Team v SAES

[Banquo]

As I said earlier the selection is far less important than the coaching that's been given over the last two weeks. That's where we stand or fall. We're up against another team with a brand new coach so if we look less sure of what we're doing that's on the coaches.

I would make slightly different choices for 2nd and back rows but I don't think it makes much difference (even if it seems pretty unfair to leave Morgan out completely).

Good to see Owen Williams starting. Better if Patchell was on the bench but Gatland needs his comfort blanket.

The only thing I really disagree with is starting Grady. He's just too green for this and to pair him with another inexperienced centre compounds the problem. I appreciate that no one will be running through this guy but I fear plenty will be running around him or through spaces he should be covering. He hasn't establishing himself at Cardiff yet - it's too soon for a start. At least Tompkins is on the bench, I suppose.

I find it odd that Tompkins hasn't been more involved; he's not a very good outside centre, but he does a terrific job at 12 in defence, in getting past the tackle line, and in all the 'jobs' that centres do these days. You'll also miss Biggar under the high ball- he's prob the best in the world there, esp chasing his own bombs.

[Sandydragon]

Normally, I would be quite excited with the 9-14 selections, but with everything that's been going on I can't see that the players will be mentally right. That goes doubly for the youngsters. HP is a better choice than Sanjay, who looks a shadow of his bandy legged best, but we need a replacement for the position pronto. Jac Morgan is unlucky. I would have dumped Tips altogether and had Morgan in at 7 with Reffell on the bench. AWJ is cause for concern. Has he passed his MOT?

I hate to say it but there’s every chance that Halfoenny will pull up lane before Saturday. Or within the first 15 mins.

[Spiffy]

Normally, I would be quite excited with the 9-14 selections, but with everything that's been going on I can't see that the players will be mentally right. That goes doubly for the youngsters. HP is a better choice than Sanjay, who looks a shadow of his bandy legged best, but we need a replacement for the position pronto. Jac Morgan is unlucky. I would have dumped Tips altogether and had Morgan in at 7 with Reffell on the bench. AWJ is cause for concern. Has he passed his MOT?

Tips will play a blinder in a Welsh win. Possibly MOTM.

[Son of Mathonwy]

As I said earlier the selection is far less important than the coaching that's been given over the last two weeks. That's where we stand or fall. We're up against another team with a brand new coach so if we look less sure of what we're doing that's on the coaches.

I would make slightly different choices for 2nd and back rows but I don't think it makes much difference (even if it seems pretty unfair to leave Morgan out completely).

Good to see Owen Williams starting. Better if Patchell was on the bench but Gatland needs his comfort blanket.

The only thing I really disagree with is starting Grady. He's just too green for this and to pair him with another inexperienced centre compounds the problem. I appreciate that no one will be running through this guy but I fear plenty will be running around him or through spaces he should be covering. He hasn't establishing himself at Cardiff yet - it's too soon for a start. At least Tompkins is on the bench, I suppose.

I find it odd that Tompkins hasn't been more involved; he's not a very good outside centre, but he does a terrific job at 12 in defence, in getting past the tackle line, and in all the 'jobs' that centres do these days. You'll also miss Biggar under the high ball- he's prob the best in the world there, esp chasing his own bombs.

Agreed, Biggar's excellent under high ball, up there with Liam Williams (also missing . . . until Halfpenny breaks in training), although it's been a while since he's caught one of his own for Wales (to any great effect, anyway).

[Mikey Brown]

Liam Williams is still good at anything?

[Sandydragon]

Liam Williams is still good at anything?

Not quite the player he was.

[normanski]

Liam Williams is still good at anything?

Not quite the player he was.

Growing older happens to us all.

[Sandydragon]

Liam Williams is still good at anything?

Not quite the player he was.

Growing older happens to us all.

F@&king tell me about it.

[Sandydragon]

Under 20s are 7-0 down. Blown a decent chance and getting nothing out of the ref.

[Sandydragon]

Make that 12-0

[Sandydragon]

12-7. Lovely back of the hand pass to set up a welsh try.

Sadly as I type the welsh team forget that tackling isn’t optional and give away another try

[Sandydragon]

Fourth English try. Far too easy and this could get ugly

[Sandydragon]

14-22 at half time. Some good stuff by wales but discipline and defence must be tighter

[Sandydragon]

Our No8 is like pretty handy. Making some real inroads into the English defence.

[Sandydragon]

One try apiece extra. English defence is much better and their tries have been well worked. Second half has been pretty good. Shame we let in a hat trick of tries in quick succession in the first half.

[Sandydragon]

21-37 final score and the better team won. Some dubious calls by the ref but England deserved to win this one.

[Graigwen]

I have bought extra beer for this afternoon's viewing, I think it may be needed.

I still believe an appropriate team has been selected, it should yield information about new players and combinations. This is the position we are in, with some players (eg Morgan) unlucky not to be involved. OK, I would be happier with Leon Brown on the bench.

On the good news front, Halfpenny has not broken down...yet.

.

[normanski]

On the good news front, Halfpenny has not broken down...yet.

.

It may only be a matter of hours…

[pompey-zebra]

On the good news front, Halfpenny has not broken down...yet.

.

It may only be a matter of hours…

I half expect an announcement that he's picked up an injury as a result of last night's earthquake.

[normanski]

On the good news front, Halfpenny has not broken down...yet.

.

It may only be a matter of hours…

I half expect an announcement that he's picked up an injury as a result of last night's earthquake.

Let’s hope he plays a blinder if he makes it onto the pitch.

[pompey-zebra]

It may only be a matter of hours…

I half expect an announcement that he's picked up an injury as a result of last night's earthquake.

Let’s hope he plays a blinder if he makes it onto the pitch.

Yeah, him and the other 22 in the squad.

[normanski]

Tackle, tackle and tackle again!

[normanski]

England looking ominous with slick handling.

[Wallpaperman]

Not really seeing anything from Wales other than kicking, then Tomos Williams goes for a run instead of the easy 3 !

[Sandydragon]

Well we look up for it. Sadly we don’t know what we’re up for.

Kicking is awful.
Attack is non existent.