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Wales - Barbarians FC (02/06/2012, 14:00)
- Thread starter TRF_Olyy
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Not the best of games, but a nice win for Wales to start the Summer. We've got to remember that it was a very inexperienced Welsh team, particularly in the backline, so to come away with a win against a pretty decent Barbarian's side was encouraging.
Still not sure about Matthew Rees' form (or fitness). He started off ok, but his lineout throwing deteriorated, and I thought Hibbard had a positive impact from the bench, with his physicality helping combat that of the Barbarians. I'd honestly only have Rees as third choice hooker at the moment, with Owens starting and Hibbard on the bench as an impact sub.
Rgodri Jones had a mixed game. Had a few decent scrums, but overall looked up against it on the tight. Didn't see much of him in open field either. One to work on, could maybe develop into a tighthead, although obviously a better fit on the loose.
The backrow started well, but did fade a little in the middle period, and struggled with the physicality, especially when Ryan departed. Turnbull put in a decent shift in defence, including that great cover tackle on Tagicakibau, but made too many errors. Tipuric was great for the most part, dominated the tackle area and covered the field well. Wales were always going to struggle when both Alun Wyn and Ryan Jones went off. I think they ended up with Turnbull playing 8, Martyn 7, Tips at 6 and Shingler in the second row. Not something you want to see too often. To me this says that they wanted to keep Ryan and Alun-Wyn, I think both will be on the bench v Aus next weekend (I believe Alun Wyn's sisters wedding is during the week, and he can make it to the game, but won't have trained enough to start?).
In the backs, LLoyd Willims had a mixed game Poor charge down led to a try, despite two excellent try saving tackles from Lloyd himself. I thought Webb's running game really added something when he came on, and he had a couple of great box kicks. Unfortunately he also had a kick charged down, something for the Wales management to work on.
Wasn't convinced by Biggar. Didn't have a chance to do much, and because Hook took the kicks (not quite sure why, maybe to re-build Hooks confidence in kicking for Wales?), Biggar wasn't very evident. A bit of a defensive lapse from him made Donald's second try much too simple.
Centres went ok. Hook had one of his better games of late. His kicking was generally excellent which was nice to see (one kick aside), and he created a decent amount. Bishop was solid. Started strongly, but faded as the game went on.
In the back three, Robinson did all he could. Went looking for work, scored a great try and never stopped trying. Brew was quiet but good when he got involved in the game. Not quite sure why he doesn't go looking for the ball more like he does at regional level. Maybe deserves another chance after today. Liam Williams is still a bit of a headless chicken in defence. He needs to learn to be a bit more patient, because he simply overrun the ball on a few occasions leaving space for the Barbarians to attack. Donald's first try is an example of this. Otherwise he wasn't really involved much.
Still not sure about Matthew Rees' form (or fitness). He started off ok, but his lineout throwing deteriorated, and I thought Hibbard had a positive impact from the bench, with his physicality helping combat that of the Barbarians. I'd honestly only have Rees as third choice hooker at the moment, with Owens starting and Hibbard on the bench as an impact sub.
Rgodri Jones had a mixed game. Had a few decent scrums, but overall looked up against it on the tight. Didn't see much of him in open field either. One to work on, could maybe develop into a tighthead, although obviously a better fit on the loose.
The backrow started well, but did fade a little in the middle period, and struggled with the physicality, especially when Ryan departed. Turnbull put in a decent shift in defence, including that great cover tackle on Tagicakibau, but made too many errors. Tipuric was great for the most part, dominated the tackle area and covered the field well. Wales were always going to struggle when both Alun Wyn and Ryan Jones went off. I think they ended up with Turnbull playing 8, Martyn 7, Tips at 6 and Shingler in the second row. Not something you want to see too often. To me this says that they wanted to keep Ryan and Alun-Wyn, I think both will be on the bench v Aus next weekend (I believe Alun Wyn's sisters wedding is during the week, and he can make it to the game, but won't have trained enough to start?).
In the backs, LLoyd Willims had a mixed game Poor charge down led to a try, despite two excellent try saving tackles from Lloyd himself. I thought Webb's running game really added something when he came on, and he had a couple of great box kicks. Unfortunately he also had a kick charged down, something for the Wales management to work on.
Wasn't convinced by Biggar. Didn't have a chance to do much, and because Hook took the kicks (not quite sure why, maybe to re-build Hooks confidence in kicking for Wales?), Biggar wasn't very evident. A bit of a defensive lapse from him made Donald's second try much too simple.
