Next up - Italy

[Sandydragon]

So we play Italy next week in the third place play off.

I’m thinking that the team should not be too different to yesterday’s. Maybe start Sheedy and Liam if fit? We might as well give younger players the experience.

[Numbers]

I'd like to see what Leon brown can do so maybe a bench spot, he's a good impact player, may as well start Sheedy and Hardy, I doubt Williams's lip will have healed completely so it's unlikely he'll be involved, perhaps give Jonah Holmes a game at 15, Seb Davies should get a start and stick Wainwright at 8 to see how he gets on, however we will be expected to win this one well so we may field a stronger team.

[Sandydragon]

I'd forgotten about Jonah Holmes. You're right, its worth starting him. In fact I'd start with the potential players and keep the experience on the bench in case we run into trouble. I wouldn't look to play AWJ in this one unless we really have to

[PoolerSaint]

Italy played pretty well against France at the weekend, I wouldn't tinker too much.
I think pivac will go as strong as possible given if he loses this one he's toast.

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[Numbers]

Italy played pretty well against France at the weekend, I wouldn't tinker too much.
I think pivac will go as strong as possible given if he loses this one he's toast.

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That was the French 'A' team (scarily, they've got some real depth in the talent pool now) although Italy have been looking a bit better of late, I think their new coach is having the usual effect of giving them some temporary hope, that'll be gone after a few more defeats.

[Numbers]

Wales team:

15. Liam Williams (Scarlets) (66 Caps)

14. Josh Adams (Cardiff Blues) (29 Caps)

13. George North (Ospreys) (97 Caps)

12. Johnny Williams (Scarlets) (2 Caps)

11. Louis Rees-Zammit (Gloucester) (3 Caps)

10. Callum Sheedy (Bristol Bears) (3 Caps)

9. Kieran Hardy (Scarlets) (1 Cap)

1. Nicky Smith (Ospreys) (37 Caps)

2. Sam Parry (Ospreys) (3 Caps)

3. Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs) (51 Caps)

4. Will Rowlands (Wasps) (4 Caps)

5. Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys) (142 Caps) (CAPT)

6. James Botham (Cardiff Blues) (2 Caps)

7. Justin Tipuric (Ospreys) (79 Caps)

8. Taulupe Faletau (Bath) (80 Caps)

Replacements:

16. Elliot Dee (Dragons) (32 Caps)

17. Wyn Jones (Scarlets) (29 Caps)

18. Leon Brown (Dragons) (11 Caps)

19. Cory Hill (Cardiff Blues) (28 Caps)

20. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons) (26 Caps)

21. Gareth Davies (Scarlets) (56 Caps)

22. Ioan Lloyd (Bristol Bears) (1 Cap)

23. Jonah Holmes (Dragons) (4 Caps)

I like the look of the backline.

[Sandydragon]

Thats interesting.

North at 13 bothers me a lot (at east as a starter) but we can probably get away with it in this match (although the Italians have been looking more skilful in the backs of late so it could present an opportunity for them).

Nice back 3. Plenty of menace there
Jonny Williams is probably now our fixture at 12. Deservedly so unless someone else can make a stronger case but he now needs more experience there.
Out side centre remains a bit of a question mark. North will at least make the defence think a bit.
Half back combination is due for a run out together.
Another new front row, but I'm pleased that Parry has an opportunity to start.


I hope the pack fronts up so our backline can perform a bit.Theres also a fair bit pf experience on the bench just in case, although who would be our replacement fly half - Ioan Lloyd?

I also have this slight feeling that Privac is now chopping and changing a bit too much. I was hoping that after this series, we would begin to see what our new look team would look like. Whilst Jonny Williams and LRZ have indeed stepped up, can we really say with any conviction what our first XV is? Privac could do with starting to let some players have a decent amount of time in possession of a shirt, scrum half being a real problem area.

[Numbers]

Thats interesting.

North at 13 bothers me a lot (at east as a starter) but we can probably get away with it in this match (although the Italians have been looking more skilful in the backs of late so it could present an opportunity for them).

