AI form team

[Sandydragon]

So who has caught the eye thus far? After the initial games, what should Howleys first team look like?

Liam Williams. I haven't seen him put a foot wrong yet. In superb form in attack and defence. For me, he should be the starting full back.

Sam Davies. In my opinion the form fly half at the moment. I'd love to see some of his creativity in a Welsh shirt. Biggar hasn't had the game time yet to make a huge impact. Anscombe looked tidy at first, but had too many errors against the Ospreys for my liking. I'd start davies at fly half, with Biggar on the bench.

Webb has to be the starting scrum half.

Tipuric is playing superbly well and I would start him at open side. Discussions over moving Warburton to blindside notwithstanding, tips has been playing too well to ignore.

Gethin is showing that there is life in the old legs yet. Still a class act, even if only for 50'monutes.

AWJ is a dead cert at lock.

Otherwise, who is catching the eye. Amos has been playing well for the dragons and Tom James is doing well for Cardiff, would one of them partner North (who I haven't seen play but is apparently in good form). Is halfpenny playing well enough for contention? If so, does he move to the wing?

Centres are a problem area. I'm not overwhelmed by Scott Williams and JD2 yet, although Scott's handling for one of the Scarlets tries yesterday was superb.Roberts I haven't seen play? Do we stick with the tried and tested?

What do you think?

[Son of Mathonwy]

Agreed on Liam (although he's only a little better than Dan Evans IMO), Sam, Webby, Tips (although James Davies is in great form), Geth, AWJ.
Amos is certainly playing well, as is Walker, but if Halfpenny is also (no idea if this is the case) then 1/2p would partner North for me.
Despite Scott's MOM on the weekend, I've not been particularly impressed with him, nor JD2. Dixon has been looking good, but I'd try Ben John, outside Roberts (assuming the Doc is playing ok).
If he's fit, Warbs to 6, otherwise King.
No idea how Clart is playing, but if on form he'd partner AWJ.
Really really really hope Faletau is fit.
It's unfortunate for Ashton Hewitt that he's coming back from injury and hasn't had a chance to show what he can do this season.

I suspect Howley will be MUCH more cautious, and start with Biggar, Lydiate at 6, Warbs at 7, Doc and JD2, 1/2p at full back, North and Liam on the wing.

[Sandydragon]

I've read a few good reviews of Roberts. The big themes have been his defence and physicality so nothing new per se, but what he does he is doing well. Scott Williams hasn't put up enough of a challenge for me, so I'd have Roberts inside centre, but perhaps alongside davies that will be enough of a spark? After all, an in form Priestland did wonders for our backline in 2011.

Outside centre is pretty underwhelming. On form, John has played very well. Dixon has done well, so too the Cardiff centre whose name escapes me. I guessing JD2 will get the nod those as Howley probably won't want to ruin his chances of successive n by being too radical.

Please God let Faletau be fit. Otherwise, moriarty to 8. I suspect Warburton to blindside which isn't ideal as I don't rate him too much there but otherwise King has looked good. Lydiate is just back so too soon to judge although he had a decent cameo against Cardiff.

If Howley is just going to follow the tactics of Gatland and Biggar gets the nod at fly half with teeth other usual suspects then you ,ight as well pick Lydiate at blindside since he fits the game plan so well, but I'm hoping we see some kind of intent to actually play some fricking rugby, particularly with the Aussies and Bokke not exactly on fire, unless th last few games have changed things. To be fair, even if the visiting sides were all on top form, I'd want to play with a bit more adventure and not just try to find out a result.

Agree regarding the Clart, I like Bradley Davies on the bench for impact and the maul stopping ability is important.

[cadofyddol]

Unfortunately the team isn't going to be picked just on current form. Howley will also consider historical form for Wales and experience in picking his team.

I'm in two minds over Sam Davies, partly letting him get more experience with the O's during the AI's against him being squad fodder as I don't think he'll start, even though he arguably deserves to.

A back line of Liam, North & Halfpenny, Jon Davies & Roberts, Sam Davies and Webb would be interesting. Sam could be the catalyst to get the most out of Roberts and North as strike runners.

In the forwards I think Howley will go for the usual, with only the back row a question mark due to injuries. I'm not usually a James King fan at international level but he's probably in his best form ever and maybe deserves another look

[Numbers]

I've read a few good reviews of Roberts. The big themes have been his defence and physicality so nothing new per se, but what he does he is doing well. Scott Williams hasn't put up enough of a challenge for me, so I'd have Roberts inside centre, but perhaps alongside davies that will be enough of a spark? After all, an in form Priestland did wonders for our backline in 2011.