Centres went ok. Hook had one of his better games of late. His kicking was generally excellent which was nice to see (one kick aside), and he created a decent amount. Bishop was solid. Started strongly, but faded as the game went on.
In the back three, Robinson did all he could. Went looking for work, scored a great try and never stopped trying. Brew was quiet but good when he got involved in the game. Not quite sure why he doesn't go looking for the ball more like he does at regional level. Maybe deserves another chance after today. Liam Williams is still a bit of a headless chicken in defence. He needs to learn to be a bit more patient, because he simply overrun the ball on a few occasions leaving space for the Barbarians to attack. Donald's first try is an example of this. Otherwise he wasn't really involved much.
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What frustrated me about Liam Williams was that sometimes he just looks like he's still stuck in first gear, he showed today that he switches off at regular intervals, especially in defence. He's a fine young player but has much work to do.
DuncTheDoodle
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Thought both Lloyd and, when he came on, Webb had good games, as did Andrew Bishop, Harry Robinson and, in particular, Justin Tipuric. Tipuric seemed to be everywhere, and at the breakdown caused real problems throughout, even if the Baa Baas did begin to figure out how to live with him in the second half of the first half. Turnbull was, admittedly, a bit meh, but not worthy of the disregard he seems to have received here, especially after his great tackle on Tagicakibau. Hook was quite good, too, but did have moments of indecisiveness. Didn't seem to see a lot of Biggar even before he went off, which was disappointing, but he didn't do a lot wrong either, putting in a few good passes and kicks, in fairness, and the decision to axe him from the squad is incredibly harsh.
Harry Robinsons' try was very impressive, as was his willingness to have a crack. He seems to have a steely determination to go alongside his buckets of pace, (The latter obvious in the try) which is more the reason he should go far than his turn of speed itself. Shame we couldn't've seen more of Will Harries, though, but that's just the way the world works.
Overall, I do feel confident about next week, but have to be wishful that we don't pick up too many injuries, as I reckon Australia would've blown that Wales team apart.
Harry Robinsons' try was very impressive, as was his willingness to have a crack. He seems to have a steely determination to go alongside his buckets of pace, (The latter obvious in the try) which is more the reason he should go far than his turn of speed itself. Shame we couldn't've seen more of Will Harries, though, but that's just the way the world works.
Overall, I do feel confident about next week, but have to be wishful that we don't pick up too many injuries, as I reckon Australia would've blown that Wales team apart.
Yep, decent player in attack but his defence and physicality is very suspect.
Lloyd was dire and Rhys Webb continued the trend. Webb has a good boot but no passing sense.
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See I felt that Lloyd started off well and things got worse with him when the Barbarians began upping the physicality at the breakdown and slowing the ball down. Wales box-kicking needs improving.
Lloyd was unpredictable. He did well after he was charged down, but just seemed on two minds most of the time.
Can we combine Rees, Williams, and Webb?
Matthew Rees didn't surprise me, he performed just like he did with the arsecelts.
Once we got our backline moving, Robinson and Brew began to look for the ball.
Poor defence from our inside backs, but decent in attack. Biggar didn't have the benefit of Lydiate and Roberts that Priestland did, as wasn't too bad. Hook still a very instinctual player, good with ball in hand running but just always able to make the wrong choice.
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I thought both scrum halves were generally pretty good, but let themselves down with their charged down kicks. Webb in particular was very good. Great little dart and offload, followed by a lovely flat pass to release Hook for his try. I agree with Cymro that both scrum halves seemed to lack a little protection from their forwards at the base, with the Barbarians physicality causing issues
TVH11
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Bit of a nothing game. Have a bit of an empty feeling after the game today. I thought the usual suspects has a good game. I do feel for Biggar because he's always given games where the whole pack and back-line are a Welsh experiment. As Gusgott said on tv, Priestland's had the majority of his games at 10 behind a dominant pack, and settled backline, whereas Biggar has been given the experimental cretin side.
Brew was almost non existent despite his try (most of that was due to no ball going to his wing). First time I've seen Harry Robinson, and he seems sharp in open space
Was fun to see the rucks get extremely messy for BaBa's when Tupuric and Martyn Williams were both on pitch. they are a complete nuisance.
