Wales vs New Zealand

[danger]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Sir. Speedy @ Nov 3 2009, 04:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

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[/b]

Haha how do you guys keep being sucked in by the media every year.. It seems every game the All Blacks have played against Wales in living memory has been their best chance ever.

Worst season for God knows how long? they lost a single game to France, by 5 points, that was without Carter and McCaw. They then lost 3 games to a world class SA outfit. I don't think they are doing too badly. Not great, but not that bad.

 

[Sir Speedy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (danger @ Nov 2 2009, 11:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

I don't think they are doing too badly. Not great, but not that bad.[/b]

Oh you and your jokes.

 

[danger]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Sir. Speedy @ Nov 3 2009, 02:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (danger @ Nov 2 2009, 11:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I don't think they are doing too badly. Not great, but not that bad.[/b]

Oh you and your jokes.
[/b][/quote]

4 games lost, 3 against the World Champions. I dont see that as being a remarkably poor effort.

Some people have been very quick to say the All Blacks have lost all these games, but don't stop to think that maybe the other team won them.

The lineout wasnt flash against SA, but they were jumping against Matfield.

The ABs got blown off the park at the breakdown against the French, but they were up against Dussitoir.

Wales doesnt have a Dussitoir or Matfield. Even if they were full strength they wouldnt topple this AB team. "Worst team in god knows how long?" no they arent.

 

[Juan VdS]

The Welsh have a very dangerous backline, but I am afraid they'll get battered up front. Badly. Their scrum will be heavily targeted by the All Blacks, especially if Crockett comes in. Just a question: Gatland claims that Paul James is perfectly capable of playing on the loosehead... is this true?

The Welsh have some serious bulk in the pack but that doesn't guarantee they'll win at the breakdown, especially against McCaw and co.

 

[stormer2010]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (dullonien @ Nov 3 2009, 12:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Domonic Day[/b]

LOL, I read 'Demonic Day'! That woke me up. Still an awesome name.

Dude, its the same thing over and over with the Northern hemisphere media wipping up their chances; off course they are in with a chance but the SH teams should still be regarded as favourites. I remember SA only wining one game against each of Aus and NZ and everyone was going on about how SA were in a shambles and we still go undefeated up North.

Even then, they were saying "we played the better rugby.. we was robbed.. the ref... if... cheats.. thugs..". Same with the B&I Lions. Same every year. Just that the glove is on the other hand this year. Hell, even Aus winning only win game this year in the 3N should be favourites on tour even without their first choice centers. Maybe not against the Irish, though.

 

[jawmalawm24]

I know Wales haven't beaten us in over 50 years but their starting lineup looks impressive to me. I would of liked to see that Lee Byrnes (spelling?) in at fullback he's a beast. Hope Shane Williams can show his class against us because he's one of my favourite players.

I'm gonna predict a very close game this weekend with 1 maybe 2 tries to Shane Williams but All Blacks taking the game by 12 and under.

 

[stormer2010]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (jawmalawm24 @ Nov 3 2009, 07:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

I know Wales haven't beaten us in over 50 years but their starting lineup looks impressive to me. I would of liked to see that Lee Byrnes (spelling?) in at fullback he's a beast. Hope Shane Williams can show his class against us because he's one of my favourite players.

I'm gonna predict a very close game this weekend with 1 maybe 2 tries to Shane Williams but All Blacks taking the game by 12 and under.[/b]

LOL a 12 point winning margin is not close, especially in NH conditions. Any other team would see a twelve point margin as a huge win.

 

[stormer2010]

Adam Jones id probably a bigger hit for Wales' chances than Byrne IMO. Byrne probably the first fullback in Europe by a small margin but I really rate Adam Jones. Especially with him along with Reese and Jenkins forming an all Wales front row that was the best scrumming unit in the B&I Lions series this year without a doubt.

Where/who is Gavin Henson? I have heard so much about him but can't think that I have ever seen the man play center for Wales? Is he an up-and-commer? If so, Gatland should gamble and give him a chance as Shanklin is rather average. Maybe a bit unfair but he isn't as intimidating as some of the other players in the first XV.

