Welsh World Cup Squad...!

by maestegmafia Mon 11 Jul 2011, 12:43 pm

Well votes have been cast, debate is still raging but I think everyone has had good opportunity to vote in the polls over who will play where and what the make up of the squad will be...

The Results are as follows.

Front Row Players

Gethin Jenkins
Paul James
Adam Jones
Craig Mitchell
Iestyn Thomas
Matthew Rees (Captain)
Richard Hibbard

Back Five Players

Bradley Davies
Luke Charteris
Alun Wynn Jones
Ryan Jones
Sam Warburton
Daniel Lydiate
Toby Faletau
Martyn Williams
Gareth Delve

Half Backs

Stephen Jones
James Hook
Rhys Priestland
Tavis Knoyle
Mike Phillips
Richie Rees

Outside Backs

Jamie Roberts
Jonathan Davies
Scott Williams
Shane Williams
George North
Leigh Halfpenny
Morgan Stoddard
Lee Byrne

Now the make up of that squad could alternate, more forwards less backs or more backs less forwards. More or less in certain areas.

I presume we will take a large number of back five players and players who have experience in different positions would be taken in preference to ones who have not.

Other Options that were close on the votes are:

Josh Turnbull
Lloyd Burns
Gavin Henson

by Looseheaded Mon 11 Jul 2011, 12:45 pm

Couldn't disagree with any of those, though I'd consider Henson instead of Scott Williams, but only dependant on the warm up matches and how each of them perform.

by maestegmafia Mon 11 Jul 2011, 12:57 pm

Looseheaded wrote:Couldn't disagree with any of those, though I'd consider Henson instead of Scott Williams, but only dependant on the warm up matches and how each of them perform.

I agree

This was done by vote, the results are purely based on that.

Big fan of both Scott Williams and the Gavin Henson of old and would have both in the warm up matches. The decision on the two would be a close call for me.

Maybe I would consider taking one less hooker to have that extra option in the backline.

by bedfordwelsh Mon 11 Jul 2011, 1:25 pm

mm,

Great set of posts and as you said it was done by a vote,

However as for reality I can't:

See I thomas going

He will probably take 3 Hookers, with the 3rd one being Bennett (GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR)

I believe Henson will go (but shouldn't)

by maestegmafia Mon 11 Jul 2011, 2:32 pm

Why do you think Henson Shouldn't go to the World Cup? If he is good enough and better than other players then surely he should?

by welshy824 Mon 11 Jul 2011, 2:44 pm

in my opinion is a good squad, but i dont know if 20 minutes against the Babas is enough for scott williams to get in, saying that is 60 minutes of game time for Henson enough... that is the only debatable point.

however good to see that there is no bennet or Jonathon thomas although neither are that bad, there are better players there

by maestegmafia Mon 11 Jul 2011, 2:57 pm

welshy824 wrote: in my opinion is a good squad, but i dont know if 20 minutes against the Babas is enough for scott williams to get in, saying that is 60 minutes of game time for Henson enough... that is the only debatable point.

however good to see that there is no bennet or Jonathon thomas although neither are that bad, there are better players there

Hopefully before the lads leave for NZ Henson and Williams will have had more game time than just the Baa Baas...!

Considering most members constant lambasting of Jonathan Thomas and Huw Bennett i am not surprised they didnt make the cut in the poll.

by polotechnics Mon 11 Jul 2011, 2:59 pm

Its interesting that no one is even mentioning Powell these days.

by maestegmafia Mon 11 Jul 2011, 3:03 pm

polotechnics wrote:Its interesting that no one is even mentioning Powell these days.

Who...?

by maestegmafia Mon 11 Jul 2011, 3:04 pm

Only joking mate...!

I dont like him as a player to be honest. I think he is a bit thick and doesnt have too many plus points going for him.

I mean what can he bring to the squad that no other can bring ?

by polotechnics Mon 11 Jul 2011, 3:05 pm

I know his fall from grace has been quite spectacular.

3 years ago he was the 8 on everyones lips.

now he doesnt even get a mention on here - and we're all rugby obsessed monkeys.

by Guest Mon 11 Jul 2011, 3:05 pm

maestegmafia wrote:I dont like him as a player to be honest. I think he is a bit thick and doesnt have too many plus points going for him.

I mean what can he bring to the squad that no other can bring ?

Are you talking about Mike Phillips now or Powell? Confused...

by bedfordwelsh Mon 11 Jul 2011, 3:05 pm

mm,

I just don't think Henson is committed enough, there are players like Bishop, Williams and Brew (not a centre I know) who have bust a gut this season with the main aim surely WC selection.

If I was in their shoes and someone who had put more effort in to reality shows than rugby was jettosoned in ahead of me I would be livid.