Outside centre is pretty underwhelming. On form, John has played very well. Dixon has done well, so too the Cardiff centre whose name escapes me. I guessing JD2 will get the nod those as Howley probably won't want to ruin his chances of successive n by being too radical.

Please God let Faletau be fit. Otherwise, moriarty to 8. I suspect Warburton to blindside which isn't ideal as I don't rate him too much there but otherwise King has looked good. Lydiate is just back so too soon to judge although he had a decent cameo against Cardiff.

If Howley is just going to follow the tactics of Gatland and Biggar gets the nod at fly half with teeth other usual suspects then you ,ight as well pick Lydiate at blindside since he fits the game plan so well, but I'm hoping we see some kind of intent to actually play some fricking rugby, particularly with the Aussies and Bokke not exactly on fire, unless th last few games have changed things. To be fair, even if the visiting sides were all on top form, I'd want to play with a bit more adventure and not just try to find out a result.

Agree regarding the Clart, I like Bradley Davies on the bench for impact and the maul stopping ability is important.

Dixon is a 12 who plays almost exactly like JR so not likely to feature, I would think Lydiate would certainly start against SA as they will try and out muscle us as usual, Moriarty has been playing very well for Glos so should be on the bench at least, tho James King has been very good at the Os.

Nicky Smith could get a look in at loosehead if Rob Evans doesn't get up to speed quickly, Baldwin is being benched in favour of Sam Parry at the moment so could be Ken at Hooker, Samson on the tighthead.

Second rows will be the usual mix barring injuries.

Backrow could be interesting, I'd like to see James Davies given a go if Warburton is injured, it'll most likely be decided by who is injured

I would like to see Halfpenny on the wing and Liam at fullback but it's not looking likely as they have ignored that option consistently.

Maybe try a few youngsters against Japan, the other fixtures we will need to be full strength to be in with a chance of winning.

I'd like to see Sam Davies starting at least 1 match.

[Son of Mathonwy]

I've totally forgotten about Moriarty. I expect he'll be in the mix. Tough call between him and King on current form. Gats would have gone for Moriarty I expect, but Howley, who knows?

More generally, I'm hoping Howley can make his own decisions and not be shackled to Gatland's philosophy.

[Son of Mathonwy]

I'm in two minds over Sam Davies, partly letting him get more experience with the O's during the AI's against him being squad fodder as I don't think he'll start, even though he arguably deserves to.

A back line of Liam, North & Halfpenny, Jon Davies & Roberts, Sam Davies and Webb would be interesting. Sam could be the catalyst to get the most out of Roberts and North as strike runners.

If Sam can start or be the back-up 10, then great. But if he's behind Anscombe, then I'd prefer him to stay at the Ospreys this November.

But yes, it would be great to see him launching Roberts, North, JD2 etc in a way we just don't usually get to see.
IF Howley's game plan allows for this.

[Numbers]

I'm in two minds over Sam Davies, partly letting him get more experience with the O's during the AI's against him being squad fodder as I don't think he'll start, even though he arguably deserves to.

A back line of Liam, North & Halfpenny, Jon Davies & Roberts, Sam Davies and Webb would be interesting. Sam could be the catalyst to get the most out of Roberts and North as strike runners.

If Sam can start or be the back-up 10, then great. But if he's behind Anscombe, then I'd prefer him to stay at the Ospreys this November.

But yes, it would be great to see him launching Roberts, North, JD2 etc in a way we just don't usually get to see.
IF Howley's game plan allows for this.

Yeah, it would be good to see the defensive line challenged, there is no point in having dummy runners if the pass goes to early, Davies is excellent in this regard.

I noticed Halfpenny didn't feature in the Toulon squad at the weekend, I haven't seen any injury news regarding him but it seems a bit odd for them to leave him out if not injured.

[kk67]

Flats was suggesting if he continues his form Moriarty will be in the Lions squad. I haven't seen Glos this season but he's got some pretty stiff competition for a Lions shirt.

[MrK]

Form Team

Evans, L Williams, John, Roberts, North, Davies, Webb
Smith, Parry, Lee (as no one else), AWJ, Charteris/Brad, Jenkins, Tipuric, Moriaty

Jenkins, Owens, Thomas (Glos), Charteris/Brad, King L Williams, Anscombe, Amos

But that wont happen as Im not sure many are actually international class...much more likely to see

L Williams, Halpenny, Davies, Roberts, North, Biggar, Webb
Jenkins, Owens, Lee, AWJ, Charteris, Lydiate, Warburton, Moriaty

James, Baldwin, Francis, Bradley, Tipuric, Williams, Anscombe, S Williams

[Sandydragon]

Form Team

Evans, L Williams, John, Roberts, North, Davies, Webb
Smith, Parry, Lee (as no one else), AWJ, Charteris/Brad, Jenkins, Tipuric, Moriaty

Jenkins, Owens, Thomas (Glos), Charteris/Brad, King L Williams, Anscombe, Amos

But that wont happen as Im not sure many are actually international class...much more likely to see

L Williams, Halpenny, Davies, Roberts, North, Biggar, Webb
Jenkins, Owens, Lee, AWJ, Charteris, Lydiate, Warburton, Moriaty

James, Baldwin, Francis, Bradley, Tipuric, Williams, Anscombe, S Williams

Barring Faletau returning to fitness, I think your bottom team is most likely.

[ALunpg]

Form Team

Evans, L Williams, John, Roberts, North, Davies, Webb
Smith, Parry, Lee (as no one else), AWJ, Charteris/Brad, Jenkins, Tipuric, Moriaty

Jenkins, Owens, Thomas (Glos), Charteris/Brad, King L Williams, Anscombe, Amos

But that wont happen as Im not sure many are actually international class...much more likely to see

L Williams, Halpenny, Davies, Roberts, North, Biggar, Webb
Jenkins, Owens, Lee, AWJ, Charteris, Lydiate, Warburton, Moriaty

James, Baldwin, Francis, Bradley, Tipuric, Williams, Anscombe, S Williams

If there is the remotest chance to put Sam Davies on the bench lets do it.Anscombe is not the best 10 and with cover at 15, I like the idea of an optional gamble .

[cadofyddol]

Form Team

Evans, L Williams, John, Roberts, North, Davies, Webb
Smith, Parry, Lee (as no one else), AWJ, Charteris/Brad, Jenkins, Tipuric, Moriaty

Jenkins, Owens, Thomas (Glos), Charteris/Brad, King L Williams, Anscombe, Amos

But that wont happen as Im not sure many are actually international class...much more likely to see

L Williams, Halpenny, Davies, Roberts, North, Biggar, Webb
Jenkins, Owens, Lee, AWJ, Charteris, Lydiate, Warburton, Moriaty

James, Baldwin, Francis, Bradley, Tipuric, Williams, Anscombe, S Williams

With regards to your form team I think I'd go with Liam at FB and Tom James on the wing. I also wouldn't have Jenkins and Tips on the flanks.

Seeing you have Nicky Thomas on the bench, have you seen him play this season, is he playing well? Every time I look he doesn't seem to be in the team.

[Numbers]

Form Team

Evans, L Williams, John, Roberts, North, Davies, Webb
Smith, Parry, Lee (as no one else), AWJ, Charteris/Brad, Jenkins, Tipuric, Moriaty

Jenkins, Owens, Thomas (Glos), Charteris/Brad, King L Williams, Anscombe, Amos

But that wont happen as Im not sure many are actually international class...much more likely to see

L Williams, Halpenny, Davies, Roberts, North, Biggar, Webb
Jenkins, Owens, Lee, AWJ, Charteris, Lydiate, Warburton, Moriaty

James, Baldwin, Francis, Bradley, Tipuric, Williams, Anscombe, S Williams

With regards to your form team I think I'd go with Liam at FB and Tom James on the wing. I also wouldn't have Jenkins and Tips on the flanks.

Seeing you have Nicky Thomas on the bench, have you seen him play this season, is he playing well? Every time I look he doesn't seem to be in the team.

Tom James would be omitted in favour of Amos imo, James Davies must be getting close to a call up, Nicky Smith has started 4 games for the O's iirc and scored in one of them, he is the current form loosehead in wales imo.

[cadofyddol]

Form Team

Evans, L Williams, John, Roberts, North, Davies, Webb
Smith, Parry, Lee (as no one else), AWJ, Charteris/Brad, Jenkins, Tipuric, Moriaty

Jenkins, Owens, Thomas (Glos), Charteris/Brad, King L Williams, Anscombe, Amos

But that wont happen as Im not sure many are actually international class...much more likely to see

L Williams, Halpenny, Davies, Roberts, North, Biggar, Webb
Jenkins, Owens, Lee, AWJ, Charteris, Lydiate, Warburton, Moriaty

James, Baldwin, Francis, Bradley, Tipuric, Williams, Anscombe, S Williams

With regards to your form team I think I'd go with Liam at FB and Tom James on the wing. I also wouldn't have Jenkins and Tips on the flanks.

Seeing you have Nicky Thomas on the bench, have you seen him play this season, is he playing well? Every time I look he doesn't seem to be in the team.

