Wales Training Squad

[ZeroTwo]

As with the cuthbert point, don't underestimate what an impact a long camp like this can have, people are fitter, sharper, out of their negative club environment and so on... he could be a completely different player come the world cup.

By that logic we can't discuss any player!

 

[goodNumber10]

By that logic we can't discuss any player!

why?

he's either up to the task or not, i'm just saying poor form can very much be turned around in national camps.

 

[ZeroTwo]

why?

he's either up to the task or not, i'm just saying poor form can very much be turned around in national camps.

I'm saying he's always had a poor temperament and it's been seasons since he was last impressive, teams have learnt how to shut him down. It's possible but unlikely it'll be turned around in camp. Just think saying it's not possible to discuss on this seasons form is a bit tight. I think this seasons form has a big impact.

However Mr. Webb is superb in my opinion. Hopefully will stay injury free, they'll need him to top Genia.

 

[goodNumber10]

I'm saying he's always had a poor temperament and it's been seasons since he was last impressive, teams have learnt how to shut him down. It's possible but unlikely it'll be turned around in camp. Just think saying it's not possible to discuss on this seasons form is a bit tight. I think this seasons form has a big impact.

I'm purely talking about form, and him being able to play himself into form in a camp - temperment is another thing really.

However Mr. Webb is superb in my opinion. Hopefully will stay injury free, they'll need him to top Genia.

It's unlikely Genia will be the starting 9 for Australia, most likely it would be Nick Phipps then it's a shoot out between White and Genia.

 

[ZeroTwo]

I'm purely talking about form, and him being able to play himself into form in a camp - temperment is another thing really.




It's unlikely Genia will be the starting 9 for Australia, most likely it would be Nick Phipps then it's a shoot out between White and Genia.

Fair enough on both points. Still going to need the top scrum half, especially to progress later.

Anyway we've all heard enough about Phillips' temperament, I'm sure.

 

[Maverick1987]

By that logic we can't discuss any player!

Not really because Cuthbert has proven his worth in the past ...

 

[ZeroTwo]

Not really because Cuthbert has proven his worth in the past ...

As has Phillips. But no one can say he's been a top performer for the last two years, maybe more. Think that's fairly compelling evidence to say that he may not be Wales' second choice any more.

 

[Maverick1987]

As has Phillips. But no one can say he's been a top performer for the last two years, maybe more. Think that's fairly compelling evidence to say that he may not be Wales' second choice any more.

Maybe but I think what Cuthbert is good at is far more natural than what Mike Phillips was good at . Also I believe Phillips has lost his edge because of his age . Cuthbert has lost his because of form, a big difference if you ask me ..

 

[ZeroTwo]

Maybe but I think what Cuthbert is good at is far more natural than what Mike Phillips was good at . Also I believe Phillips has lost his edge because of his age . Cuthbert has lost his because of form, a big difference if you ask me ..

I'm with you on this! Was just referring specifically to Phillips in my last few posts. Was wondering if he was an actual viable bench option or not any more.

 

[bazwaz]

Has anyone studied the Fijian team Wales are playing in the RWC 'Pool of Death'.

...A very dangerous side I kid you not, with the potential to cause some serious damage...

Dangerman#1 Nemani Nadolo a runaway train , awesome size and power and capabilities of attracting several defenders and great offloads...probably see him in the centres given the number of flying Fijian wingers already in the team..his devastating runs will punish you..

Dangerman#2...no particular order as these Fijians are equally capable of kicking your butt so I would strongly advise against any complacency...
Vereniki Goneva.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c41mG7A9C2g

Dangermen #3 and #4 Viriviri and Masilevu...members of the World Champion Sevens team adding a whole new dimension of awesomeness to watch out for..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHgiIYdAoxI

Dangerman #5 Savenaca Rawaca... unbelievably he has turned down five offers from world renowned clubs.... offers from top French clubs Toulouse and Clermont...also turned down the Paramatta Eels and an offer from Scotland's top club, the Glasgow Warriors...

..Here's why - he's promised his parents that he will represent Fiji until the Olympics and wait for any offers from overseas clubs after the Rio Games...only 23 so what's the rush..

