wales backline?

[jordiev]

well wiht halfpenny showing his credentials at fullback ... will he and north still be the wings? or will he be fullback? or who do you think will play at 11, 14 and 15 for wales ones shane retires?

 

[Me 1]

My guess:
11. Alex Cuthbert/Kristian Phillips(if he gets more game time)
14. George North
15. Leigh Halfpenny

Cuthbert is a bit similar to North, Phillips is more skillful. It all depends on what Gatland prefers. I guess we should wait a bit and have a better look once the world cups over though.

 

[nickdnz]

Shane Williams will keep playing till he's 50. I'd actually like him to stick around a bit longer to break Campese's record (the real record :lol

 

[Draggs]

Am I the only one who doesn't rate Phillips?
Plenty of pace but makes stupid, basic errors constantly.

Prydie or Walker have much greater potential and I could see either of them take the 11 shirt in a season or two. Hopefully Prydie will be used as a fullback and give us some more options.

I would imagine Cuthbert is the only real option right now (please no Tom James/Czekaj), but he still looks like a 7's player in 15's. Give him time and I am sure he will be a decent wing, but he needs some more time.
Harries and Stoddart are out for a while, so they are out of the question, while I think Brew has shown that he is not up to the task.

This is the way I see the Welsh backline for the Six Nations:

9 Phillips. Welcome back Mike, we've missed you!
10 Priestland. I will admit I never rated him, but I am so glad to have been proven wrong. Have him work with Neilo a bit and he will have no problem keeping the 10 shirt.
11 Probably Cuthbert, not sure.
12 Roberts.
13 Davies. Still not sure about Foxy. He hasn't performed for Wales like he has for the Scarlets, but he seems to be stepping up.
14 GEORGE NORTH!!!
15 Halfpenny. Looks at home as a fullback, hopefully the Blues will use him there.

 

[Me 1]

Am I the only one who doesn't rate Phillips?
Plenty of pace but makes stupid, basic errors constantly.

Prydie or Walker have much greater potential and I could see either of them take the 11 shirt in a season or two. Hopefully Prydie will be used as a fullback and give us some more options.

I would imagine Cuthbert is the only real option right now (please no Tom James/Czekaj), but he still looks like a 7's player in 15's. Give him time and I am sure he will be a decent wing, but he needs some more time.
Harries and Stoddart are out for a while, so they are out of the question, while I think Brew has shown that he is not up to the task.

This is the way I see the Welsh backline for the Six Nations:

9 Phillips. Welcome back Mike, we've missed you!
10 Priestland. I will admit I never rated him, but I am so glad to have been proven wrong. Have him work with Neilo a bit and he will have no problem keeping the 10 shirt.
11 Probably Cuthbert, not sure.
12 Roberts.
13 Davies. Still not sure about Foxy. He hasn't performed for Wales like he has for the Scarlets, but he seems to be stepping up.
14 GEORGE NORTH!!!
15 Halfpenny. Looks at home as a fullback, hopefully the Blues will use him there.

Well to be fair I haven't seen much of him as the Ospreys never give their youngsters a chance
Maybe your right, it's just from what I can remember he looks good.

 

[Draggs]

Well to be fair I haven't seen much of him as the Ospreys never give their youngsters a chance
Maybe your right, it's just from what I can remember he looks good.

Asking for trouble there!
Walker has really impressed me, looked a league apart from the rest of the Welsh U20's this year and was one of the few positives from the Ospreys' game v Exeter.

I'm hoping Prydie will be given a run at 15 with Byrne gone and Barry Davies not an option.
I was hoping Daniel Evans would step up after his performances from a season or two ago, but I am not sure what has happened to the lad. Dale Ford seems a decent prospect, hell of a boot on him!

 

[dullonien]

Am I the only one who doesn't rate Phillips?
Plenty of pace but makes stupid, basic errors constantly.

Prydie or Walker have much greater potential and I could see either of them take the 11 shirt in a season or two. Hopefully Prydie will be used as a fullback and give us some more options.

I would imagine Cuthbert is the only real option right now (please no Tom James/Czekaj), but he still looks like a 7's player in 15's. Give him time and I am sure he will be a decent wing, but he needs some more time.
Harries and Stoddart are out for a while, so they are out of the question, while I think Brew has shown that he is not up to the task.