 

[Nickdnz]

Interesting game, my money is all ways on the All Blacks, however I shall refrain from making comment on Wales chances, as if I am wrong I will be made to look foolish. NZ hasn't had a great season to be fair, and it isn't just the results, the type of rugby we have played has been penalty ridden and conservitive, and without Carter if he is out, then we lose all sence of direction with Steven Donald. That being said, I hardly believe that NZ arn't the favourites going in. And on a seperate note, I'm not Zac's biggest fan, however putting Ben Smith in the same team as Cory Jane seems a little pointless, as both play a too simular style of play, with Smith perhaps offering a bit more in the kicking and a bit less in the counter attacking.

 

[danger]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (jawmalawm24 @ Nov 3 2009, 06:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

I know Wales haven't beaten us in over 50 years but their starting lineup looks impressive to me. I would of liked to see that Lee Byrnes (spelling?) in at fullback he's a beast. Hope Shane Williams can show his class against us because he's one of my favourite players.

I'm gonna predict a very close game this weekend with 1 maybe 2 tries to Shane Williams but All Blacks taking the game by 12 and under.[/b]

Interesting i thought the lineup looked decidedly average compared with what they are capable of. Hook at fullback? Two midgets on the wings even though the ABs have quality kickers all over the park? Gareth Cooper? Powell? It goes without saying about the front row..

I was really looking forward to seeing Byrne play after hearing that he was the best fullback in the world during the 6 nations, and even if hes out i would have loved to see Tovey line up against the ABs.

The other match up ive been waiting for for years is Cowan v Mike Phillips. Phillips is physically a beast of a halfback but Cowan is the toughest halfback ive ever seen play.

Its a shame, but i dont see Wales coming close. Hopefully they realise this from the start and play the expansive, risky exciting style of game they are capable.

 

[shazbooger]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Prestwick @ Nov 2 2009, 09:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Ooooh the utterly infantile drama of it all! I simply cannot wait...[/b]

lol

 

[monkeypigeon]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (stormer2010 @ Nov 3 2009, 05:00 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (dullonien @ Nov 3 2009, 12:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Domonic Day[/b]

LOL, I read 'Demonic Day'! That woke me up. Still an awesome name.

Dude, its the same thing over and over with the Northern hemisphere media wipping up their chances; off course they are in with a chance but the SH teams should still be regarded as favourites. I remember SA only wining one game against each of Aus and NZ and everyone was going on about how SA were in a shambles and we still go undefeated up North.

Even then, they were saying "we played the better rugby.. we was robbed.. the ref... if... cheats.. thugs..". Same with the B&I Lions. Same every year. Just that the glove is on the other hand this year. Hell, even Aus winning only win game this year in the 3N should be favourites on tour even without their first choice centers. Maybe not against the Irish, though.
[/b][/quote]

Haha, before another Gavin Henson thing kicks off I'll sort this out.

Gavin Henson was an up and comer who won the Hunior World Player of the Year about 7 years ago and since then he's had a spate of injuries, tantrums and media bashings that has seen him drop out of rugby at the start of this season.

He played a great match occasionaly and a good string of matches very occasionaly but that was about it. Never really lived up to his potential.

On the point of our media building us up...well leave it be, we have to say we have a chance of winning ot watching the matches and reading forums would be very boring.

New Zealand had a poor start to the season but they're getting better every time they play (...against Australia) and while I want to wait untill they're team is announced to say for definite, I'm think they'll win.

I think the Welsh backline is slightly better at the moment but they'll miss Adam Jones up front. Andy Powell will slow the backrow down (probably) and Mike Phillips will be missed. Lee Byrne will probably be missed too, because (although I love the way he runs) James Hook is liable for a total brain-fart (or two) during pressure matches.

But viva la Wales all the same....

 

[shazbooger]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Monkeypigeon @ Nov 3 2009, 10:05 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

He played a great match occasionaly and a good string of matches very occasionaly but that was about it. Never really lived up to his potential.[/b]

I cant believe you forgot to mention THAT kick!

