RugbyRebels

Wales squad:

Forwards: Rhys Carre (Cardiff Blues, 8 Caps), Wyn Jones (Scarlets, 25 Caps), Nicky Smith (Ospreys, 35 Caps), Ken Owens (Scarlets, 77 Caps), Ryan Elias (Scarlets, 13 Caps), Sam Parry (Ospreys)*, Samson Lee (Scarlets, 41 Caps), Dillon Lewis (Cardiff Blues, 26 Caps), Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs, 48 Caps), Leon Brown (Dragons, 10 Caps), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys, 138 Caps), Will Rowlands (Wasps, 1 Cap), Jake Ball (Scarlets, 46 Caps), Seb Davies (Cardiff Blues, 7 Caps), Cory Hill (Cardiff Blues, 25 Caps), Aaron Wainwright (Dragons, 21 Caps), Ross Moriarty (Dragons, 45 Caps), Taulupe Faletau (Bath, 76 Caps), Josh Navidi (Cardiff Blues, 24 Caps), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys, 76 Caps), Josh Macleod (Scarlets)*.

Backs: Rhys Webb (Ospreys, 33 Caps), Gareth Davies (Scarlets, 53 Caps), Kieran Hardy (Scarlets)*, Dan Biggar (Northampton, 83 Caps), Rhys Patchell (Scarlets, 19 Caps), Callum Sheedy (Bristol)*, Owen Watkin (Ospreys, 22 Caps), Nick Tompkins (Dragons, 4 Caps), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets, 81 Caps), Johnny Williams (Scarlets)*, George North (Ospreys, 95 Caps), Josh Adams (Cardiff Blues, 24 Caps), Louis Rees-Zammit (Gloucester)*, Jonah Holmes (Dragons, 3 Caps), Leigh Halfpenny (Scarlets, 89 Caps), Ioan Lloyd (Bristol)*, Liam Williams (Scarlets, 63 Caps).

Some interesting choices, I personally wouldn't have picked Ioan Lloyd and probably not Jonah Holmes, Hewitt can feel hard done by that's for sure, glad to see Sheedy selected as he has a bit of X factor. Kieran Williams would have been in my squad also, he's the real deal.

Based on recent performances, I'd have picked Kieran Williams over Johnny Williams. Ashley Hewitt was surely close to the team - I think Jonah Holmes' versatility was worth a free more marks.

Is George North there on form or reputation? He has hardly played since the return to rugby. I hope he can justify his inclusion.

Sandydragon wrote:Based on recent performances, I'd have picked Kieran Williams over Johnny Williams. Ashley Hewitt was surely close to the team - I think Jonah Holmes' versatility was worth a free more marks.

Is George North there on form or reputation? He has hardly played since the return to rugby. I hope he can justify his inclusion.

I'd of had Hewitt over Holmes as with Liam and Leigh we already have two fullback options, plus Patchell potentially, I don't think Holmes has the pace for a winger, as for North well he's only played a few minutes since lockdown so it's hard to say if he has any form, you can't blame Pivac for selecting him tho, he is a class player imo.

I hope we can make good use of North. It was hard to avoid the sense that he was not firing in all cylinders for Wales for some time.

Crikey, it’s a bit quiet here !

Wales have had an incredible stroke of luck with the rankings for the next World Cup. I was worried that they would be back in tier 3 again by the end of the year. Hopefully this will take the pressure off and allow Pivac to develop his game plan.

It’s a very strong looking squad, better than was available in January. It has been a poor campaign so far for Wales, and I would hope that the return of Francis and Lee should help them compete better at the scrum. The defence was also too leaky, it will be interesting to see if they can improve.

I also hope that the new additions will be capped at some point. I feel really sorry for WillGriff John, who could only look on as the Welsh scrum misfired. Pivac said that he has told him that he has to up his game, and I hope that he can. I think Shane Lewis-Hughes and Ashton Hewitt both look in good form and are unlucky to be left out. George North looked sharp against the Dragons until he was sent off !

