Welsh Team v Manu Samoa.....whats your team.

[Lord Llandaff]

This game is proving 2 things we already know.

1) We lack strength in depth
2) McBride is clueless.

[Lord Llandaff]

BBC2 is so low-resolution it's like watching a game back in the 1970s.

Unfortunately I doubt the rugby will be that good.

BBC2 Wales is terrible - it is almost this bad for a Friday night Pro12 game. And made more annoying by the fact that S4C is in HD.

[WaspInWales]

Couple of sly ruck hits from the Samoa 6 there.

[WaspInWales]

It was Wyn Jones on the receiving end of those ruck hits, so no surprise he wanted to have a few words with Fa'asalele at the whistle.

[bruce]

I'm guessing the tv pictures are coming from the host broadcaster?

[Sandydragon]

Well, we won. Not much else to add, although I did like the handling for the second Welsh try.

[Sourdust]

Another tough game to watch, but another very decent result in difficult circumstances. I feel that the value in morale and experience to the squad is far more than we gained from any individual performances - let's face it, there wasn't much to shout about there. We have no depth whatsoever, but we knew that; the players we had did okay and dug out a tricky win, so I think we have to be reasonably happy. I expected us to lose today, and I doubt I was alone.

The TV pictures actually made my eyes hurt. No idea how that is considered acceptable in 2017.

[Timmyspicyman]

Keelan Giles not even on the bench. I am genuinely surprised.... how naive of me! Management stupidity continues to reach new heights.

So a winger who has scored 14 tries in a season is being held back by a centre who has hardly played this year. So Giles now has 1/2p, North, Sanjay, Amos, Cuthbert, Steff Evans AND Allen ahead of him. Are they deliberately trying to piss off the fans? Do they really want Giles to move to some other country (or discover a convenient granny) where he will be appreciated? I guess they weren't lying when they said this wasn't a development tour.

I'm struggling to care what happens in this match. We're clearly picking by size rather than ability (let alone form).

Totally agree, ridiculous decision to have a centre on the wing when we have one of the most exciting prospects available to us, he won't be finding a convenient granny though SOM as he played for the U20s so is tied to Wales.

That's only true if he played against another nation who don't have an official A team isn't it? E.g. if he'd played against England U20s he'd still be free to jump ship, but if he played against France U20 (IIRC) then he'd be tied.

[Numbers]

Keelan Giles not even on the bench. I am genuinely surprised.... how naive of me! Management stupidity continues to reach new heights.

So a winger who has scored 14 tries in a season is being held back by a centre who has hardly played this year. So Giles now has 1/2p, North, Sanjay, Amos, Cuthbert, Steff Evans AND Allen ahead of him. Are they deliberately trying to piss off the fans? Do they really want Giles to move to some other country (or discover a convenient granny) where he will be appreciated? I guess they weren't lying when they said this wasn't a development tour.

I'm struggling to care what happens in this match. We're clearly picking by size rather than ability (let alone form).

Totally agree, ridiculous decision to have a centre on the wing when we have one of the most exciting prospects available to us, he won't be finding a convenient granny though SOM as he played for the U20s so is tied to Wales.

That's only true if he played against another nation who don't have an official A team isn't it? E.g. if he'd played against England U20s he'd still be free to jump ship, but if he played against France U20 (IIRC) then he'd be tied.

Yep, that's right Tim, he's played against Scotland who don't have an A team anymore I don't think.

[Timmyspicyman]

Totally agree, ridiculous decision to have a centre on the wing when we have one of the most exciting prospects available to us, he won't be finding a convenient granny though SOM as he played for the U20s so is tied to Wales.

That's only true if he played against another nation who don't have an official A team isn't it? E.g. if he'd played against England U20s he'd still be free to jump ship, but if he played against France U20 (IIRC) then he'd be tied.

Yep, that's right Tim, he's played against Scotland who don't have an A team anymore I don't think.

Furry muff.