... He will make an awesome flanker... or fullback not sure where he will fit in but he's playing in the RWC.. finished the last World Sevens Series with 42 TRIES...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5o-7l-kk1M

Wingers for Africa have the Fijians...from the Taniwhas and Crusaders Jone Macilai broke his arm in the first game so had a quiet season so far but don't let that fool you..

, Asieli Tikoirotuma won two Super Rugby ***les with the Chiefs before heading to the Harlequins and now London Irish.. then there's also Toulon's Napolioni Nalaga nicknamed the new Lomu...

Glasgow Warriors pair Niko Matawalu and Leone Nakarawa add another layer of offloading ability, while the likes of Toulouse's Akapusi Qera, Brive's Dominiko Waqaniburotu and Sisa Koyamaibole, and Peceli Yato are excellent forwards...did I mention Bordeaux's prolific Metuisela Talebula

Have a feeling all the experienced gained from playing NH rugby , Super rugby in the SH and Sevens will have given the Fijians a big leg up going into the 2015 RWC.
Have heard the military have interfered with Fijian rugby in the past but lots of talent in the 2015 squad named and capable of causing an upset or two. Biggest problem they have is discipline and a proclivity to lose players for overly physical/high tackles which could be a problem.

...checked out the RWC odds and Fiji paying $81.00 to progress ..so those are my kinda of odds..

 

[Raggs]

I don't think Fiji will progress. They face England first up and I don't think they'll win that, then they have Aus and I still don't think they'll be quite fully gelled. But they'll be facing Wales after Wales have had just a 5 day turnaround after facing England. I know the Welsh like to claim the very close result in the Autumn was due to the Welsh focusing on conditioning, but equally the Welsh are a well drilled and gelled team, whereas the world cup is often the only chance that tier 2 teams get to spend significant time together to reach those same levels. Add in the turnaround and a couple of injuries potentially leading to depth issues, and I really think Fiji could upset Wales. I suspect we'll see a round robin between Wales, England, Aus, each winning a game, but Wales will lose out on the top 2 due to the Fiji result. Serious bananaskin for me.

Would rather both England and Wales beat Aus, Eng beat Wales, and Wales don't trip up against Fiji.

 

[bazwaz]

OK it looks improbable.. The Fijians are largely of unknown quantities. Nobody rates them.
They have everything to prove and absolutely nothing to lose... just making them all the more dangerous in my book.
Remember they aren't World Sevens Champions by accident.
They're natural footballers - they love to throw the ball around... Unpredictable, opportunistic, hard running , elusive- they play a very entertaining and unorthodox style of football...
They have the depth and talent to do well this year IMHO. Watchout for Fiji my friends..

There is a big SuperXV semi final matchup worth watching tonight between Warratah's Taqele Naiyaravoro and the competitions top try scorer Highlanders Waisake Naholo. Be thankful these Fijians are playing for Oz and NZ respectively and not Fiji. Patrick Osborne on the other wing for the Highlanders of Fijian heritage also and just as dangerous.

In the other semi final the Brumbies have a very dangerous centre Tevita Kuridrani and winger Henry Speight - both of Fijian descent and have elected to rep Australia.
ITM player of the year and Chiefs centre Seta Tamanivalu is also of Fijian descent. Queensland Reds centre Samu Kerevi...All these Fijian players are featuring highly if not topping the Fantasy football tables in their respective positions .

Not just in Union are the Fijians featuring either, they are also starring in the League Competitions as well.
Check out Semi Radarada for example....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjcdqCNbdfk

 

[ZeroTwo]

You skimmed over Nakarawa quickly but anyone who watched the final vs Munster would remember he can be devastating. Also the player with the most offloads in the European cup. I honestly can't see Auz, England and Wales all beating them with any ease. They have one of the strongest squads they've ever had and they have a lot to prove.

They beat Italy fairly comfortably at home last year but they'll need to keep stepping it up to win away against any of the big teams. McKee has the difficult job of allowing the natural Fijian game to play meanwhile creating more order and organisation.

