Wales Squad vs. Italy

[Ospreylian]

After a hard-fought victory over struggling France, the management have a lot of thinking to do ahead of the Italy game. This would be my team:

1. James
2. Hibbard
3. Jones
4. Evans
5. Wyn-Jones
6. R. Jones (C)
7. Tipuric
8. Faletau

9. L. Williams
10. Biggar
11. North
12. Hook
13. Roberts
14. Walker (If available)
15. Halfpenny

Bench: Jenkins, Owens, Mitchell, Coombs, Warburton, Phillips, Davies, Cuthbert

I personally can't understand why Paul James still isn't starting. Wales' scrum struggled against France, and although infringements occurred on both sides (not to mention the dreadful pitch), James is known best for his scrummaging.
It may be controversial, but dropping Coombs for Alun Wyn-Jones is something I believe could pay off. I think the team have missed his leadership qualities to some degree, and his general presence on the field.
I'd keep the same back row that played to well against the French. Why alter a working formula? Ryan would have been my man of the match on the weekend, without a doubt.

I think Lloyd Williams has looked sharp coming off the bench, and is quicker at recycling to ball than Phillips at the moment. So why not give him a chance against Italy to see if he can force his way into a regular starting position. Phillips is a great option to come off the bench.
I want to see what Hook can do at inside centre! Davies hasn't impressed me to same degree he usually does, whereas Roberts is crucial to our game at the moment, especially in defence. Hook would act as an inter-changeable second receiver with Biggar, which I feel is the best way to bring out Roberts' attacking style, off quick and well-distributed ball.
Eli Walker needs to be given an opportunity. Cuthbert has done nothing wrong, and I actually prefer him to North in general at the min, but Walker has been the best winger in Wales all season in my opinion. I think he could rip defences apart with his attacking brain and quick feet.

 

[GarethEWilliams]

After a hard-fought victory over struggling France, the management have a lot of thinking to do ahead of the Italy game. This would be my team:

1. James
2. Hibbard
3. Jones
4. Evans
5. Wyn-Jones
6. R. Jones (C)
7. Tipuric
8. Faletau

9. L. Williams
10. Biggar
11. North
12. Hook
13. Roberts
14. Walker (If available)
15. Halfpenny

Bench: Jenkins, Owens, Mitchell, Coombs, Warburton, Phillips, Davies, Cuthbert

I personally can't understand why Paul James still isn't starting. Wales' scrum struggled against France, and although infringements occurred on both sides (not to mention the dreadful pitch), James is known best for his scrummaging.
It may be controversial, but dropping Coombs for Alun Wyn-Jones is something I believe could pay off. I think the team have missed his leadership qualities to some degree, and his general presence on the field.
I'd keep the same back row that played to well against the French. Why alter a working formula? Ryan would have been my man of the match on the weekend, without a doubt.

I think Lloyd Williams has looked sharp coming off the bench, and is quicker at recycling to ball than Phillips at the moment. So why not give him a chance against Italy to see if he can force his way into a regular starting position. Phillips is a great option to come off the bench.
I want to see what Hook can do at inside centre! Davies hasn't impressed me to same degree he usually does, whereas Roberts is crucial to our game at the moment, especially in defence. Hook would act as an inter-changeable second receiver with Biggar, which I feel is the best way to bring out Roberts' attacking style, off quick and well-distributed ball.
Eli Walker needs to be given an opportunity. Cuthbert has done nothing wrong, and I actually prefer him to North in general at the min, but Walker has been the best winger in Wales all season in my opinion. I think he could rip defences apart with his attacking brain and quick feet.

I pretty much agree with this 23, no one should be guaranteed a spot. My only change would be that I would carry on with Jenkins. I think he is getting better and needs the game time. I know this is harsh on James but a 100% in form Jenkins is what we need.

Saying all this I think the only change that maybe made is AWJ in for Coombs.

 

[TRF_Cymro]

Howley has just confirmed that the same starting 15 that was involved with the France game, is the same 15 that will be involved against Italy.

"I think it is pretty important from a coach's perspective that we reward the players who have gone out on the field. I thought Ryan Jones was outstanding in terms of his leadership and it is a just reward that he captains the side against Italy."

 

[GarethEWilliams]

I have no issues in rewarding the same players, even if I disagree with the team.

But who names a starting XV 11 days before a match? All wrong in my opinion and also great for the Italians.

