Wales Starting Squad Vs. Ireland 2012

[dullonien]

Once Beck bulks up a little more he will be immense. Such a great runner and pops up everywhere. Will be ahead of Scott Williams in a season I think.

I don't think Beck needs bulking up. I believe he's around abouts 16stone now (think I heard commentators stating something like that a few games back). The Ospreys site won't let me see his biog to see what they have for him. That's plenty big enough imo, and I think he can handle international rugby at his size. Any more blunking up will limit his speed and footwork which are both good at the minute. If a player is playing well, then they shouldn't change what's working. I think Henson was too big in '09/'10, and it looks like he's lost a bit which suits his playing style. I don't want to see Faletau bulking up, despite being on the light side for an international 8, but it's his speed that's his biggest asset.

 

[Draggs]

Roberts must be in midfield. He is too slow for the wing and hasn't played there consistently for a while. Not sure about starting Jonathan Davies, I still don't think he is in the best of form, and would rather play Henson over two big centres.

Perhaps I used the wrong term with Beck. I would like to see his physicality and defense increase a bit first. Not so much size-wise, but strength. Reminds me a bit of Greenwood.

 

[dullonien]

Roberts must be in midfield. He is too slow for the wing and hasn't played there consistently for a while. Not sure about starting Jonathan Davies, I still don't think he is in the best of form, and would rather play Henson over two big centres.

Perhaps I used the wrong term with Beck. I would like to see his physicality and defense increase a bit first. Not so much size-wise, but strength. Reminds me a bit of Greenwood.

Yeh I agree with the Roberts and Henson comment, although I think we should wait to see how Henson goes at 12 tomorrow before deciding anything. That's where Beck could fit in well though, because he's got quite a good all round game.

Beck could possible do with being a bit more destructive in defense, but I haven't really noticed him missing many tackles. I think he takes the ball into contact very strongly at the moment, and has shown to be more than capable on the crash-ball.

 

[TRF_Cymro]

If Beck can continue his form then he has to be picked on merit as Gatland did with Scott Williams. For me Beck should included, boy gets better with every game he plays.

As for the Roberts debate, I reckon he's a better bet than Davies but Roberts issue at the moment is staying fit. Henson has it all to play, he's looked comfortable at 15 but if he gets a good run of games then he will be in consideration for a spot in the Wales squad.

 

[Ozzay]

I think beck will be in the squad but I can't see gats changing the 15 much.

1. Jenkins
2. Rees
3. Jones

4. Davies
5. Evans

6. Lydiate
7. Warburton
8. Falateu

9. Phillips
10. Preistland

12. Roberts if fit
13. Davies

11. North
14. Cuthbert
15. Halfpenny


if Roberts is out I think he'll start Scott Williams 13 outside Davies


we'd allow like to see different but I really can't see gatland changing much!!!

 

[Draggs]

Not sure about Cuthbert yet. He makes some elementary errors but also looks to be a dangerous runner.
Liam Williams had a pretty poor match today at fullback, while Byrne couldn't really be judged in his match.

 

[dullonien]

Missed the Dragons game last night, but my dad was just raving about Brew's performance. Why can't he play like that for Wales? Worth another shot? I know most think not, but then the likes of Charteris wouldn't have starred at the WC if they weren't given a few opportunities. I dunno, he's such a great player for the Dragons.

 

[SelimNiai]

At the Dragons Brew is probably the best player on that team, certainly the fans love him so he always gets their support. For Wales the general consensus is that he shouldnt be there or is only there becuase there were no other options, maybe that gets to him and makes him lose confidence rather than to spur him on to prove us wrong.

 

[Draggs]

Brew isn't a very skilled player, but has gotten as far as he has through commitment and hard work; he gives 100% every match.
Ultimately, his brainfarts, inability to step and pass will catch up with him- international level. It is time Gatland and crew realise when some players simply aren't international class. We have a great crop of young outside backs coming through, so we need not worry about Brew, Czekaj, James making the step.

 

[dullonien]

Brew isn't a very skilled player, but has gotten as far as he has through commitment and hard work; he gives 100% every match.
Ultimately, his brainfarts, inability to step and pass will catch up with him- international level. It is time Gatland and crew realise when some players simply aren't international class. We have a great crop of young outside backs coming through, so we need not worry about Brew, Czekaj, James making the step.

Yeh, you've summed it up quite well there Draggs. Just find it a pity, because I really like Brew, lovely bloke and as you said works his bloody socks off in every game he plays. I'm a little more cautious about writing him off completely, because I and lots of other people were saying the same thing about Charteris up untill recently, and not many people would have thought Priestland would have progressed as a player in such a way. Charteris probably fits the comparison better because he'd also had quite a few one off opportunities with Wales stretching all the way back to 2004.

 

[DuncTheDoodle]

I've said this before, but Brew looked a 'meh' player at the Ospreys and Blues, but then turned into the force he is nowadays with the Dragons as they gave him a run of games and a license to roam. Wales have to deal with Aled in a similar way to get the most out of him. However, the question is whether or not it's worth him being meh for a season before we see him play well, and it's probably not.

 

[killer08]

i would post an irish starting 15 but until the squad is announced i havent got a clue whos gonna play a 13,

 

[TRF_Cymro]

Wales are announcing a 30 man squad Wednesday lunchtime.

News of squad will be posted here.

 

[DuncTheDoodle]

30 man? I'd wager Gatland'll select-

Props- Gethin Jenkins, Adam Jones, Ryan Bevington, Paul James, Craig Mitchell/Rhys Gill (Gill on form, but other specialist TH, may have to select Mitchell, who's above Andrews technically.)

Hookers- Matthew Rees, Huw Bennett, Richard Hibbard

Back Five- Ryan Jones, Sam Warburton, Danny Lydiate, Toby Faletau, Bradley Davies, Ian Evans, Justin Tipuric, Aaron Shingler

Scrum halves- Mike Phillips, Lloyd Williams, Dwyane Peel

Fly Halves- Rhys Priestland, James Hook, Jason Tovey

Centres- Jamie Roberts, Jonathan Davies, Ashley Beck, Scott Williams

Wings- Alex Cuthbert, George North

Fullbacks- Lee Byrne, Leigh Halfpenny

 

[Me 1]

Guess I'll have a go:
1. Gethin Jenkins
2. Matthew Rees
3. Adam Jones
4. Bradley Davies
5. Ian Evans
6. Dan Lydiate
7. Sam Warburton
8. Toby Faletau
9. Mike Phillips
10. Rhys Priestland
11. Alex Cuthbert
12. Ashley Beck
13. Jamie Roberts
14. George North
15. Leigh Halfpenny

16. Huw Bennett
17. Ryan Bevington
18. Ryan Jones
19. Justin Tipuric
20. Lloyd Williams
21. James Hook
22. Martyn Thomas

23. Ken Owens (Will never happen though )
24. Rhodri Jones
25. Craig Mitchell
26. Dominic Day
27. Rob McCusker
28. Matthew Morgan
29. Jonathan Davies
30. Harry Robinson

Call up Alun Wyn Jones when available.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

With Roberts missing the first match, at least, I'd be very surprised if Henson wasn't included.

 

[Me 1]

With Roberts missing the first match, at least, I'd be very surprised if Henson wasn't included.

Completely forgot about Henson actually:lol:

 

[munstermunch]

Do you guys think wales will target earls as a weaklink at 13? I dont personally think he will be selected there but everyone else seems to think he is a cert.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

If Kidney is daft enough to put Earls at 13 then I expect every team will exploit it.
Keep him on the wing where he belongs...

 

[ZeFrenchy]

Jamie Roberts vs. Earls could be fun to watch...