Am delighted that the internationals are back, even if we can’t watch at the ground. Looking at the squad, and taking the view that Liam Williams isn’t fit, I’d pick the following 23:

Wyn Jones
Owens
Francis (let’s get him to 60 caps !)
Rowlands
AWJ
Moriarty
Navidi
Tipuric
Webb
Biggar
Adams
Tompkins
Davies
North
Halfpenny

Carre
Elias
Brown
Hill
Wainwright
Davies
Patchell
Rees-Zammit

Welcome back.

I’d pick Rowlands as well. He has a lot of physicality and controlled aggression and that’s an area where we have occasionally looked lightweight.

Lewis-Hughes looked very good on the weekend, if he keeps that up he must be in with a shout by the six nations, even if our back row has considerable depth at the moment.

Thanks Sandy. I’m new to this board but I think we both used to contribute to the old BBC site.

Rowlands looks like a terrific player. England have great strength in depth to select others ahead of him. Likewise with Tompkins and Jonny Williams.

I Hope you are right about Lewis-Hughes. I thought a few of the Blues forwards went very well at the weekend. Seb Davies was also very good, and I wonder if that was enough to get him selected ahead of Beard.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/54442703

Pivac on the poach again - keeping tabs on Dan Thomas and Harry Randall for future Wales call ups. Not bothered by the former, but I'll be quite narked if you take Randall - he's a good player and I want him to keep developing and play for England (or at the very least to not play against us).

Puja

Puja wrote:https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/54442703

Pivac on the poach again - keeping tabs on Dan Thomas and Harry Randall for future Wales call ups. Not bothered by the former, but I'll be quite narked if you take Randall - he's a good player and I want him to keep developing and play for England (or at the very least to not play against us).

Puja

Dan Thomas is Welsh and Randall lived in Wales between the ages of 4-16 so not really poaching, he played for Wales U16.

Wallpaperman wrote:Crikey, it’s a bit quiet here !

Wales have had an incredible stroke of luck with the rankings for the next World Cup. I was worried that they would be back in tier 3 again by the end of the year. Hopefully this will take the pressure off and allow Pivac to develop his game plan.

It’s a very strong looking squad, better than was available in January. It has been a poor campaign so far for Wales, and I would hope that the return of Francis and Lee should help them compete better at the scrum. The defence was also too leaky, it will be interesting to see if they can improve.

I also hope that the new additions will be capped at some point. I feel really sorry for WillGriff John, who could only look on as the Welsh scrum misfired. Pivac said that he has told him that he has to up his game, and I hope that he can. I think Shane Lewis-Hughes and Ashton Hewitt both look in good form and are unlucky to be left out. George North looked sharp against the Dragons until he was sent off !

Am delighted that the internationals are back, even if we can’t watch at the ground. Looking at the squad, and taking the view that Liam Williams isn’t fit, I’d pick the following 23:

Wyn Jones
Owens
Francis (let’s get him to 60 caps !)
Rowlands
AWJ
Moriarty
Navidi
Tipuric
Webb
Biggar
Adams
Tompkins
Davies
North
Halfpenny

Carre
Elias
Brown
Hill
Wainwright
Davies
Patchell
Rees-Zammit

Pretty much the team I would select other than I wouldn't play Tompkins at 12, he's played all his rugby at 13 as far as I know, of the current options I would be tempted to go with Johnny Williams. I'd also start Faletau and have Moriarty or Wainwright on the bench.

Numbers wrote:

Wallpaperman wrote:Crikey, it’s a bit quiet here !

Wales have had an incredible stroke of luck with the rankings for the next World Cup. I was worried that they would be back in tier 3 again by the end of the year. Hopefully this will take the pressure off and allow Pivac to develop his game plan.

