June International Tests: Samoa vs. Wales (23/06/2017)

[TRF_heineken]

Venue: Apia Park​

Time: 08:30 CAT (SA, GMT+2)​

 

[MikeTheNative]

Wales team announced.

Gareth Anscombe (Cardiff Blues); Cory Allen (Ospreys), Tyler Morgan (Dragons), Jamie Roberts (Harlequins, capt), Steffan Evans (Scarlets); Sam Davies (Ospreys), Aled Davies (Scarlets); Nicky Smith (Ospreys), Ryan Elias (Scarlets), Dillon Lewis (Blues), Seb Davies (Blues), Rory Thornton (Ospreys), Aaron Shingler (Scarlets), Ellis Jenkins (Blues), Josh Navidi (Blues).

Replacements: Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Wyn Jones (Scarlets), Rhodri Jones (Ospreys), Adam Beard (Ospreys), Thomas Young (Wasps), Tomos Williams (Blues), Owen Williams (Gloucester), Scott Williams (Scarlets)

Good to see Elias and Lewis getting starts but really Roberts? Offered literally nothing last week and I know Scott Williams had a poor game but he a class player and a centre who can actually pass which is something Wales seem to have an aversion to. With Cuthbert injured Wales had two wingers left in the squad so they picked a centre out of position on the wing (i know Allen has played there for the Blues but he is not an international standard winger). No cap for Giles then still, even though all other wingers are either injured or playing for the Lions. i can only assume Giles had a orgy with all the management's daughters because I can't think of a actual reason for him still not getting on the pitch in this situation. Also I'm not sure what Young did to get dropped, I thought he played rather well last week. There's one cap between the 3 2nd rows in the squad so an obvious area of weakness even though I thought Seb Davies played alright last week, I would have had Shingler move there then Jenkins come in at 7 and Young move to 6.

 

[Bruce_ma gooshvili]

Samoa are not as well drilled as Tonga in my opinion and their morale must be low. I think this will be fairly comfortable for Wales.

 

[MikeTheNative]

Somoa team:

D'Angelo Leuila; Alapati Leiua, Kieron Fonotia, Reynold Lee-Lo, David Lemi (capt); Tusi Pisi, Kahn Fotuali'i; Viliamu Afatia, Maatulimanu Leiataua, Paul Alo-Emile, Chris Vui, Faatiga Lemalu, Piula Faasalele, Galu Taufale, Fata Alafoti Faosiliva.

Replacements: Seilala Lam, Nephi Leatigaga, Bronson Fotualii-Tauakipulu, Faifili Levave, Vavae Tuilagi, Dwayne Polataivao, Henry Taefu, Tila Mealoi

I think this is a stronger side on paper than the Tonga side last week and this Wales side is weaker again. Replacement front row is downright shocking, also of there's am injury for Wales on the wing, who is going to play there?

 

[Thingimubob]

I really don't get what Giles has to do to play? I get they're mindful of size against traditionally physical sides, but Allen still got smashed last week, so don't think it makes a difference.

Also he's not a bloody winger in the first place! If Evans goes down, we'll not have a specialist wing in sight...

I have a bad feeling this is gonna be this tour's version of that 2nd test in Japan 4 years ago. May even put a few quid on Samoa to win.

 

[MikeTheNative]

I agree that they have chosen Allen because of size but Lemi is starting for Somoa on the wing and he weighs in at 83kg.

 

[Tautahi]

Samoa are not as well drilled as Tonga in my opinion and their morale must be low. I think this will be fairly comfortable for Wales.

Samoa will prove more of a challenge then Tonga did in my opinion. Samoa have had this core team since 2015 with a few new additions.In the first few minutes of the All Blacks the showed how dangerous, they can be.Samoa will be up for this one.

 

[Bruce_ma gooshvili]

Will this be live on S4C again?

 

[Welshdragon2000]

Will this be live on S4C again?

I don't think it is unfortunately, I assume sky has it though?

 

[TRF_Olyy]

BBC Wales, so it'll be on iPlayer

 

[Welshdragon2000]

BBC Wales, so it'll be on iPlayer

You can also get it on the BBC sport website if you struggle with iplayer or whatever

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Big start from Samoa,
That first tackle after the box kick set the tone, smashed Evans and forced the knock on

 

[Truth]

Samoa and Wales are about the same level. Samoa leading 10 to 6.

 

[Bluemoon]

Sam Davies' decision making is incredibly bad in this game. As well as he may have been in the pro12, he's got no composure at this level.

Front five doing well enough against a big pack.

 

[Truth]

Im surprised its muddy and wet in Samoa.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Thunder storms all week, apparently.


Sam Davies' decision making is absolutely terrible.

 

[Bruce_ma gooshvili]

Glad to have underestimated Samoa although hard to say who the conditions are favouring. I hope they can close this one out.

 

[Bruce_ma gooshvili]

Two very costly poor kicks by Tusi Pisi - a player of of his quality and experience has to do better in the key moments. He cost his side control of the match. Still time to redeem himself.

 

[MarkyH]

Didn't watch the game, just read the report. Would've thought Wales would win be more comfortable. Bad weather (Very bad) by all accounts, and a few players away with the Lions and questionable selection maybe? Win's a win.

Any stand out players from the games so far from a Wales pov?

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Steff Evans took his tries well, but other than that I'd struggle to say anyone was anything other than average at best.