Italy v Wales

[TRF_Olyy]

Maule is a centre who can also cover wing isn't he?
That's what I've always though anyway

I'd go with that too, TrueSlawter. Not sure whether Peel will be fit though, he's now on the injured players list on the Sale site with "Expected recovery period TBA" on it
I'd start Priestland and bench Byrne though - He shouldn't just walk into the team with the form he's showing - Priestlands on top form (though I guess that form is at FH not FB, but when he played FB earlier in the season he looked good)

 

[Mrs. Peter Quinn]

Agree with Olyy about Priestland he impressed me against Ulster,but I think he should start at 10 really, its a good opportunity to try him out. I know byrne hasn't been good but I just think once the team around him starts to get it right he will come good himself, so I think he should be kept at fullback.

 

[TrueSlawter]

Maule is a centre who can also cover wing isn't he?
That's what I've always though anyway

I'd go with that too, TrueSlawter. Not sure whether Peel will be fit though, he's now on the injured players list on the Sale site with "Expected recovery period TBA" on it
I'd start Priestland and bench Byrne though - He shouldn't just walk into the team with the form he's showing - Priestlands on top form (though I guess that form is at FH not FB, but when he played FB earlier in the season he looked good)

Yeah your correct with maule as for priestland starting i'd bring him on as hes internationall inexperianced and the italians can cause a upset, I've liked priestland from what ive seen i just felt like a internationally experianced guy should start as we bring priestland in slowly with him starting at the WC if his form continues etc.

 

[dullonien]

Will be interesting to see what happens if Jon Davies is out. I think our only option is to move Hook back into midfield, a pitty for him, but necessary. I wonder if they'd then try Priestland at 10, as the gameplan should be to run the Italians raged as England did, attacking the 10 channel. Priestland simply offers a better attacking threat from 10 than Stephen Jones, although by no means is he a better player, just that his style suits this game imo. I'd fully expect Jones to start though.

I actually saw one suggestion on 606 of bringing Matthew Morgan into the team at centre!!!! Hahaha, I don't think the majority of posters on there know anything about the game!

 

[Draggs]

I actually saw one suggestion on 606

Say no more!

I'm willing to bet Morgan will be playing at 12 next season, so Biggar "can develop to be the next Welsh outside half". He's only young. FFS.

 

[TrueSlawter]

ugg morgan is a better 10 than biggar I dont see the fuss in biggar tbh, Priestland and morgan i'd say are better 10's than him

 

[Draggs]

ugg morgan is a better 10 than biggar I dont see the fuss in biggar tbh, Priestland and morgan i'd say are better 10's than him

I agree. Can't forget Jason Tovey either.

 

[cyRil]

Tovey isn't good enough atm. He needs to move to progress his game. Swap deal with Biggar? Please??!!?!

 

[Peat]

Only an Englishman or a cretin would suggest shifting a 4'11" oompa loompa to inside centre so Daniel Biggar can continue his possible development. I for one think its an excellent idea. Maybe stick Shane Williams at 13 as well.

 

[Draggs]

Tovey isn't good enough atm. He needs to move to progress his game. Swap deal with Biggar? Please??!!?!

Yes, Sean Holley and Scott Johnson are just who we need coaching our prospects.
I have heard that the Harlequins made a very competitive offer to Matthew Morgan, who turned it down. Are we the outside half factory again?

 

[cyRil]

Harlequins are always sniffing round. They made Gareth Owen a big offer about 3 years ago before he signed his first pro deal with the O's.

 

[TrueSlawter]

Ah yeah forgot about Tovey too my bad. I find it funny about stages Wales go through.. just need it to happen to full back now need to get some good young talent coming through at 15 however Dan Fish of the blues doesnt seem bad for his age iirc hes around 20.

 

[Draggs]

Harlequins are always sniffing round. They made Gareth Owen a big offer about 3 years ago before he signed his first pro deal with the O's.

How unfortunate eh?

Dan Fish is 20, but looks to be Nugget's (slightly) younger brother. Already balding, poor lad.
He could get the 15 shirt full time if he can keep improving, with Ben Blair pretty much done.

 

[TRF_Cymro]

Whilst Dan Fish has looked good, he is still raw, lacking real game time at the top, give him a full season he will get better and then who knows. At the moment he is a long way off a Welsh shirt, granted regular game time there might change that.

 

[TrueSlawter]

Yeah I know hes way off getting into the wales squad but for the game time he's had what ive seen of him (against glasgow and the other night forgot who they played) he seemed to handle things well hopefully Young starts him for the rest of this season and next season tbh

 

[dullonien]

Harlequins are always sniffing round. They made Gareth Owen a big offer about 3 years ago before he signed his first pro deal with the O's.

Should have bloody taken it!!!! He's played all of 5 games for the Ospreys since and spend a thousand years sitting on the bench (slight exaggeration). He needs to move to another region / club asap. He really is a very talented player who's simply not being allowed to develop. I know he seems to have flippers for hands on occasion, but with a decent run of games I think he could still make a top quality centre (and no O's, he's not a 10 or 15)!

Whilst I'm not going to completely rule out Biggar, afterall he is still young, I hope Matthew Morgan get's plenty of gametime at 10 next season so we can take a propper look at him.

 

[TRF_Cymro]

George North is not available for Wales for this game, lack of game time since his injury is the reason, so will be made available for Welsh selection for the French and Irish games.

All depending on how he gets through the next game for the Scarlets will determine if he will get called up. North has apparently been in contact training with the Scarlets for over a week and has had no side effects, so hopefully he will get through the Scarlets game without any problems!

 

[dullonien]

Right decision. Don't want to see him rushed back too quickly. He's barely played 6 months of professional rugby and has already had a few injuries, this recent one rather serious. He should be playing Thirsday for the Scarlets, so depending how he goes in that game he could be an option for the final 2 6 nations games.

 

[Amobokoboko]

Should be a nice game to watch. Italy could be able to beat Wales if they play like their first game.

 

[TVH11]

Well the side is mostly the same, with only 1 forced change in the half backs/centre - Jones back to outside half and Hook back to centre. Not sure if its a god idea putting Hook back to centre for the game. Seemed to have a huge confidence boost playing against the scots, so i maybe would have put Jones to centre and Hook at outside half (Jones has played before there- years ago). Either way theres always an option of a "switcheroo" during the game so i guess its not all doom and gloom. Nice to see Halfpenny on the bench, expect him to come on near the last 15 when things have broken down a bit. Can't wait for the game; I get the feeling its gonna be a super hard fought match.