Gutted Shane didn't score, would have liked to have seen 4 tries in 4 final games. Ah well, darn that nugget with his last ditch tackling!!!
Brew was almost non existent despite his try (most of that was due to no ball going to his wing). First time I've seen Harry Robinson, and he seems sharp in open space
Was fun to see the rucks get extremely messy for BaBa's when Tupuric and Martyn Williams were both on pitch. they are a complete nuisance.
Gutted Shane didn't score, would have liked to have seen 4 tries in 4 final games. Ah well, darn that nugget with his last ditch tackling!!!
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I can see where you go with Biggar but do wonder if he is international class anyway....suppose we shall only know if he gets the chances that Priestland and others before him have had?
Apart from the try which, with his speed, was presented to him on a plate, did not see any noticeable difference between the performance of Robinson and Brew......both defended as required, supported well, went looking for work and did nothing wrong?
Totally agree about Shane......missed the start of the match where there may have been a bit more of a fuss but thought that they would have made more of his game......perhaps to a last minute substitution where he could have been applauded off? A marvellous career for one of us little fella's!!
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Surprised Bevington isn't touring. I still feel that he should be slightly ahead of Gill, although Gill does carry well it's got to be said. Gives away a decent amount of penalties too mind. I suppose we'll see more of Bevington for the O's next year, and we can judge him a little better.
Like TVH11 has said. Maybe feel a little sorry for Biggar. He didn't have an easy ride today. But he needs to show that he can take the game by the scruff of the neck and stand-up to be counted in games such as these when everything's not going to plan.
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Is taking two flyhalves, for a tour, too few?
Especially with the midweek game.
What if Hook sprains an ankle playing against Brumbies (or whoever their midweek is against) - You're left with no cover for flyhalf in the game, unless they then have to rush and fly someone halfway round the world (and have them be in no state for playing rugby anytime soon after).
Especially with the midweek game.
What if Hook sprains an ankle playing against Brumbies (or whoever their midweek is against) - You're left with no cover for flyhalf in the game, unless they then have to rush and fly someone halfway round the world (and have them be in no state for playing rugby anytime soon after).
[TABLE="class: grid, width: 905, align: left"]
<tbody>[TR]
[TD]Number
[/TD]
[TD]Name
[/TD]
[TD]Comments
[/TD]
[TD]Rating
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]15
[/TD]
[TD]Liam Williams[/TD]
[TD]Was not offered many counter-attacking opportunities, seemed reluctant/caught out in defence.[/TD]
[TD]5/10[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]14
[/TD]
[TD]Harry Robinson[/TD]
[TD]Eagerly looked for ball, didn't disappoint when given the opportunity.
Minor errors in performance but more than made up for it in enthusiasm.[/TD]
[TD]7/10[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]13
[/TD]
[TD]Andrew Bishop[/TD]
[TD]The midfield struggled in defence, but it is difficult to point where the issue was.
Attacked well and stood up to the defence, vast improvents this season.[/TD]
[TD]6/10[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]12
[/TD]
[TD]James Hook[/TD]
[TD]Showed his nerve to slot a game-winning conversion from his own try. Still lacks full composure
under pressure, but showed his attacking instincts that we know all too well.[/TD]
[TD]6.5/10[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]11
[/TD]
[TD]Aled Brew[/TD]
[TD]Very little time ball in hand, but ran some good supporting lines and looked to become more
involved in the second half. Much improved to a year ago.[/TD]
[TD]6.5/10[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]10
[/TD]
[TD]Dan Biggar[/TD]
[TD]Not offered a steady set piece to work from, but cleared his lines under pressure and unfortunate
to be cut[/TD]
[TD]6/10[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]9
[/TD]
[TD]Lloyd Williams[/TD]
[TD]Put his side under unnecessary pressure. Charged-down kick led to a try, but admirable defence in between the eventual score. Needs to calm down for the most part.[/TD]
