Wales vs New Zealand

[bristol-iain]

The Team

15 James HOOK
14 Leigh HALFPENNY
13 Tom SHANKLIN
12 Jamie ROBERTS
11 Shane WILLIAMS
10 Stephen JONES
9 Gareth COOPER
1 Gethin JENKINS
2 Matthew REES
3 Paul JAMES
4 Alun-Wyn JONES
5 Luke CHARTERIS
6 Andy POWELL
7 Martyn WILLIAMS
8 Ryan JONES ©

REPLACEMENTS
16 Huw BENNETT
17 Duncan JONES
18 Bradley DAVIES
19 Dafydd JONES
20 Martin ROBERTS
21 Jonathan DAVIES
22 Tom JAMES

I would rather see Peel at 9 instead of Cooper but overall that is a good side and I'm really looking forward to this one. Intresting to see how Hook gets on at 15

 

[Olyy]

I agree Peel should be at 9, but Sale are still playing him, so he won't have had as much time to gel with the team as the others have =/

Apart from that, good looking team, can't wait for saturday!

Do they not have 23 players in the internationals then?

 

[dullonien]

A few positions I'm not totally happy with. Paul James is an average looshead at regional level, he's gonna get destroyed at tight head against the AB's, even if Woodcock is suspended. Andy Powell at 6!! Dafydd Jones has probably been the best back rower in Wales this season, he fully deserved to start at 6. He would also help Martyn at the rucks, unlike that useless twat Powell. I'd have Dafydd Jones, Sam Warberton and Dan Lydiate ahead of Powell in Wales' pecking order.

In the backs, things are much better though. Halfpenny is probably the closest call, with Mark Jones and Tom James arguably in better form at the moment. The bench does look strong however. I'm sure we'll see Duncan at around the hour mark, with Melon moving to hight head. Unless Powell is having a blinder, Dafydd Jones should come on at half time. Jonathan Davies and Tom James could provide some big impact off the bench aswell.

I think this team is good enough to win, but alot depends on how Paul James and Andy Powell play. If both play decently, we should be in this match come the last quarter to really push for the win.

If Carter doesn't pull through, that would be a huge loss for the AB's and a majour gain for Wales. I'm sure he'll be fine though!

 

[DuncTheDoodle]

For those wondering why we've picked two short wingers, here's some bad news: Mark Jones is injured, and out of the Autumn Internationals.

Mind you, what's Paul James doing in the side? MADNESS. He's got less caps (Exactly half, actually) than Craig Mitchell, who's actually a tight head, for crying out loud!

Besides that, happy with the side, even if we're going to be on the end of a ton of Cross-Field Kicks, what with the Wingers we've picked.

 

[Ozzay]

Paul James Tight Head?? WHAT?!?!?!?!?

Not suprised to see Hook at fullback!

If Carter don't play. We got a chance.

 

[Gavin]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Ozzay @ Nov 3 2009, 02:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

If Carter don't play. We got a chance.[/b]

No you don't

 

[shazbooger]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (dullonien @ Nov 2 2009, 01:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

A few positions I'm not totally happy with. Paul James is an average looshead at regional level, he's gonna get destroyed at tight head against the AB's, even if Woodcock is suspended.[/b]

The AB's havent exactly been dominant in the set piece this year. Both in the Scrum and the Lineout they have struggled at times. I think Wales have come on a good bit from last year and their squad is looking that little bit deeper.

I cant bet against the AB's (in the same way I wouldnt when they are playing Ireland either) as History says there will only one winner. However this could well be a great game.

 

[dullonien]

Hopefully you're right Logorrhea. I probably overreacted due to my hatred of Paul James. I'm glad that Gatland resisted the temptation to move Gethin Jenkins over to tighthead. Gethin's one of the best players Wales have, he's trully world class and it's unfair and detrimental to play him out of position. If Paul James can stop the scrum going backwards, he'll have done a good job. The lack of Woodcock hopefully means he'll manage that.