It’s a very strong looking squad, better than was available in January. It has been a poor campaign so far for Wales, and I would hope that the return of Francis and Lee should help them compete better at the scrum. The defence was also too leaky, it will be interesting to see if they can improve.

I also hope that the new additions will be capped at some point. I feel really sorry for WillGriff John, who could only look on as the Welsh scrum misfired. Pivac said that he has told him that he has to up his game, and I hope that he can. I think Shane Lewis-Hughes and Ashton Hewitt both look in good form and are unlucky to be left out. George North looked sharp against the Dragons until he was sent off !

Am delighted that the internationals are back, even if we can’t watch at the ground. Looking at the squad, and taking the view that Liam Williams isn’t fit, I’d pick the following 23:

Wyn Jones
Owens
Francis (let’s get him to 60 caps !)
Rowlands
AWJ
Moriarty
Navidi
Tipuric
Webb
Biggar
Adams
Tompkins
Davies
North
Halfpenny

Carre
Elias
Brown
Hill
Wainwright
Davies
Patchell
Rees-Zammit

Pretty much the team I would select other than I wouldn't play Tompkins at 12, he's played all his rugby at 13 as far as I know, of the current options I would be tempted to go with Johnny Williams. I'd also start Faletau and have Moriarty or Wainwright on the bench.

He's certainly filled in at 12 for Saracens. I think he's better at 13, but he's definitely not shabby.

Puja

Puja wrote:

Numbers wrote:

Wallpaperman wrote:Crikey, it’s a bit quiet here !

Wales have had an incredible stroke of luck with the rankings for the next World Cup. I was worried that they would be back in tier 3 again by the end of the year. Hopefully this will take the pressure off and allow Pivac to develop his game plan.

It’s a very strong looking squad, better than was available in January. It has been a poor campaign so far for Wales, and I would hope that the return of Francis and Lee should help them compete better at the scrum. The defence was also too leaky, it will be interesting to see if they can improve.

I also hope that the new additions will be capped at some point. I feel really sorry for WillGriff John, who could only look on as the Welsh scrum misfired. Pivac said that he has told him that he has to up his game, and I hope that he can. I think Shane Lewis-Hughes and Ashton Hewitt both look in good form and are unlucky to be left out. George North looked sharp against the Dragons until he was sent off !

Am delighted that the internationals are back, even if we can’t watch at the ground. Looking at the squad, and taking the view that Liam Williams isn’t fit, I’d pick the following 23:

Wyn Jones
Owens
Francis (let’s get him to 60 caps !)
Rowlands
AWJ
Moriarty
Navidi
Tipuric
Webb
Biggar
Adams
Tompkins
Davies
North
Halfpenny

Carre
Elias
Brown
Hill
Wainwright
Davies
Patchell
Rees-Zammit

Pretty much the team I would select other than I wouldn't play Tompkins at 12, he's played all his rugby at 13 as far as I know, of the current options I would be tempted to go with Johnny Williams. I'd also start Faletau and have Moriarty or Wainwright on the bench.

He's certainly filled in at 12 for Saracens. I think he's better at 13, but he's definitely not shabby.

Puja

Thanks, I didn't know that, I would prefer someone with a stronger defensive game at 12 tho tbh.

Numbers wrote:

Puja wrote:

Numbers wrote:
Pretty much the team I would select other than I wouldn't play Tompkins at 12, he's played all his rugby at 13 as far as I know, of the current options I would be tempted to go with Johnny Williams. I'd also start Faletau and have Moriarty or Wainwright on the bench.

He's certainly filled in at 12 for Saracens. I think he's better at 13, but he's definitely not shabby.

Puja

Thanks, I didn't know that, I would prefer someone with a stronger defensive game at 12 tho tbh.

I've not seen their form in Wales, but based on what I know of them from the English game, I'd definitely agree with you that Williams is the stronger player at 12. He's someone I was actively irked to lose from the English pool, whereas Tompkins never stood a realistic chance of an England cap. I think he'll do very well for you.

