Re: WALES INTERNATIONAL: GAMES, SQUADS, TOURNAMENTS, CHAT - SUMMER TOUR & SEASON 2022/23

by Guest Tue 12 Jul 2022, 10:39 am

First topic message reminder :

Here it is:

Springbok team to face Wales in Cape Town:
15 – Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers) – 17 caps, 12 pts (1t, 2c, 1p)
14 – Cheslin Kolbe (Toulon) – 19 caps 18pts, 50pts (10t)
13 – Lukhanyo Am (Cell C Sharks) – 27 caps, 25 pts (5t)
12 – Damian de Allende (Wild Knights) – 59 caps, 35 pts (7t)
11 – Makazole Mapimpi (Cell C Sharks) – 26 caps, 100 pts (20t)
10 – Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers) – 61 caps, 613 pts (6t, 83c, 131p, 4d)
9 – Jaden Hendrikse (Cell C Sharks) – 3 caps, 5 pts (1t)
8 – Jasper Wiese (Leicester Tigers) – 12 caps, 0 pts
7 – Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz) – 59 caps, 25 pts (5t)
6 – Siya Kolisi (captain, Cell C Sharks) – 64 caps, 30 pts (6t)
5 – Lood de Jager (Wild Knights) – 57 caps, 25 pts (5t)
4 – Eben Etzebeth (Cell C Sharks) – 99 caps, 15 pts (3t)
3 – Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers) – 47 caps, 5pts (1t)
2 – Bongi Mbonambi (Cell C Sharks) – 49 caps, 50 pts (10t)
1 – Trevor Nyakane (Racing 92) – 55 caps, 5pts (1t)

Replacements:
16 – Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears) – 48 caps, 55 pts (11t)
17 – Steven Kitshoff (DHL Stormers) – 60 caps, 5pts (1t)
18 – Vincent Koch (Wasps) 33 caps, 0 pts
19 – Franco Mostert (Honda Heat) – 52 caps, 5pts (1t)
20 – Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs) – 20 caps, 5 pts (1t)
21 – Elrigh Louw (Vodacom Bulls) – 1 cap, 0pts
22 – Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles) – 37caps, 25pts (5t)
23 – Willie le Roux (Toyota Verblitz) – 73 caps, 60 pts (12t)

by mikey_dragon Tue 06 Dec 2022, 10:37 am

"It's good to be back in the Northern Hemisphere, I can't wait to see what this next chapter has in store for me. I feel the Scots have had too much Lions representation in recent tours."

Warren Gatland.

by Pete330v2 Tue 06 Dec 2022, 1:14 pm

mikey_dragon wrote:"It's good to be back in the Northern Hemisphere, I can't wait to see what this next chapter has in store for me. I feel the ~~Scots have had too much~~ Welsh haven't had enough Lions representation in recent tours."

Warren Gatland.

There you go Warren, say what you mean man. Smile

by majesticimperialman Wed 07 Dec 2022, 2:16 pm

Here is a question to all Welsh fans if Wales do not win the 6 nations now Gatland is back in charge, will it be seen as a failure?

by Oakdene Wed 07 Dec 2022, 2:18 pm

majesticimperialman wrote:Here is a question to all Welsh fans if Wales do not win the 6 nations now Gatland is back in charge, will it be seen as a failure?

Absolutely not, we're ranked 9th in the world so we have no business thinking we should win the 6 nations.

An improvement on last year is the starting place.

by chris_501 Wed 07 Dec 2022, 7:35 pm

The devil is in the detail here. It's going to be interesting to see who makes up his backroom staff.

by majesticimperialman Wed 07 Dec 2022, 7:49 pm

chris_501 wrote:The devil is in the detail here. It's going to be interesting to see who makes up his backroom staff.

I am more interested who will make up hid playing squad will he keep the same players, or will he make changes?

by mikey_dragon Wed 07 Dec 2022, 8:28 pm

Hopefully it’s not Howley.

by formerly known as Sam Tue 20 Dec 2022, 11:38 am

majesticimperialman wrote:
chris_501 wrote:The devil is in the detail here. It's going to be interesting to see who makes up his backroom staff.

I am more interested who will make up hid playing squad will he keep the same players, or will he make changes?

Given the current Ospreys midfield options he's got to be rubbing his hands with glee as Owen Williams, Joe Hawkins and George North is both prime Gatland ball but with a skillset to do more.

by mikey_dragon Tue 20 Dec 2022, 12:44 pm

Yeah Joe Hawkins looks good and is still only 20. We were also hoping to bring on Max Llewleyn and Mason Grady, looks like we might have to wait a little while longer. I know the regions are mostly gash but it's also important to remember some top players and promising youngsters play outside of Wales Smile

- the potential in the new Wales team might be greater than what Gatland previously had.

Not sure if Owen Williams, or Ancombe for that matter will stay fit long enough to be considered. Both are decent 10's and far better than RP. I think Sheedy is meh, really rate Ioan Lloyd but his stature is a concern and he's also been featuring for Bristol a lot less this season.

by Oakdene Tue 20 Dec 2022, 12:46 pm

mikey_dragon wrote:Yeah Joe Hawkins looks good and is still only 20. We were also hoping to bring on Max Llewleyn and Mason Grady, looks like we might have to wait a little while longer. I know the regions are mostly gash but it's also important to remember some top players and promising youngsters play outside of Wales - the potential in the new Wales team might be greater than what Gatland previously had.

Not sure if Owen Williams, or Ancombe for that matter will stay fit long enough to be considered. Both are decent 10's and far better than RP. I think Sheedy is meh, really rate Ioan Lloyd but his stature is a concern and he's also been featuring for Bristol a lot less this season.

I don't see why we can cap Llewelyn - sure he is moving but the beauty of it will be he won't be captured by the 60 cap rule would he?

by mikey_dragon Tue 20 Dec 2022, 12:51 pm

We can cap him, it might be too early in his career though. Having said that, he's much better than Watkin (who isn't?). I'd probably do away with the 60 cap rule for a few years, or at least during the time Gatland is here, due to the circumstances. Would be good to see Jake Ball come back in as we're a bit thin in the 2nd row. I rate the 60 cap ruling, I think it benefits the Regions to an extent and it especially benefits team Wales.

by formerly known as Sam Tue 20 Dec 2022, 3:54 pm

Surely it would be better to capture Lewellyn next season where he can then keep playing for Wales until his next contract is up?

by mikey_dragon Mon 02 Jan 2023, 2:55 pm

Anyone see Gatland throwing a curveball? I do. It would either be Jonah Holmes, Joe Jones, or Tom Botha.

For what it’s worth, 9’s better than Hardy; Rhodri Williams, Gareth Davies, Dane Blacker.
Hookers better than Elias; Sam Parry, Bradley Roberts, Kristian Dacey, Lloyd Williams, Rhys Webb.
10’s better than Priestland; Jarrod Evans, Rhys Patchell, Calum Sheedy, Adam Costelow, Joe Hawkins.

The team should improve with no Pivac-Scarlets link.

by **RiscaGame** Tue 03 Jan 2023, 12:01 pm

I can see Botha getting a shout. Not Holmes. Haven't even been following how he has been doing for Ealing, personally.

by Luckless Pedestrian Tue 03 Jan 2023, 12:26 pm

When is the squad announced?

by **RiscaGame** Tue 03 Jan 2023, 1:21 pm

I guess some time around 17 Jan, to allow them to go in to camp after the last European round?

Pure guess work, on my part.

by mikey_dragon Tue 03 Jan 2023, 1:58 pm

I thought I seen 17th Jan mentioned on a WOL article somewhere - not sure which one as they usually just show up on my Google app feed. Anyway, I'm feeling a little more positive about the team with a decent coach back in. Not sure why Humph also didn't get the chop, I guess Gats feels our set piece and driving lineout is good.