This is the way I see the Welsh backline for the Six Nations:

9 Phillips. Welcome back Mike, we've missed you!
10 Priestland. I will admit I never rated him, but I am so glad to have been proven wrong. Have him work with Neilo a bit and he will have no problem keeping the 10 shirt.
11 Probably Cuthbert, not sure.
12 Roberts.
13 Davies. Still not sure about Foxy. He hasn't performed for Wales like he has for the Scarlets, but he seems to be stepping up.
14 GEORGE NORTH!!!
15 Halfpenny. Looks at home as a fullback, hopefully the Blues will use him there.

Yeh, I've not been impressed with Kristian Phillips recently. He's a great runner, but the rest of his game can be shocking on occasion, with poor defense, poor decision making and basic errors. Eli Walker looks the real deal to me, extremely solid all round game and he's blisteringly quick. I've been impressed with Cuthbert, but he's got alot to proove yet, namely that he's got more to his game than his size and basic speed.

I'm not gonna rule Aled Brew out completely, because he's a consistent performer in the Magners/Pro12, and is still young enough to make the step-up. Stoddart is probably the long term option, along with Harries.

Halfpenny should stay at fullback, and I'm sure the Blues will play him there in the absense of Blair. I still think Fish will be a good player, but he can develop behind Halfpenny at the Blues. Czekaj isn't good enough imo. Still not sure about Tom James. Has all the attributes, but the one that really matters and that's a rugby brain.

Not massively impressed with the other Dragons or Scarlets wingers tbh, although Hughes could be in Gatlands thoughts at wing.

Edit. Finally, there could be a chance that Gatland could try Matthew Morgan on the wing. There are still massive doubts surrounding his game management and defense at 10 (the game against Exeter highlighted alot of his weaknesses), so he could be shifted to wing to gain some experience with a possibility of moving back to 10 at a later date. Afterall, Shane Williams might not have gotten anywhere staying at scrum half, the same might be true of Morgan. It'd be a massive pitty, because he has the potential to be one of the best running 10's the game has ever seen, just not sure the Ospreys management has faith in him in that position.

 

[Draggs]

I don't think James Hook should be considered as a 10 again, he has never been able to control tight knockout style games at fly half, and when given a chance to prove that wrong on Saturday he failed again just like he did playing for Ospreys against Saracens in 08

however I want him to play centre alongside Roberts again, I thought that worked really well, much better than the Davies-Roberts combination, yet now everyone has forgotten how effective he was a t 12 for the Ospreys in their path to winning the Magners League in 2010, and just see him as 10 or 15

I like Hanno Dirksen at the Ospreys, he's a very good finisher, however I would feel guilty picking him as it would be stealing him from a minor country (USA)

I also have a soft spot for Will Harries, he could be a like-for-like replacement for Shane, but I think Gatland will just pick Prydie again

Will Harries! I hope he returns soon enough, great little runner. His defence needs some work but I still think/hope he can make it.
Dirksen has said that he would represent Wales if asked, so I wouldn't rule him out.

Prydie and Walker both need to bulk up a bit, but they are both young players and I wouldn't want to do anything that would ruin their pace right now.
James, Brew, and Czekaj are all the same; they have some good qualities, but are simply not rounded players and lack some basic attributes.

 

[dullonien]

I don't think James Hook should be considered as a 10 again, he has never been able to control tight knockout style games at fly half, and when given a chance to prove that wrong on Saturday he failed again just like he did playing for Ospreys against Saracens in 08

however I want him to play centre alongside Roberts again, I thought that worked really well, much better than the Davies-Roberts combination, yet now everyone has forgotten how effective he was a t 12 for the Ospreys in their path to winning the Magners League in 2010, and just see him as 10 or 15

That's unfair imo. Despite having a few games at 10 in the 6 nations, he hasn't had any gametime there at the O's, yet he was chucked in at 10 in the semi-finals of the WC in a game where we were down our main player in the pack, and he's completely written off! He didn't have a great game, but I still think 10 is his best position if he's given a run of games at club level to get his overall game back up to standard. I think Perpignan will give him that opportunity, then we can come back to this and see how he's faired.

 

[Me 1]

Not massively impressed with the other Dragons or Scarlets wingers tbh, although Hughes could be in Gatlands thoughts at wing.

Hughes is good but I see him as more of a centre(long term option?). I was impressed with Andy Fenby at fullback before he got his injury early last season, but unfortunately we've had few wingers available and he's had no chances at fullback since coming back from injury. Hopefully he'll get his chance later. Dale Ford has been good from what I've heard but haven't had a chance to see him unfortunately. Don't know about Dan Evans, he just been mediocre recently.

 

[Peat]

I'd be interested in seeing how Hook got on in a long run at 13. He seems to have potential there for me.

Also, are we just writing off Henson? He can play 13 right? Nothing against Jon Davies, but he has the most vulnerable man in the Wales backline.

I'd agree with the duck that Dirksen is a good shout.

 

[dullonien]

Hughes is good but I see him as more of a centre(long term option?). I was impressed with Andy Fenby at fullback before he got his injury early last season, but unfortunately we've had few wingers available and he's had no chances at fullback since coming back from injury. Hopefully he'll get his chance later. Dale Ford has been good from what I've heard but haven't had a chance to see him unfortunately. Don't know about Dan Evans, he just been mediocre recently.

I'm still not atall sure about Fenby. He put in some good showings for the scarlets at both wing and fullback, but I feel he's just waaay to raw for international rugby. Very much in the same mould as Tom James, and I think he'd really scruggle with the mental side of international rugby. Decent regional option, no more. Sometimes that's the simple truth.

 

[Me 1]

I'm still not atall sure about Fenby. He put in some good showings for the scarlets at both wing and fullback, but I feel he's just waaay to raw for international rugby. Very much in the same mould as Tom James, and I think he'd really scruggle with the mental side of international rugby. Decent regional option, no more. Sometimes that's the simple truth.

Yeah I'm not sure about international rugby for him, just hope he can be a good regional option and then we'll see.

 

[Draggs]

That's unfair imo. Despite having a few games at 10 in the 6 nations, he was chucked in at 10 in the semi-finals of the WC in a game where we were down our main player in the pack, and he's completely written off! He didn't have a great game, but I still think 10 is his best position if he's given a run of games at club level to get his overall game back up to standard. I think Perpignan will give him that opportunity, then we can come back to this and see how he's faired.

Agree. He will do well in Perpignan. Out of the spotlight, he will be able to focus on his game and not worry about everybody's opinion.
I am not sure if I would have him or Wellies in the 6N squad. If they work at it for their clubs then perhaps, but I would consider bringing Tovey into the squad.

Looking at the whole squad, how about this for the Six Nations? (Bold is starting, italic is replacement)

Props (5): Adam Jones, Gethin Jenkins, Paul James, Ryan Bevington, Scott Andrews.
Hooker (4): Matthew Rees, Richard Hibbard, Huw Bennett, Ken Owens.
Second Row (3): Bradley Davies, Alun Wyn Jones, Luke Charteris.
Back Row (6): Dan Lydiate, Josh Turnbull, Sam Warburton, Justin Tipuric, Ryan Jones, Toby Faletau.
Scrum Half (3): Mike Phillips, Lloyd Williams, Richie Rees.
Outside Half (2): Rhys Priestland, Jason Tovey. (Possibly Hook and Jones)
Centre (4): Jamie Roberts, Jonathan Davies, Scott Williams, Gavin Henson.
Wing (3): George North, Alex Cuthbert, Eli Walker.
Fullback (2):Leigh Halfpenny, Tom Prydie.

 

[dullonien]

I'd be interested in seeing how Hook got on in a long run at 13. He seems to have potential there for me.

Also, are we just writing off Henson? He can play 13 right? Nothing against Jon Davies, but he has the most vulnerable man in the Wales backline.

I'd agree with the duck that Dirksen is a good shout.

I think Hook's future position should be decided by where he's playing for Perpignan. If he's playing in a certain position week in week out for his club, play him in the same position for Wales. Henson will never be written off in Wales and in Gatland's mind. Not sure he's a 13 though!