Puja

Puja wrote:

Numbers wrote:

Puja wrote:
He's certainly filled in at 12 for Saracens. I think he's better at 13, but he's definitely not shabby.

Puja

Thanks, I didn't know that, I would prefer someone with a stronger defensive game at 12 tho tbh.

I've not seen their form in Wales, but based on what I know of them from the English game, I'd definitely agree with you that Williams is the stronger player at 12. He's someone I was actively irked to lose from the English pool, whereas Tompkins never stood a realistic chance of an England cap. I think he'll do very well for you.

Puja

Williams has started well for the Scarlets, he's made a couple of breaks and carries well, he just needs to work on his offloading/link up play a bit I think.

With Tompkins, Jonny Williams, Kieran Williams and Owen Watkin we are starting to develop a pool of decent centres. I won't be pushing any for Lions spots yet, but each is capable of pushing on.

Sandydragon wrote:With Tompkins, Jonny Williams, Kieran Williams and Owen Watkin we are starting to develop a pool of decent centres. I won't be pushing any for Lions spots yet, but each is capable of pushing on.

I'm hoping that Tyler Morgan can have a run of games without injury, he's class when fully fit.

Numbers wrote:

Sandydragon wrote:With Tompkins, Jonny Williams, Kieran Williams and Owen Watkin we are starting to develop a pool of decent centres. I won't be pushing any for Lions spots yet, but each is capable of pushing on.

I'm hoping that Tyler Morgan can have a run of games without injury, he's class when fully fit.

I think he has real potential, but he seems to be in that category of player who is very unlucky with injuries. If he can put pressure on then even better.

Fair comment, Numbers, Sandydragon and Puja. I have been impressed by Tompkins, a really lively player, but his defence might put him behind Williams, who also looks really good with ball in hand.

That said, Williams and Jon Davies didn’t get much change out of the Glasgow centres yesterday, although Jon Davies is still rusty at present.

Nice to have a group of good centres. No one particularly standing out though after JD.

Son of Mathonwy wrote:Nice to have a group of good centres. No one particularly standing out though after JD.

Jamie Roberts was very good Friday night. Not really an option for the future but good to know if we have an injury crisis over the next few weeks.

There is a big gap after JD2. Some younger centres who need experience to develop. I really like Tompkins positivity and whilst his defence can be iffy at times, he made a real improvement to our attack last season. I like Owen Watkin as well and I think those two can complement each other long term.

Fingers crossed they stay fit as a group and can have some healthy competition.

Only just noticing that Amos was left out. Sightly surprising, but I guess we have some youngsters to check out.

Son of Mathonwy wrote:Only just noticing that Amos was left out. Sightly surprising, but I guess we have some youngsters to check out.

The problem for Hallam Amos is that although he is undoubtably a gifted player he isn't really fast enough for an International winger and we have two of the best fullbacks in the Northern Hemisphere, I've always though he'd make a good 13.

Numbers wrote:

Son of Mathonwy wrote:Only just noticing that Amos was left out. Sightly surprising, but I guess we have some youngsters to check out.

The problem for Hallam Amos is that although he is undoubtably a gifted player he isn't really fast enough for an International winger and we have two of the best fullbacks in the Northern Hemisphere, I've always though he'd make a good 13.

Agreed. He's got the physicality and is a very good footballer.

Sandydragon wrote:

Numbers wrote:

Son of Mathonwy wrote:Only just noticing that Amos was left out. Sightly surprising, but I guess we have some youngsters to check out.

The problem for Hallam Amos is that although he is undoubtably a gifted player he isn't really fast enough for an International winger and we have two of the best fullbacks in the Northern Hemisphere, I've always though he'd make a good 13.

Agreed. He's got the physicality and is a very good footballer.

I agree he is too slow for the wing. However, he is redeemed by his intelligence which makes him very useful in many situations. He seems able to think calmly while playing the game. I thought he would end up as full back, but as you say there is competition there.

.