Wales vs New Zealand

[monkeypigeon]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (dullonien @ Nov 8 2009, 12:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

That's the problem with martyn Williams though. If he's getting out muscled, he doesn't feature in the game. Yesterday, Wales would have been better off with Warberton and Dafydd Jones playing at 6 and 7. Both offer much more physicality, and maybe then we'd have kept hold of our ball more often.

I'm not saying Martyn Williams isn't a good player, he's one of the best 7's in the world. But in games like yesterdays, he becomes a bit of a luxury Wales can't afford. Dafydd Jones has been playing superbly for the Scarlets, and really offers that physical openside play Martyn can't. I think against both NZ and SA we should leave Martyn Williams on the bench and play Dafydd Jones, or Warberton if he keeps improving![/b]

Well I think that's still a tad unfair on Williams. Thought he played very well considering he was in the same position the Lions backrow were always in....i.e. they always had to make up for either the incopetance of Andy Powell (like in this game) or Worsley when it came to rucking.

It's hard to have the effect you'd usually have when you're making up for the other flanker being useless.

 

[dullonien]

Very true Monkeypigeaon. However, Martyn Williams always struggles against McCaw, and I think Brussow would get the better of him aswell. Those are the only two teams in the world where Martyn Williams won't have a big influence in the game imo. Maybe if he had someone like Dafydd Jones along side him to do the donkey work, he could be free to be the link man, and scavenger he is. That's why we need to see the backrow of Jones, Williams, Jones play against Samoa or Argentina (probably Argentina).

I'm confident that we'll get parity up front in the Aus game as I think Gatland will realise that Powell is a waste of space.

Just finished watching the Scarlets v Harlequins game. Ken Owens picking up another motm award. He was awesome again today. Did something like 9 carries, 11 tackles and only missed one linout! He should either be starting or on the bench for Wales. He's gonna be Wales' and Scarlets' first choice by the next AI's, if not the 6 nations!

 

[mohamed_ali12]

Carter cited for tackle of Roberts, doubtful for England game:

http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/...rts-433488.html

 

[Bluemoon]

By an the independent citing commissioner Scott Nowland of Australia. :lol:

 

[gingergenius]

How can you cite someone for a high tackle like that?!!! It's not like there was any malice in it at all. The Welsh management are throwing all their toys out of their pram because they were beaten fair and square by a better team, which ruins their plan for world domination.

 

[dullonien]

I suppose it must be because of the swinging arm. I've seen plenty of tackles like that handed a yellow card! If that was the case, I doubt Carter would have been cited. But as it wasn't even penalised, there's now a case to be heard. Should get off with nothing imo, it wasn't that dangerous, and there wasn't any malice in it imo. If he get's a suspension, shouldn't be more than a week.

 

[Bullitt]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Teh Mite @ Nov 8 2009, 05:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_u...lsh/8349430.stm

Blackett is the beak? Well, he's done for if Roberts has even the loosest connection with Wasps...

Oh yeah... Shaun Edwards...[/b]

 

[C A Iversen]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (thomas @ Nov 8 2009, 11:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

"very slightly high" ???????

explaination, please [/b]

It connected at the shoulder, and slipped up in the speed and momentum and then became a fully realised high shot. It was careless by the look, reckless perhaps, but not what anyone would say was a deliberate effort. These things happen, it's called Rugby. He might have deserved a yellow card, but now he'll probably miss a game.

That should close the book on it, and with three quarters of the welsh fans it probably will, being good sports and all that. Trouble is the other quarter, will be on about this for ages, not being able to get laid and all that.

 

[Bluemoon]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (gingergenius @ Nov 8 2009, 05:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

How can you cite someone for a high tackle like that?!!! It's not like there was any malice in it at all. The Welsh management are throwing all their toys out of their pram because they were beaten fair and square by a better team, which ruins their plan for world domination.[/b]

Lets not forget - the welsh management didnt make the citing - the independent commissioner did.

It was a high tackle - deserved no more than a penalty thats that. The AB's were still that little bit better than us. Gatland made a fuss over nothing becuase thats just the way he rolls with the media.

 

[Nickdnz]

The one thing I find interesting is that when I play rugby and a high tackle is made, even on purpose, it very rarley warrents a yellow card, however when it happens in international rugby it warrents a one match suspension when the tackle wasn't on purpose. I mean I could understand the ref making a harsh call and giving Carter the yellow card, but getting cited for the incident and then banned is hardly nessacery.

 

[jawmalawm24]

This was a pretty close game and I think the Welsh should be very proud of how they played. Right down to the last few minutes Wales could have drawn it up when they were right by our line but we only just managed to get win the lineout and kick it out.

I reckon Shane Williams was one of the only players that looked threatening if he ever got his hands on the ball but he doesn't have anyone else that can keep up with him. James Hook from the back for me I think didn't play as good as he can.

Zac Guildford had a awesome debut especially since he was coming up against a team that looked to have a pretty strong backline. I think he chased the ball very well and made a whole bunch of takes from the high ball and his defence was immense especially when he made that try saving tackle.

Good game and I have to say I was rather nervous throughout because the Welsh looked good but I'm happy the boys came through hopefully they can better themselves and comeup with more convincing games for the rest of the tour.

 

[C A Iversen]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (jawmalawm24 @ Nov 9 2009, 01:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

This was a pretty close game and I think the Welsh should be very proud of how they played. Right down to the last few minutes Wales could have drawn it up when they were right by our line but we only just managed to get win the lineout and kick it out.

