Planet Rugby Forum

Posted: **Sun Mar 11, 2018 6:42 pm**

15. Liam Williams – As per usual, always beat the first man, but missed a regulation tackle for the Italian’s first try…and then got binned for a stupid challenge. 5/10

14. George North – Bristling with physicality, he was a menace to the Italian defensive line all game. 7/10

13. Owen Watkin – Showed why he’s a far better bet at OC than Williams. Might not be quite as physical, but better hands, and infinitely more speed. Good game. 7/10

12. Hadleigh Parkes – Easily the best player on the pitch, and managed it without doing anything spectacular. As noted previously, he just does everything right. Made his tackles, always gets over the gainline, good kicking, and good awareness all round. 8/10

11. Steff Evans – I know he splits opinion, but I’m a massive fan. Almost set up another try, and is constantly looking to get involved. Very good rugby brain, and I reckon he’s a massive asset that will win us a lot more games than he loses (through his ropey defence). 7/10

10. Gareth Anscombe – As previously known, good on the front foot, but seemingly average everywhere else. Did nothing to suggest he’s the best 10 of the bunch. 6/10

9. Gareth Davies – Was fairly average in most things he did. Not bad, but didn’t add anything to the team either, and also got himself binned for a stupid penalty. 5/10

8. Taulupe Faletau – A decent hit out for his first game back. Was spectacular, but was controlled and strong in the contact. 6/10

7. James Davies – Showed that international level wasn’t a step above him. Top tackler on the field, and even got to show off his pilfering and ball running skills too. 7/10

6. Justin Tipuric – Something of a subdued performance, but it was (I think) his first start at 6 for Wales, so playing out of position will do that to you. 6/10

5. Corey Hill – The main issue for the game was that we couldn’t boss the gainline, and that was a product of our front 5 gaining parity at best. No one needs reminding that without AWJ, we’re half a front five…and today did nothing to dispel that notion. 5/10

4. Bradley Davies – Was reasonably industrious, but like Hill, wasn’t up to much. 5/10

3. Tomos Francis – I couldn’t tell whether he was having a torrid time in the scrum or not. It seemed to struggle on their ball, but we seemed to lock out easily enough on ours. 5/10

2. Elliot Dee – Lineouts went OK, but other than that, a military medium performance. 5/10

1. Nicky Smith – Some nice touches here and there, but was part of the same lacklustre front 5 performance. 5/10

Team Average: 5.9/10

Tactics Talk

So, we scored the tries we needed to push on towards second, and although in a normal year I’d see second as first last, given that this year we’re simultaneously changing our gameplan and blooding new players, that will be some achievement if we manage it.

However, if we cough up as much ball, and as much territory, as we did at times against Italy when we play France, they’ll marmalise us up front. The game was worth it in the context of giving some of our fringe players a run out, but I don’t think any of those fringe players did enough to force their way into the first team.

Posted: **Sun Mar 11, 2018 6:43 pm**

Hill gotta be at least a 6 mun Jeff

Posted: **Sun Mar 11, 2018 6:46 pm**

How on earth you gave steff evans a 7

the worst performance i've seen from a welsh winger in years

Posted: **Sun Mar 11, 2018 6:46 pm**

Clive Simms wrote:Hill gotta be at least a 6 mun Jeff

I don't know. 6 tackles. 5 carries. And part of a front 5 that lost a load of ball at the rucks. Looks like a 5 out of 10 performance to me.

Posted: **Sun Mar 11, 2018 6:49 pm**

Five out of ten for Williams? He missed a tackle for a try and then got a yellow card. Even Gatland sacked him off at half time. At least Hill scored a try.

Posted: **Sun Mar 11, 2018 6:54 pm**

I thought Elliot Dee was good. I was impressed. Really fits into that extra backrow player that modern hookers have become.

Also thought Tipuric was good linking as you’d expect

Posted: **Sun Mar 11, 2018 6:59 pm**

Theflier wrote:How on earth you gave steff evans a 7 the worst performance i've seen from a welsh winger in years

No mun Cuthbert v Japan gotta be worse

Posted: **Sun Mar 11, 2018 7:06 pm**

Clive Simms wrote:
Theflier wrote:How on earth you gave steff evans a 7 the worst performance i've seen from a welsh winger in years
No mun Cuthbert v Japan gotta be worse

Cuthbert v anyone has got to be worse. Evans, for what it's worth, returned stats of 2 defenders beaten and 4 clean breaks, joint top and second respectively within the game. He also had a good metres to carries ratio.

But it's more than that for me. He wants the ball. You'll often see him hanging around rucks in the middle of the park trying to isolate lumpers, or the fact that if he isn't going to get the score himself, he invariably makes the right choice (and then has the skill to exexute) that can lead to an opportunity.

He often acts like an auxiliary half back on the wing, which is why he has such massive returns for assists, and one of the reasons in my opinion he's been one of the most important players in the Scarlets revival.

Posted: **Sun Mar 11, 2018 7:08 pm**

Not sure Steff Evans is a test winger tbh . Faletau is class , love that man

Posted: **Sun Mar 11, 2018 7:30 pm**

Theflier wrote:How on earth you gave steff evans a 7 the worst performance i've seen from a welsh winger in years

Clearly you never saw Glenn Webbe.

Posted: **Sun Mar 11, 2018 7:42 pm**

Yeah I'm not on board with the Steff Evans hype train.

Doesn't have the top end speed needed to be a test level winger and doesn't make up for it with link play or overall intelligence. Puts the blinkers on or takes the wrong option far too often.

Would much rather see Amos come back or even Josh Adams given another shot

Posted: **Sun Mar 11, 2018 8:10 pm**

Theflier wrote:How on earth you gave steff evans a 7 the worst performance i've seen from a welsh winger in years

What were you looking at?

Posted: **Sun Mar 11, 2018 8:24 pm**

New guy wrote:Yeah I'm not on board with the Steff Evans hype train.

Doesn't have the top end speed needed to be a test level winger and doesn't make up for it with link play or overall intelligence. Puts the blinkers on or takes the wrong option far too often.

Would much rather see Amos come back or even Josh Adams given another shot

I have to agree with most of this. I`ve watched Evans play for the Turks and he`s been brilliant, but, IMHO he hasn`t been able to step up to international level and been disappointing. But he is young and possibly will mature.
As for Tips score

even Andy Robinson was full of praise for him on ScrumV. He said the amount of unseen or unnoticed work he gets through i.e. line out, tackles, turnovers and support play is amazing and Jiffy agreed you could always rely on having him or Faletau supporting on a break.

Posted: **Sun Mar 11, 2018 8:25 pm**

take Hill up 1

Cubby to go down 1

Steff down by 2. His last play was poor and Cuthbert like running out of play

Posted: **Sun Mar 11, 2018 8:41 pm**

I think Elliot Dee deserved more than a 5 - he showed up well in the loose I thought

Posted: **Sun Mar 11, 2018 8:45 pm**

c69 wrote:wtf has happened to Hill he is a decent player now
Gats must have seen something in him and it has worked

Agreed. He is even pat of Gatland's players leadership group. Hasn't put a foot wrong all 6 Nations and hasn't let anyone down. However Jeff, as per usual, will rate him poorly due to perceptions made years ago.

Posted: **Sun Mar 11, 2018 8:45 pm**

5/10 for Jeff's ratings

Posted: **Sun Mar 11, 2018 9:12 pm**

Frodder wrote:5/10 for Jeff's ratings

Posted: **Sun Mar 11, 2018 9:16 pm**

Jeff the Bear wrote:
Frodder wrote:5/10 for Jeff's ratings

You were happy with a 5.9/10 rating for the Welsh team been given a 5/10 rating should leave you mildly pleased at worst.

Posted: **Sun Mar 11, 2018 9:25 pm**

Pfft, I won't have this. My scores are at least a 7, if not 8/10!

I still stand by Evans' assessment. The fact that Gatland still keeps picking him is testament to the fact that he's doin the right things...and I can't give the pack to big numbers, as most of the time, we simply weren't that good.

Posted: **Sun Mar 11, 2018 9:32 pm**

c69 wrote:
Jeff the Bear wrote:Pfft, I won't have this. My scores are at least a 7, if not 8/10!

I still stand by Evans' assessment. The fact that Gatland still keeps picking him is testament to the fact that he's doin the right things...and I can't give the pack to big numbers, as most of the time, we simply weren't that good.
Gats picked Cuthbert time an time again ffs
Change the record 4/10 now

Yeah, but that was because there was no one else. We actually have other options now, and he still picks him.

Having said that, it's going to be interesting to see what happens against France. On the face of it, you'd assume he'd go back to the tried and trusted Williams, North, 1/2p...but with Williams' brainfart, there may be an opening for Evans.

Posted: **Sun Mar 11, 2018 9:35 pm**

France's defense is a lot better now. Wales need to run the legs off them and they have the players to do that.

