Welsh squad for the AI's

[dullonien]

So the Welsh squad was announced today:

Forwards: Rob Evans (Scarlets), Wyn Jones (Scarlets), Nicky Smith (Ospreys), Elliot Dee (Dragons), Ryan Elias (Scarlets), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Leon Brown (Dragons), Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Dillon Lewis (Cardiff Blues), Jake Ball (Scarlets), Adam Beard (Ospreys), Bradley Davies (Ospreys), Cory Hill (Dragons), Alun Wyn Jones (capt, Ospreys), Ellis Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Dan Lydiate (Ospreys), Ross Moriarty (Dragons), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Aaron Wainwright (Dragons).

Backs: Aled Davies (Ospreys), Gareth Davies (Scarlets), Tomos Williams (Cardiff Blues), Gareth Anscombe (Cardiff Blues), Dan Biggar (Northampton Saints), Rhys Patchell (Scarlets), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Tyler Morgan (Dragons), Hadleigh Parkes (Scarlets), Owen Watkin (Ospreys), Josh Adams (Worcester Warriors), Steffan Evans (Scarlets), Leigh Halfpenny (Scarlets), Jonah Holmes (Leicester Tigers), Luke Morgan (Ospreys), George North (Ospreys), Liam Williams (Saracens).

All in all a good squad. Surprises are Lydiate and Holmes, with Griffiths, Young and Jarrod Evans unlucky to miss out; although it sounds like Jarrod may be involved with the squad given Patchell's concussion issues.

I really hope we see the transition from Biggar to Patchell/Anscombe this autumn. Imo our chances at the WC depend on it! The Scotland game falling outside the test window might be a real blessing in that regard, because it forces Gats to pick Anscombe or Patchell, and as long as they play well I think he'll then give them another run out v Aus the following week.

 

[MikeTheNative]

I agree with all that you say, I don't understand how Lydiate has got a place at the expense on Griffiths and I think Jordan Williams has the right to be annoyed at Holmes' inclusion as he has been looking good so far this season. Really gutted for Owen Lane as that's two internationals he has missed now after being nailed on. My team for the Scotland game:
Halfpenny, Morgan, Davies, Watkins, North, Patchell (if fit, Anscombe if not), G Davies, R Evans, Dee, Lee. Jones, Ball, Wainwright, Jenkins, Moriarty
Subs: Owens, Wyn Jones, Lewis, Beard, Tipruic, T Williams, Anscombe/Evans, Parkes

I think that's a good balance of experience with the new comers, with the World Cup next next year this is about giving the promising young players more game time. But I don't see the point of doing wholesale changes for the Tonga game and it becoming a disjointed one.

 

[dullonien]

Not sure about Jordan Williams quite yet. I've always maintained that he's one of the most devastating runners I've seen, but I think he needs to be given time at the dragons to properly re-build his career before he's considered for Wales again.

He's going in the right direction, but after the set-backs in his career (dumped from the Scarlets squad), I think it takes time to fully re-build that confidence.

Not sure I agree with Holmes inclusion either though! 10 tries in 11 games are impressive stats, but he doesn't look like a world beater to me. With Amos, Lane, Prydie, Hewitt, Fish and Rhun Williams out injured and Giles only just back from injury, there wasn't a ton of options left playing their trade in Wales though. Jordan Williams, Matthew Morgan, Dafydd Howells and Jason Harries are the only names I can think of. Williams and Morgan are both in a similar position, whilst Howells and Harries are very limited imo.

Really hope Keelan Giles can return with a bang in the next few months, and we really need Steff Evans to re-find his mojo.

 

[oj121]

Can someone explain to me what Aled Davies gives over any other 9? I dont see it at all. He is just a simple solid 9 that offers nothing special. Tomos and Gareth D are better at exploiting a defence, as is Lloyd Williams really. Both williams 9s are as precise in the pass and Lloyd is a better kicker.....

 

[MikeTheNative]

I agree, he just seems to be your bog standard average 9 to me, he's not particularly bad at anything but not really that good at anything either. He's not that young either at 26, so he's not going to get that much better. G Davies would be first choice for me and Tomos Williams back up. I don't want to wish Patchell be injured but I wouldn't mid seeing Evans play against Scotland.

 

[MikeTheNative]

Evans now officially called up but Bradley Davies now released due to injury.

 

[oj121]

Glad its not just me that doesnt rate him. I bet Habberfield is fuming being dropped to no.2 after playing so well last year!

Lloyd Williams is the most complete 9 we have, Gareth Davies is easily the most offensive and on form 9 and Tomos has the most potential by a long way.

Glad J Evans got a chance. He is another with a big future. Be nice to see some new guys get a run such as Morgan on the wing too!

Shame Lane got injured. I see him as heir to the 13 shirt.

 

[MikeTheNative]

I would have had Lane start at least one of the games. He needs some game time at centre for the Blues though, I don't think he has played a senior game there has he?

 

[oj121]

Dont think so but Blues are well stocked at 13. Just glad he is getting game time early on.

Wonder how the backrow will pack down...

 

[MikeTheNative]

Moriarty will be 8. I would say 1st choice would be Jenkins/Tipruic /Moriarty but Jenkins is struggling with injury so you never know. I just hope Lydiate is not 1st choice 6.

 

[oj121]

Lydiate has played well this season, is the fittest back row we have and does the dirty work to allow others to play. RM concerns me as his temper has got worse and worse. He is a liability!

 

[dullonien]

I don't massively rate Aled Davies, but I think he's currently the 3rd best 9 available. Lloyd Williams is a very similar player, both pride themselves on the basics, with a strong defensive game, but not a huge amount of flair. But imo Aled is a better box kicker, and is less prone to stray passes.

I think he's a big step-up on Habberfield at the Ospreys. Habberfield showed big promise at U20 level, but flatters to deceive. Looks busy, picks up a few opportunist tries, but is a little meh.

My back row would be Jenkins, Tipuric, Moriarty. I'd be happy to see either Wainright or Lydiate (or even Olly Griffiths) at 6 if Jenkins is riled out.

 

[MikeTheNative]

Lydiate is the only player to be released by to Regions this week. Suggesting he will not be in the frame to play next week.