 

[dullonien]

I don't see a problem with this personally. The starting 15 deserved to be rewarded (even if I would personally make a few changes to freshen up our attacking game), and to know that so far in advance could be a positive thing. The make up of the bench will be interesting though, this is what I'd like to see there:

16 Ken Owens (offers more impact than Rees)
17 Paul James (to combat the Italian scrum which will look to get on top in the later stages)
18 Craig Mitchell (been very impressed with his impact from the bench, really developing as a player)
19 Alun-Wyn Jones (will be chomping at the bit to enter the fray and re-gain his starting position against Scotland)
20 Sam Warburton (another who will want to come on and make an impact)
21 Lloyd Williams (adds some spark from the bench)
22 James Hook (will hope to get more than a few minutes at the end to show what he's capable of)
23 Eli Walker (I just really want to see him play, and this is the game for him to get 20min at the end and show us what he can do)

Now that is a strong bench that could really impact a game. There could be arguments for every one of them to be starting this match, so they've all got a lot to prove if given a chance.

 

[GarethEWilliams]

If he wants to keep the same team then do it in house, not to the media. Haven't we just gone through 12 months of players being complacent and knowing that they were going to be picked no matter what.

 

[SelimNiai]

The best way to play into some form, which we desperately need to, is to show consistency in selection. Think the 15 will get confidence from being rewarded with continued selection.

 

[Jbobo]

I agree that it is important to reward players after winning, particularly considering how much confidence seems to effect Wales' form. Could it send the wrong message to the first team and to the rest of the players though? It takes away the competition for places which should be present at all times and you also have the problem if you do change the selection that players who are dropped could have a double hit to their confidence. Hopefully it will all be positive and any negativity will be negligible.

 

[Thingimubob]

While I agree with the same 15 being picked, I'm praying that he picks the right mix of back on the bench. I want to see either Ashley Beck or Eli Walker on the bench for something fresh and creative to be brought onto the pitch, something we've been missing recently. In other words, please no Scott Williams. Forwards look to be strong at least, cracking back up front row with plenty of experience, a returning class player in Wyn-Jones, and Warburton who I hope will play like he has a hell of a lot to prove if/when he comes onto the pitch, whatever position he ends up at.

 

[dullonien]

I want to see either Ashley Beck or Eli Walker on the bench for something fresh and creative to be brought onto the pitch, something we've been missing recently. In other words, please no Scott Williams.

Considering neither Beck or Walker were involved for the Ospreys this weekend gone, I doubt either are fit to be involved. A shame though, as I'd also like to see one of them involved.

 

[j'nuh]

It's not wise to make wholesale changes to improving teams, but I don't buy that winning XVs should automatically be retained. Out of form players shouldn't be rewarded for a collective effort and you risk setting the bar low if you don't make changes even to winning teams (eg, I think England are winning in spite of and not because of their back 3, and they should be changed).

 

[TRF_Cymro]

WALES: Leigh Halfpenny; Alex Cuthbert, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, George North; Dan Biggar, Mike Phillips; Gethin Jenkins, Richard Hibbard, Adam Jones, Andrew Coombs, Ian Evans, Ryan Jones (captain), Justin Tipuric, Toby Faletau.
Replacements: Ken Owens, Paul James, Craig Mitchell, Alun Wyn Jones, Sam Warburton, Lloyd Williams, James Hook, Scott Williams.

 

[Big Ewis]

Hey, when are we making the next 3 matchup threads ?!!! :girl_blum:
There's some serious discussion on hold there in all of us surely !!

 

[Jbobo]

Evening. (apologies in advance for bringing up the H word ) but...

I just watched the London Welsh v Sale match, and i've gotta say Henson was pretty damned impressive. Some of his passes were sublime, especially the delayed ones and his kicking was top notch. I don't know whether this excites me to think that he may, just may be a possible fly half for Wales next season or whether it just infuriates me further that he is a bit of a bell end off the field. Would anyone consider taking him to Japan for the summer tour? When he's been fit he's played a lot like 'old' Henson for LW and i have a feeling his all round skill especially his distribution could be just what Wales need in a fly half.

 

[Draggs]

Join us in the Japan 2013 thread if you want to wax lyrical about Gavin, there's a fair bit going on.
Based on his interviews, he seems to be enjoying his rugby. I hope Lyn keeps him on the straight and narrow as he is doing well so far.

 

[Jbobo]

Shall do! cheers. Gotta agree, Lyn seems to be getting the best out of him and it shows.

 

[Draggs]

I still wish he took Plum up on the offer of joining us for the 2010 CC.
Lambie-Henson-Terblanche...