I doubt Holmes will get selected but it would be a Gatland curveball if ever there was one. I would have picked Botha sooner if I had my way. We also seem to be getting some props with a bit of promise on both sides of the scrum coming through, finally.

Anywhere between 1 and 6 front rowers from Ospreys might get the call. I expect it will be 5. I wouldn't select AWJ, but that's just me. I probably wouldn't select Tipuric either, because Jac Morgan and Morgan Morris offer a lot more. Then there's also Thomas Young in great for as per usual, that's before we get to Reffell, Basham, Jenkins, etc. Someone on the open-side has to miss out.

by Luckless Pedestrian Tue 03 Jan 2023, 2:09 pm

On AWJ, I don't think Gatland will worry about sentiment when he names his squad. He has previous for being quite cut-throat like that.

by mikey_dragon Tue 03 Jan 2023, 2:17 pm

I dunno, we'll be without Rowlands. Not sure what he intends to do, perhaps Daf Jenkins and Christ T'Shiunza will become squad regulars now. May as well call Jake Ball too.

by mikey_dragon Wed 11 Jan 2023, 2:26 pm

Thomas Young out for 3 months so will miss the 6N. A shame, he's been in great form and I feel his time was now. He might have missed the boat. Liam Williams is going through return to play protocols.

As for open-sides then surely it's Tips, Jac Morgan, Tommy Reffell. I'd like to see Morgan Morris in but I feel he is more of a 7 than 8. I don't feel Basham, Jenkins, etc have had enough game time to be considered.

by **RiscaGame** Thu 12 Jan 2023, 7:28 am

I think now Morgan is playing 6, then it really hurts Basham's chances. He isn't playing as often as he might like either, with injury and then not getting straight back into the Dragons squad. I think Flanagan's first choice team would have Keddie and Griffiths (when fit) ahead of him.

It would've been interesting to see if Young would've been rewarded with a shot though. Real shame. It seems like Navidi is fairly close to a return again though.

by No 7&1/2 Thu 12 Jan 2023, 8:26 am

Wales are supposed to be signing Alex King as attack coach and Forshaw from Sale as defence coach. (Telegraph)

by **RiscaGame** Thu 12 Jan 2023, 9:13 am

Forshaw seems a little out of the blue? I thought it was going to be Gustard.

by **RiscaGame** Thu 12 Jan 2023, 9:14 am

Ah just read that Forshaw was considered a contender.

by mikey_dragon Thu 12 Jan 2023, 9:19 am

BBC seem to think it's going to happen. Is Forshaw still going to be at Sale when not with us?

by Collapse2005 Thu 12 Jan 2023, 9:42 am

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:On AWJ, I don't think Gatland will worry about sentiment when he names his squad. He has previous for being quite cut-throat like that.

Mainly when it was non Welsh players.

For Welsh players he does have history for bringing old ones into the team like Williams with the Lions. will be interesting to see if he selects AWJ.

by **RiscaGame** Thu 12 Jan 2023, 1:29 pm

mikey_dragon wrote:BBC seem to think it's going to happen. Is Forshaw still going to be at Sale when not with us?

Looks like we have him fulltime.

Alex Sanderson wrote:“There’s so much I’m going to miss about Forsh. I genuinely didn’t think that the trust and the atmosphere that we had in my previous role could be matched but I was very wrong. This coaching group is really, really special and Forsh has been at the epicentre of that.

“This is very bittersweet for us because although we’re going to miss him, it shows that we’re getting it right here. This comes with the territory. As much as it hurts, we all wish Forsh all the best with what is a really exciting role.”

by **RiscaGame** Thu 12 Jan 2023, 2:15 pm

Few more quotes from the Beeb

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/64229168

BBC wrote:After a three-year stint in France King joined Gloucester, before leaving in the summer of 2022.

"I am immensely proud to be part of the Wales coaching team again," added King.

"I thoroughly enjoyed my previous time working with the squad.