Even if he has 3 storming games next month I would still be dubious about selecting him.

by maestegmafia Mon 11 Jul 2011, 3:08 pm

bedfordwelsh wrote:mm,

I just don't think Henson is committed enough, there are players like Bishop, Williams and Brew (not a centre I know) who have bust a gut this season with the main aim surely WC selection.

If I was in their shoes and someone who had put more effort in to reality shows than rugby was jettosoned in ahead of me I would be livid.

Even if he has 3 storming games next month I would still be dubious about selecting him.

Fair point but I think we all agree that current form is as good an indication as we would want for fringe players

by Guest Mon 11 Jul 2011, 3:08 pm

What you need to remember about Gatland (and some other coaches) is that they have their favourites.

There's no way he's going to leave out Henson or Phillips, yet it would appear that Powell's face never really fitted.

by Totallybiasedscarlet Mon 11 Jul 2011, 3:10 pm

Hi Maesteg, thanks for doing that - what was the 1st XV based on votes cast?

by polotechnics Mon 11 Jul 2011, 3:13 pm

The sad thing is when Andy Powell had his break through international season, he looked great.

Fast. Dynamic. Powerful and was constantly offloading; probably a result of his sevens background.

However Gatland soon coached that out of him and ever since he has been running straight into contact, although thankfully, at least since he has moved into the Jeff, he is at least carrying the ball in two hands. I used to wince watching him run into contact with the ball tucked under one arm, he was a one man turnover machine – and to think, he wanted to play league with turnover stats like that.

Sorry I appear to turned this into an Any Powell thread and he’s not even in the squad.

by maestegmafia Mon 11 Jul 2011, 3:20 pm

Totallybiasedscarlet wrote:Hi Maesteg, thanks for doing that - what was the 1st XV based on votes cast?

Ill have a look at that later on...

But will be interesting. If anyone has a bit of time on their hands have a go... I have a few chores this afternoon. the weather is too good to be in doors.

by bedfordwelsh Mon 11 Jul 2011, 3:48 pm

Powell had a 'one season' wonder then peole worked him out. He still looks for contact as his first option.

Have always said he is better suited as an impact player after 60 minutes but there are better players out there who deserve the slot ahead of him

by maestegmafia Mon 11 Jul 2011, 5:07 pm

Like I said regards to Powell he just isn't very bright, he has little rugby brains about him and it hurts the team.

I was hoping he would transfer to League to be honest it would suit him more.

by dogtooth Mon 11 Jul 2011, 5:13 pm

henson.

no, he hasent done enough to deserve a place in the squad. but he is a high maintenance player and we should take him to intergrate him into the squad with an eye on next years 6n.

he could be useful on the bench against namibia in rwc. an expensive pick on those terms but a long term strategy that could be good for wales, and henson.

by maestegmafia Mon 11 Jul 2011, 5:39 pm

dogtooth wrote:henson.

no, he hasent done enough to deserve a place in the squad. but he is a high maintenance player and we should take him to intergrate him into the squad with an eye on next years 6n.

he could be useful on the bench against namibia in rwc. an expensive pick on those terms but a long term strategy that could be good for wales, and henson.

you never know he may come good. He was a cracking player a few years ago. Fingers crossed eh...! its better that he is involved than aimlessly haunting mainstream viewing reality TV shows.

by funnyExiledScot Mon 11 Jul 2011, 5:44 pm

maestegmafia wrote:
dogtooth wrote:henson.

no, he hasent done enough to deserve a place in the squad. but he is a high maintenance player and we should take him to intergrate him into the squad with an eye on next years 6n.

he could be useful on the bench against namibia in rwc. an expensive pick on those terms but a long term strategy that could be good for wales, and henson.
you never know he may come good. He was a cracking player a few years ago. Fingers crossed eh...! its better that he is involved than aimlessly haunting mainstream viewing reality TV shows.

I personally think Henson is a risk worth taking. Behind Roberts and Davies there's a lack of proven talent, and I don't think Williams has had enough exposure to top level rugby. Had Williams been involved in the 6 Nations, that would be a different matter, but the fact is that Henson, despite the multitude of off-field dramas, has proven himself before and is exactly the sort of player Wales need for that group.

