expecting more. He is 27 now and should be in his prime but I am never all that excited and felt that he may have peaked (fairly or unfairly). CDP started off as a monster who then looked like couldn't be arsed lacing his boots up. He now has a short window to prove that he is test standard and I think that he could really offer something to the national team.

If he isn't doing that, then he isn't worth his place. I still think that Strauss should be our no 8 but I understand that I'm in the minority with this.

My main issue with Denton, is that in interviews he always states that he is in the team to provide power and ball carrying ability...which is undoubtedly true. However, he seems to have pigeon-holed himself as this one-dimensional player, and doesn't even seem to entertain the concept that he might have to try and develop other areas of his game. This is backed up by the fact that his hands are absolutely woeful, he can barely pass and catch the ball...and that isn't much of an exaggeration. He has been a pro-player for something approaching a decade now, he hasn't shown that he is willing to put in the time to improve the areas in which he lacks.

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:Call me old fashioned, but if they're showing a match on TV I want to see the match, not the spectators.

I know what you mean, but the crowd are an integral part of the match (like it or not). The noise that drives the players on, the people that make the 16th man, the people that give the home advantage or put pressure on the full back hoping to catch the Garryowen. It would be silly to pretend they're not there! But I agree they should only be filmed at certain quiet times. I'd prefer they filmed the crowd than get to see Adam Jones replacing his ripped y-fronts, for example

We'll have to differ on that last bit

George Carlin wrote:ReallyBored - my issue with Denton is that I just don't think it's enough to be a power player at test level any more. I want more. Say whatever you want about Ryan Wilson but he is a quintessential loose forward and link man with very good hands. Denton is just a big strong guy, but that's all he offers.

His body position in contact is not good and he got turned over too much for a man of his size whenever I've seen him play. His hands are awful and do not seem to have improved. I watched him in the Jeff quite a lot over the past year and I am always left expecting more. He is 27 now and should be in his prime but I am never all that excited and felt that he may have peaked (fairly or unfairly). CDP started off as a monster who then looked like couldn't be arsed lacing his boots up. He now has a short window to prove that he is test standard and I think that he could really offer something to the national team.

If he isn't doing that, then he isn't worth his place. I still think that Strauss should be our no 8 but I understand that I'm in the minority with this.

I think you're selling him short there, he was very effective at the breakdown during the RWC and seemed to be working far harder in defence.

The frustration is that it looked like he was going to kick on after the RWC but ended up getting poached by Bath, found himself behind Faletau and got himself injured.

Sometimes you need a blunt instrument.

I'd love to have seen Adam Ashe in the squad.

Bloody roof is open, mun !

munkian wrote:Bloody roof is open, mun !

Whats the weather to be? If it's bad I'd wager that will play into Wales' hands.

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:

munkian wrote:Bloody roof is open, mun !

Whats the weather to be? If it's bad I'd wager that will play into Wales' hands.

Showers

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/forecast/gcjszmp44#?date=2018-02-01

Scotland requested it to be open, which I find to be a bit strange. Guess it must be a dry day forecast?

RiscaGame wrote:Scotland requested it to be open, which I find to be a bit strange. Guess it must be a dry day forecast?

Very probably showers

Although I'm just reading on Simon Thomas' twitter that Scotland wanted to wait till later in the week to decide, when there was a weather forecast nearer to the day (they want dry conditions as I thought) and Wales have taken the decision because of what they "decided Tuesday".

What an unnecessary mess again.

munkian wrote:

RiscaGame wrote:Scotland requested it to be open, which I find to be a bit strange. Guess it must be a dry day forecast?

Very probably showers

Interesting. I can't see them wanting it open then.

One spare ticket going for face value gents (£82.50).

PM if interested.

Although Scotland have now come out and said they've made no such request...

MINDGAMES

RiscaGame wrote:Although I'm just reading on Simon Thomas' twitter that Scotland wanted to wait till later in the week to decide, when there was a weather forecast nearer to the day (they want dry conditions as I thought) and Wales have taken the decision because of what they "decided Tuesday".

What an unnecessary mess again.

have we got a source for this shambles?

Outdoor game. Roof open unless it will make it unplayable imo.

Scottrf wrote:Outdoor game. Roof open unless it will make it unplayable imo.

Ditto and those watching in the front seats best wear waterproof pants too I guess.

funnyExiledScot wrote:

George Carlin wrote:Whew - the 6 Nations eh? Calm down everyone.

This is a real Toonie selection. I don't remember a situation before where a player was starting for Scotland and I had literally never seen them play club rugby. Having just seen the end of a horrendous era where Graeme Morrison and Nick De Luca were the apex of the jock midfield alchemy, I am delighted to see yet another centre deemed test class. Well done Chris Harris. Will be very keen to see how he gets on and I presume that he will get at least the first half.

I'm in the same boat, having never seen Harris play (I had in fact forgotten about him being an option). Still, I wasn't confident about Peter Horne starting at 12 (the mere thought of Scott Gibbs and Jamie Roberts running at him could knock him over, let alone Hadleigh Parkes) so I'm pleased we have another option.

I'm pretty nervous about this one. It's the hope that kills you. Shingler and Navidi have been horribly good recently, and Gareth Davies will relish a fast and open game. Gatland seems to have picked a bit more on form - where's Tom James and Alex Cuthbert when you need them??

Still, Toonie seems to have made some tough calls along sensible lines. Wilson was never going to be ready to start, and the thought of Dentons hands ruining out fast and loose game plan was a concern. Du Preez may well be a lazy player, but his handling skills are top class. I'm also pleased with Toolis over Gilchrist. Jim Hamilton was saying we need Gilchrist in there for his "farmer strength" in the tight, but Toolis is an extremely consistent performer and it would have been really tough on him to lose out to a player who has yet to match his club form.

I think it'll be a great game, but I actually think Wales will edge it. I'd feel differently if we were at home (or if we had a fit Nel and Dickinson). Cardiff is not a happy hunting ground for us.

No malice intended I'm sure, but unfortunately the former is absent with mental health difficulties.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/42886625

Whatever his merit as a player - and he's been playing well since returning to Cardiff, the stint in England definitely helps (something Cuthbert perhaps should have done 3 years ago) - it does put things into perspective.

I think its a commendable and very brave thing to go public over. Hopefully a bit step in the right direction towards professional sports people getting the support they need not just for their physical well-being but also the mental health side too

Tattie Scones RRN wrote:One spare ticket going for face value gents (£82.50)

I am a bit skint at the moment anyway as get the keys for my new flat tomorrow so will pass on the offer......but crikey how much money do the WRU actually need?

Wales is predominately a working class country yet they seem to be almost trying to price people out (or maybe not if the stadium is full I guess)

They say football is expensive yet I paid £25 for my Cardiff City v Man City ticket

Steffan wrote:

Tattie Scones RRN wrote:One spare ticket going for face value gents (£82.50)

I am a bit skint at the moment anyway as get the keys for my new flat tomorrow so will pass on the offer......but crikey how much money do the WRU actually need?

Wales is predominately a working class country yet they seem to be almost trying to price people out (or maybe not if the stadium is full I guess)

They say football is expensive yet I paid £25 for my Cardiff City v Man City ticket

Don't think that price is any different from other 6 Nations venues/unions is it?

England is similar. It's just that football is for poor people.