Wales RWC 2019 thread Number II

[maestegmafia]

First topic message reminder :

WALES’ 2019 RWC SQUAD:

Forwards: Jake Ball, Adam Beard, Rhys Carre, James Davies, Elliot Dee, Ryan Elias, Tomas Francis, Cory Hill, Alun Wyn Jones, Wyn Jones, Dillon Lewis, Ross Moriarty, Josh Navidi, Ken Owens, Aaron Shingler, Nicky Smith, Justin Tipuric, Aaron Wainwright.

Backs: Josh Adams, Hallam Amos, Dan Biggar, Aled Davies, Gareth Davies, Jonathan Davies, Leigh Halfpenny, George North, Hadleigh Parkes, Rhys Patchell, Owen Watkin, Liam Williams, Tomos Williams.

Pool D

AUSTRALIA, WALES, GEORGIA, FIJI, URUGUAY

Match 1

Australia vs Fiji... Sapporo Dome... Saturday, September 21... 5.45am BST... (ITV)

Match 2

Wales vs Georgia... City of Toyota Stadium... Monday, September 23... 11.15am BST... (ITV)

Match 3

Fiji vs Uruguay... Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium... Wednesday, September 25... 6.15am BST... (ITV 4)

Match 4

Georgia vs Uruguay... Kumagaya Rugby Stadium... Sunday, September 29... 6.15am BST... (ITV)

Match 5

Australia vs Wales... Tokyo Stadium... Sunday, September 29... 8.45am BST... (ITV)

Match 6

Georgia vs Fiji... Hanazono Rugby Stadium... Thursday, October 3... 6.15am BST... (ITV 4)

Match 7

Australia vs Uruguay... Oita Stadium... Saturday, October 5... 6.15am BST... (ITV)

Match 8

Wales vs Fiji... Oita Stadium... Wednesday, October 9... 10.45am BST... (ITV)

Match 9

Australia vs Georgia... Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa... Friday, October 11... 11.15am BST... (ITV 4)

Match 10

Wales vs Uruguay... Kumamoto Stadium... Sunday, October 13... 9.15am BST... (ITV)

[Taylorman]

Privacy has already doubled the NZ numbers with his first side, sign of things to come I guess. That’s another problem with kiwis taking overseas roles. Theyre looking for their own to make the numbers up. Quite a brazen move as a first up selection, though not unexpected.

Are there any more?

[Guest]

5/10 for the troll. Must do better.

[Taylorman]

Facts are facts. NZs Wales numbers just doubled. Now Rennies in Oz, at least Ireland are capable of fronting with their own coach. Good to see the product line is still churning. Quite brazen from Pivac, puts them both in first pop, first week. Says a lot.

[Guest]

Ireland are fronting with their own coach? I’m sorry?! What??? Surely you don’t mean Andy Farrell?

[Guest]

Facts are facts. NZs Wales numbers just doubled. Now Rennies in Oz, at least Ireland are capable of fronting with their own coach. Good to see the product line is still churning. Quite brazen from Pivac, puts them both in first pop, first week. Says a lot.

...said the keyboard warrior.

[Taylorman]

Ireland are fronting with their own coach? I’m sorry?! What???  Surely you don’t mean Andy Farrell?

Yeah true he's been there long enough he may as well be irish, a bit like Schmidt...(theyre still employing from within is what I meant)...

[Guest]

Don't feed the troll. This is the Wales thread. Best to keep it that way rather than have pointless "debates"/attention-grabs about Ireland or NZ or whatever.

[Guest]

Noises being made that Haloholo is unlikely to be involved next week. Scott Williams apparently in line for a recall in the 6 Nations if he meets the 'work ons' Pivac wants from him.

[Guest]

Good to see some of the more recent players back in the set up. Like what Pivac's doing with Nugget and Warburton. It's potentially a job for life.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/50515966

[majesticimperialman]

How much of a difference will Martin Williams make to the Welsh squad? 

It will be interesting to see what influence Sam Warburton, Martin Williams and Stephen Jones as on the squad come the 6ns......ex players come coaches/managers/directors etc etc. 

I have said before do good player/s make good coaches/managers/directors.... I guess only time will tell. the next  4 years. will tell it's own story.i suppose.

[Guest]

Not sure that Nugget’s role can really be compared to that of Stephen Jones or Sam Warburton. The team manager role is logistical mostly I think, rather than coaching. Like a glorified kit man, although I’m sure I’m doing it a disservice putting it that way! I doubt he’ll on on a field with a tracksuit on running drills.

[Guest]

Not Stephen Jones, no. But it's not far off Warburton's. Sam will be doing technical stuff, yes, but it's also a culture thing as well.

[majesticimperialman]

Why are the welsh side's so bad in europe?  

Ospreys looked well and truly out of their death to day.

And how can the Welsh international  side look so strong when the regions look so bad?

[RiscaGame]

Why are the welsh side's so bad in europe?  