"There are some talented players in Wales, so I am really excited by this new opportunity and can't wait to get stuck in."

Forshaw was appointed as Sale defence coach in 2013 after an illustrious career as a player in rugby league.

Wigan-born Forshaw worked with Warrington and Wigan in Super League and had previously spent three years coaching with Connacht, helping the Irish province make their Heineken Cup debut in 2011.

In his playing career, Forshaw represented Wigan, Wakefield Trinity and Leeds Rhinos before a short stint in union with Saracens.

He returned to league with Bradford Bulls before finishing his playing career with Warrington Wolves.

Sale have conceded only 26 tries in the Gallagher Premiership this season, the lowest of any side in the division.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge ahead," said Forshaw.

"I can't wait to meet the players and start working with a really talented squad.

"I played in Cardiff in 2003 and it's an incredible place to play rugby. I want to get these lads defending with real energy and I want them to be excited about their defensive work.

"If we can do that then I think we can take some big steps as a team and achieve something special, because the talent is there.

"I had never met Warren before but he's obviously one of the game's great coaches.

"I spoke to him on the phone and I can't wait to start working with him and getting to know him personally too.

"This is probably one of the only jobs that I would have left Sale for but I know that I'm leaving a club that's going in the right direction.

"It's a special club and I'm excited to see what this group can achieve this season and beyond."

by mikey_dragon Thu 12 Jan 2023, 10:14 pm

I do wonder if we had to buy him (Forshaw) out of his contract, but either way I’m pleased with that signing.

by Oakdene Fri 13 Jan 2023, 11:19 am

mikey_dragon wrote:I do wonder if we had to buy him (Forshaw) out of his contract, but either way I’m pleased with that signing.

I would have thought so, that said some of these contracts may have had release clauses in them to allow for mutual termination if an international role is offered.

by carpet baboon Fri 13 Jan 2023, 1:54 pm

Hello Welsh folk.

Any new names your hopping to see in the 6n squad?

by formerly known as Sam Fri 13 Jan 2023, 2:11 pm

Oakdene wrote:
mikey_dragon wrote:I do wonder if we had to buy him (Forshaw) out of his contract, but either way I’m pleased with that signing.

I would have thought so, that said some of these contracts may have had release clauses in them to allow for mutual termination if an international role is offered.

At this time of year I doubt he left for free. An agreement to go in the summer might have been all done with a shake of the hand but midway through a season with Sale second in the league. Definitely some sort of pay out (dependent on contract obviously).

by mikey_dragon Fri 13 Jan 2023, 4:37 pm

carpet baboon wrote:Hello Welsh folk.

Any new names your hopping to see in the 6n squad?

Not new ones, but hoping to see more of Daffyd Jenkins, Christ Chiunza, Joe Hawkins, Bradley Roberts. New ones that could be in are Mason Grady (Cardiff), Tom Botha, Rhys Davies, Morgan Morris (all Ospreys).

by **RiscaGame** Fri 13 Jan 2023, 10:33 pm

Very left field, but George Nott is playing consistently well for Dragons.

Rhys Davies has to be in and should start too. He’s playing as much as AWJ and Beard and is playing well. Playing 6 tomorrow might also show he can cover more than one position. Jenkins and our saviour Christ should be in, so hard to make a call there, from the two I’ve mentioned earlier though.

It seems like Botha isn’t quite WQ, otherwise definitely yes.

Roberts good again for Dragons tonight. I do like Lake though and the two Scarlets are always going to be in.

by mikey_dragon Fri 13 Jan 2023, 11:14 pm

If Elias is in then I’m completely dumbfounded. He must have something on the Wales coaches. I was sure Botha was WQ this time. If not him I guess Sam Wainwright could be in.

by **RiscaGame** Fri 13 Jan 2023, 11:48 pm

I hate to read a Mark Orders article nowadays, but this explains it. Due to the new residency ruling, which took him to five years. Should’ve capped him sooner.