 

[bristol-iain]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Juan VdS @ Nov 3 2009, 03:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

The Welsh have a very dangerous backline, but I am afraid they'll get battered up front. Badly. Their scrum will be heavily targeted by the All Blacks, especially if Crockett comes in. Just a question: Gatland claims that Paul James is perfectly capable of playing on the loosehead... is this true?

The Welsh have some serious bulk in the pack but that doesn't guarantee they'll win at the breakdown, especially against McCaw and co.[/b]

I genuinley think that, once everyone is fit, we have one of if not the best backline in world rugby, although the one we will put out on Saturday isn't quite at that level it is still a very strong one. Uop fron, yes, I think we may struggle but I don't think we will be "battered". Bear in mind we have one of the worlds best at 7 (yes, so do they) and a 6 that, if you saw the SA game last year, who can be a devastating ball carrier.

We will have a much better chance if Carter doesn't play but it will still be a cracking game of rugby and I so wish I was going, as it is I shall be watching in Southampton Wahoo (a bar, it used to Walkabout but that closed :%#%#: )

 

[shazbooger]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (bristol-iain @ Nov 3 2009, 11:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

I genuinley think that, once everyone is fit, we have one of if not the best backline in world rugby, although the one we will put out on Saturday isn't quite at that level it is still a very strong one.[/b]

Ahhh you have to agree with that but I dont think its to do with the players as much as the style of play employed. Man for man I think the Welsh backline is pretty average when compared to the general awesomeness of hmmm lets say the Irish backline . However when you play open rugby, even your forwards look more dangerous then our backs.

 

[roscommon guy]

wales should naturalise Manu

 

[Olyy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (seanAF @ Nov 3 2009, 01:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

wales should naturalise Manu[/b]

Have you seen him play for the scarlets?
They should be shipping him back to Fiji if anything

 

[stormer2010]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Logorrhea @ Nov 3 2009, 02:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (bristol-iain @ Nov 3 2009, 11:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I genuinley think that, once everyone is fit, we have one of if not the best backline in world rugby, although the one we will put out on Saturday isn't quite at that level it is still a very strong one.[/b]

Ahhh you have to agree with that but I dont think its to do with the players as much as the style of play employed. Man for man I think the Welsh backline is pretty average when compared to the general awesomeness of hmmm lets say the Irish backline . However when you play open rugby, even your forwards look more dangerous then our backs.
[/b][/quote]

Hmm, that might be an interesting thread; which country has the best backline (currently if all fit)? I would rate
1 Wales (6.5/7)
2 NZ (6/7)
3 Aus (5.5/7)
4 Ire (5.5/7) personally don't rate the halves combination
5 SA (5.5/7)
6 Fra (5/7)
7 Eng (5/7)

We (SA) have the best forward, though and that's what matters; backline only determines the margin.
1 SA (7/8) could be 8 if we get an actual tighthead in
2 NZ (6.5/8)
3 Fra (6/8)
4 Ire (6/8)
5 Wal (5.5/8)
6 Eng (5.5/8)
7 Aus (5/8)

That was fun and a total waste of time. I am on holiday, though while everyone I know is busy

 

[Olyy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (stormer2010 @ Nov 3 2009, 01:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

5 Wal (5.5/8)[/b]

How'd you work that out?
Jenkins and Jones are probably the two best props in the world atm, Ryan Jones is on fantastic form, Martyn Williams is great, as is alun wyn jones.
Unless you're ranking it with injuries?

 

[dullonien]

Adam Jones is easily the biggest loss (he's the most important player for Wales at the moment). I am very woried about our scrum, and my slight relief that Woodcock isn't playing is now over, with people here saying his replacement is likely to be a very strong scrummager.

Powell, is the next biggest problem imo. Wales always struggle against NZ at the breakdown, and although Martyn Williams is getting better and better in that department with age, Dafydd Jones would have added some serious breakdown power to complement the speed and know how of Williams. Instead we have a player that 'can' cause havok in attack. What good is that if we don't have the ball?

The backs don't really matter, if these two positions have the consequences I fear.