Wales (The Gatland returns thread)

[Welsh Exile]

Who could've foreseen Anscombe getting injured as well. So not a total waste of time bringing him back into the fold then.

 

[mikebrownsauce1512]

Jaysus, a lot of names I don't know at all there and Assiratti too who I only know because his name is Assiriatti for God's sake.

Probably more indicitive that the regions are barely worth watching than their actual quality but then the quality of the regions (and all the reasons for that however deep you want to go) is why Wales are where they are.

Assiriatti cracks me up

 

[mikebrownsauce1512]

In Fairness Dan Edwards has looked pretty good, hope he can have a good 6n. I really like the look of Ben Thomas hope he can start to kick on now.

 

[Welsh Exile]

I think I'm the only one that just sees a really good club player when i watch Edwards. I don't see international standard let alone potential world class but he's young and options are limited. He'd be a great 3rd choice option behind Evans and Lloyd but I'm clearly the mental one.

 

[dirty harry]

I'm trying not to go on a rant...

But Mee, Murray and Robert's are all incredibly lucky to get in over Llewellyn, who has played a fair amount of rugby on the wing this season and performed well.
Didn't Llewellyn play centre against Scarlet last week and gave a massive defencive performance.

10 is a tough call, Costelow, Lloyd, Sheedy, and Evans have all failed at int level. None really look capable, but Ben Thomas did not have a good summer, he absolutely melted our backline and was shambolic in positioning and decision making, not to mention restarts!!!! A decent 12, not a 10.

 

[dirty harry]

Is Cam Winnet injured?

 

[Welsh Exile]

Is Cam Winnet injured?

Don't think so. Just dropped. Building for the future with Liam Williams.

 

[Welsh Exile]

I'm trying not to go on a rant...

But Mee, Murray and Robert's are all incredibly lucky to get in over Llewellyn, who has played a fair amount of rugby on the wing this season and performed well.
Didn't Llewellyn play centre against Scarlet last week and gave a massive defencive performance.

10 is a tough call, Costelow, Lloyd, Sheedy, and Evans have all failed at int level. None really look capable, but Ben Thomas did not have a good summer, he absolutely melted our backline and was shambolic in positioning and decision making, not to mention restarts!!!! A decent 12, not a 10.

If Lloyd or Evans was given the same opportunity as Costelow, I.e 10-15 starts and put in Costleows display I'd happily put my hands up and say I was wrong but at least we would've tried. But for some reason he was happy for Costelow to make mistakes (which any young player is going to do at international level) but he's not willing to let Evans or Lloyd make those mistakes or give them any opportunity at all really. Shame.

 

[dirty harry]

Don't think so. Just dropped. Building for the future with Liam Williams.

Ye I just checked. Apparently there is a lot of excitement around Mee, plays FB as well? I havnt seen enough to be excited, he looked ok but not world beating when I saw him.

Murray is bang average, havnt seen much but what am I missing?!? I'd much prefer Dyer or Llewellyn.

Not too much mention of Carre, he looks slimmer and has a couple games recently where he lasted a full hour. His carrying alone would put him on my radar.

 

[dirty harry]

If Lloyd or Evans was given the same opportunity as Costelow, I.e 10-15 starts and put in Costleows display I'd happily put my hands up and say I was wrong but at least we would've tried. But for some reason he was happy for Costelow to make mistakes (which any young player is going to do at international level) but he's not willing to let Evans or Lloyd make those mistakes or give them any opportunity at all really. Shame.

I think Lloyd has shown enough, like you said previously a run of games at 10 for Cardiff will 100% improve him, but he's nowhere near int standard currently. Mind you I'd say the same about a fair few of the selected players.

What is Gatlands obsession with Robert's left boot. Robert's exploded onto the seen and quickly hit reverse, if your a speed bump in defence, and struggle to pass what's the point having a decent boot.

Also did Gats call Tompkins a 12?!

I really hope Gats has communicated clearly with a lot of these younger players, who have been capped early, and then discarded. The likes of Carre, Daniel, Fender, Winnet, Llewellyn, Lloyd, Martin, could all be lost to us.

