Welsh World Cup Squad - Tighthead Props

We all know who the first choice is, but who else is there to go, is there a surprise? do we need five props because we need to take someone who can cover both sides as a reserve?

Should we carry a full front row on our bench and sacrifice reserves in the back row or at lock, or even in the backs?

The choices for Tighthead are.

Adam Jones - 2003 ‐ 69 Caps (10 points) British and Irish Lions 2 Caps (0 Points)

Craig Mitchell - 2009 - 8 Caps

John Yapp - 2005 - 21 Caps

Scott Andrews - 2011 - 1 Cap

Simon Gardiner - 0 Caps

Paul James - 2003 - 23 Caps (0 Points)

The two favourites clear ahead. Interesting to see Paul James got a nudge.

Do some people think he is useful on the tighthead?

James done a very good job on the tight when called upon and IMO he will be bench cover for 1 and 3.

As I posted on the other thread Yapp just isn't up to the task of International rugby, its just a pity Lewis Roberts was injured.

pauljames would not be out of place in a starting xv. but because he is the one prop who looks comfortable on either side of the scrum he must be selected for the bench.

yapp hasent developed and surely wont make the wales squad.

You should take Jones and Mitchell as specialist tightheads, and James and Jenkins for looseheads. I do think James can be considered cover for both sides if needed.

Personally, if I were Gatland, I'd only take 4 props. I think an extra back row player would be more useful to have in the squad at the outset.

Always a shame that Eiffon Roberts never got into sufficient shape to play for Wales, a potentially top class prop that.

I'd be more inclined to take Jones, Mitchell, Jenkins, James & Iestyn Thomas. If James has to do TH duty at any point, Thomas has the scrummaging power to take some pressure off him. Will definately have to take a beefy second row in case of this outcome - who? Ian Evans maybe?

Totally,

Thomas hasn't been included in the extended squad so unfortunately I can't see him getting into the 30 unless its because of an injury.

Thats said Mitchell and Jenkins are returning from injury whilst Jones hasn't played much since injury. Despite not being Thomas' biggest fan I would have him any day over Yapp or Andrews

I agree that Thomas is a consistent player and a seasoned pro but he does look tired after sixty minutes. I think we will need players more up to the fitness levels required.

If they wanted him he would be in Poland right now.

I totally agree that the likelyhood of him going is small, but I disagree on the fitness comment Maesteg. In fact in recent matches everyone has been commenting how fit and mobile he is and remarking how excellent that is for a 33 yr old!. His fitness isn't an issue, and even if it was I'm talking about a scenario where Jones & Mitchell are unavailable and we'd have James and Jenkins as the other squad members. I'd have no problem with Iest starting and Melon coming on later in the game (on either side to be honest!)

If we were down a couple of tightheads I see your point. A lot of respect for Thomas, he has improved year by year for, what is now a very long time.

A bit of a star for us Unluck to have played his rugby at the same time as so many other very good looseheads.

props will be

adam ,mitchell, james jenkins with bevington as back up

props should be

adam mitchell james jenkins and thomas (quality player)

jb1973 wrote:props will be

adam ,mitchell, james jenkins with bevington as back up

props should be

adam mitchell james jenkins and thomas (quality player)

Remember to vote for who you want. We all have a good idea of Gatland will select, but if you think someone else is worthy, valuable or better in any way, vote for them. And be kind enough to tell us why.