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- Nov 2, 2006
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Didn't realise that the media were the first to be told Cymro. Certainly a little unprofessional, but then again it's really between Gatland and Ryan Jones and no-one else. From what the squad has been saying, it's always been an open, honest environment where praise and criticism is handed out without any further reprocussions. I'm pretty sure it's only the media making a big deal of this, and the squad are just preparing as a whole for the NZ clash, even Ryan Jones.
I've always maintained that Ryan Jones is a good captain when he's playing well, as he's a lead by example kind of captain. When he can't lead by example due to poor form, he's obviously going to struggle.
It's gonna be interesting to what extent Gatland changes the team to face NZ. Wheather or not Jonathan Thomas is involved being one of the most interesting parts. To be fair with JT, he put in alot of work against Fiji, however he's shown on numerous occasions that he's simply not good enough really. He puts his hand up to carry etc. but doesn't really make much ground. He's a good squad player to have due to his versatility, and that could hold in his favour to be included in the 22 for Saturday. With Gough and Deiniol Jones is such poor form, one of JT or Ryan Jones looks set to be second row cover.
I'd also go with a backrow of Lydiate, Williams and Powell to start, but I'm not sure who should be on the bench. If Warburton is fit, then I'd say he's a certainty for a bench spot. Faletau would be the ideal cover for 8, but then we have zero second-row cover, so that's why I think JT/Ryan will be on the bench.
Heres hoping Gethin is fit aswell. Jaul James is ok cover as far as a scrummaging prop goes, but Gethin is on another level when it comes to work around the field. An extra flanker is always handy to have!
I've always maintained that Ryan Jones is a good captain when he's playing well, as he's a lead by example kind of captain. When he can't lead by example due to poor form, he's obviously going to struggle.
It's gonna be interesting to what extent Gatland changes the team to face NZ. Wheather or not Jonathan Thomas is involved being one of the most interesting parts. To be fair with JT, he put in alot of work against Fiji, however he's shown on numerous occasions that he's simply not good enough really. He puts his hand up to carry etc. but doesn't really make much ground. He's a good squad player to have due to his versatility, and that could hold in his favour to be included in the 22 for Saturday. With Gough and Deiniol Jones is such poor form, one of JT or Ryan Jones looks set to be second row cover.
I'd also go with a backrow of Lydiate, Williams and Powell to start, but I'm not sure who should be on the bench. If Warburton is fit, then I'd say he's a certainty for a bench spot. Faletau would be the ideal cover for 8, but then we have zero second-row cover, so that's why I think JT/Ryan will be on the bench.
Heres hoping Gethin is fit aswell. Jaul James is ok cover as far as a scrummaging prop goes, but Gethin is on another level when it comes to work around the field. An extra flanker is always handy to have!
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