Posted: **Sun Mar 11, 2018 9:41 pm**

I thought Faletau was great today. I also thought that Anscombe was fine. I'd start him again next week. We've got to back a 10 at some point properly. I think next week is exactly the game to find out if he is up to it at this level.

North looks on his way back to some proper form.

Considering that's the type of game we've often struggled in with so many changes, I thought we managed the game really well. Liam Williams was a little bit unlucky on the first try, as if you watch closely, the Italian 9 actually dummies a little grubber through, which means that Williams stayed inside, which would have been the right place if he had grubbered it. What it did mean though was that he was just too narrow when the winger got the ball, although like you said he'd normally make that kind of tackle all day long.

All the Italian injuries stopped us keeping the tempo really high, but that has to be the game plan vs France next week. Keep the ball in play, don't kick to touch, and run them around properly.

Posted: **Sun Mar 11, 2018 9:45 pm**

Faletau was a unit, in the loose attack, in defence, good ball carrying, good captaincy considering we went down to 13. Lead from the front.

Posted: **Sun Mar 11, 2018 9:49 pm**

Jeff the Bear wrote:
c69 wrote:
Jeff the Bear wrote:Pfft, I won't have this. My scores are at least a 7, if not 8/10!

I still stand by Evans' assessment. The fact that Gatland still keeps picking him is testament to the fact that he's doin the right things...and I can't give the pack to big numbers, as most of the time, we simply weren't that good.
Gats picked Cuthbert time an time again ffs
Change the record 4/10 now

Yeah, but that was because there was no one else. We actually have other options now, and he still picks him.

Having said that, it's going to be interesting to see what happens against France. On the face of it, you'd assume he'd go back to the tried and trusted Williams, North, 1/2p...but with Williams' brainfart, there may be an opening for Evans.

Spot on.

Somehow, we have managed to come up with a bunch of quality wingers.

Somehow = thank you Scarlets for North, Sanjay, Josh and Steff.

Posted: **Sun Mar 11, 2018 9:50 pm**

Jeff the Bear wrote:Pfft, I won't have this. My scores are at least a 7, if not 8/10!

I still stand by Evans' assessment. The fact that Gatland still keeps picking him is testament to the fact that he's doin the right things...and I can't give the pack to big numbers, as most of the time, we simply weren't that good.

If Amos was fit I don't think Steff would be getting much of a look in. Most annoying thing he did today was about an hour in when Wales turned Italy over in their own 22. The ball needed to go wide but Steff got the ball and decided he was going to try running it straight down the middle, didn't even make it the 22 before being brought down and turned over. Also I don't know how many handling errors he made today but it felt like a lot.

I'm just not that sold on the guy. Would much rather see Adams get another go against France and definitely want Amos back in for the summer.

Posted: **Sun Mar 11, 2018 9:54 pm**

YOYO wrote:
iarmhiman wrote:France's defense is a lot better now. Wales need to run the legs off them and they have the players to do that.
After we scrapped by Wales, there was some flack directed at Ireland by certain Welshies. That was the same weekend they beat Scotland well. Oh how things have moved on since. Well the time has come to see what Wales can do to this underrated French team.

Dai doesn't count

Posted: **Sun Mar 11, 2018 9:55 pm**

YOYO wrote:
iarmhiman wrote:France's defense is a lot better now. Wales need to run the legs off them and they have the players to do that.
After we scrapped by Wales, there was some flack directed at Ireland by certain Welshies. That was the same weekend they beat Scotland well. Oh how things have moved on since. Well the time has come to see what Wales can do to this underrated French team.

Indeed. But it will somehwat depend on whch team we will pick. The one that played against Ireland or Italy. My guess is that it will be somewhere inbetween, with a mind to finishing second and player development for the RWC.

Evans
Ken
Samson
AWJ
Corry Hill
Shingler
Cubby
Faletau
Cawdor
Patchell
Steff
Parkes
Watkin
North
Halfpenny

Posted: **Sun Mar 11, 2018 9:59 pm**

Frodder wrote:
YOYO wrote:
iarmhiman wrote:France's defense is a lot better now. Wales need to run the legs off them and they have the players to do that.
After we scrapped by Wales, there was some flack directed at Ireland by certain Welshies. That was the same weekend they beat Scotland well. Oh how things have moved on since. Well the time has come to see what Wales can do to this underrated French team.
Dai doesn't count

Correct

Posted: **Sun Mar 11, 2018 10:10 pm**

LandOTurk wrote:
YOYO wrote:
iarmhiman wrote:France's defense is a lot better now. Wales need to run the legs off them and they have the players to do that.
After we scrapped by Wales, there was some flack directed at Ireland by certain Welshies. That was the same weekend they beat Scotland well. Oh how things have moved on since. Well the time has come to see what Wales can do to this underrated French team.

