Wales Summer Tour 2012

[Draggs]

I have no idea who will play on the tight, because Adam is certain not to play. I'd avoid Cai Griffiths and especially Scott Andrews. Paul James is the obvious choice, with Bevington on the other side. Not sure about bench mind! Rhodri Jones, Aaron Jarvis?

Rhodri Jones is a good shout. In my opinion, Rees is already ahead of Jarvis.

Where has Jonathan Thomas gotten to? I have noticed his absence on Ospreys teamsheets of late. (He is as present on the field as ever though)

 

[dullonien]

Rhodri Jones is a good shout. In my opinion, Rees is already ahead of Jarvis.

Where has Jonathan Thomas gotten to? I have noticed his absence on Ospreys teamsheets of late. (He is as present on the field as ever though)

Might be right about Rees over Jarvis. I've been pleasantly surprised by Jarvis though, at least he can scrummage to a decent level. Rees is the bigger prospect though.

I think Jon Thomas is injured at the moment. The O's have taken this as a cue to play Smith instead, that's the reason why his lack of presence hasn't been felt on the pitch (I mean lack of lack of presence if you know what I mean). Hopefully we'll see Ryan at 6 with Bearman at 8 for the semi (I think Stowers is still out?).

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Considering the season is over for most Premiership sides, is it up to the PRL or the clubs whether international players can be released?
I mean, they're not going to be missing any games so surely it should be up to the clubs whether or not they get released?


I know there was a bit of guff about Peel not being available for Wales last year(?) but I think that was around Six Nations time, when he would've missed games - but I remember Steve Diamond saying he wouldn't stand in Peel's way if Wales wanted to call him up and it was PRL stepping in to stop it.

 

[psychic duck]

I have no idea who will play on the tight, because Adam is certain not to play. I'd avoid Cai Griffiths and especially Scott Andrews. Well, Paul James is the obvious choice, with Bevington on the other side. Not sure about bench mind! Rhodri Jones, Aaron Jarvis?

shame Craig Mitchell can't play, quite a drop off after him to be honest,

I saw Rhys Jones get shunted all over the place against the Brive reserve front row lately, although he plays both sides so that is an advantage

So what are we looking at for the BaaBaa's match all in all. 15 front line players will apparently already be in Aus. I'd expect them to be Gethin, Rees, Adam, Alun-Wyn, Ian Evans, Lydiate, Warbs, Tips, Faletau, Phillips, Lloyd Williams, Priestland, Davies (if fit), Halfpenny, North, Cuthbert.

I had thought that the entire squad for the first Australia was unavailable, that's what I saw in The Rugby Paper, although I've not seen anything very clear on how many players were being flown out

Enough revisionist history with Cardey online.
When he was selected in 2000, he was the in-form fullback and deserved his spot. He, however, was injured in that match and Rhys Williams took his chance.
Matthew Jones was also a decent prospect in 2005, before injury.

Eifion wouldn't fit into the current squad, with the fitness levels present.
Paul James is and Ryan Bevington could well start this match once more. The sooner Joe Rees reaches this level, the better.

I reckon there will be another one cap wonder somewhere in this lineup if the squad for Australia is unavailable

Matthew Jones was only capped because it was during a Lions tour, another occasion where a host of players who would never get nowhere near a first choice lineup get caps

The Fridge looked good when I saw him play for Toulon the other week, TRF_Olly has said before he was impressive at tighthead at Sale so I would have him above some of the other inexperienced candidates being put forward such as Jarvis and Rhodri Jones

covers both sides too, be good for bench prop

Where has Jonathan Thomas gotten to? I have noticed his absence on Ospreys teamsheets of late. (He is as present on the field as ever though)

he's poorly

Considering the season is over for most Premiership sides, is it up to the PRL or the clubs whether international players can be released?

I mean, they're not going to be missing any games so surely it should be up to the clubs whether or not they get released?


I know there was a bit of guff about Peel not being available for Wales last year(?) but I think that was around Six Nations time, when he would've missed games - but I remember Steve Diamond saying he wouldn't stand in Peel's way if Wales wanted to call him up and it was PRL stepping in to stop it.

Peel was also denied playing in the Barbarians match this time last year

 

[Draggs]

I recalled seeing 'Jonathan Thomas- Illness' just over a month ago, but didn't see him listed as out on the most recent teamsheet. Could be an error.
PRL caused the issue last time, IIRC. Peel was lined up to face us last June but denied.

Howley has made mention to a ~35 man squad but others have hinted at two full 22's being developed, with our first team going down before the Barbarians match.

If Byrne is on T14 duty and Harry and Prydie mucking about with the nippers in Saffa, what does this mean for our back three?
Liam Williams will be there, but who will join him?
Stoddart is still recovering, Martyn Thomas is out of the picture for us right now. Will Harries is still coming back from injury, Tom James, Chris Czekaj, Aled Brew all not up to it. Something will have to give.
Hook could go to 15, but if the 'two 22' theory is to be believed, he will be in Aus then.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Ah, had forgotten about that.

