Dove Men Challenge: Wales vs. Australia (3-12-11, 14:30 GMT)

[Draggs]

Rob Horne has pulled out, and his position will be taken by Anthony Faingaa. Nick Phipps will now be on the bench.
I'd bring George North infield a bit more and try to crash through midfield.

 

[Gavin]

Not a bad replacement for this match, Faingaa is a good tackler.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Aye, Fainga'a is a more than solid defender - I can understand bringing North in to play off of other people if there's a gap, but he'll just get put down if he runs at Fainga'a

 

[Draggs]

Aye, Fainga'a is a more than solid defender - I can understand bringing North in to play off of other people if there's a gap, but he'll just get put down if he runs at Fainga'a

I've not been very impressed with Fainga'a in attack from what I've seen. Defence he seems solid, but losing Horne (again!) seems like a big blow to me.

 

[Gavin]

Difference now for Australia is that they will not have a crash ball runner anymore for the midfield, they will have to rely on the forwards and Ioane. Fainga'a does not really create anything and tends not to finish things off either, more pressure has just been heaped on O'Connor and Barnes.

 

[Darwin]

Aye, Fainga'a is a more than solid defender - I can understand bringing North in to play off of other people if there's a gap, but he'll just get put down if he runs at Fainga'a

Personally I think Fainga'as defense is slightly over-rated. He can certainly pull off some big hits, but he can miss quite a few tackles, and does have a habit of running out of the line in defense at times. For example in the RWC semifinal against the AB's I remember him missing 4-5 tackles. He's certainly not a bad defensive player, and will certainly put North down if he runs straight at him, but if North can run some good angles he may well be able to breach Aussie's midfield defense.

 

[Draggs]

Now you mention it, I do remember Evans being a pretty good lineout jumper. He's pretty tall if I remember correctly - not as big as Charteris, but probably taller than most other international locks. Been quite a few years since I've seen him play - I can hardly remember what he looks like!

I do remember Warburton being used occasionally during the RWC, but I don't think Wales used the ball to the back of the lineout anywhere near enough. I assumed it was because they lacked a genuine jumper at the back, but if Warburton is a quality jumper (as you suggest) I think they should be using that option far more often, as back of the lineout ball is the best lineout ball to attack from.

Yes, Ianto is an inch shorter than Charteris, the little guy. He is a great lineout option. Dan Lydiate has been used as a jumper before, while I have mostly seen Warburton at the tail without lifters to clean up any junk ball (v Fiji, setting up Roberts' try is a prime example). I never used to see Brad jump, but he has been used a few times recently. Toby is also an option, if needed.

Ian Evans has some pretty decent pace, as seen on his first cap. Hopefully he can return to 2008 form. Brad, AWJ, Charteris and Ianto would be a pretty good options in the future.

 

[DuncTheDoodle]

Ant Finger (As I call him, normally in a high pitched voice) is a poor mans' Andrew Bishop. A man who can't get close to the Welsh side. I'll take that.

 

[callsign.springbok]

Bieber is killing me with his kick preparations. I can go away and have a bite to eat and he'll still be lining it up

 

[Saintjay]

It's been pretty dull so far, the womens England vs AB's highlights were the best bit at half time.

 

[Seaton]

Where is Wales dlwengula whistle?

Yay, Wales scored, now it is only 24-11

 

[YesImAfroJack]

i missed the first 50 minutes :/ can anyone give me a summary ?

 

[Seaton]

Eh, brief summary:

Wales were about even, if Aus a little ahead in play not scoreboard, not very good play overall.

Then the yellow card, then it went to the dogs

 

[YesImAfroJack]

what caused the yellow and who got binned ?

 

[Seaton]

Halfpenny I think, it was a tackle on O' Connor without the ball, chasing it down 5 metres from the line.

 

[callsign.springbok]

what caused the yellow and who got binned ?

BBC "49 mins: Wales 6-3 Australia Turner with an offload and that's a great pick-up from Berrick Barnes before O'Connor is grabbed without the ball.... Halfpenny is in the bin, but should it have been a penalty try"

 

[Draggs]

what caused the yellow and who got binned ?

Halfpenny, tackle without the ball.
Give us Adam and we have a chance against anybody.

 

[YesImAfroJack]

halfpenny you dopey git ahh well good bye shane , nice try at the end

 

[Draggs]

Diolch Shane, it's been an honour.
His first touch was a gifted try to Ntamack, only fitting he finishes with one himself.

 

[madflyhalf]

Shane Williams is one of those guys who makes you proud and happy to live on this planet.

Thanks to Shane Williams for what he did to world sports, now I'm really deeply moved!