Indeed. But it will somehwat depend on whch team we will pick. The one that played against Ireland or Italy. My guess is that it will be somewhere inbetween, with a mind to finishing second and player development for the RWC.

Evans
Ken
Samson
AWJ
Corry Hill
Shingler
Cubby
Faletau
Cawdor
Patchell
Steff
Parkes
Watkin
North
Halfpenny

I'd be amazed of Cubby gets another run out. I reckon that the team will be pretty much that, but with Liam taking Evans' spot on the wing, Tipuric or Navidi into 7, and maybe Anscombe in for Patchell (but I'd stick with Patchell).

Posted: **Sun Mar 11, 2018 10:12 pm**

Thought Wales played well, but once more only in parts of the game, against the better sides Wales will have to be more competitive for longer periods.
I have to mention Liam Williams this tit is becoming a liability, its not so much the tackle but the way he behaves on the field, he struts around like a peacock always annoying someone with a stupid grin on his face, he has the ability to become a class act, mentally he acts like a chav twat with drug issues.

My picks for performance were Dee North Parkes Watkin Toby, Cubby did not impress worked hard but don't think he's got it at this level and would struggle against tougher opposition.

But I've been pleased with Wales, they are creating and scoring tries, we have to make up our minds who starts at 10, for me Ginger knob fits the bill, so next week its.
15 Penny
14 North
13 Watkin
12 Parkes
11 Steff
10 Patch
9 Davies
8 Toby
7 Dread
6 Shingles
5 Hill
4 AWJ
3 lee
2 Ken
1 Evans

Posted: **Sun Mar 11, 2018 10:15 pm**

I’d start Aled

Posted: **Sun Mar 11, 2018 10:18 pm**

Plato'sCave wrote:I’d start Aled

I wouldn't...but he still looked a lot sharper than Davies when he got on. I was fairly impressed.

Now that we've made coming second our priority, we really have to go back to a fair amount of our experience.

Posted: **Sun Mar 11, 2018 10:21 pm**

Jeff the Bear wrote:
Plato'sCave wrote:I’d start Aled
I wouldn't...but he still looked a lot sharper than Davies when he got on. I was fairly impressed.

Now that we've made coming second our priority, we really have to go back to a fair amount of our experience.

Is that your way of saying pick Biggar?

Posted: **Sun Mar 11, 2018 10:23 pm**

Jeff the Bear wrote:
Plato'sCave wrote:I’d start Aled
I wouldn't...but he still looked a lot sharper than Davies when he got on. I was fairly impressed.

Now that we've made coming second our priority, we really have to go back to a fair amount of our experience.

Cawdor needs to know he’s expendable, he dullards too often when his starting place is assumed. Start Aled, it’ll be good for him.

Posted: **Sun Mar 11, 2018 10:26 pm**

Frodder wrote:
Jeff the Bear wrote:
Plato'sCave wrote:I’d start Aled
I wouldn't...but he still looked a lot sharper than Davies when he got on. I was fairly impressed.

Now that we've made coming second our priority, we really have to go back to a fair amount of our experience.
Is that your way of saying pick Biggar?

No. I think Biggar's days are over. If we are to find the promised land, it's not going to be with Biggar at the helm.
Having said that, I'd still have him as a bench option.

Posted: **Sun Mar 11, 2018 10:31 pm**

Jeff the Bear wrote:
LandOTurk wrote:
YOYO wrote:
iarmhiman wrote:France's defense is a lot better now. Wales need to run the legs off them and they have the players to do that.
After we scrapped by Wales, there was some flack directed at Ireland by certain Welshies. That was the same weekend they beat Scotland well. Oh how things have moved on since. Well the time has come to see what Wales can do to this underrated French team.

Indeed. But it will somehwat depend on whch team we will pick. The one that played against Ireland or Italy. My guess is that it will be somewhere inbetween, with a mind to finishing second and player development for the RWC.

Evans
Ken
Samson
AWJ
Corry Hill
Shingler
Cubby
Faletau
Cawdor
Patchell
Steff
Parkes
Watkin
North
Halfpenny
I'd be amazed of Cubby gets another run out. I reckon that the team will be pretty much that, but with Liam taking Evans' spot on the wing, Tipuric or Navidi into 7, and maybe Anscombe in for Patchell (but I'd stick with Patchell).