Was thinking more of Andy Powell, than Peel, as he's been on great form this season and could be worth a run out in the BaaBaas game if the main squad will be in the SH already.
Peel has done something to his ankle (broken? ligaments? he's on crutches/in a boot anyway) so I wouldn't expect him to be around even if Gatland liked him/all of the younger SHs were unavailable.

 

[Draggs]

Yeah, Andy Powell seems to be in good shape. I am having trouble convincing others of this though.
Either love him of hate him I suppose.

 

[dullonien]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/17992775

It is likely that Warburton and open-side Justin Tipuric will be part of a 15-strong 'advance guard' to Australia that will not play against the Barbarians at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

That's where I got the 15 players thing from, and tbh it makes sense. We cannot make a full 22 unavailable, because the resulting team to face the BaaBaa's would be a bit of a joke in certain positions.

I'de have Eifion Lewis-Roberts ahead of Rhodri Jones, Jarvis and Tom Rees, but Gatland hasn't picked him in the past, so I can't see him (well Howley) selecting him this time.

Hopefully PRL don't kick up a fuss about Mitchell and Powell like they did with Peel last time and common sense prevails.

No idea about our back three. We're seriously thin on the ground there at the moment, especially on the wing. I think we may see Harry Robinson involved and him being replaced in the U20's side. Liam Williams has looked impressive of late though, so that's one thing at least.

Any word on Jon Davies? Hope he's fit, along with Scott Williams.

 

[Draggs]

OK, this leaves Hibbard/Rees/Owens, James, Ryan Jones, James Hook, among others, available.
Anyone else think Owens should be our first choice hooker? I've not been impressed with Rees lately, while Hibbard has been pretty good and Bennett, unfortunately, injured.

 

[dullonien]

OK, this leaves Hibbard/Rees/Owens, James, Ryan Jones, James Hook, among others, available.
Anyone else think Owens should be our first choice hooker? I've not been impressed with Rees lately, while Hibbard has been pretty good and Bennett, unfortunately, injured.

Yup, I'd have Owens as first choice. It was between him and Hibbard until last weekend, where the Ospreys' lineout didn't function against Aeroni. I'd possibly still have Hibbard as second choice, because he's been excellent before the Aeroni match in every aspect of play, especially in his carrying. Rees will probably go as first choice though, or at the very least second choice.

 

[TRF_Cymro]

shame Craig Mitchell can't play, quite a drop off after him to be honest,

I saw Rhys Jones get shunted all over the place against the Brive reserve front row lately, although he plays both sides so that is an advantage

Who's Rhys Jones? Kingsley's boy?

If you mean Rhodri, then the whole pack was shunted round, but when there is nothing coming through from the second rows then the front three are always in for a difficult night. Amazing you signal him out in pretty much his poorest performance of the season. He's been pretty good for the rest of it.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/17992775

That's where I got the 15 players thing from, and tbh it makes sense. We cannot make a full 22 unavailable, because the resulting team to face the BaaBaa's would be a bit of a joke in certain positions.

I'de have Eifion Lewis-Roberts ahead of Rhodri Jones, Jarvis and Tom Rees, but Gatland hasn't picked him in the past, so I can't see him (well Howley) selecting him this time.

Dull it certainly would be no joke, a chance to see the depth underneath and to give certain players a go. It's a chance to give others a go.

Also who's Tom Rees? Not the ex-England flanker? Joe Rees I still cannot fathom why Jarvis name is being bounded about, he's simply not that good.

I see Ryan Jones staying at home at becoming the player who has captained Wales out the most times in international fixtures.

 

[dullonien]

Dull it certainly would be no joke, a chance to see the depth underneath and to give certain players a go. It's a chance to give others a go.

Also who's Tom Rees? Not the ex-England flanker? Joe Rees I still cannot fathom why Jarvis name is being bounded about, he's simply not that good.

I see Ryan Jones staying at home at becoming the player who has captained Wales out the most times in international fixtures.

Oops, yeah Joe Rees. Only reason I mentioned Jarvis is because he can hold his end of the scrum unlike others. I'm a fan of Rhodri Jones, excellent prospect, and whilst he's struggled a little in the scrum (especially when moved to the tight), he's not been too bad in that department either considering his age. Worth giving him a run-out against the Barbarians imo.

'Joke' was probably a bit harsh, but honestly there are a couple of positions where we're gonna be massively stretched, wing for example. Having Harry Robinson and Adam Hughes on either wing is far from ideal for example, despite their potential. If it wasn't for Martyn Williams, I'd much prefer this game to be uncapped so players aren't given a cheap cap, which ultimately devalues the Welsh jersey a little (although none of the potential players are worse than some selected in the past).

I can see Ryan Jones leading the team as well Cymro. His experience will be needed.