Thinking about it, is Carre eligible for anyone else?

 

[Welsh Exile]

I think Lloyd has shown enough, like you said previously a run of games at 10 for Cardiff will 100% improve him, but he's nowhere near int standard currently. Mind you I'd say the same about a fair few of the selected players.

What is Gatlands obsession with Robert's left boot. Robert's exploded onto the seen and quickly hit reverse, if your a speed bump in defence, and struggle to pass what's the point having a decent boot.

Also did Gats call Tompkins a 12?!

I really hope Gats has communicated clearly with a lot of these younger players, who have been capped early, and then discarded. The likes of Carre, Daniel, Fender, Winnet, Llewellyn, Lloyd, Martin, could all be lost to us.

Thinking about it, is Carre eligible for anyone else?

He hasn't even been given 2 consecutive starts. I can't say that's seeing enough for a young player making the jump up in a position he's recently switched too. I guess it's just he has favourites like he always has which is why he'll give Thomas a handful of starts even though he's not a 10 and gives Costelow chance upon chance even though his international or regional form hasn't warranted it.

 

[BPM]

I think Lloyd has shown enough, like you said previously a run of games at 10 for Cardiff will 100% improve him, but he's nowhere near int standard currently. Mind you I'd say the same about a fair few of the selected players.

What is Gatlands obsession with Robert's left boot. Robert's exploded onto the seen and quickly hit reverse, if your a speed bump in defence, and struggle to pass what's the point having a decent boot.

Also did Gats call Tompkins a 12?!

I really hope Gats has communicated clearly with a lot of these younger players, who have been capped early, and then discarded. The likes of Carre, Daniel, Fender, Winnet, Llewellyn, Lloyd, Martin, could all be lost to us.

Thinking about it, is Carre eligible for anyone else?

Randomly I seem to recall he has heritage from the Channel Islands which makes him eligible for England and Scotland. He's probably waiting on a call from Townsend.

 

[dullonien]

I'm trying not to go on a rant...

I'll have one instead then...

I'm sick and tired of every Gats squad having to have some unnecessary compromise or area of weakness! The 10 situation is just completely bonkers! I know we're not blessed with lots of options, but Jarrod Evans and Lloyd are available, and it just makes sense to include more cover in the squad, even if they're third choice.

Why isn't Max in the squad after investing considerable gametime in him during the AI's, especially when he's in good club form? I like Joe Robers, but he's only just back from a serious injury and is yet to regain form! Where's the ******* sense in that!

Tshiunza's inclusion makes a mockery of every metric that Gatland usually uses to justify players' selection/non selection. He isn't playing for Exeter. He's playing outside of Wales. Exeter aren't winning. How does he get selected ahead of other options like Cracknell? Even Plumtree would be a better choice if a hybrid lock/backrower is required!

Sorry, but RMW's non-inclusion can't be justified. He's at the heart of every good Ospreys performance!

 

[dullonien]

Randomly I seem to recall he has heritage from the Channel Islands which makes him eligible for England and Scotland. He's probably waiting on a call from Townsend.

Yeah Carre will be eligible for Eng, Sco and Ire once 5 years lapses with his father hailing from Guernsea. Eligible in 2026 apparently!

 

[BPM]

Knew it was something like that. As of right now, I don't see England or Ireland going for him, but TBH from an England POV, a lot depends on what happens with our younger looseheads. Ireland don't have masses of strength in depth either but it's a bit more complicated unless he moves to a province.

Scotland don't have much depth there so if Carre keeps impressing with Saracens stranger things have happened than him making a switch or nationality with one of the three.

Then again, I can't imagine Gatland has another year to run and a new coach may feel differently.

 

[dirty harry]

I'll have one instead then...

I'm sick and tired of every Gats squad having to have some unnecessary compromise or area of weakness! The 10 situation is just completely bonkers! I know we're not blessed with lots of options, but Jarrod Evans and Lloyd are available, and it just makes sense to include more cover in the squad, even if they're third choice.