I'd be giving Henson plenty time at 12 in the warm-ups personally.

by nottins_jones Mon 11 Jul 2011, 5:46 pm

We probably should have waited until after the next 3 games to vote... I thought we'd be taking 4 props and 3 hookers? Editing out Thomas for Burns. Rest looks pretty accurate though; and hoping Gatland sees sense by leaving Martyn Williams at home.

by Shifty Mon 11 Jul 2011, 5:47 pm

I wouldn't take Henson it's clear after the Barbarians game he isn't ready for international rugby. Secondly that Poland World Cup training trip was arranged a long time ago and for Henson to do the TV programe instead is plain stupid. He deserved a chance against the Barbarians but he was very poor and shouldnt be selected from this point onwards. In my eyes he used up his get out of jail free card in the Barbarians game, everything he gets from this point onwards, he should earn.

by Shifty Mon 11 Jul 2011, 5:48 pm

I wouldn't take Henson it's clear after the Barbarians game he isn't ready for international rugby. Secondly that Poland World Cup training trip was arranged a long time ago and for Henson to do the TV programe instead is plain stupid. He deserved a chance against the Barbarians but he was very poor and shouldnt be selected from this point onwards. In my eyes he used up his get out of jail free card in the Barbarians game, everything he gets from this point onwards, he should earn.

by maestegmafia Mon 11 Jul 2011, 5:54 pm

AlynDavies wrote:Secondly that Poland World Cup training trip was arranged a long time ago and for Henson to do the TV programe instead is plain stupid.

Henson went on the Poland trip.

http://www.wru.co.uk/26868.php

by Shifty Mon 11 Jul 2011, 5:59 pm

maestegmafia wrote:Henson went on the Poland trip.

http://www.wru.co.uk/26868.php

No he's missing it for his tv program.

by welshy824 Mon 11 Jul 2011, 6:03 pm

i feel sorry for bishop, he is a bit of a shanklin esq player, not flashy but always gets over the gain line and solid in defence, problem is at the moment wales are full of good 12's but are lacking quality 13's

by nottins_jones Mon 11 Jul 2011, 6:20 pm

AlynDavies wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:Henson went on the Poland trip.

http://www.wru.co.uk/26868.php

No he's missing it for his tv program.

If true then Wales should forget about him as a rugby player for good.

by maestegmafia Mon 11 Jul 2011, 6:33 pm

nottins_jones wrote:
AlynDavies wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:Henson went on the Poland trip.

http://www.wru.co.uk/26868.php

No he's missing it for his tv program.

If true then Wales should forget about him as a rugby player for good.

So far as I am aware he has done both the trip to Poland and the TV show already. He definitely went to Poland. I am also pretty sure the TV show is filmed and finished, to be aired in the Autumn.

by glamorganalun Mon 11 Jul 2011, 8:11 pm

As stated earier, I Thomas won't go although he should, I think J Thomas will go instead of Delve and I am not sure if M Williams will go. I worry we have only one specialist full back who is injury prone, Stoddard and Preistland are part time and don't tackle and drop the ball under pressure in Stoddard's case! We must not use Hook at 15, I prefer B Davies if fit or Tovey (the best of the non specialists).

What has happened to K Owens this year?

by Janecory Mon 11 Jul 2011, 8:38 pm

Cant believe Scot Williams is named in that first post .
Heres another what has he done to warrant his selection in the squad.
Hasnt hardly played for Scarlets.

by maestegmafia Mon 11 Jul 2011, 8:40 pm

Janecory wrote:Cant believe Scot Williams is named in that first post .
Heres another what has he done to warrant his selection in the squad.
Hasnt hardly played for Scarlets.

Majority voted him in.

by Guest Mon 11 Jul 2011, 8:42 pm

Maybe some of the voting was from fans from other nations trying to scupper the vote...?

by Janecory Mon 11 Jul 2011, 8:45 pm

maestegmafia wrote:
Janecory wrote:Cant believe Scot Williams is named in that first post .
Heres another what has he done to warrant his selection in the squad.
Hasnt hardly played for Scarlets.
Majority voted him in.

On what basis, good if you could please tell me ?

by maestegmafia Mon 11 Jul 2011, 8:46 pm

Janecory wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:
Janecory wrote:Cant believe Scot Williams is named in that first post .
Heres another what has he done to warrant his selection in the squad.
Hasnt hardly played for Scarlets.
Majority voted him in.
On what basis, good if you could please tell me ?

https://www.606v2.com/t8840-welsh-world-cup-squad-centers

by Janecory Mon 11 Jul 2011, 8:51 pm

maestegmafia wrote:
Janecory wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:
Janecory wrote:Cant believe Scot Williams is named in that first post .
Heres another what has he done to warrant his selection in the squad.
Hasnt hardly played for Scarlets.
Majority voted him in.
On what basis, good if you could please tell me ?
https://www.606v2.com/t8840-welsh-world-cup-squad-centers

So Williams should be there because a few voted him in on a forum, in your opinion is he a better player than Bishop?
Or will be have to vote on a poll?

by maestegmafia Mon 11 Jul 2011, 8:55 pm

Janecory wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:
Janecory wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:
Janecory wrote:Cant believe Scot Williams is named in that first post .
Heres another what has he done to warrant his selection in the squad.
Hasnt hardly played for Scarlets.
Majority voted him in.
On what basis, good if you could please tell me ?
https://www.606v2.com/t8840-welsh-world-cup-squad-centers
So Williams should be there because a few voted him in on a forum, in your opinion is he a better player than Bishop?
Or will be have to vote on a poll?

