RugbyRebels

Son of Mathonwy wrote: ↑Thu Feb 23, 2023 5:11 pm 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.

UKHamlet wrote: ↑Thu Feb 23, 2023 1:59 pm 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?

UKHamlet wrote: ↑Thu Feb 23, 2023 1:59 pm 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?

Banquo wrote: ↑Thu Feb 23, 2023 5:51 pm

Son of Mathonwy wrote: ↑Thu Feb 23, 2023 5:11 pm 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.

Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Thu Feb 23, 2023 9:42 pm Liam Williams is still good at anything?

Sandydragon wrote: ↑Fri Feb 24, 2023 8:34 am

Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Thu Feb 23, 2023 9:42 pm Liam Williams is still good at anything?

Not quite the player he was.

normanski wrote: ↑Fri Feb 24, 2023 7:02 pm

Sandydragon wrote: ↑Fri Feb 24, 2023 8:34 am

Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Thu Feb 23, 2023 9:42 pm Liam Williams is still good at anything?

Not quite the player he was.

Growing older happens to us all.

Graigwen wrote: ↑Sat Feb 25, 2023 10:59 am
On the good news front, Halfpenny has not broken down...yet.

.

normanski wrote: ↑Sat Feb 25, 2023 11:38 am

Graigwen wrote: ↑Sat Feb 25, 2023 10:59 am
On the good news front, Halfpenny has not broken down...yet.

.

It may only be a matter of hours…

pompey-zebra wrote: ↑Sat Feb 25, 2023 1:23 pm

normanski wrote: ↑Sat Feb 25, 2023 11:38 am

Graigwen wrote: ↑Sat Feb 25, 2023 10:59 am
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 wrote: ↑Sat Feb 25, 2023 3:10 pm

pompey-zebra wrote: ↑Sat Feb 25, 2023 1:23 pm

normanski wrote: ↑Sat Feb 25, 2023 11:38 am

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.