Still not happy about Powell, I just don't rate the guy's overall game. If puts alot of pressure on the rest of the backrow, but at least Gatland can't be accused of being conservative. He's certainly picked a team to go out there and outplay NZ, instead of keeping the score down like some previous coaches have done.

I'm excited about the game, and think we've got a chance. Wouldn't bet against NZ though!

 

[DuncTheDoodle]

I think if Woodcock had of still been up for the game, then Duncan would have started. Seeing as they won't be needing too much experence, they've picked James so they don't have to mess around with Gethin.

As for Powell, he seems to have began to take his critics on board this season, and is varing his game. I remember one game where he put in a couple of good kicks, and almost hit a drop goal, plus a few sidesteps to boot. His defence against the Halequins the following week was nothing less than heroic- The entire Back Row played out of their skins, and not only won Cardiff the game, but got Warbutton and Powell into the Wales side.

 

[Sir Speedy]

We're going to get f***ing sodomised. PAUL JAMES AT TIGHTHEAD? SERIOUSLY? If Adam Jones was playing, I'd say we would have a chance, since New Zealand have had their worst season for God knows how long. But we don't have him; we have Paul James. Also we have jack-of-all-trades-master-of-none Hook at fullback. Brilliant.

AND ANDY POWELL1!?!?!?!?1

 

[stormer2010]

I predict your'e gonna lead half time but NZ has the mental strengh, fitness and grunt to go the distance. Pity about Jones and Byrne but if you have a good day you have a chance. That said, I will be cheering on our SH opposition; rather the devil you know...

 

[feicarsinn]

Blicks by a bazillion.

 

[darwin_23]

Random question: where is Ian Gough? - has he been that badly out of form that he can't even make the squad? I would have thought a tight lock like him would have complemented Jones better than having Charteris (whose only real good point that I have noticed is that he is bloody tall). Maybe I underestimate Charteris.

Don't know anything about Paul James - if he is inexperienced at tighthead the Welsh scrum could be in for a tough day, as Crockett (the likely replacement for Woodcock) is a strong at scrum time.

I'd be surprised if there are any major changes for the AB's - I expect it will be the same team that played against Australia apart from suspensions (with Crockett likely replacing Woodcock, and Guilford/ Ben Smith replacing Sivivatu - I think Guilford is the obvious choice, but I wouldn't be surprised if they play Ben Smith to take advantage of his aerial skills against the midgets Welsh wings). The only injury concern for the AB's I'm aware of is Carter - if he is ruled out the Welsh chances will certainly increase.

 

[cyRil]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Sir. Speedy @ Nov 2 2009, 04:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

AND ANDY POWELL1!?!?!?!?1[/b]

What a difference a year makes, eh?

 

[cyRil]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (darwin_23 @ Nov 2 2009, 09:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Random question: where is Ian Gough? - has he been that badly out of form that he can't even make the squad? I would have thought a tight lock like him would have complemented Jones better than having Charteris.[/b]

You'd think wouldn't you??!?!!!?!?!?!?! <_< <_< <_<
Ian Gough hasn't even been making the Ospreys team this season, with Jonathan Thomas being preferred out of position there. :mellow:
I love Gough and think he should definitely be in the squad/team, but his limited game time, and performances he's put in during this time means he isn't there. Waaaaaaaahhhhhh!!!!!

 

[Juggernaut]

That is definitely one of the toughest backline we'll ever meet. Nonu better be on guard to mark Roberts.

If Carter is indeed ruled out, then I have no doubt Donald will do us proud..

 

[darwin_23]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Juggernaut @ Nov 3 2009, 10:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

That is definitely one of the toughest backline we'll ever meet. Nonu better be on guard to mark Roberts.

If Carter is indeed ruled out, then I have no doubt Donald will do us proud..[/b]

I wish I had your optimism - I would prefer to throw in Delany than play Donald, after Donalds last performance for the AB's....

 

[Prestwick]

Ah, the traditional once yearly clash of the egos....glorious!

Will the ABs decide to try and to the Haka on the Millenium Stadium roof and then abseil down? Or will Wales just turn their backs? Ooooh the utterly infantile drama of it all! I simply cannot wait...