Nice back 3. Plenty of menace there
Jonny Williams is probably now our fixture at 12. Deservedly so unless someone else can make a stronger case but he now needs more experience there.
Out side centre remains a bit of a question mark. North will at least make the defence think a bit.
Half back combination is due for a run out together.
Another new front row, but I'm pleased that Parry has an opportunity to start.


I hope the pack fronts up so our backline can perform a bit.Theres also a fair bit pf experience on the bench just in case, although who would be our replacement fly half - Ioan Lloyd?

I also have this slight feeling that Privac is now chopping and changing a bit too much. I was hoping that after this series, we would begin to see what our new look team would look like. Whilst Jonny Williams and LRZ have indeed stepped up, can we really say with any conviction what our first XV is? Privac could do with starting to let some players have a decent amount of time in possession of a shirt, scrum half being a real problem area.

Ioan Lloyd is a 10 predominently despite Bristol playing him at 15 and sometimes wing, he played well for them on the weekend setting up a try with a lovely break, he has very good ball skills from what I've seen.

Here's the clip:




I'm really hoping we can get the back three into the game as they look very threatening.

[Son of Mathonwy]

Looking forward to this one.

It's certainly going to be interesting. North at centre!? Dangerous, but for whom? I'm always happy to see Liam at 15.

No idea where we stand regarding kicking accuracy but hopefully? this won't be an issue against Italy.

Great to see Tipuric back. Now Faletau's got a few games under his belt, the back row is looking pretty strong.

Hope Ioan Lloyd gets a good chance to show what he can do.

(No idea who our first XV is either . . . but I guess Pivac still has an open mind on a lot of positions)

[Numbers]

Looking forward to this one.

It's certainly going to be interesting. North at centre!? Dangerous, but for whom? I'm always happy to see Liam at 15.

No idea where we stand regarding kicking accuracy but hopefully? this won't be an issue against Italy.

Great to see Tipuric back. Now Faletau's got a few games under his belt, the back row is looking pretty strong.

Hope Ioan Lloyd gets a good chance to show what he can do.

(No idea who our first XV is either . . . but I guess Pivac still has an open mind on a lot of positions)

Good point re: the kicker, I suppose if Sheedy forgets his kicking boots Liam can do a job like he did for the Scarlets a few seasons ago (didn't miss a kick iirc).

[Sandydragon]

Thats interesting.

North at 13 bothers me a lot (at east as a starter) but we can probably get away with it in this match (although the Italians have been looking more skilful in the backs of late so it could present an opportunity for them).

Nice back 3. Plenty of menace there
Jonny Williams is probably now our fixture at 12. Deservedly so unless someone else can make a stronger case but he now needs more experience there.
Out side centre remains a bit of a question mark. North will at least make the defence think a bit.
Half back combination is due for a run out together.
Another new front row, but I'm pleased that Parry has an opportunity to start.


I hope the pack fronts up so our backline can perform a bit.Theres also a fair bit pf experience on the bench just in case, although who would be our replacement fly half - Ioan Lloyd?

I also have this slight feeling that Privac is now chopping and changing a bit too much. I was hoping that after this series, we would begin to see what our new look team would look like. Whilst Jonny Williams and LRZ have indeed stepped up, can we really say with any conviction what our first XV is? Privac could do with starting to let some players have a decent amount of time in possession of a shirt, scrum half being a real problem area.

Ioan Lloyd is a 10 predominently despite Bristol playing him at 15 and sometimes wing, he played well for them on the weekend setting up a try with a lovely break, he has very good ball skills from what I've seen.

Here's the clip:




I'm really hoping we can get the back three into the game as they look very threatening.

Thanks, I thought he was an out nd out fullback but all the better if he does actually play flyhallf well.

Hopefully we can end the series on a high and actually see a bit of a performance as well.

[Son of Mathonwy]

Looking forward to this one.

It's certainly going to be interesting. North at centre!? Dangerous, but for whom? I'm always happy to see Liam at 15.

No idea where we stand regarding kicking accuracy but hopefully? this won't be an issue against Italy.

Great to see Tipuric back. Now Faletau's got a few games under his belt, the back row is looking pretty strong.

Hope Ioan Lloyd gets a good chance to show what he can do.