If he doesn't get a full cap soon I'm going to do a dirty protest in Llandarcy.

[Numbers]

That's only true if he played against another nation who don't have an official A team isn't it? E.g. if he'd played against England U20s he'd still be free to jump ship, but if he played against France U20 (IIRC) then he'd be tied.

Yep, that's right Tim, he's played against Scotland who don't have an A team anymore I don't think.

Furry muff.

If he doesn't get a full cap soon I'm going to do a dirty protest in Llandarcy.

They still haven't recvoered from the last one

[Ross. S]

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugb ... g-13228224

Maybe explains the lackluster performance today? At least we still won, something NZ should take note of (95 RWC final, 11 vs England too IIRC)

[ALunpg]

Wales have never found it easy against this side even with full sides out .This was a Samoan side with some quality backs and some hard nosed forwards.
Wales had a side of second third and fourth options in some places the side..and they stood up to the challenge and will improve as players for this match. It was terrible conditions and they were under pressure by a side who have a quality and aggressive team.

I have learned about some of the players Steff Evans stood out as class ,Anscombe showed he is a better 15 than 10 and a more than acceptable stand in .Sam Davies had a bad end of season and this was not his best performances...but again he will get better for it.
The pack did it's job but no one really made me sit up possibly Elias has brought his credentials forward as a selection prospect .

The whole downside was that a few players did not get a sniff and some that should have stayed at home as they brought little to the game and showed nothing new.

That should now be the Docs exit as an internatioral player ... let's have 2 seasons to develop a new style with others before the WC.

[Numbers]

Wales have never found it easy against this side even with full sides out .This was a Samoan side with some quality backs and some hard nosed forwards.
Wales had a side of second third and fourth options in some places the side..and they stood up to the challenge and will improve as players for this match. It was terrible conditions and they were under pressure by a side who have a quality and aggressive team.

I have learned about some of the players Steff Evans stood out as class ,Anscombe showed he is a better 15 than 10 and a more than acceptable stand in .Sam Davies had a bad end of season and this was not his best performances...but again he will get better for it.
The pack did it's job but no one really made me sit up possibly Elias has brought his credentials forward as a selection prospect .

The whole downside was that a few players did not get a sniff and some that should have stayed at home as they brought little to the game and showed nothing new.

That should now be the Docs exit as an internatioral player ... let's have 2 seasons to develop a new style with others before the WC.

I applaud your optimism, however this Samoan side were just dicked by the ABs 78-0, I would never has Anscombe at 15, see the Scotland try in last years 6 nations as an example of why:





Turnstilesque

[PoolerSaint]

I guess we'd all have taken two wins before the tour started, especially given the squad we had particularly in today's game. We probably have at least 25 players either with the Lions, injured or unavailable.
We've never had a huge amount of depth across the board but we definitely do in certain positions.
Pluses for me are :
Ellis Jenkins-top class operator in the making
Seb Davies-considering how raw & inexperienced he is, has huge potential.
Steff Evans-proved what we all already knew, a good finisher.
Aaron Shingler-took his impressive Scarlets form onto the test arena.
Gareth Anscombe-proved he's a top operator at 15.
Ryan Elias-if he continues this improvement he'll be a fine test hooker

Minuses:
Centres-Roberts & Scott Williams should've been the shining lights-both were average.
As above - the lack of credible alternatives to these two is a sad indictment of Welsh rugby.
Keelan Giles-his non selection is bonkers.
James Davies-bonkers he wasn't picked.




Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk

[PoolerSaint]

I guess we'd all have taken two wins before the tour started, especially given the squad we had particularly in today's game. We probably have at least 25 players either with the Lions, injured or unavailable.
We've never had a huge amount of depth across the board but we definitely do in certain positions.
Pluses for me are :
Ellis Jenkins-top class operator in the making
Seb Davies-considering how raw & inexperienced he is, has huge potential.
Steff Evans-proved what we all already knew, a good finisher.
Aaron Shingler-took his impressive Scarlets form onto the test arena.
Gareth Anscombe-proved he's a top operator at 15.
Ryan Elias-if he continues this improvement he'll be a fine test hooker

Minuses:
Centres-Roberts & Scott Williams should've been the shining lights-both were average.
As above - the lack of credible alternatives to these two is a sad indictment of Welsh rugby.
Keelan Giles-his non selection is bonkers.
James Davies-bonkers he wasn't picked.




Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk

[Numbers]

I agree regarding Roberts and Steff Evans and the lack of blooding youngsters (Giles).

[Numbers]

I guess we'd all have taken two wins before the tour started, especially given the squad we had particularly in today's game. We probably have at least 25 players either with the Lions, injured or unavailable.
We've never had a huge amount of depth across the board but we definitely do in certain positions.
Pluses for me are :
Ellis Jenkins-top class operator in the making
Seb Davies-considering how raw & inexperienced he is, has huge potential.
Steff Evans-proved what we all already knew, a good finisher.
Aaron Shingler-took his impressive Scarlets form onto the test arena.
Gareth Anscombe-proved he's a top operator at 15.
Ryan Elias-if he continues this improvement he'll be a fine test hooker

Minuses:
Centres-Roberts & Scott Williams should've been the shining lights-both were average.
As above - the lack of credible alternatives to these two is a sad indictment of Welsh rugby.
Keelan Giles-his non selection is bonkers.
James Davies-bonkers he wasn't picked.




Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk

One of them being played out of position tho.

[ALunpg]

Wales have never found it easy against this side even with full sides out .This was a Samoan side with some quality backs and some hard nosed forwards.
Wales had a side of second third and fourth options in some places the side..and they stood up to the challenge and will improve as players for this match. It was terrible conditions and they were under pressure by a side who have a quality and aggressive team.

I have learned about some of the players Steff Evans stood out as class ,Anscombe showed he is a better 15 than 10 and a more than acceptable stand in .Sam Davies had a bad end of season and this was not his best performances...but again he will get better for it.
The pack did it's job but no one really made me sit up possibly Elias has brought his credentials forward as a selection prospect .

The whole downside was that a few players did not get a sniff and some that should have stayed at home as they brought little to the game and showed nothing new.

That should now be the Docs exit as an internatioral player ... let's have 2 seasons to develop a new style with others before the WC.

I applaud your optimism, however this Samoan side were just dicked by the ABs 78-0, I would never has Anscombe at 15, see the Scotland try in last years 6 nations as an example of why:





Turnstilesque

Yep... I saw the match and agree. . but he ain't the first or last 15 to be made to look rubbish in defence tackling..I would take the guy with the ball most times to get through .But he is still better at 15 than 10 IMHO.
I have seen many human turnstiles in Rugby and coached quite a few ... Anscombe is not one..just crap judgement and did not at any time take control of the tackle situation and make it in his terms. You watch him play for the blues live ..I haven't .I don't believe he does that regularly?

I think he is a better footballer than many in the side and certainly Gatland likes him and will persevere to give him chances.

As to Samoan performance ..we only have to go back to last summer in the last Test when Wales were shown the door by the AB.I don't think it is ever good to use the AB as a measure of a sides capabilities they can anihalate sides in a ruthless manner when they sniff a weakness.

For me it would not matter if we played our best 15 /23 against Samoa ...playing any style we like to choose ..we have failed many times to win or put on a convincing performance evrn when we do win, so.. that is the yardstick I am using.

So yes for second third and fourth strings.I was ok with it not with the tactics ..not even some of the execution or particularly the selection.. it was poor. Some of these players have hardly played for their regions but they will be better for it.

I am not sure what was expected of this team...I honestly didn't not expect us to win this match ..