 

[dullonien]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (cyRil of Ospreylia @ Nov 2 2009, 08:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (darwin_23 @ Nov 2 2009, 09:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Random question: where is Ian Gough? - has he been that badly out of form that he can't even make the squad? I would have thought a tight lock like him would have complemented Jones better than having Charteris.[/b]

You'd think wouldn't you??!?!!!?!?!?!?! <_< <_< <_<
Ian Gough hasn't even been making the Ospreys team this season, with Jonathan Thomas being preferred out of position there. :mellow:
I love Gough and think he should definitely be in the squad/team, but his limited game time, and performances he's put in during this time means he isn't there. Waaaaaaaahhhhhh!!!!!
[/b][/quote]

I'm personally glad he aint there. He hasn't necesarily been poor this season, but he hasn't been great either. On top of that, there's a pile of second rows playing much better than him, the list imo goes:

Alun-Wyn Jones
Jonathan Thomas
Luke Charteris
Bradley Bavies
Deiniol Jones
Lou Reed
Domonic Day

all playing better this season than the ageing Gough. He won't be around for the world cup, and in one of Wales' strongest positions, why keep playing him? Great choice from Gatland. Lou Reed and Domonic Day were very unlucky to miss out on the quad, afterall they got the better of the highly rated second rows from London Irish in their HC meeting.

Luke Charteris has improved tenfold from the player he was a couple of seasons ago. I thought the same as you untill recently darwin 23, all he's gt going for him is his height. But he's been superb this season in a pack that's going very well at the Dragons. You've gotta ralise that he's 19st 10lbs, so adds some serious bulk in the scrum. He's also very nimble for his size, making him a potentially awesome player. He's realised much of that potential this season, so fulle deserves his spot in the starting lineup.

 

[darwin_23]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (dullonien @ Nov 3 2009, 11:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (cyRil of Ospreylia @ Nov 2 2009, 08:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (darwin_23 @ Nov 2 2009, 09:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Random question: where is Ian Gough? - has he been that badly out of form that he can't even make the squad? I would have thought a tight lock like him would have complemented Jones better than having Charteris.[/b]

You'd think wouldn't you??!?!!!?!?!?!?! <_< <_< <_<
Ian Gough hasn't even been making the Ospreys team this season, with Jonathan Thomas being preferred out of position there. :mellow:
I love Gough and think he should definitely be in the squad/team, but his limited game time, and performances he's put in during this time means he isn't there. Waaaaaaaahhhhhh!!!!!
[/b][/quote]

I'm personally glad he aint there. He hasn't necesarily been poor this season, but he hasn't been great either. On top of that, there's a pile of second rows playing much better than him, the list imo goes:

Alun-Wyn Jones
Jonathan Thomas
Luke Charteris
Bradley Bavies
Deiniol Jones
Lou Reed
Domonic Day

all playing better this season than the ageing Gough. He won't be around for the world cup, and in one of Wales' strongest positions, why keep playing him? Great choice from Gatland. Lou Reed and Domonic Day were very unlucky to miss out on the quad, afterall they got the better of the highly rated second rows from London Irish in their HC meeting.

Luke Charteris has improved tenfold from the player he was a couple of seasons ago. I thought the same as you untill recently darwin 23, all he's gt going for him is his height. But he's been superb this season in a pack that's going very well at the Dragons. You've gotta ralise that he's 19st 10lbs, so adds some serious bulk in the scrum. He's also very nimble for his size, making him a potentially awesome player. He's realised much of that potential this season, so fulle deserves his spot in the starting lineup.
[/b][/quote]

Thanks for your analysis - I don't get to watch any northern hemisphere domestic rugby so only get to see how players perform internationally. Clearly Gough is not playing well - it just surprised me that he went from a starting lock in the six nations (and performing quite well in my opinion) to being completely left out of the squad. I'm looking forward to seeing how Charteris performs in the Autumn internationals - he certainly has the size and skills, I just think he needs a hard nosed attitude to go with it (which he may yet develop).