Dirksen is good, although I'd also feel bad about stealing him away from USA.

yes, maybe playing for a team like Perpignan will improve him at 10

but would you agree as of yet in his career he hasn't done well in tight knockout style matches at 10?

and with the rise of Priestland he should be selected at centre?

I'm really not sure tbh. See what happens at Perpignan I say and then come back and review it again before the Aus game or the 6 nations. He's not a 15, that's all I can really say.

 

[Peat]

yes, maybe playing for a team like Perpignan will improve him at 10

but would you agree as of yet in his career he hasn't done well in tight knockout style matches at 10?

and with the rise of Priestland he should be selected at centre?

A team needs more than one fly-half. Jones is at the end of the road, Tovey and Morgan aren't ready if they ever will be. I've already stated that I like Hook at a centre - but Wales can't afford to write him off a fly-half yet, even if he's had difficulties there.

 

[dullonien]

Looking at the whole squad, how about this for the Six Nations? (Bold is starting, italic is replacement)

Props (5): Adam Jones, Gethin Jenkins, Paul James, Ryan Bevington, Scott Andrews.
Hooker (4): Matthew Rees, Richard Hibbard, Huw Bennett, Ken Owens.
Second Row (3): Bradley Davies, Alun Wyn Jones, Luke Charteris.
Back Row (6): Dan Lydiate, Josh Turnbull, Sam Warburton, Justin Tipuric, Ryan Jones, Toby Faletau.
Scrum Half (3): Mike Phillips, Lloyd Williams, Richie Rees.
Outside Half (2): Rhys Priestland, Jason Tovey. (Possibly Hook and Jones)
Centre (4): Jamie Roberts, Jonathan Davies, Scott Williams, Gavin Henson.
Wing (3): George North, Alex Cuthbert, Eli Walker.
Fullback (2):Leigh Halfpenny, Tom Prydie.

Ben Morgan? Looks good other than that. When will Pretorius be Welsh qualified, he'll be another great option at 6. Also McCusker, too many young backrowers all of a sudden!

What are people's opinion of Fussell? Bit up and down, but he looks decent at fullback.

 

[Draggs]

Morgan hasn't merited selection on current form, but certainly a possibility. I'd get him capped anyway
Pretorius is WC in Summer 2012, so hopefully we can take him to Australia.

Fussell is club level at best, a better wing than fullback. I have seen him make some awful mistakes at fullback, specifically with his kicking. Perhaps he would benefit being involved with the Welsh squad but I don't think Scotty would like Fuss being pulled for two months just to hang out with the lads.

Forgot to add Craig Mitchell, I think he has what it takes, and is right now our second best tighthead.

 

[j'nuh]

I think Stoddart should come back into the team when he's healed up. He looked really good at fullback before injury.

 

[Me 1]

Agree. He will do well in Perpignan. Out of the spotlight, he will be able to focus on his game and not worry about everybody's opinion.
I am not sure if I would have him or Wellies in the 6N squad. If they work at it for their clubs then perhaps, but I would consider bringing Tovey into the squad.

Looking at the whole squad, how about this for the Six Nations? (Bold is starting, italic is replacement)

Props (5): Adam Jones, Gethin Jenkins, Paul James, Ryan Bevington, Scott Andrews.
Hooker (4): Matthew Rees, Richard Hibbard, Huw Bennett, Ken Owens.
Second Row (3): Bradley Davies, Alun Wyn Jones, Luke Charteris.
Back Row (6): Dan Lydiate, Josh Turnbull, Sam Warburton, Justin Tipuric, Ryan Jones, Toby Faletau.
Scrum Half (3): Mike Phillips, Lloyd Williams, Richie Rees.
Outside Half (2): Rhys Priestland, Jason Tovey. (Possibly Hook and Jones)
Centre (4): Jamie Roberts, Jonathan Davies, Scott Williams, Gavin Henson.
Wing (3): George North, Alex Cuthbert, Eli Walker.
Fullback (2):Leigh Halfpenny, Tom Prydie.

What, no Ben Morgan I'd probably replace him with Ryan Jones or Justin Tipuric. Similar to Jones but better in my opinion, and Tipuric as I don't think we need 3 opensides (Although I'm probably a little biased)
About Henson, all depends if he can find a club......
Don't think we need 4 hookers, 3's enough.

Edit: Sorry missed Dull response.