9 for Wales

[roksport]

Hey guys i'm new here and i just wanted to know your thoughts on the whole number 9 options for wales . . .

 

[dullonien]

It's suddenly got very interesting hasn't it. Peel had 80mins on the weekend followed by 40mins for Phillips. And just to throw a spanner in the works, Cooper had a very good game by all acounts aswell, scoring a very well taken try against Glasgow.

It's gonna be tough for Gatland to choose. On the one hand, Richie Rees has been waiting patiently, doing everything asked of him. But when there's the quality of Peel and Phillips available, it's hard not to pick them. If this wasn't such a huge game, I'd certainly say it was too early for Phillips (especially after what's happened to Rees and Jenkins), but he's gotta be on the bench, doesn't he? He can come on and change the game, he certainly won't hold anything back against France, like he did against Conaucht.

This is very tough on Rees, but I'd start Peel and have Phillips on the bench.

 

[munstermuffin]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (dullonien @ Feb 22 2010, 11:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

It's suddenly got very interesting hasn't it. Peel had 80mins on the weekend followed by 40mins for Phillips. And just to throw a spanner in the works, Cooper had a very good game by all acounts aswell, scoring a very well taken try against Glasgow.

It's gonna be tough for Gatland to choose. On the one hand, Richie Rees has been waiting patiently, doing everything asked of him. But when there's the quality of Peel and Phillips available, it's hard not to pick them. If this wasn't such a huge game, I'd certainly say it was too early for Phillips (especially after what's happened to Rees and Jenkins), but he's gotta be on the bench, doesn't he? He can come on and change the game, he certainly won't hold anything back against France, like he did against Conaucht.

This is very tough on Rees, but I'd start Peel and have Phillips on the bench.[/b]

Agreed with that but think Rees will be starting and Peel on bench vs France.
Phillips wont be considered for French but will feature vs Ireland and Italy

 

[dullonien]

You may be right. I was alost going to suggest the same myself, but couldn't resist Phillips.........

Either way, I'll just be happy if Cooper isn't involved. Even with a good performance for the Blues against Glasgow, he's been shown up at international level this 6 nations.

 

[roksport]

nice thoughts, it has been a bit hash on Rees cause he was first choice for cardiff before the 6 nations but cooper was picked.

but like you said dull phillips could come on and change the game, but peel could do the same thing, where as i think that rees and cooper will struggle against the french, but if cooper or rees play against the french i hope i'm wrong lol

 

[Olyy]

I can't imagine Philips being picked for the France match, maybe not even for the rest of the 6N. He's been out for such a long time, and they won't want to risk anything in regards to injuring him again this soon.
Despite Peel being in and out of injury for the past ages, he was probably the only good player for Sale on the weekend, so he's not lost anything
I reckon Peel starting with Cooper on the bench. Would prefer Rees to be on the bench, but that's not how Gatlands mind works unfortunately

 

[QLD]

There is no doubt there is a very average rugby player in SANZAR atm with Welsh heritage, struggling to get on the bench on one of the super rugby teams who can make the step down to the no.9 jersey for Wales.

 

[cyRil]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dale @ Feb 22 2010, 12:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

There is no doubt there is a very average rugby player in SANZAR atm with Welsh heritage, struggling to get on the bench on one of the super rugby teams who can make the step down to the no.9 jersey for Wales.[/b]

Go f*** yourself.

 

[roksport]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (cyRil of Ospreylia @ Feb 22 2010, 01:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dale @ Feb 22 2010, 12:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

There is no doubt there is a very average rugby player in SANZAR atm with Welsh heritage, struggling to get on the bench on one of the super rugby teams who can make the step down to the no.9 jersey for Wales.[/b]

Go f*** yourself.
[/b][/quote]

here here i second this

 

[munstermuffin]

Would be surprised if (after first 2 games) Cooper is selected over Rees and Peel

 

[SmokeyMonkey]

I'm hearing that Deiniol Jones is pairing Bradley Davies in the second row, Rees starts at 9, Thomas at 6, Bennett at 2. Rest of team as expected.

 

[dullonien]

If that's true Smokey Monkey, then I feel very sorry for Charteris, who had the game of his life against Ulster on the weekend. Don't think much of Deiniol Jones at International level, and if picking a player like that, why not go for Gough? Happy with the rest though.

Kinda hope you're wrong about Deiniol Jones....

 

[SmokeyMonkey]

Lee Byrne; Leigh Halfpenny, James Hook, Jamie Roberts, Shane Williams; Stephen Jones, Richard Rees; Paul James, Huw Bennett, Adam Jones, Bradley Davies, Deiniol Jones, Jonathan Thomas, Martyn Williams, Ryan Jones (Captain)

Replacements: Ken Owens, Rhys Gill, Luke Charteris, Sam Warburton, Mike Phillips, Andrew Bishop, Tom Shanklin

yup it was true

 

[roksport]

where u get that from mate/?

 

[SmokeyMonkey]

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/r...91466-25877787/

 

[munstermuffin]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (SmokeyMonkey @ Feb 22 2010, 05:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/r...91466-25877787/[/b]

Again Peel made look like a fool. He should be at least on the bench. Phillips has 40min rugby in him and a 5day turn-around from Connacht game.

 

[RC]

I'm liking that Rees is starting, but i have absolutely no problem with Phillips on the bench.
He's a world class player and we've missed him a lot. So, we all know that he's 40 minutes match fit, why not let him get back into the thick of it against france.
If things aren't going our way come 2nd half, Mike would be the boy to turn things around for us.
Looking forward to this game.

 

[bristol-iain]

Glad that Rees got the nod, lets face it he should have started against the Scots. Phillips is good to have as he is a different 9 to Peel who is like Rees in style.

 

[dullonien]

Suppose Gatland went with the tried and tested Blues combination at lock. All in all, very happy with the team. The bench is strong. I still don't understand having two centres on the bench, I supose Roberts can switch to the wing if needed, but I would have preferred to have a game changer on the bench like Tom James (sorry RC). If we need to chase the game he can cause havoc, as he showed against Glasgow, scoring a great solo try from nothing.

But that's a minor quibble, and there's always gonna be someone who doesn't agree 100%. Looking forward to Friday now.

 

[Bluemoon]

A bold decision with Deniol Jones I think. He has been playing well for the blues and will provide Wales with another reliable lineout option. Does he lack the physicality though? I've yet to see him throw his weight around at international level. Although in saying that, I don't think Charteris is much more use in terms of physicality.

Good team though, I am hoping for a fast open game as that will suit Wales quite nicely. Looking forward to the battle of the centres.