Can't get my head around the omission of Samson Lee either. Personally I would have started him with Adam Jones on the bench to keep Jones fresh for the bigger games and to give Samson some experience against a strong Italian scrum. I think Rhodri Jones has potential, but I still doubt his scrummaging ability on the tight against a strong loosehead. Given the chance I think Samson Lee could really push Adam Jones leading into the RWC which would put us in a great position.
Bevington has really struggled with the new scrummaging laws, so I'm a little worried about how our scrum will go if both he and Rhodri Jones are on the field during the final stages of the game. With Gethin injured maybe there wasn't much option. Is Rhys Gill injured? As for Phil John, he's had a solid season and has really taken to the new scrummaging laws, but I don't think he's international class myself, although neither is Bevington atm!
Good to see Hibbard and Owens have recovered from injury.
On to the much debated 10 position. Priestland has looked better now that he's had a period of injury free rugby, so hopefully he can inject a little more creativity into the Welsh backline, getting more out of North, Cuthbert, Roberts etc. I would have probably stuck with the safer option of Biggar though, who's still playing well for the Ospreys despite their disappointing results in the HC.
It'll be interesting to see who Gatland picks in the backrow for the game against Ireland. He seems to pick Lydiate whenever he's fit, but if Tipuric has a strong game against Italy, then I'd still like to see the backrow of Warburton, Tipuric and Faletau; well if Warburton deserves to come back in that is. If Lydiate and Tips star against Italy, they should be retained imo.