(No idea who our first XV is either . . . but I guess Pivac still has an open mind on a lot of positions)

Good point re: the kicker, I suppose if Sheedy forgets his kicking boots Liam can do a job like he did for the Scarlets a few seasons ago (didn't miss a kick iirc).

Wow, yeah I have the faintest memory of Liam kicking goals. Still, I expect it won't come to that..

[PoolerSaint]

Interesting side, don't think anyone would've selected that.
North at 13 has been tried before but maybe now it could be a long term option with LRZ & Adams looking like they could be nailed on as 1st choice wings for some time.
Offensively if Sheedy gets good ball playing flat with good distribution North could cause some real damage in midfield.
Defensively I'm not so sure he can lead our defensive line from 13 but maybe he can spend some time with Foxy to iron out any problems.

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[Graigwen]

I don't see this fairly meaningless game as "must win". It is a "should win" but we must play well. It is much more important that we build for next year. (I don't believe we have a large enough pool of players to become fixated on the next World Cup yet.)

9, 10, 11, 12 have all shown promise of potentially becoming good internationals and deserve more exposure. I was uncertain about Johnny Williams but he looked like he had the right attitude last weekend.

North at centre again, but if he is ever going to shine there this could be the game.

I guess Botham needs more exposure. I think Shane Lewis-Hughes has already passed the test to see if he is international standard. It is a good balanced back row with Wainwright on the bench.

I think Rowlands still has something to prove in the second row. Ball has played well and adds solidity to our forwards by carrying strongly at the opposition, he does not need this game. Hill needs to be eased back in, he always contributes more than I expect.

I think Lee got the rough end of a lot of refereeing decisions last game. I could not see how Manu Vunipola won a penalty lying face down on the ground while Samson was still trying to scrummage. I don't think there is much to choose between Francis and Lee, and playing one of them with the still developing Leon Brown seems a sound idea.

Parry is at hooker because the others have failed to convince. A year ago I did not think we had a problem covering for Owens, I was wrong.

Mmm, Ioan Lloyd as cover for 10 and 15, I like that. I hope the leaked side is as accurate as usual.

The Italians are playing well, this should be an entertaining game.

.

[Graigwen]

....so now I notice it is the official team!

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[normanski]

I don't see this fairly meaningless game as "must win". It is a "should win" but we must play well. It is much more important that we build for next year. (I don't believe we have a large enough pool of players to become fixated on the next World Cup yet.)

9, 10, 11, 12 have all shown promise of potentially becoming good internationals and deserve more exposure. I was uncertain about Johnny Williams but he looked like he had the right attitude last weekend.

North at centre again, but if he is ever going to shine there this could be the game.

I guess Botham needs more exposure. I think Shane Lewis-Hughes has already passed the test to see if he is international standard. It is a good balanced back row with Wainwright on the bench.

I think Rowlands still has something to prove in the second row. Ball has played well and adds solidity to our forwards by carrying strongly at the opposition, he does not need this game. Hill needs to be eased back in, he always contributes more than I expect.

I think Lee got the rough end of a lot of refereeing decisions last game. I could not see how Manu Vunipola won a penalty lying face down on the ground while Samson was still trying to scrummage. I don't think there is much to choose between Francis and Lee, and playing one of them with the still developing Leon Brown seems a sound idea.

Parry is at hooker because the others have failed to convince. A year ago I did not think we had a problem covering for Owens, I was wrong.

Mmm, Ioan Lloyd as cover for 10 and 15, I like that. I hope the leaked side is as accurate as usual.

The Italians are playing well, this should be an entertaining game.

.

The Italian game should always be a ‘should win’ match for Wales with experimentation kept to a minimum. Looking at the amount of caps the squad have there’s a hell of a lot experience in the team so Pivac can be forgiven for some decisions.

North is the interesting one and this should be his opportunity to make a claim on the 13 shirt. I just worry about whether he will get the ball to Adams and young Louis giving them the time and space to show their paces.

[Graigwen]

The Italian game should always be a ‘should win’ match for Wales with experimentation kept to a minimum. Looking at the amount of caps the squad have there’s a hell of a lot experience in the team so Pivac can be forgiven for some decisions.