[TD]5/10[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]1
[/TD]
[TD]Rhys Gill[/TD]
[TD]Started out well, and offered some good support, but his ill-disciple once again showed, and his yellow card paved the way for the Barbarians to enter the match.[/TD]
[TD]4/10[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]2
[/TD]
[TD]Matthew Rees[/TD]
[TD]An overall poor performance from the captain, reminiscent of his later performances from the Scarlets this season. Early injuries could have contributed to poor throwing.[/TD]
[TD]5/10[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]3
[/TD]
[TD]Rhodri Jones[/TD]
[TD]Played out of his position on his debut, Rhodri did struggle at the scrum, but fared better than many expected. Looking forward to seeing more of him.[/TD]
[TD]6/10[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]4
[/TD]
[TD]Alun Wyn Jones[/TD]
[TD]Perhaps fatigued after the Pro12 final, I thought that AWJ was fairly anonymous, not offering the support he normally does.[/TD]
[TD]5.5/10[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]5
[/TD]
[TD]Ian Evans[/TD]
[TD]The giant Ospreys second row continued his amazing return, securing lineout ball and being a good force in the loose. Chased down Shane Williams to deny the wing another try.[/TD]
[TD]7/10[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]6
[/TD]
[TD]Josh Turnbull[/TD]
[TD]Not a great first start for the Scarlets blindside. Committed numerous costly penalties. An incredible try saver left the match open for Wales, in one moment of brilliance.[/TD]
[TD]4/10[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]7
[/TD]
[TD]Justin Tipuric[/TD]
[TD]A truly fantastic performance from the young openside. Countless turnovers and actively looking for work. A real battle for the 7 shirt awaits. My Wales MOTM[/TD]
[TD]8/10[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]8
[/TD]
[TD]Ryan Jones[/TD]
[TD]Good workrate in the loose, but like AWJ, could do with a rest. Moved to second row before coming off.[/TD]
[TD]6/10[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]16
[/TD]
[TD]Richard Hibbard[/TD]
[TD]Not on for too long, a more reliable lineout option than Rees, and seemed eager to get involved[/TD]
[TD]+[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]17
[/TD]
[TD]Paul James[/TD]
[TD]Came on for Rhys Gill and then Rhodri Jones, Wales' ever reliable bench prop once more was up to the job.[/TD]
[TD]+[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]18
[/TD]
[TD]Aaron Shingler[/TD]
[TD]Played in the second row in place of AWJ/Ryan Jones, had little time to stake a claim. A better option than Turnbull.[/TD]
[TD]=[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]19
[/TD]
[TD]Martyn Williams[/TD]
[TD]One of the two main men, Nugget showed his class, forcing turnovers and causing trouble with Justin Tipuric.[/TD]
[TD]+[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]20
[/TD]
[TD]Rhys Webb[/TD]
[TD]Poor decision-making and passing put Wales under pressure, but simply excellent box kicking relived his side when needed.[/TD]
[TD]=[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]21
[/TD]
[TD]Adam Warren[/TD]
[TD]Didn't see too much of him, the match had fallen apart by the time this debutant took to the field.[/TD]
[TD]N/A[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]22
[/TD]
[TD]Will Harries[/TD]
[TD]Eagerly running in support, the little wing hardly had a chance to make his claim for the tour party.[/TD]
[TD]N/A[/TD]
[/TR]
</tbody>[/TABLE]
My ratings might seem a bit harsh, but I tend to use the 5-7 range often. My overall MoTM was Stephen Donald, who, after a shocking first quarter, played a very good match. I am not BjR.
+ is indicative of a good substitute performance, - is poor, and = is neutral.
<tbody>[TR]
[TD]Number
[/TD]
[TD]Name
[/TD]
[TD]Comments
[/TD]
[TD]Rating
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]15
[/TD]
[TD]Liam Williams[/TD]
[TD]Was not offered many counter-attacking opportunities, seemed reluctant/caught out in defence.[/TD]
[TD]5/10[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]14
[/TD]
[TD]Harry Robinson[/TD]
[TD]Eagerly looked for ball, didn't disappoint when given the opportunity.
Minor errors in performance but more than made up for it in enthusiasm.[/TD]
[TD]7/10[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]13
[/TD]
[TD]Andrew Bishop[/TD]
[TD]The midfield struggled in defence, but it is difficult to point where the issue was.