 

[DuncTheDoodle]

Squad's announced Monday. I reckon Fussell and Bishop have done themselves no harm getting with regards to getting into the squad this weekend, although otherwise it's probably as you were. (Biggar must have the starting slot Vs the Baa Baas nailed down, though, and could find himself starting one or two of the tests if he keeps playing like this.)

 

[Draggs]

Biggar has been in great form. Accurate off the tee and running/distributing well.
Certainly the in-form stand off, despite what others may say.
Fussell and Bishop could certainly see time v Barbarians and Brumbies, good performances from both of them.

Possible backline: WilliamsLD, BiggarD, FussellR, BeckA, BishopA, HughesA, WilliamsL.
Doesn't really strike fear into the opposition.

 

[dullonien]

Yeh, I think Fussell and Bishop will be in the squad. It was nice to see Bishop back to his best against Munster, with a solid defensive display, and some good angled running in attack.

It's been good to see Biggar taking control at 10. For a long time, every man and his dog were coming in to play at first receiver for the Ospreys, but recently Biggar is there 9 times out of 10, and is bringing the players around him into the game. It appears that he's been given a license to play what's in front of him by Tandy, whereas he looked scared to try anything under Johnson and Holley. Time will tell if he can keep it up, or whether he can transform his form onto the international stage, but I think he'll get his chance v the Barbarians.

I'd be tempted to play Rhys Webb inside Biggar against the BaaBaas, because the two of them have come through the ranks together, and they have a good understanding. With Beck outside, it would offer all three some familiarity.

 

[TRF_Cymro]

Extended Training Squad For Baa Baas & Australia Tour 2012
FORWARDS: Ryan BEVINGTON, Luke CHARTERIS, Bradley DAVIES, Ian EVANS, Toby FALETAU, Rhys GILL, Richard HIBBARD, Paul JAMES, Gethin JENKINS, Adam JONES, Alun Wyn JONES, Rhodri JONES, Ryan JONES, Dan LYDIATE, Ken OWENS, Matthew REES, Aaron SHINGLER, Justin TIPURIC, Josh TURNBULL, Sam WARBURTON, Martyn WILLIAMS

BACKS: Ashley BECK, Dan BIGGAR, Andrew BISHOP, Aled BREW, Alex CUTHBERT, Jonathan DAVIES, Leigh HALFPENNY, Will HARRIES, James HOOK, George NORTH, Mike PHILLIPS, Rhys PRIESTLAND, Harry ROBINSON, Rhys WEBB, Lloyd WILLIAMS, Scott WILLIAMS, Liam WILLIAMS

 

[dullonien]

Forwards picked themselves. A few surprises in the backs though. Expected to see Fussell there ahead of Brew and Harries, I think he should feel a little unlucky after some great form of late. Harries has done nothing since his return from injury, whilst Brew has had plenty of chances, but never looked like being able to step-up (still hope he can though). Great to see that Davies and Scott Williams should be fit though.

Overall it's a very strong squad, with a lot of on form players. I'm a little worried about the form of Priestland. He's been central to our game, and he needs to up it from the 6 nations and recent Pro12 performances.

 

[DuncTheDoodle]

Can't remember the last time a Wales squad had so few talking points. Glad to see Harries included, but that's just because I like him, rather than because he's in form. Brew, Bish and Turnbull's recalls I can't really complain about, and Biggar was a no-brainer. Do we know the 15 players being flown out early or not?

 

[psychic duck]

I'm glad Brew is there, he hasn't done well for Wales, but it would have been unfair to select somebody else who doesn't do so well at regional level ahead of him, it's debatable whether he's had "plenty of chances", he has less caps than James or Czekaj, and never been given a run of two games in a row, because he's been poor in the one off games he has played.

Fussell was great against Munster last Friday, probably deserved ahead of Harries, but it doesn't surprise me he misses out as Gatland doesn't seem to rate him I don't think based on the players he has given chances to ahead of him over the past years.

 

[DuncTheDoodle]

Just realised there's no Craig Mitchell in the squad. Interesting call, considering Paul James and Rhodri Jones are now our only cover at tighthead, and both are really, primeraily, looseheads. I'd imagine we'll see a team along these lines play against the Baa Baas-

Bevington, Hibbard, James/Rhodri Jones, AWJ, Ian Evans, Turnbull, Ryan Jones (c); Webb, Biggar, Robinson, Beck, Bishop, Harries/Brew, Liam Williams

Tighthead depends on whether or not we view flying Paul James out as important. I'd rather see him play so that we can make the scrum nice and solid, but wouldn't complain if Howley opts to fly him out early. Perhaps including Powell would've been a good idea, too, as we seem a bit light on the No. 8 front, and I'd happily give AWJ the captaincy for the Baa Baas game and wrap Ryan in cotton wool. We could also go with any combination of wingers, to be honest, but I reckon Robinson probably deserves a shot. Scotty could also play in midfield if he's fit. Davies is flying out regardless.