 

[Jbobo]

Fiji are never a team to take lightly, and in the past they sometimes have caught Wales napping and maybe a little complacent. However, if Wales have this long to train together and are extremely focused like they were during the last world cup, i'd imagine it will be another whitewash like 4 years ago. Can't write them off completely though, and Wales will have to show up, which i'd be extremely surprised if they didn't. Fiji will have one big game, but they will not beat any one of the three big teams and i don't think Wales are more likely to struggle than anyone else. Wales actually might be more likely to run in 10 tries against them than England, and i believe they have more fire power But they need to start well and not give Fiji confidence. Plus teams will really show up to play against the Home country for sure. Australia could have their work cut out for them, but again if they turn up, they will hammer Fiji.

I'd like to see Fiji compete up front. Then they could beat these teams, or at least seriously challenge them in tests which are not just end of year warms up's for the bigger teams- which face it, was the case for Wales last year. (something which annoyed me hugely was the complacency and proceeding jump up in quality after the game). I think a big emphasis was on preventing injury and not over exerting themselves, which is always a recipe for disaster against good intl opposition.

 

[Wendigo7]

Fiji are never a team to take lightly, and in the past they sometimes have caught Wales napping and maybe a little complacent. However, if Wales have this long to train together and are extremely focused like they were during the last world cup, i'd imagine it will be another whitewash like 4 years ago. Can't write them off completely though, and Wales will have to show up, which i'd be extremely surprised if they didn't. Fiji will have one big game, but they will not beat any one of the three big teams and i don't think Wales are more likely to struggle than anyone else. Wales actually might be more likely to run in 10 tries against them than England, and i believe they have more fire power But they need to start well and not give Fiji confidence. Plus teams will really show up to play against the Home country for sure. Australia could have their work cut out for them, but again if they turn up, they will hammer Fiji.

I'd like to see Fiji compete up front. Then they could beat these teams, or at least seriously challenge them in tests which are not just end of year warms up's for the bigger teams- which face it, was the case for Wales last year. (something which annoyed me hugely was the complacency and proceeding jump up in quality after the game). I think a big emphasis was on preventing injury and not over exerting themselves, which is always a recipe for disaster against good intl opposition.

An awful lot like the Italy game, frenetic, run them off their feet, let them lose their discipline then put them to the sword!

 

[ZeroTwo]

I think Wales will beat them crucially in the second half, much like Jbobo and Wendigo said. Aus could lose to them though, they've had a record for being drawn into the oppositions game plan and I think if they try to play Fiji how Fiji want them to play there could be trouble.

Not sure any team will get through unbeaten though.

 

[chippieolamus]

Fiji have great outside backs (as have already been mentioned) but their pack will be where they come unstuck. Even Aus should be able to dominate their front 5.

 

[Raggs]

Fiji are never a team to take lightly, and in the past they sometimes have caught Wales napping and maybe a little complacent. However, if Wales have this long to train together and are extremely focused like they were during the last world cup, i'd imagine it will be another whitewash like 4 years ago. Can't write them off completely though, and Wales will have to show up, which i'd be extremely surprised if they didn't. Fiji will have one big game, but they will not beat any one of the three big teams and i don't think Wales are more likely to struggle than anyone else. Wales actually might be more likely to run in 10 tries against them than England, and i believe they have more fire power But they need to start well and not give Fiji confidence. Plus teams will really show up to play against the Home country for sure. Australia could have their work cut out for them, but again if they turn up, they will hammer Fiji.

I'd like to see Fiji compete up front. Then they could beat these teams, or at least seriously challenge them in tests which are not just end of year warms up's for the bigger teams- which face it, was the case for Wales last year. (something which annoyed me hugely was the complacency and proceeding jump up in quality after the game). I think a big emphasis was on preventing injury and not over exerting themselves, which is always a recipe for disaster against good intl opposition.

Wales tend to have a decent amount of time to train together in comparison to Fiji. This time, Fiji will have had far more time than they generally have (outside rwc), I think it will benefit them more. And Wales will be on a 5 day turnaround after the England game, which is going to be hugely physical and draining. If there's one of the big 3 scalps that's most vulnerable, I'd say it's probably Wales given that lack of depth could be a serious issue in that game. You'd hope that all 3 top tier nations could deal with them comfortably, but I could see some worrying moments in the games against Fiji.