Re Cubby, so would I but I thought Gats said he would get a run out against Italy and maybe France. So that's why included him. He may bench. Did feel he was a little too small out there though. But he needs the US/Arg tour to prove it one way or the other.

I think Gats is a bit annoyed with Liam and will keep Evs on.

Posted: **Sun Mar 11, 2018 10:32 pm**

Plato'sCave wrote:
Jeff the Bear wrote:
Plato'sCave wrote:I’d start Aled
I wouldn't...but he still looked a lot sharper than Davies when he got on. I was fairly impressed.

Now that we've made coming second our priority, we really have to go back to a fair amount of our experience.
Cawdor needs to know he’s expendable, he dullards too often when his starting place is assumed. Start Aled, it’ll be good for him.

He's the same at the Scarlets too.

Posted: **Sun Mar 11, 2018 10:42 pm**

Clive wrote:Thought Wales played well, but once more only in parts of the game, against the better sides Wales will have to be more competitive for longer periods.
I have to mention Liam Williams this tit is becoming a liability, its not so much the tackle but the way he behaves on the field, he struts around like a peacock always annoying someone with a stupid grin on his face, he has the ability to become a class act, mentally he acts like a chav twat with drug issues.

My picks for performance were Dee North Parkes Watkin Toby, Cubby did not impress worked hard but don't think he's got it at this level and would struggle against tougher opposition.

But I've been pleased with Wales, they are creating and scoring tries, we have to make up our minds who starts at 10, for me Ginger knob fits the bill, so next week its.
15 Penny
14 North
13 Watkin
12 Parkes
11 Steff-------Williams or Adams
10 Patch------Anscombe
9 Davies
8 Toby
7 Dread-------Tips
6 Shingles
5 Hill
4 AWJ
3 lee
2 Ken
1 Evans

Posted: **Sun Mar 11, 2018 10:53 pm**

Will Gatland start Prince Harry or stick with Anscombe?

Planet Rugby Forum

Jeff's All New and Happy Wales Ratings v Italy

Jeff's All New and Happy Wales Ratings v Italy

Re: Jeff's All New and Happy Wales Ratings

Re: Jeff's All New and Happy Wales Ratings

Re: Jeff's All New and Happy Wales Ratings

Re: Jeff's All New and Happy Wales Ratings

Re: Jeff's All New and Happy Wales Ratings

Re: Jeff's All New and Happy Wales Ratings

Re: Jeff's All New and Happy Wales Ratings

Re: Jeff's All New and Happy Wales Ratings v Italy

Re: Jeff's All New and Happy Wales Ratings

Re: Jeff's All New and Happy Wales Ratings v Italy

Re: Jeff's All New and Happy Wales Ratings

Re: Jeff's All New and Happy Wales Ratings v Italy

Re: Jeff's All New and Happy Wales Ratings v Italy

Re: Jeff's All New and Happy Wales Ratings v Italy

Re: Jeff's All New and Happy Wales Ratings v Italy

Re: Jeff's All New and Happy Wales Ratings v Italy

Re: Jeff's All New and Happy Wales Ratings v Italy

Re: Jeff's All New and Happy Wales Ratings v Italy

Re: Jeff's All New and Happy Wales Ratings v Italy

Re: Jeff's All New and Happy Wales Ratings v Italy

Re: Jeff's All New and Happy Wales Ratings v Italy

Re: Jeff's All New and Happy Wales Ratings v Italy

Re: Jeff's All New and Happy Wales Ratings v Italy

Re: Jeff's All New and Happy Wales Ratings v Italy

Re: Jeff's All New and Happy Wales Ratings v Italy

Re: Jeff's All New and Happy Wales Ratings v Italy

Re: Jeff's All New and Happy Wales Ratings v Italy

Re: Jeff's All New and Happy Wales Ratings v Italy

Re: Jeff's All New and Happy Wales Ratings v Italy

Re: Jeff's All New and Happy Wales Ratings v Italy

Re: Jeff's All New and Happy Wales Ratings v Italy

Re: Jeff's All New and Happy Wales Ratings v Italy

Re: Jeff's All New and Happy Wales Ratings v Italy

Re: Jeff's All New and Happy Wales Ratings v Italy

Re: Jeff's All New and Happy Wales Ratings v Italy

Re: Jeff's All New and Happy Wales Ratings v Italy

Re: Jeff's All New and Happy Wales Ratings v Italy

Re: Jeff's All New and Happy Wales Ratings v Italy

Re: Jeff's All New and Happy Wales Ratings v Italy