Byrne & Evans ruled out of Autumn Internationals

[An Tarbh]

Ligament damage in his right foot has ruled Lee Byrne out of the Autumn Internationals.

He aggravated the injury in the draw at Welford Rd and should be out of action for at least 6 weeks.

Meanwhile Ian Evans who had missed 10 months of rugby before his recent comeback has been ruled out for 8 weeks after tearing his major pec tendon.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_unio...lsh/8305180.stm

So who will Wales start at full back now that Byrne has been ruled out???

 

[MunsterMan]

Gavin Henson?

 

[dullonien]

There are quite a few contenders. Jason Tovey has been playing well for a while at the Dragons, and will probably be in the Welsh squad. Wondering if a test debut against NZ is wise however, especially in such an exposed position. There's also Daniel Evans playing superbly at the Scarlets. He played in both of Wales' Summer internationals, but the All Blacks are a huge step up.

Leigh Halfpenny could always drop back into the 15 shirt with Tom James coming onto the wing. I personally wouldn't be too surprised to see Tom James starting v NZ anyway, as he adds some physicallity out wide that Leigh and Shane lack (not to mention pace to burn). Hook could also be the one to move. With Stehen Jones a cert at 10, it'll either be centre, fullback or bench for the lad. Centre is a distinct possibility, alongside Jamie Roberts. However with the way young Jonathan Davies is playing at the Scarlets, he could be the one to parter Roberts.

Good options available. Daniel Evans has the big left peg to replace Lee Burne's, Jason Tovey has the potential and Leigh Halfpenny brings a goo all round game and some experience. For that reason, I'd personally go for Leigh Halfpenny, but I'd be happy with any of the players I've named.

Edit: Evans is a loss, but there are plenty of replacements available. Jonathan Thomas has been playing well there for the O's, and adds another ball carrying option. Lou Reed or Domonick Day at the Scarlets are in phenomenal form (Lou Reed being the standout possibly). Then at the Blues there's Deiniol Jones and Bradley Davies (Davies might still be injured). Charteris at the Dragon's is probably in the best form of his life and adds a massive linout option. There's also the ageing Gough (not who I'd pick).

 

[gingergenius]

I feel for you guys, he's a big loss.

 

[DuncTheDoodle]

I've spent ages championing Tovey, but he played poorly in the HEC last weekend- Knocked the ball on a few times, and didn't challenge a couple of high ones. I'd play him against Samoa, and if he plays well, Argentina.

Evans is a fantastic player, although I'm afraid his lack of experience could be the deciding element against the All Blacks. And if Tovey's in for Samoa, where would we slot a game for Evans in? He's in better form that Tovey at the moment though, so if he keeps it up, I'd have him in.

Davis is always a good bet, and the best defencsivly of those I've brought up so far.

I'd personally pick Hook at 15 for the New Zeland/Austrailia games, or possibly Roberts. (Afterall, Fullback was his first positon until a year ago, and has three caps there already.) Halfpenny would be my other choice, but having only one good defender in the Back 3 (Mark Jones or Tom James, providing we field Shane. Halfpenny/Williams can tackle well-ish, but they'd be the worst defenders in the squad.) against the All Blacks is never a good idea..