Attacked well and stood up to the defence, vast improvents this season.[/TD]
[TD]6/10[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]12
[/TD]
[TD]James Hook[/TD]
[TD]Showed his nerve to slot a game-winning conversion from his own try. Still lacks full composure
under pressure, but showed his attacking instincts that we know all too well.[/TD]
[TD]6.5/10[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]11
[/TD]
[TD]Aled Brew[/TD]
[TD]Very little time ball in hand, but ran some good supporting lines and looked to become more
involved in the second half. Much improved to a year ago.[/TD]
[TD]6.5/10[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]10
[/TD]
[TD]Dan Biggar[/TD]
[TD]Not offered a steady set piece to work from, but cleared his lines under pressure and unfortunate
to be cut[/TD]
[TD]6/10[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]9
[/TD]
[TD]Lloyd Williams[/TD]
[TD]Put his side under unnecessary pressure. Charged-down kick led to a try, but admirable defence in between the eventual score. Needs to calm down for the most part.[/TD]
[TD]5/10[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]1
[/TD]
[TD]Rhys Gill[/TD]
[TD]Started out well, and offered some good support, but his ill-disciple once again showed, and his yellow card paved the way for the Barbarians to enter the match.[/TD]
[TD]4/10[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]2
[/TD]
[TD]Matthew Rees[/TD]
[TD]An overall poor performance from the captain, reminiscent of his later performances from the Scarlets this season. Early injuries could have contributed to poor throwing.[/TD]
[TD]5/10[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]3
[/TD]
[TD]Rhodri Jones[/TD]
[TD]Played out of his position on his debut, Rhodri did struggle at the scrum, but fared better than many expected. Looking forward to seeing more of him.[/TD]
[TD]6/10[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]4
[/TD]
[TD]Alun Wyn Jones[/TD]
[TD]Perhaps fatigued after the Pro12 final, I thought that AWJ was fairly anonymous, not offering the support he normally does.[/TD]
[TD]5.5/10[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]5
[/TD]
[TD]Ian Evans[/TD]
[TD]The giant Ospreys second row continued his amazing return, securing lineout ball and being a good force in the loose. Chased down Shane Williams to deny the wing another try.[/TD]
[TD]7/10[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]6
[/TD]
[TD]Josh Turnbull[/TD]
[TD]Not a great first start for the Scarlets blindside. Committed numerous costly penalties. An incredible try saver left the match open for Wales, in one moment of brilliance.[/TD]
[TD]4/10[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]7
[/TD]
[TD]Justin Tipuric[/TD]
[TD]A truly fantastic performance from the young openside. Countless turnovers and actively looking for work. A real battle for the 7 shirt awaits. My Wales MOTM[/TD]
[TD]8/10[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]8
[/TD]
[TD]Ryan Jones[/TD]
[TD]Good workrate in the loose, but like AWJ, could do with a rest. Moved to second row before coming off.[/TD]
[TD]6/10[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]16
[/TD]
[TD]Richard Hibbard[/TD]
[TD]Not on for too long, a more reliable lineout option than Rees, and seemed eager to get involved[/TD]
[TD]+[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]17
[/TD]
[TD]Paul James[/TD]
[TD]Came on for Rhys Gill and then Rhodri Jones, Wales' ever reliable bench prop once more was up to the job.[/TD]
[TD]+[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]18
[/TD]
[TD]Aaron Shingler[/TD]
[TD]Played in the second row in place of AWJ/Ryan Jones, had little time to stake a claim. A better option than Turnbull.[/TD]
[TD]=[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]19
[/TD]
[TD]Martyn Williams[/TD]
[TD]One of the two main men, Nugget showed his class, forcing turnovers and causing trouble with Justin Tipuric.[/TD]
[TD]+[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]20
[/TD]
[TD]Rhys Webb[/TD]
[TD]Poor decision-making and passing put Wales under pressure, but simply excellent box kicking relived his side when needed.[/TD]
[TD]=[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]21
[/TD]
[TD]Adam Warren[/TD]
[TD]Didn't see too much of him, the match had fallen apart by the time this debutant took to the field.[/TD]
[TD]N/A[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]22
[/TD]
[TD]Will Harries[/TD]
[TD]Eagerly running in support, the little wing hardly had a chance to make his claim for the tour party.[/TD]
[TD]N/A[/TD]
[/TR]
</tbody>[/TABLE]
My ratings might seem a bit harsh, but I tend to use the 5-7 range often. My overall MoTM was Stephen Donald, who, after a shocking first quarter, played a very good match. I am not BjR.
+ is indicative of a good substitute performance, - is poor, and = is neutral.
Biggar being cut just makes a mockery of the 'picking on form' mantra. I get the feeling that Howley just doesn't like him, and was never really going to take him, which is why Hook was taking the kicks.
Bevington being cut is also harsh, but more understandable with his lack of first team rugby. Probably good news for the Ospreys as they'll be fresher for next season and will have a point to prove.
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