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/south-african-who-lives-breathes-25965479

I didn’t like the bit about Brown, where he rightfully praises Lewis’ improvement, but doesn’t acknowledge how Brown has come on for Wales when fit and been solid in scrums under pressure.

by mikey_dragon Sat 14 Jan 2023, 11:06 am

Yeah I come across that on my Google feed this morning. We will probably see him in the summer then. My bolter is Joe Jones, especially now we have an ex Sale coach.

by formerly known as Sam Sun 15 Jan 2023, 6:41 pm

mikey_dragon wrote:Yeah I come across that on my Google feed this morning. We will probably see him in the summer then. My bolter is Joe Jones, especially now we have an ex Sale coach.

You can't be that short of tightheads. He's barely played for Sale this season.

by mikey_dragon Sun 15 Jan 2023, 8:44 pm

You kidding? Do you remember how much game time Wainwright had before being called up, twice…I just see there being potential for a bolter like that as it’s Gatland. Not sure why Joe Jones didn’t get noticed earlier, a big guy who was always powerful at the scrum. If it’s not Jones he might just go with Lewis who’s been injured but might be ready for the 6N.

by Oakdene Mon 16 Jan 2023, 10:48 am

mikey_dragon wrote:If Elias is in then I’m completely dumbfounded. He must have something on the Wales coaches. I was sure Botha was WQ this time. If not him I guess Sam Wainwright could be in.

Don't worry, he's injured so I doubt he will make the squad.

I'd like to see Kieran Williams involved, would also like to see Joe Roberts but think this squad will be a bit soon for him.

by Luckless Pedestrian Mon 16 Jan 2023, 11:20 am

I was impressed with Joe Roberts against Cardiff, I don't think I'd seen him play before then.

by Oakdene Mon 16 Jan 2023, 11:56 am

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:I was impressed with Joe Roberts against Cardiff, I don't think I'd seen him play before then.

He had another good game on the weekend, didn't miss a tackle.

by mikey_dragon Mon 16 Jan 2023, 11:59 am

I thought Roberts was gash against Dragons, he's been good in recent games but not as good as what I've seen of Grady.

by Oakdene Mon 16 Jan 2023, 12:01 pm

mikey_dragon wrote:I thought Roberts was gash against Dragons, he's been good in recent games but not as good as what I've seen of Grady.

To be fair to the boy, it was his first start of the season coming back from injury. Still made a good amount of ground with ball in hand.

Certainly not the finished product but all of a sudden the pool for Welsh centres is increasing.

by Luckless Pedestrian Mon 16 Jan 2023, 12:10 pm

How do I not remember him from that game? Laugh

by ScarletSpiderman Mon 16 Jan 2023, 12:19 pm

Oakdene wrote:
mikey_dragon wrote:I thought Roberts was gash against Dragons, he's been good in recent games but not as good as what I've seen of Grady.

To be fair to the boy, it was his first start of the season coming back from injury. Still made a good amount of ground with ball in hand.

Certainly not the finished product but all of a sudden the pool for Welsh centres is increasing.

Lots of young players names getting mentioned in the centre. But kinda feels like when we had the likes of Foxy Scott, Bishop, Beck, Daf Hewitt, Ashley Smith, Corey Allen, Owen Williams, Gavin Evans all coming through. Loads of names being mentioned and championed by people who had seen them a have a few good games, but not many of that list really lived up to the hype.

by majesticimperialman Mon 16 Jan 2023, 5:58 pm

Has Gatland nimed hid dquad yet?

by **RiscaGame** Tue 17 Jan 2023, 7:18 am

Lunchtime today. Quite excited for this now.

I predict two Dragons, as it's Gats again though laughing

by Oakdene Tue 17 Jan 2023, 8:19 am

Im hoping for a very strong showing from Cardiff & the Ospreys so we keep the majority of our squad.

by mikey_dragon Tue 17 Jan 2023, 9:28 am

Probably just be Moriarty, Roberts and Dyer from Dragons. Nott at a stretch.

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