North is the interesting one and this should be his opportunity to make a claim on the 13 shirt. I just worry about whether he will get the ball to Adams and young Louis giving them the time and space to show their paces.

Yes, plenty of caps, but very unevenly distributed, which I am glad of. I do see it as a rather experimental side. I am not criticising Pivacs choices much.

I agree about North, but nobody else has been very good at getting the ball to the wings.

A couple of years ago I had great hopes for Nicky Smith, but his work in set scrums is often doubtful.

Anyway, I am convinced it will be a good game to watch, I have srocked up on extra beer again. Italy are making their contribution by starting Varney at scrum half.

.

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[normanski]

Yes, plenty of caps, but very unevenly distributed, which I am glad of. I do see it as a rather experimental side. I am not criticising Pivacs choices much.

I agree about North, but nobody else has been very good at getting the ball to the wings.

A couple of years ago I had great hopes for Nicky Smith, but his work in set scrums is often doubtful.

Anyway, I am convinced it will be a good game to watch, I have srocked up on extra beer again. Italy are making their contribution by starting Varney at scrum half.

.

Looking forward to the game to see if the small green shoots are sustained and grow. This is the big opportunity for all the players to put a marker down for the six nations,

Got six bottles of Australian Shiraz (25% discount) from Sainsbury’s so well stocked for the weekend!

[Graigwen]

]
Looking forward to the game to see if the small green shoots are sustained and grow. This is the big opportunity for all the players to put a marker down for the six nations,

Got six bottles of Australian Shiraz (25% discount) from Sainsbury’s so well stocked for the weekend!

Yes, we really have to pull some conclusions together from this experimental but rather shambolic year. Passing the ball accurately without dropping it, and of course not overthrowing the line out would be a start. We have looked undertrained in the basics - of course this year there was a reason for everybody looking undercooked but we have taken longer to pull things together. I agree there are tiny green shoots. Without under-rating the Italians, our kids should have just a little bit more time and space.


Six bottles !!!! Just for yourself???

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[Numbers]

Yes, plenty of caps, but very unevenly distributed, which I am glad of. I do see it as a rather experimental side. I am not criticising Pivacs choices much.

I agree about North, but nobody else has been very good at getting the ball to the wings.

A couple of years ago I had great hopes for Nicky Smith, but his work in set scrums is often doubtful.

Anyway, I am convinced it will be a good game to watch, I have srocked up on extra beer again. Italy are making their contribution by starting Varney at scrum half.

.

Looking forward to the game to see if the small green shoots are sustained and grow. This is the big opportunity for all the players to put a marker down for the six nations,

Got six bottles of Australian Shiraz (25% discount) from Sainsbury’s so well stocked for the weekend!

You've got to fancy LRZ scoring against Italy, North normally does as well and Adams has a good record against them, hopefully we'll see some tries!

[normanski]

]
Looking forward to the game to see if the small green shoots are sustained and grow. This is the big opportunity for all the players to put a marker down for the six nations,

Got six bottles of Australian Shiraz (25% discount) from Sainsbury’s so well stocked for the weekend![/quote


Six bottles !!!! Just for yourself???

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The wife has one (large) glass to my three so that’s a bottle or three over the weekend then nothing until Friday night again!

Two weeks stock.

[Graigwen]

You've got to fancy LRZ scoring against Italy, North normally does as well and Adams has a good record against them, hopefully we'll see some tries!

Adams has been working very hard in this year's games, he certainly is not afraid to leave his wing. He does not mind getting stuck in with big forwards.

Yes, LRZ in a little bit of space should be worth watching.

It should be a good game to watch.

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[Graigwen]

The wife has one (large) glass to my three so that’s a bottle or three over the weekend then nothing until Friday night again!

Two weeks stock.

That all sounds very civilised.

.

[Sandydragon]

At what point do we move in from drinking games and running round the bar with bits of burning bog paper hanging from our arses to watching rugby with a nice bottle of wine?

[normanski]

The wife has one (large) glass to my three so that’s a bottle or three over the weekend then nothing until Friday night again!

Two weeks stock.

That all sounds very civilised.

.

Yes! Years of practice.