 

[Jbobo]

Wales tend to have a decent amount of time to train together in comparison to Fiji. This time, Fiji will have had far more time than they generally have (outside rwc), I think it will benefit them more. And Wales will be on a 5 day turnaround after the England game, which is going to be hugely physical and draining. If there's one of the big 3 scalps that's most vulnerable, I'd say it's probably Wales given that lack of depth could be a serious issue in that game. You'd hope that all 3 top tier nations could deal with them comfortably, but I could see some worrying moments in the games against Fiji.

Sure the first 30-50 minutes against Fiji will be difficult for all teams at times, but as i say, I don't agree that Wales are any more vulnerable than either England or Australia against Fiji, regardless of the 5 day turn around. If England lose to Wales then Fiji will see them as a huge target, and if they do beat Wales, they will still be the biggest motivation. All teams will pick up their game for the Home nation. They will basically be New Zealand for the tournament as long as they are in it. Australia could have some issues in the first half in regards to front 5, but i still doubt that a lot.

I don't see any of the the top three teams going unbeaten, and so i would highly doubt that they will drop in performance for Fiji. I just don't see it. In the case of Wales, i don't think a loss to England with a game against Australia to come and a chance still for the top two spots would help Fiji. I think Fiji will be better than 4 years ago (i hope for their sake, as they were very very poor) but with the context of the group, I think the top three are just too motivated, too fit and will be too merciless. Again, seems people are underestimating Wales and overestimating Fiji and their own teams. 2007 memories maybe? It was a great moment for Fiji, but this Wales team is light years away from that, especially when focused and with an actual motivation other than just getting through the match.

Besides as i mentioned a couple of pages ago, Wales are more vulnerable to random losses due to consistency of selection and lack of depth. However, with that ironic lack of consistency over long periods due to loss of form or injuries (like a whole year) it can be very useful in tournaments like the world cup and 6N. IMO Wales have a higher performance range than England at present and when they are together for long periods are probably the strongest in Europe (just my opinion, it's not exactly outlandish to say so) so i feel that our consistency and winning past will come through again. Not many prep better than Wales in Europe, although Schmidt's Ireland are definitely on par or ahead at this moment.

Hope Fiji have a great tournament and get one over a top three team, but i just do not see it this time. Please let it not be against Wales if so!

 

[bazwaz]

Fiji have great outside backs (as have already been mentioned) but their pack will be where they come unstuck. Even Aus should be able to dominate their front 5.

I think i've heard this argument before. You can't win without the ball right?
But the Chiefs won two Super XV ***les with the worst stats of all for possession. How?
Through having awesome backs and their counter attacking prowess. The key to success is largely what you do with the ball when you've got it. Their ability to scramble in defence also a factor which I think Fiji will excel at. They are awesome on the counter attack.

Looking forward to seeing how Fiji go in the up coming Pacific Nations Cup.

ROUND 1 - Saturday, July 18*
Fiji vs Tonga at ANZ Stadium - Suva, Fiji
Canada vs Japan at Avaya Stadium - San Jose, California, USA
USA vs Samoa at Avaya Stadium - San Jose, California, USA

ROUND 2 - Friday, July 24

Canada vs Tonga at Swangard Stadium - Burnaby, BC, Canada
Fiji vs Samoa at Bonney Field - Sacramento, CA, USA
USA vs Japan at Bonney Field - Sacramento, CA, USA

ROUND 3 - Wednesday, July 29
USA vs Tonga at BMO Field - Toronto, ON, Canada
Fiji vs Japan at BMO Field - Toronto, ON, Canada
Canada vs Samoa at BMO Field - Toronto, ON, Canada

ROUND 4 - Monday, August 3

5th Seed vs 6th Seed at Swangard Stadium - Burnaby, BC, Canada
3rd Seed vs 4th Seed at Swangard Stadium - Burnaby, BC, Canada
1st Seed vs 2nd Seed at Swangard Stadium - Burnaby, BC, Canada