Ospreys looked well and truly out of their death to day.

And how can the Welsh international  side look so strong when the regions look so bad?

Ospreys look out of their depth v a side breaking a “salary cap” shocker.

English teams have their players back predominantly. Welsh don’t. Need I go on Maj? Pretty basic.

[RiscaGame]

Sorry, not depth, I meant death.

[mikey_dragon]

Poor coaches and foundations among a small playing pool and poorer part of the country (UK), I guess we're seeing the fruition of that. This isn't new; it has been this way for the majority of the pro era.

[Guest]

Why are the welsh side's so bad in europe?  

Ospreys looked well and truly out of their death to day.

And how can the Welsh international  side look so strong when the regions look so bad?

Blues not having the best season and some tactical naivety prevented a win, then a draw. By far the better team but appear to be lacking leaders that would hammer that home. T

Dragons won comfortably out in Asia...

Scarlets ought to have beaten Toulon with 14 men in Toulon if it weren't for some home refereeing in the final 5 minutes of normal time. Beat London Irish the week before.

Ospreys are a shambles and missing all their proper players.

Think the reasons why Wales are good where the regions poor has been done to death and common knowledge by now.

[LondonTiger]

AWJ nominated for BBC SPOTY

[Guest]

Fluff award. Won't win it. It'll almost certainly be Ben Stokes. AWJ would need the RWC in his hands and I think I can speak for literally everyone on 606 when I say we all wish that happened as well...

[Taylorman]

Cool, another NZ award. Wont be for yesterday’s result I guess though. And I think I can confidently say you speak for zero people on this site.

[majesticimperialman]

Cool, another NZ award. Wont be for yesterday’s result I guess though. And I think I can confidently say you speak for zero people on this site.

You certainly can say that, he does speak for zero people on this site.

[Guest]

Lol.

2 in 1, ma! They're hungry tonight, gee whiz!

https://images.app.goo.gl/wV6rjQsz2Y78WqU26

[Taylorman]

Cool, another NZ award. Wont be for yesterday’s result I guess though. And I think I can confidently say you speak for zero people on this site.

You certainly can say that, he does speak for zero people on this site.

In yesterday’s game though I do hope that supposed fan that taunted Archer is quickly identified and if is employed gets sacked. If they manage to do that it would be a good deterrent for others thinking the same. Another advantage of CCTV I guess. Apparently took to Instagram as well so a right bundle of joy.

[Guest]

Sorry but that has literally zero relevance to this thread.

[Taylorman]

So?, you're irrelevant, doesnt stop you posting.

Stokes, your ma? All to do with this article?. Mirror, pal, look.

[Guest]

reported

[Guest]

Great news

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/50553015

[LondonTiger]

Not for Haloholo

[RiscaGame]

Think the team is announced today?

Should be interesting. I don't think Williams will feature at all, although at least he has a shot now and can hopefully impress in training for Six Nations selection.

[mikey_dragon]

Not for Haloholo

Not for Wales either.

[LondonTiger]

Not for Haloholo

Not for Wales either.

TBH not seen much of Scott Williams in recent years. He feels like a player who perhaps has never quite delivered on the initial promise.

[mikey_dragon]

Not for Haloholo

Not for Wales either.

TBH not seen much of Scott Williams in recent years. He feels like a player who perhaps has never quite delivered on the initial promise.

I would agree. Outside of the locks no Osprey should make the team, I guess this is a training run though so whatever.... but also for that reason we could have brought in a different centre.

[Gooseberry]

Not for Haloholo

Not for Wales either.

Its good news that they are training for this important fixture. They'll need it,

[Guest]

Think you need some training, Goose.

Clarke's gone for the Ospreys. About time, let's be honest.

[mikey_dragon]

Wales Men v Barbarians (Saturday 30 November, Principality Stadium, 14.45am):
1. Wyn Jones
2. Ken Owens
3. Dillon Lewis
4. Jake Ball
5. Adam Beard
6. Aaron Shingler
7. Justin Tipuric (c)
8. Aaron Wainwright
9. Tomos Williams
10. Jarrod Evans
11. Josh Adams
12. Hadleigh Parkes
13. Owen Watkin
14. Johnny McNicholl
15. Leigh Halfpenny
Replacements:
16. Elliot Dee
17. Rob Evans
18. Leon Brown
19. Seb Davies
20. Ollie Griffiths
21. Gareth Davies
22. Sam Davies
23. Owen Lane​

[Guest]

Oh god. Just wait for the outpouring of hate on here!

[RiscaGame]

Different to what i expected. Probably would’ve started Davies, but I guess Evans was next in line.

Hopefully we get Basham released.

[chris_501]

Oh god.  Just wait for the outpouring of hate on here!

With the McNicholl selection? I have to say that I would prefer that he hadn't been selected in the squad, but we are where we are. I do feel like it would have been a better option to select Lane as a starter however, with JMc benching.

