Wales vs Argentina - 20/08/2011 - RWC Warm Up

[Melhor Time]

Wales are sure to come with the win after that display against England last week. Argentina had no test time and I'm almost certain Phelan has no clue which his starting XV will be come RWC. I haven't had the chance to see Tomas Vallejos(lock from Harlequins) in action but I've heard he's got some skill come breakdown. He was selected for the World Cup with no test under his belt. What do you reckon? Is he test material?

I´d say its pretty clear who Phelan will pick to play England. The team that will play Wales is close but will change. Gonzalo Tiesi will start vs England. He is missing vs Wales due to injury but will be 100% for the RWC. Marcos Ayerza is also ibeing rested for now and will be in the 22 vs England. The team is self-explanatory going from the 2011-2012 European season in which those picked were all regular performers for the teams. 14 of the 15 to face Wales got loads of match time for their clubs. The exception being Julio Farias who is Argentine based and has been picked over Alvaro Galindo. A surprize to many but its what I predicted last week. Phelan tried him vs France and Ireland in 2010 and he proved to be up to standards. His physicality is perfect to tackle England and Scotland. A stereo-typical Argentine tackling and ball-carrying backrower. Good in the lineouts too. I wonder how they´ll play with him alongside to quick backrowers in Leguizamón and Fernández Lobbe.

I think Vallejos is a good player. He´s there as cover for Manuel Carizza as he is a genuine #4 and is physical which matters more from a 4 than being a good lineout jumper. Vallejos is a solid option in the air too. He started most of the season in England for the Harlequins and was certainly a respected performer. He´s good wenough for the World Cup and much better than taking Esteban Lozada from Edinburgh.

More info on my thoughts of Argentina´s XV here: http://rugbyworldcup-argentina2023.blogspot.com/2011/08/head-coach-of-los-pumas-santaigo-phelan.html

More info on my thoughts of Wales´ XV here: http://rugbyworldcup-argentina2023.blogspot.com/2011/08/wales-are-ready-for-argentina.html

 

[TRF_Cymro]

Looks like the Peel bandwagon has begun rolling ... and I'm with them ... its about time Gatland comes clean. He will probably however come out that there had been miscommunication between the Wales setup and Sale, when we all know Gatland has a strong dislike for him.

Dwayne Peel 'unfairly treated' by Wales says Dafydd Jones

Robert Jones wants Dwayne Peel included in Wales squad

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Ryan Jones is out with a calf injury, Andy Powell to start at 8, JT on the bench, Martyn Williams captain:
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/rugby-news/2011/08/18/martyn-williams-to-captain-wales-after-ryan-jones-injury-91466-29259247/


Perfect chance to try out Delve and Gatland goes and gives another cap to JT - bloody ridiculous!
Though I suppose that'd mean no lock replacement - but still: Delve much more deserving than Powell or JT

This is karma for Bristol_Iain laughing at me when Banahan started for England last week

 

[Melhor Time]

Ryan Jones is out with a calf injury, Andy Powell to start at 8, JT on the bench, Martyn Williams captain:
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/rugby-news/2011/08/18/martyn-williams-to-captain-wales-after-ryan-jones-injury-91466-29259247/


Perfect chance to try out Delve and Gatland goes and gives another cap to JT - bloody ridiculous!
Though I suppose that'd mean no lock replacement - but still: Delve much more deserving than Powell or JT

This is karma for Bristol_Iain laughing at me when Banahan started for England last week

The Welsh down fall has begun. M Williams should be nowehere near the pitch for the crunch games vs Samoa and Fiji.

 

[Thingimubob]

Ryan Jones is out with a calf injury, Andy Powell to start at 8, JT on the bench, Martyn Williams captain:
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/rugby-news/2011/08/18/martyn-williams-to-captain-wales-after-ryan-jones-injury-91466-29259247/


Perfect chance to try out Delve and Gatland goes and gives another cap to JT - bloody ridiculous!
Though I suppose that'd mean no lock replacement - but still: Delve much more deserving than Powell or JT

This is karma for Bristol_Iain laughing at me when Banahan started for England last week

Exactly what I thought, Gatland can be a right idiot sometimes <_< and Jon Thomas can play lock, so I guess he's our lock cover, don't paticularly rate him there though... Don't really rate him anywhere tbh...

 

[Falvey]

Perfect chance to try out Delve and Gatland goes and gives another cap to JT - bloody ridiculous!

Spot on.

Never rated JT internationally and Delve earned good plaudits in the SH last year.

Really winds me up as I have been mocking england's lack of adventure and Gatland has chosen to be exactly the same. Very annoying.

 

[ZeFrenchy]

Do you guys think this is just a Martyn Williams race to 100, or Gatland thinks he's the best option atm?

 

[TRF_Olyy]

I don't think this is a token gesture,
What would happen if Sam Warburton went down injured next week? Wales would have no backup 7s with any game time under their belts

 

[TRF_Cymro]

The Welsh down fall has begun. M Williams should be nowehere near the pitch for the crunch games vs Samoa and Fiji.

Go write a blog about it ...

Martyn Williams may be old but he's not over the hill.

Do you guys think this is just a Martyn Williams race to 100, or Gatland thinks he's the best option atm?

No Gatland has made him earn it. Dropped from the 6 Nations for poor form and he went away to find form which he did. He's an experience operator at 7, will be useful down under.

 

[psychic duck]

Martyn Williams was preferred to Warburton for Cardiff Blues in the H Cup last season

 

[TRF_Cymro]

Called it ... Sir Warren of Nonsense has spoken over Peel:

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12321_7110164,00.html

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12321_7110160,00.html

 

[TVH11]

Just had a listen to Gatland talking regarding the whole peel fiasco. He swore and got peeped out Naughty Naughty Mr Gatland, but to be fair it is the usual antics of the welsh media s!!t stirring !! But that can't hide the fact the players such as Peel and Delve should be given the chance if fully fit. Still a bit confused whether they are or not

 

[TRF_Cymro]

Just had a listen to Gatland talking regarding the whole peel fiasco. He swore and got peeped out Naughty Naughty Mr Gatland, but to be fair it is the usual antics of the welsh media s!!t stirring !! But that can't hide the fact the players such as Peel and Delve should be given the chance if fully fit. Still a bit confused whether they are or not

Gatland has a notorious track record with Peel, knowing that in the past Gatland has isolated Peel in training many a time.

I don't think the Welsh media are stirring, think they are intrigued by how Gatland has dealt with Peel and I can assure you, sooner rather than later the truth will come out and I don't think Gatland will be coming out in a blaze of sunshine from it.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Scott Williams has replaced Stephen Jones who is out with his calf again

 

[cardassian]

Good start for Argentina, looking dangerous

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Completely agree, they're looking good ball in hand and their defence is solid

Need to watch themselves at the ruck, but encouraging for them so far

 

[Feicarsinn]

This is bloody dire. I'd have little confidence in either of these two sides making it out of their groups on the basis of the first half hour.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

I reckon Argentina look good

 

[ZeFrenchy]

I disagree Feicarsinn. Argentina have been very good in defence, and the rustiness in attack can be explained by this one being their first test match of the year. They have been very competitive in the breakdown too, they need to work more on keeping their possession.

 

[ZeFrenchy]

They just NEED a reliable kicker. Don't Fernandez and Bosch kick?