[PoolerSaint]

I guess we'd all have taken two wins before the tour started, especially given the squad we had particularly in today's game. We probably have at least 25 players either with the Lions, injured or unavailable.
We've never had a huge amount of depth across the board but we definitely do in certain positions.
Pluses for me are :
Ellis Jenkins-top class operator in the making
Seb Davies-considering how raw & inexperienced he is, has huge potential.
Steff Evans-proved what we all already knew, a good finisher.
Aaron Shingler-took his impressive Scarlets form onto the test arena.
Gareth Anscombe-proved he's a top operator at 15.
Ryan Elias-if he continues this improvement he'll be a fine test hooker

Minuses:
Centres-Roberts & Scott Williams should've been the shining lights-both were average.
As above - the lack of credible alternatives to these two is a sad indictment of Welsh rugby.
Keelan Giles-his non selection is bonkers.
James Davies-bonkers he wasn't picked.




Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk

One of them being played out of position tho.

True, Scott didn't seem switched on last week. Very uncharacteristic for him as his end of season form was good for the Scarlets.
Jamie does what he does, just feel he's starting to look a little jaded & one paced.
We desperately need options at centre, after Roberts, Williams & Davies. Tyler Morgan has regressed hugely since he 1st came through, mainly because of injury.

Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk

[Numbers]

Wales have never found it easy against this side even with full sides out .This was a Samoan side with some quality backs and some hard nosed forwards.
Wales had a side of second third and fourth options in some places the side..and they stood up to the challenge and will improve as players for this match. It was terrible conditions and they were under pressure by a side who have a quality and aggressive team.

I have learned about some of the players Steff Evans stood out as class ,Anscombe showed he is a better 15 than 10 and a more than acceptable stand in .Sam Davies had a bad end of season and this was not his best performances...but again he will get better for it.
The pack did it's job but no one really made me sit up possibly Elias has brought his credentials forward as a selection prospect .

The whole downside was that a few players did not get a sniff and some that should have stayed at home as they brought little to the game and showed nothing new.

That should now be the Docs exit as an internatioral player ... let's have 2 seasons to develop a new style with others before the WC.

I applaud your optimism, however this Samoan side were just dicked by the ABs 78-0, I would never has Anscombe at 15, see the Scotland try in last years 6 nations as an example of why:





Turnstilesque

Yep... I saw the match and agree. . but he ain't the first or last 15 to be made to look rubbish in defence tackling..I would take the guy with the ball most times to get through .But he is still better at 15 than 10 IMHO.
I have seen many human turnstiles in Rugby and coached quite a few ... Anscombe is not one..just crap judgement and did not at any time take control of the tackle situation and make it in his terms. You watch him play for the blues live ..I haven't .I don't believe he does that regularly?

I think he is a better footballer than many in the side and certainly Gatland likes him and will persevere to give him chances.

As to Samoan performance ..we only have to go back to last summer in the last Test when Wales were shown the door by the AB.I don't think it is ever good to use the AB as a measure of a sides capabilities they can anihalate sides in a ruthless manner when they sniff a weakness.

For me it would not matter if we played our best 15 /23 against Samoa ...playing any style we like to choose ..we have failed many times to win or put on a convincing performance evrn when we do win, so.. that is the yardstick I am using.

So yes for second third and fourth strings.I was ok with it not with the tactics ..not even some of the execution or particularly the selection.. it was poor. Some of these players have hardly played for their regions but they will be better for it.

I am not sure what was expected of this team...I honestly didn't not expect us to win this match ..

Yeah, in fairness the team that was played did well all things considered, I'm just annoyed by the attitude of the coaching setup really.