I reckon Shane Williams was one of the only players that looked threatening if he ever got his hands on the ball but he doesn't have anyone else that can keep up with him. James Hook from the back for me I think didn't play as good as he can.

Zac Guildford had a awesome debut especially since he was coming up against a team that looked to have a pretty strong backline. I think he chased the ball very well and made a whole bunch of takes from the high ball and his defence was immense especially when he made that try saving tackle.

Good game and I have to say I was rather nervous throughout because the Welsh looked good but I'm happy the boys came through hopefully they can better themselves and comeup with more convincing games for the rest of the tour.[/b]

That's one positive thing that I haven't said a lot about. The Welsh were a very good, very committed side and were dangerous for nearly the entire game. I genuinely thought we could've lost that match and it's great that we now know we'll be in a super tight competition whenever we play them.

 

[gingergenius]

Zac Guildford's assured performance has really been missed. He was a threat in attack, he was excellent in defence and it was his excellent work that stopped the initial interception from Jones.

Cory Jane & Mulianina added to what looked like the best performance from an All Black back 3 that I've seen all season.

 

[darwin_23]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (gingergenius @ Nov 9 2009, 02:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Zac Guildford's assured performance has really been missed. He was a threat in attack, he was excellent in defence and it was his excellent work that stopped the initial interception from Jones.

Cory Jane & Mulianina added to what looked like the best performance from an All Black back 3 that I've seen all season.[/b]

Guilford had a very good debut. He does the basics so well- exactly what you need from your winger the way international rugby is played at the moment. He combines these skills with searing pace, which we only really got a hint of against Wales. Hopefully we get to see more of him next week against Italy.

Overall a quite enjoyable game. Far too much aimless kicking in the first half from both teams, the game opened up a bit after the break though. Personally I was surprised that Wales got so close in the end - at about the 60th minute mark I thought it looked like the AB's might run away with it (as they have recently been doing against Australia). Wales managed to hold on as the AB's couldn't seem to finish, though a large part of this was due to the outstanding desperate defense the Welsh played.

 

[Ozzay]

I'm really not feeling Wales anymore!

Back in 2008, we were playing exciting rugby!

6 Nations we were ****!

There is no creativity in the centres what so ever! I think thats what we're missing. (henson)

I wasn't a big Jamie Roberts fan in the 6N but he was amazing in the Lions tour!

Drop Andy Powell, he runs on his own far too much! Loses ball. Maybe a impact player, never would start him!

Referee didn't help mind..

NZ won due to the breakdown, they dominating it, slowed ball well down.

Good win NZ!

Hook at 12!

 

[dullonien]

A bit too much praise from you NZ guys. I thought Wales battled hard, but were miles off where we could be. Something needs changing in the backline, and for me dropping Shanklin, Hook and Leigh Halfpenny is what needs to happen. Roberts needs support runners running on his shoulders, as both O'Driscoll and Bowe did on the Lions tour. For me Shanklin doesn't even get close to filling that role. He seems to just drft out waiting for the pass, instead of expecting Roberts to make the half break and coming in on his shoulder. I think Tom James would offer some supporting lines from the wing, wheras Halfpenny tends to stick to his wing spot more often than not.

So who do we get to partner Jamie Roberts in the centre? Does James Hook move from fullback into the 12 or 13 shirt, or do we go with Jonathan Davies? Jonathan Davies has been scoring alot of tries for the Scarlets. He's big and strong, but doesn't play in such a direct way as Roberts and Shanklin. He likes to take the outside break, instead of running through people. I'd pick Davies against the physical Samoans, then try Hook against the Argies (unless Davies has a blinder).

Hook doesn't offer any running angles from fullback, it doesn't suit his running style (which tends to go across field) atall. I'd start Stoddard against Samoa and possibly Argentina to see how he goes. he proved yet again against harlequins on the weekend that he's a devastating running from fullback, the angles he picks are sublime coming into the line. He may not be the greatest under the high ball or in defense, but Hook wasn't brilliant on Sat either.

Gatland, bring Ken Owens into the quad you fool!!!!!!! He's probably the form Hooker in the UK, yet Bennett is picked ahead of him. Rediculous.

 

[roscommon guy]

imagine that shane williams had interceptid the ball instead of alan wyn jones who had the pace to score in the coner instead of trying to go between the sticks

 

[jawmalawm24]

The game was close in the end but to be honest the All Blacks were disallowed 3 tries so that's 15 points but if they were all converted that could have been 21 points. It might have been a bit of a blowout had those calls gone our way but I'm pretty happy with the result. Wales are a good team and they're only getting better.

 

[dullonien]

Very true Jawmalawm. That's why I think it would have been unfair if Alun-Wyn Jones has gone the length (wouldn't be complaining mind) at the death. NZ deserved more than a draw from this match. Hopefully next year we can push you guys even harder in NZ. Should be great to once again see a Welsh team touring NZ, wonder if they'll organise any mid-week games, hope they do!

 

[darwin_23]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (dullonien @ Nov 12 2009, 11:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Very true Jawmalawm. That's why I think it would have been unfair if Alun-Wyn Jones has gone the length (wouldn't be complaining mind) at the death. NZ deserved more than a draw from this match. Hopefully next year we can push you guys even harder in NZ. Should be great to once again see a Welsh team touring NZ, wonder if they'll organise any mid-week games, hope they do![/b]

A mid-week game against Otago would be great - an easy win for you guys, but a good chance for me to watch Wales play live (which I've not yet had the chance to do). I can't see it happening though - if there is a mid-week game it is more likely to be against NZ Maori (which would still be a great game).