Tom James would be omitted in favour of Amos imo, James Davies must be getting close to a call up, Nicky Smith has started 4 games for the O's iirc and scored in one of them, he is the current form loosehead in wales imo.

MrK has Smith down as the form LH

[Sandydragon]

With regards to your form team I think I'd go with Liam at FB and Tom James on the wing. I also wouldn't have Jenkins and Tips on the flanks.

Seeing you have Nicky Thomas on the bench, have you seen him play this season, is he playing well? Every time I look he doesn't seem to be in the team.

Tom James would be omitted in favour of Amos imo, James Davies must be getting close to a call up, Nicky Smith has started 4 games for the O's iirc and scored in one of them, he is the current form loosehead in wales imo.

MrK has Smith down as the form LH

He is playing very well. Id start with Gethin for his breakdown work and have Smith as reserve loose head. Im a bit more concerned at tight head where Ive not seen much of Lee, and who is back up to him is a mystery at the moment. Crying shame Arhip has Moldovan caps.

[Numbers]

Tom James would be omitted in favour of Amos imo, James Davies must be getting close to a call up, Nicky Smith has started 4 games for the O's iirc and scored in one of them, he is the current form loosehead in wales imo.

MrK has Smith down as the form LH

He is playing very well. Id start with Gethin for his breakdown work and have Smith as reserve loose head. Im a bit more concerned at tight head where Ive not seen much of Lee, and who is back up to him is a mystery at the moment. Crying shame Arhip has Moldovan caps.

Looks like Jarvis doesn't it

[Numbers]

With regards to your form team I think I'd go with Liam at FB and Tom James on the wing. I also wouldn't have Jenkins and Tips on the flanks.

Seeing you have Nicky Thomas on the bench, have you seen him play this season, is he playing well? Every time I look he doesn't seem to be in the team.

Tom James would be omitted in favour of Amos imo, James Davies must be getting close to a call up, Nicky Smith has started 4 games for the O's iirc and scored in one of them, he is the current form loosehead in wales imo.

MrK has Smith down as the form LH

Yeah, you confused me by saying he had Nicky Thomas (Smith) on the bench.

[cadofyddol]

MrK has Smith down as the form LH

He is playing very well. Id start with Gethin for his breakdown work and have Smith as reserve loose head. Im a bit more concerned at tight head where Ive not seen much of Lee, and who is back up to him is a mystery at the moment. Crying shame Arhip has Moldovan caps.

Looks like Jarvis doesn't it

What's wrong with Francis?

[cadofyddol]

MrK has Smith down as the form LH

He is playing very well. Id start with Gethin for his breakdown work and have Smith as reserve loose head. Im a bit more concerned at tight head where Ive not seen much of Lee, and who is back up to him is a mystery at the moment. Crying shame Arhip has Moldovan caps.

Looks like Jarvis doesn't it

What's wrong with Francis?

[Numbers]

He is playing very well. Id start with Gethin for his breakdown work and have Smith as reserve loose head. Im a bit more concerned at tight head where Ive not seen much of Lee, and who is back up to him is a mystery at the moment. Crying shame Arhip has Moldovan caps.

Looks like Jarvis doesn't it

What's wrong with Francis?

Injured isn't he, he certainly hasn't featured recently for Exeter.

[bruce]

Looks like Jarvis doesn't it

What's wrong with Francis?

Injured isn't he, he certainly hasn't featured recently for Exeter.

He has been banned for kicking Danny Care in the head. I would have given him a medal but there you go.

[Numbers]

What's wrong with Francis?

Injured isn't he, he certainly hasn't featured recently for Exeter.

He has been banned for kicking Danny Care in the head. I would have given him a medal but there you go.

Oh yeah, should be good to go in that case thankfully, Jarvis doesn't really cut it at International level.

[Sandydragon]

Injured isn't he, he certainly hasn't featured recently for Exeter.

He has been banned for kicking Danny Care in the head. I would have given him a medal but there you go.

Oh yeah, should be good to go in that case thankfully, Jarvis doesn't really cut it at International level.

Not even close. Even a converted loosehead in Rhodri Jones is a better, if still not up to standard, option.

[MrK]

Youre right on Nicky Thomas, hes been a bench option at best this season for Gloucester, my bad for putting him in.

We have a chronic lack of depth at 3...even Adam has been playing LH

Havent seen Dillon Lewis? the Blues U20s TH this season - he looked a bit special last year - is he injured?

Arent we supposed to be having an "A" Team from 2017.

If so would be good to get some of these so called "unloved" regional players involved and also capture some of the English based boys against some decent Saxon and Wolfhound opposition to see how they do.