[ALunpg]

I guess we'd all have taken two wins before the tour started, especially given the squad we had particularly in today's game. We probably have at least 25 players either with the Lions, injured or unavailable.
We've never had a huge amount of depth across the board but we definitely do in certain positions.
Pluses for me are :
Ellis Jenkins-top class operator in the making
Seb Davies-considering how raw & inexperienced he is, has huge potential.
Steff Evans-proved what we all already knew, a good finisher.
Aaron Shingler-took his impressive Scarlets form onto the test arena.
Gareth Anscombe-proved he's a top operator at 15.
Ryan Elias-if he continues this improvement he'll be a fine test hooker

Minuses:
Centres-Roberts & Scott Williams should've been the shining lights-both were average.
As above - the lack of credible alternatives to these two is a sad indictment of Welsh rugby.
Keelan Giles-his non selection is bonkers.
James Davies-bonkers he wasn't picked.




Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk

One of them being played out of position tho.

True, Scott didn't seem switched on last week. Very uncharacteristic for him as his end of season form was good for the Scarlets.
Jamie does what he does, just feel he's starting to look a little jaded & one paced.
We desperately need options at centre, after Roberts, Williams & Davies. Tyler Morgan has regressed hugely since he 1st came through, mainly because of injury.

Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk

Did Morgan get the ball in his hands in any attacking position..I thought the Doc ran it up into the oppo

I will look again tonight ( i get too exited real time ..ha ha ) but my impression was the Samoan defence was pressing up quite quick.

[Numbers]

I guess we'd all have taken two wins before the tour started, especially given the squad we had particularly in today's game. We probably have at least 25 players either with the Lions, injured or unavailable.
We've never had a huge amount of depth across the board but we definitely do in certain positions.
Pluses for me are :
Ellis Jenkins-top class operator in the making
Seb Davies-considering how raw & inexperienced he is, has huge potential.
Steff Evans-proved what we all already knew, a good finisher.
Aaron Shingler-took his impressive Scarlets form onto the test arena.
Gareth Anscombe-proved he's a top operator at 15.
Ryan Elias-if he continues this improvement he'll be a fine test hooker

Minuses:
Centres-Roberts & Scott Williams should've been the shining lights-both were average.
As above - the lack of credible alternatives to these two is a sad indictment of Welsh rugby.
Keelan Giles-his non selection is bonkers.
James Davies-bonkers he wasn't picked.




Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk

One of them being played out of position tho.

True, Scott didn't seem switched on last week. Very uncharacteristic for him as his end of season form was good for the Scarlets.
Jamie does what he does, just feel he's starting to look a little jaded & one paced.
We desperately need options at centre, after Roberts, Williams & Davies. Tyler Morgan has regressed hugely since he 1st came through, mainly because of injury.

Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk

A real shame, the boy was looking the business when he first came on the scene. Jamie Roberts is slower than most backrowers these days.

[Numbers]

One of them being played out of position tho.

True, Scott didn't seem switched on last week. Very uncharacteristic for him as his end of season form was good for the Scarlets.
Jamie does what he does, just feel he's starting to look a little jaded & one paced.
We desperately need options at centre, after Roberts, Williams & Davies. Tyler Morgan has regressed hugely since he 1st came through, mainly because of injury.

Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk

Did Morgan get the ball in his hands in any attacking position..I thought the Doc ran it up into the oppo

I will look again tonight ( i get too exited real time ..ha ha ) but my impression was the Samoan defence was pressing up quite quick.

Tis available here if you have time:

[PoolerSaint]

One of them being played out of position tho.

True, Scott didn't seem switched on last week. Very uncharacteristic for him as his end of season form was good for the Scarlets.
Jamie does what he does, just feel he's starting to look a little jaded & one paced.
We desperately need options at centre, after Roberts, Williams & Davies. Tyler Morgan has regressed hugely since he 1st came through, mainly because of injury.

Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk

A real shame, the boy was looking the business when he first came on the scene. Jamie Roberts is slower than most backrowers these days.

We need a few young guys to come through at the regions in the next couple of seasons. Hopefully Owen Watkin can get over his injury for this season, he looked quality. Keiron Williams with the U20's in the last 6Nations looks good too.
Shame both are with the Osprey's along with Thornton & Beard at lock. Great for the region but not so good with regards player development.

Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk