RBS 6 Nations - Wales vs Scotland (12-02-2012, 15:00)

[Rhondda Rudie]

Surprised Gethin has been rushed back to start,would have had him on the bench myself.Also surprised Scotland want the roof shut,think that'll play into our hands.

 

[Jakerbeef]

Personally think it's the first half-decent thing Ford's done as captain so far.

At least it shows a bit of intent. Can't go to Cardiff and win a dour kicking display in the rain anyway, we've chosen a fly-half not suited to that.

 

[Toby Faletau-Jones]

Have never understood Gatland's obsession with picking Hook at fullback. We were lucky that Halfpenny took to fullback like a duck to water at the WC, because he wasn't given any gametime there by Gatland or the Blues beforehand. Hook lacks pace for a fullback, and doesn't hit the line. He's mostly fine under the high ball (although always seems to drop one per game), and has a decent boot. I don't think any part of his game particularily suits fullback (unlike Henson for instance who at least has a huge boot).

Hook is now also our only real backup for outside half aswell, with Tovey, Biggar and Morgan not up to the level required. Unfortunately for Hook, he makes an aswesome bench option, so that's where he's gonna find himself alot of the time.

To be quite frank, i don't even know why he is in the squad. Don't get me wrong, in the past he has been brilliant, but surely selection in the sqaud is based upon good form. Hook lost us two games at the world cup, SA and France. He can't catch or kick. He's more of a reputation player now.


Halfpenny must remain fullback, he is consistent and apart from Sunday very good under the high ball. I expect Scotland to do quite a few high ones, so Hook should keep away.

Anyway, I would like form permitting, Nicky Robinson to come back into the frame. On his day he was fantastic. Any Welsh supporters know how he's doing with Wasps? (That's who he is playing for I believe)

 

[Seaton]

I expect Scotland not to do quite a few high ones. They are not very high on either Laidlaw or Lamont's list of best abilities.

Hopefully the coaches agree.

And at long f***ing last I will not have to contend with watching the first half through a smokescreen at the camera levels.


One of the daftest things in international rugby, that smoke with the roof closed.

 

[dullonien]

To be quite frank, i don't even know why he is in the squad. Don't get me wrong, in the past he has been brilliant, but surely selection in the sqaud is based upon good form. Hook lost us two games at the world cup, SA and France. He can't catch or kick. He's more of a reputation player now.


Halfpenny must remain fullback, he is consistent and apart from Sunday very good under the high ball. I expect Scotland to do quite a few high ones, so Hook should keep away.

Anyway, I would like form permitting, Nicky Robinson to come back into the frame. On his day he was fantastic. Any Welsh supporters know how he's doing with Wasps? (That's who he is playing for I believe)

Hook's certainly our second best option at 10 at the moment, whilst pretty much every team in the world would want a player of Hooks versatility in their squad. He covers so many positions, he makes the perfect bench option, so of course he deserves a place in the squad. I do agree that he's living off reputation to some degree, but hopefully we'll still yet to see the best from Hook.

As for Nicky Robinson. I would have applauded his inclusion a few seasons ago, when he was doing so well at the Blues, and at Gloucester. But what's the point of getting him involved now? He must be nearing 30, and with a few up and coming players at the regions, the younger option should be used.

 

[gogo]

Like the sounds of all this Scottish attack, a rematch of 2010 perhaps? However, with Murray on religious holidays, and Parks, the only man in Scotland who can boot the ball into an area where Scotland's forwards could press the Welsh lineout, the cards seem to be falling with Wales. Even with the second row crises, the Welsh team starting this week looks a better one than that which started the last fixture.

http://eye-on-wales.com/2012/02/10/and-then-came-scotland/

 

[Draggs]

Refusing to get carried away with this match. We did in 2010 and very nearly lost. Scotland could trouble us in a few aspects of the game, and will certainly try and disrupt every lineout. (When all three second rows in the 22 are over 2m what do you expect?)

Disappointed not to see Beck somewhere in the 22, same with Aaron Shingler.

 

[Robert Prosser]

So you don't consider being asked to play in a World Cup in a position that you have NEVER started an International game at, being thrown in at the deep end? His Regional and International career was forged on the wing.
It doesn't matter what he prefers to play! Even at Under 21 level he was a winger and I think Tovey was the fullback.

Anyway... I love him at Fullback, I think he's a real find. Massive boot, extra kicking option, a natural attacker. He's a tad short, but there we go!

It might be a bit controversial but Clive Woodward was spot-on when he said after Englands win in 2003 that "We need to get rid of the notion that HE's a winger and HE's a fullback. The back three should be totally interchangeable"​ That might be a bit idealistic thinking, but it's the way forward.

I didnt see it as a big deal him playing there but saying that I have seen him playing at full back before and I agree his kicking is great you wouldnt believe the amount of practicing he does, he is constantly kicking all the time even when he comes home he goes down the local club and kicks for ages.


also I agree with the Clive Woodward statement there the back three being interchangeable is a massive thing and when it works can be used to great effect.

 

[Draggs]

Sam struggling for the match, according to Wales U20 commentary.
So, Lydiate to 7 if needed? Powell 8, Shingler 19.

 

[SelimNiai]

Powell 8

Hide the golf carts

 

[big ginger 8]

There are some wingers you'd never play fullback e.g. Chris Ashton, Hosea Gear, Luke Fitzgerald...

 

[Draggs]

No, but we have seen more Fullbacks and Centres playing on the wing thse days. Out-and-out wing seems to almost be outdated. North used to play centre; a 12 at U16's/U18's.

 

[big ginger 8]

No, but we have seen more Fullbacks and Centres playing on the wing thse days. Out-and-out wing seems to almost be outdated. North used to play centre; a 12 at U16's/U18's.

I suppose but fullback is a very specialist position IMO where you need a lot of bottle. Also requires a different mindset when most wingers get the ball they're thinking "how will I score from here" a fullback needs to see the space and get the ball there.

 

[Draggs]

Agree, but we have seen players go from 15 to 11/14 and do well (Jane, O'Connor, Dagg at times).
I am not saying we should just play three 15's, but we need qualities from the fullback in all back three players (kicking, tackling, positioning in defence).

 

[big ginger 8]

Agree, but we have seen players go from 15 to 11/14 and do well (Jane, O'Connor, Dagg at times).
I am not saying we should just play three 15's, but we need qualities from the fullback in all back three players (kicking, tackling, positioning in defence).

Can agree with all of that.

 

[cyRil]

TVH is that you sat behind Nigel Owens on Jonathan?!

 

[dullonien]

TVH is that you sat behind Nigel Owens on Jonathan?!

He mentioned something about being on Jonathan this week, either earlier in this thread or in in Ireland v Wales thread I think. Also mentioned something about messing something up.

 

[TVH11]

TVH is that you sat behind Nigel Owens on Jonathan?!

Yes yes tis I!!!! Was on it last week being the "Kicking Tee" (first Round with Gerald Davies was a disaster, but second round with Densil of Pobl Y Cwm is so far a high score, not even Gareth Edwards could beat )

And yes I am sat behind Nigel owens.. Cue innuendo's

In all seriousness I can't wait for Sunday though, Taking my Girlfriend to her first ever Rugby Game (and first experience of the staidum). Cannot wait!!!

 

[YesImAfroJack]

Cue innuendo's

Don't you mean innyourendo ?

 

[Dicey]

I believe If Scotland are to win they need to neutralise Mike Phillips and cut out his distribution to our back line. I personally believe the Scottish pack will cause us more problems than the Irish (shock)! The Scots dominated possession and territory against the English but couldn't turn it into points.
I think we have the makings of an excellent back line . Instill some more confidence and we could terrorise teams for years to come.