Last question: maybe I'm completely missing something, but if we are going to try something different at Centre, would it not be worth trying Jon Davies at 12 and Scott Williams at 13? Davies is a good kicker (and often seems to these days) whilst Williams is a great runner/finisher. No....?
Scott Williams' distribution game is far better than Davies', which imo should be top priority for an international 12. Williams' is liable to the odd shocker in that department too though! Personally, I'd like to see Owen Williams in the squad and tested at 12. He plays a lot of rugby at 12 for Tigers, and is in the 2nd five eighth mould, i.e. a 10 who's physical enough to cut it at centre. That would allow one of Scott Williams, JD2 or someone else like Cory Allen or even George North some space at 13.
As far as Saturday is concerned, I don't think Howley will make many changes. AWJ, Warbs and Gareth Davies will likely come back in, as will Liam Williams if fit (probably in the wrong position one the wing though!). I'd personally make more changes. This is the 23 I'd go with:
01 Nicky Smith. Jenkins was poor on Sat, and we need more carriers in the front 5. Smith has quick feet which allows him to consistently beat the first man and get over the gainline.
02 Scott Baldwin. Had a positive impact on Sat. Thought Ken Owens was found wanting physically against the Wallabies.
03 Samson Lee. No-one else really. We need to find a tighthead who offers something in the loose. Dillon Lewis at the Blues springs to mind.
04 Luke Charteris. Thought both starting locks were very poor v Aus, but unless we try the likes of Hill or Thornton, options are a little thin on the ground.
05 Alun-Wyn Jones. Simply has to come back in if available. Missed him hugely, which in itself is a little worrying.
06 Sam Warburton. Lydiate was poor once again. Warbs is more dynamic, with a good blend of pace and power, who should help protect our ruck ball, and put pressure on the oppositions'
07 Justin Tipuric. Struggled a little physically maybe, but he was by far our most threatening player ball in hand. Only player who could match the Aussies skill level.
08 Ross Moriarty. Not convinced that he's an 8, certainly more at home on the blindside, but needs must atm.
09 Gareth Davies. Shame that Webb is out yet again, but Davies is a good back-up to have.
10 Sam Davies. Will have learnt from the mistakes he made v Aus. Still looked far more potent in attack than Biggar.
11 Keelan Giles. Very hypocritical of me I know, but f**k it....
12 Scott Williams. Best option atm.
13 Jon Davies. Missed his spot blitz v Aus.
14 George North. Poor v Aus, but is one of our best players if we can get him into the game.
15 Liam Williams. Our best fullback, attacking wise.
