Wales going into the World Cup

[dullonien]

Right, after the grand slam confidence is high about our chances at the world cup. Thought it was worth a thread to discuss all things Wales.

A lot has been made of our increased depth, so I thought I might list each position in my ranking order. I've also included a couple of players who will be eligible post WC for fun.

Loosehead: Rob Evans, Nicky Smith, Wyn Jones, Rhodri Jones? Rhys Carre?

Tighthead: Tomos Francis, Samson Lee, Dillon Lewis, Leon Brown.

Hooker: Ken Owen's, Eliot Dee, Ryan Elias, Kristian Dacey, Scott Baldwin, Scott Otten, Richard Hibbard.

Second row: AWJ, Cory Hill, Adam Beard, Jake Ball, Bradley Davies, Seb Davies, Luke Charteris.

Blindside: Josh Navidi, Ross Moriarty, Aaron Shingler, Aaron Wainwright, Ellis Jenkins, Josh Turnbull, Olly Cracknell.

Openside: Justin Tipuric, James Davies, Ellis Jenkins, Josh Navidi, Thomas Young, Olly Griffiths.

8th Man: Taulupe Faletau, Ross Moriarty, Harrison Keddie. Dan Baker?

Scrum Half: Rhys Webb, Gareth Davies, Tomos Williams, Rhodri Williams, Aled Davies, Lloyd Williams, Tavis Knoyle, Keiron Hardy.

Outside Half: Gareth Anscombe, Dan Biggar, Rhys Patchell, Jarrod Evans, Rhys Priestland, Sam Davies, Owen Williams, Dan Jones.

Inside Centre: Hadleigh Parkes, Owen Watkin, (Willis Haloholo), Owen Williams, Jamie Roberts, Jack Dixon.

Outside Centre: Jon Davies, Scott Williams, Owen Lane, Tyler Morgan, Cory Allen, Harri Millard.

Wing: Josh Adams, George North, Liam Williams, Hallam Amos, Owen Lane, (Johnny McNicholl), Steff Evans, Keelan Giles, Luke Morgan.

Fullback: Liam Williams, Leigh Halfpenny, Hallam Amos, (Johnny McNicholl), Gareth Anscombe, Matthew Morgan, Jordan Williams, Rhun Williams.

I'm sure I've forgotten some obvious options!

 

[oj121]

Some of those are either old enough to not warrant a place again or so far off international standard they would be lucky to make a tier 1 squad though mate. We have some decent depth and lots of players coming through but Hibbard is at the end and Baldwin is done. Matthew Morgan couldnt tackle a turnip etc so lets not push it too far.

You missed Garin Smith in the centers though and Sam Davies would be last on my 10s list!

James Davies is bottom of the pile for us as well...

 

[Bada-Bing!]

Lydiate?

 

[bushytop]

Some of those are either old enough to not warrant a place again or so far off international standard they would be lucky to make a tier 1 squad though mate. We have some decent depth and lots of players coming through but Hibbard is at the end and Baldwin is done. Matthew Morgan couldnt tackle a turnip etc so lets not push it too far.

You missed Garin Smith in the centers though and Sam Davies would be last on my 10s list!

James Davies is bottom of the pile for us as well...

Lol... are you actually Garin Smith's mum in disguise there oj?

 

[dullonien]

That was sort of the point oj. Hopefully it highlights the positions we're sorted in (even if there's a number of injuries leading into the WC), and those where we could struggle if a couple of players in the same position come a cropper!

I probably agree re Hibbard, although Baldwin could still do a good job if required.

No way is James Davies bottom of the pile! One of the best jacklers in the world coupled with 7's attacking ability is a potent combo. Back to back MOTM performances in the summer. He's not as versatile as Navidi, Ellis Jenkins or someone like Griffiths, but as a specialist 7 he's phenomenal. Scarlets have really missed him this season.

Garin Smith! Don't see it mate. Sage at the Dragons I quite like the look of though.

Dan Evan's is someone I've left off, but with Gats/Howley it probably doesn't matter!