Other than that it looks like a good team, interesting that Tomos Williams is selected ahead of Gareth Davies. I'm really hopeful that Seb Davies can turn out some strong performances over the next few years to really add to our 2nd row depth.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

Oh god.  Just wait for the outpouring of hate on here!

Which selection in particular?

[Gooseberry]

Oh god.  Just wait for the outpouring of hate on here!

Which selection in particular?

Or was he talking about Miaows next post?

[Guest]

Oh god.  Just wait for the outpouring of hate on here!

Which selection in particular?

]


Sorry, meant broadly....... anyone that certain people do not like! It usually ends up as 'he's rubbish because he plays for x', or 'he's rubbish because his team is not in a certain competition'.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

I think this is quite exciting. New era and all that. First time any of these players, even the old heads*, have had anyone other than Gatland (or Howley) in charge of the Wales camp. Must be strange.

* I know Alun Wyn was a Test player under Gareth Jenkins, but I don't think anyone else was of the current lot.

[mikey_dragon]

The 6N squad might see a few arguments. Especially if Pivac shows his Scarlet side and selects Stef Evans, James Davies, and Aled Davies; there are much better players available than all 3.

[chris_501]

The 6N squad might see a few arguments. Especially if Pivac shows his Scarlet side and selects Stef Evans, James Davies, and Aled Davies; there are much better players available than all 3.

He's had the option for this match to select all 3 hasn't he? He's not shown that bias so far, I'd like to think that all players will start with a clean slate and from here form will play a big part. How much the performances against this Barbarian team play a part for the 6N I'm not sure!

[mikey_dragon]

The 6N squad might see a few arguments. Especially if Pivac shows his Scarlet side and selects Stef Evans, James Davies, and Aled Davies; there are much better players available than all 3.

He's had the option for this match to select all 3 hasn't he? He's not shown that bias so far, I'd like to think that all players will start with a clean slate and from here form will play a big part. How much the performances against this Barbarian team play a part for the 6N I'm not sure!

They were in the squad but saying that, Pivac formed an extended training squad anyway. Even Turnbull was involved so I guess he was trying to suss it out. Going forward though he should know that there better available than the three I mentioned. Also going forward, I'm hoping we have a few guys return from injury in time for the 6N, and he can select some England-based players. I'm not sure on the exact rule, but I would like for WillGriff John to be capped if possible. I'd also like to see Roberts and Faletau come back in.

[RiscaGame]

Having thought about it and knowing we do get Basham back, I feel for Hewitt. Steff Evans and Owen Lane too. Why not one of them on the wing, or more than one and McNicholl at 15, if needs must? Really not gaining anything by playing 1/2P in this. Probably same for Adams.

[mikey_dragon]

There would have been a bit more experimentation if I had it my way, but I think Pivac sees it as a pre-cursor to the 6N, putting in the foundations, etc.

I wonder if Lewis is part of his plan going forward, and Lee isn't.

[chris_501]

There would have been a bit more experimentation if I had it my way, but I think Pivac sees it as a pre-cursor to the 6N, putting in the foundations, etc.

I wonder if Lewis is part of his plan going forward, and Lee isn't.

I think had this been a match v Baa Baas with any other coach in charge of them, he may have rested his tried and tested. However, imagine the headlines should he lose his first match in charge against Gatland, so picking his potentially strongest squad is a smart idea. I do agree with you Mikey that it gives him an opportunity to get up to speed with players likely to be key in the 6N.

[RiscaGame]

I kind of see what Pivac is saying about the 6 Nations, but I don't know what this game will teach him. They're defending against a team without structure, which they won't be in the 6 Nations and they're attacking an unorganised defence.

He doesn't have a bad start to the tournament either. I would definitely have had at least 3/4 newer players in. Something like this.

1. Wyn Jones
2. Ryan Elias/Elliot Dee
3. Dillon Lewis
4. Seb Davies
5. Adam Beard
6. Aaron Shingler
7. Justin Tipuric (c)
8. Ollie Griffiths
9. Tomos Williams
10. Jarrod Evans
11. Ashton Hewitt
12. Scott Williams
13. Owen Watkin
14. Owen Lane
15. Johnny McNicholl

This way he still gets to see Tipuric as captain, players like Owens, Wainwright, Ball and Parkes who had a heavy workload, get a rest and he gets to see certain players who he wouldn't be able to blood until next Autumn otherwise (probably).

[mikey_dragon]

I'd definitely try McNicholl at full-back, even if his defence is a little bit concerning he still does a bit more than Halfpenny. I don't think Jordan Williams would have been far off either. Still think Watkin should play in his natural position (12) and we should find another 13. I just remembered we'll be without Francis for a while, so we should definitely look at John at TH, he can scrum a lot better than Lewis - an area which Brown seems to have improved in.

On another note if a bit more regional movement is to take place then some like Elias might benefit from joining Cardiff, he'd be first choice there.

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