Why isn't Max in the squad after investing considerable gametime in him during the AI's, especially when he's in good club form? I like Joe Robers, but he's only just back from a serious injury and is yet to regain form! Where's the ******* sense in that!

Tshiunza's inclusion makes a mockery of every metric that Gatland usually uses to justify players' selection/non selection. He isn't playing for Exeter. He's playing outside of Wales. Exeter aren't winning. How does he get selected ahead of other options like Cracknell? Even Plumtree would be a better choice if a hybrid lock/backrower is required!

Sorry, but RMW's non-inclusion can't be justified. He's at the heart of every good Ospreys performance!

Fully agree on the first couple of points, although I don't rate Evans or Lloyd as good enough, I'd happily have seen one selected over an uncapped player and a 12 as options. Even as just a back up option I'd want that. Robert's isn't fit, and even before injury offered little, there's plenty of centre options better than him.

Max is a travesty, his ability to cover 12,13 and wing would be useful, as would his size and defencive capabilities, he also scores tries.

I'd disagree regarding RMW. He isn't ready, like nowhere close. He can't box kick, and his delivery is still poor, at least Bevan makes up for the same issues with being big and defensively sound. I get there's an argument for him over Rhodri, but to be fair Rhodris probably the best 9 playing in Wales, and behind a bad pack.

Not much been said for Dyer, he must be annoyed, Murray, Mee and Robert's over him is harsh.

 

[dirty harry]

I'll have one instead then...

I'm sick and tired of every Gats squad having to have some unnecessary compromise or area of weakness! The 10 situation is just completely bonkers! I know we're not blessed with lots of options, but Jarrod Evans and Lloyd are available, and it just makes sense to include more cover in the squad, even if they're third choice.

Why isn't Max in the squad after investing considerable gametime in him during the AI's, especially when he's in good club form? I like Joe Robers, but he's only just back from a serious injury and is yet to regain form! Where's the ******* sense in that!

Tshiunza's inclusion makes a mockery of every metric that Gatland usually uses to justify players' selection/non selection. He isn't playing for Exeter. He's playing outside of Wales. Exeter aren't winning. How does he get selected ahead of other options like Cracknell? Even Plumtree would be a better choice if a hybrid lock/backrower is required!

Sorry, but RMW's non-inclusion can't be justified. He's at the heart of every good Ospreys performance!

Fully agree on the first couple of points, although I don't rate Evans or Lloyd as good enough, I'd happily have seen one selected over an uncapped player and a 12 as options. Even as just a back up option I'd want that. Robert's isn't fit, and even before injury offered little, there's plenty of centre options better than him.

Max is a travesty, his ability to cover 12,13 and wing would be useful, as would his size and defencive capabilities, he also scores tries.

I'd disagree regarding RMW. He isn't ready, like nowhere close. He can't box kick, and his delivery is still poor, at least Bevan makes up for the same issues with being big and defensively sound. I get there's an argument for him over Rhodri, but to be fair Rhodris probably the best 9 playing in Wales, and behind a bad pack.

Not much been said for Dyer, he must be annoyed, Murray, Mee and Robert's over him is harsh

 

[Welsh Exile]

How's WGJ been called up when he's based in England now and already capped?

It's the same reason why Jarrod Evans is still eligible, WGJ didn't receive any credible offer in Wales. I think the last offer was £12k pa and half price sausage rolls at the club house.

 

[Flankers' paradise]

I saw something that Gatling gun said about ML being dropped because he didn't get any carries against the saffas in the AI's. crazy decision especially with Grady out. And as much as I like Tshiunza he's had like one game off the bench since the AI's which i'm almost certain is down to non selection rather than injury. I feel mightily sorry for the Welsh but can't see anything other than another whitewashing heading your way.

 

[Welsh Exile]

I saw something that Gatling gun said about ML being dropped because he didn't get any carries against the saffas in the AI's. crazy decision especially with Grady out. And as much as I like Tshiunza he's had like one game off the bench since the AI's which i'm almost certain is down to non selection rather than injury. I feel mightily sorry for the Welsh but can't see anything other than another whitewashing heading your way.

He did say, "I know we didn't have a lot of the ball against SA"