Yes I think he is a better player.

by Janecory Mon 11 Jul 2011, 8:57 pm

maestegmafia wrote:
Janecory wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:
Janecory wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:
Janecory wrote:Cant believe Scot Williams is named in that first post .
Heres another what has he done to warrant his selection in the squad.
Hasnt hardly played for Scarlets.
Majority voted him in.
On what basis, good if you could please tell me ?
https://www.606v2.com/t8840-welsh-world-cup-squad-centers
So Williams should be there because a few voted him in on a forum, in your opinion is he a better player than Bishop?
Or will be have to vote on a poll?

Yes I think he is a better player.

In which way is he a better player than Bishop?

by glamorganalun Mon 11 Jul 2011, 9:01 pm

Janecory:

I have to agree, he makes one break at the end of a friendly BaaBaas game and all of a sudden he is top centre, this is typical of some Wales supporters and cast off proven players. This reminds me of Powell, one run against SA and he is in the team playing badly for 2 or more seasons.

by Janecory Mon 11 Jul 2011, 9:06 pm

glamorganalun wrote:Janecory:

I have to agree, he makes one break at the end of a friendly BaaBaas game and all of a sudden he is top centre, this is typical of some Wales supporters and cast off proven players. This reminds me of Powell, one run against SA and he is in the team playing badly for 2 or more seasons.

You got it !
Theres a few others that shouldnt be there.
Lets have a poll to see who they are.

by maestegmafia Mon 11 Jul 2011, 9:10 pm

I have rated Scott since the under 20s where he was superb, I don't think he had anywhere near enough game time last season for the Scarlets, but I am very happy to see that the selectors have had the vision to include him in the Welsh squad this summer...!

I am sure you can find some of his tries on youtube.

by Janecory Mon 11 Jul 2011, 9:13 pm

maestegmafia wrote:I have rated Scott since the under 20s where he was superb, I don't think he had anywhere near enough game time last season for the Scarlets, but I am very happy to see that the selectors have had the vision to include him in the Welsh squad this summer...!

I am sure you can find some of his tries on youtube.

No thanks!
If he was any good he would have played more games for the Scarlets and not the premiership side.
I am new here and already i question your rugby knowledge.

by maestegmafia Mon 11 Jul 2011, 9:16 pm

Janecory wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:I have rated Scott since the under 20s where he was superb, I don't think he had anywhere near enough game time last season for the Scarlets, but I am very happy to see that the selectors have had the vision to include him in the Welsh squad this summer...!

I am sure you can find some of his tries on youtube.

No thanks!
If he was any good he would have played more games for the Scarlets and not the premiership side.
I am new here and already i question your rugby knowledge.

Oh well...! I couldn't care less what you think to be honest mate.

by Guest Mon 11 Jul 2011, 9:18 pm

no need to question rugby knowledge when it's all a matter of opinion is there?

Scott Williams played a lot more matches for the Scarlets in the latter half of the season where he was introduced slowly to regional level, which is how it should be. Each time he played he made a big impact as well, and he carried that form on into the BaaBaa's match. It's a risk picking him, but I do hope he gets some more game time in the summer warm up matches to prove himself.

by maestegmafia Mon 11 Jul 2011, 9:22 pm

rugbydreamer wrote:no need to question rugby knowledge when it's all a matter of opinion is there?

Scott Williams played a lot more matches for the Scarlets in the latter half of the season where he was introduced slowly to regional level, which is how it should be. Each time he played he made a big impact as well, and he carried that form on into the BaaBaa's match. It's a risk picking him, but I do hope he gets some more game time in the summer warm up matches to prove himself.

Well said, I didnt have the patience

by Guest Mon 11 Jul 2011, 9:33 pm

Henson definitely went to Poland. I know who shared a room with him.

by nottins_jones Mon 11 Jul 2011, 9:33 pm

glamorganalun wrote:Janecory:

I have to agree, he makes one break at the end of a friendly BaaBaas game and all of a sudden he is top centre, this is typical of some Wales supporters and cast off proven players. This reminds me of Powell, one run against SA and he is in the team playing badly for 2 or more seasons.

Typical of some Wales supporters or just some Scarlet supporters? The same bunch who still think Knoyle is a shoe-in for the world cup squad although he's had one good game all season and even that was against Italian opposition in their debutant year in the Magners League.

by nottins_jones Mon 11 Jul 2011, 9:34 pm

Risca Rev wrote:Henson definitely went to Poland. I know who shared a room with him.

Got an informant ?

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