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King was there as was Biggar, Navidi, and strangely Sprattbessantj wrote:Was he in the side that lost to Japan?penguin wrote:You bastard. Can you imagine. I'd rather call up Dan Baker on one leg.GWO2 wrote:Yeh, they could call up James King.Looks like McBryde was saying Hill might well start lock but then shift to 6 later on. Not great, I'd rather they just called another player up.
Jonathan Spratt - is he still playing. Those were the days when Gats (or one of his minions) gave anything in an Os top a cap, and the WRU gave them an NDC. Utterly ridiculous.Frodder wrote:King was there as was Biggar, Navidi, and strangely Sprattbessantj wrote:Was he in the side that lost to Japan?penguin wrote:You bastard. Can you imagine. I'd rather call up Dan Baker on one leg.GWO2 wrote:Yeh, they could call up James King.Looks like McBryde was saying Hill might well start lock but then shift to 6 later on. Not great, I'd rather they just called another player up.
He only capped the Os because there was nothing better around at the time. (especially in the Turks team) You lot can do all the moaning now about your squad being stripped for Welsh duty.LandOTurk wrote: Jonathan Spratt - is he still playing. Those were the days when Gats (or one of his minions) gave anything in an Os top a cap, and the WRU gave them an NDC. Utterly ridiculous.
I thought he retired at the end of last season? Where is he now?LandOTurk wrote:Jonathan Spratt - is he still playing. Those were the days when Gats (or one of his minions) gave anything in an Os top a cap, and the WRU gave them an NDC. Utterly ridiculous.
c69 wrote:Just remember the days of Jonathon Thomas getting 50 fecking caps.
Ffs
2008? Didn't put a foot wrong then. RWC 2003 was excellent but hey apart from thatMorgan14 wrote:c69 wrote:Just remember the days of Jonathon Thomas getting 50 fecking caps.
Ffs
He was pretty good in 2005 though
But yes, he got too many caps, your point stands
How did I know you would chime in. I'll grant you the team selection, but sometimes you have to wait to see how things pan out. The NDCs have been a complete joke. Gats' plan is give some players a go at international rugby and see how they do, but it should not have been extended to NDCs. Yeah they may work out, they may not. Too quick to sign some of them up.GWO2 wrote:He only capped the Os because there was nothing better around at the time. (especially in the Turks team) You lot can do all the moaning now about your squad being stripped for Welsh duty.LandOTurk wrote: Jonathan Spratt - is he still playing. Those were the days when Gats (or one of his minions) gave anything in an Os top a cap, and the WRU gave them an NDC. Utterly ridiculous.
Oh good.Dragons have announced they have parted company with defence coach Hendre Marnitz.
Oh shit.Dragons head coach Bernard Jackman will initially take on the defence role.
Imagine the type of person who would get angry at an U15 game. Beggars belief.A junior rugby referee said he has considered giving up after being "threatened" both on and off the pitch.
Gareth Needs said a recent Sunday morning match turned "hostile" after a coach had to be dragged away from him by a group of players.
He added he would like the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) to give cameras to referees so if they are abused they can record video evidence.
The WRU said poor behaviour pitch-side is "not tolerated".
"It was a difficult time... I did sit down and thought 'do I want to do this again?'," said Mr Needs.
He described how a coach squared up to him on the pitch before approaching him after the match to warn him he would "see him in the car park" later.
As a qualified WRU level two referee he says he officiates under-12s matches up to senior second teams and says he is often officiating without any touch judges or assistants.
"As a referee, on our own, it is hard to see anything and if I make a decision, I make a decision" he added.
The alleged incident involved a coach of the opposition side at a Caerleon under-15s match near Newport.
It has prompted the club to launch its own "respect the ref" campaign.
It includes zero tolerance on swearing, no negative comments towards the referee or linesmen and calls for players to be replaced if they repeatedly misbehave.
The club now sends a contract to their opposition to sign ahead of the match.
Andrew Grant, who has been playing and coaching at Caerleon RFC for years, said unless addressed, abuse is "going to scare people away from the game".
"I've never seen anything like it before," he added.
The under-15s coach said another referee now "refuses to do junior rugby at all".
He is a qualified level one referee himself but would only do it as a last resort.
He said the club needed to act "to keep the referees coming and keep them wanting to do it".
Team captain Aneurin, 14, said: "Some of the team were angry with the opposition coach for stopping the game."
He said the abuse was mainly from parents watching on the side-lines.
The hooker added behaviour like that was "putting people in danger, especially the ref".
In a statement, the WRU said it had "a strong reputation for upholding and promoting good behaviour" and poor behaviour pitch-side is "not tolerated".
"Initiatives like the one Caerleon are wholeheartedly encouraged and strongly supported," it said.
'We are winning'
"Our role is to educate and empower the army of volunteers which administers mini and junior rugby throughout the country, giving them the practical tools, the right philosophy and language to affect positive behaviour and we continue to do this diligently, proactively, regularly and as efficiently as possible."
It added "the other weapon in our armoury" is to sanction individuals, clubs, players or teams "where necessary and appropriate".
"This campaign to promote positive behaviour continues and is an integral part of our everyday work throughout Welsh rugby," the statement said.
"We believe we are winning and that we have a game we can be proud of, but any example of poor behaviour is too much and contrary to the very positive values we seek to promote."
Isn't the obvious solution to start trying Biggar/Patchell out at 12?Theflier wrote:So we have one 10 who is the form back in domestic rugby and just won us our first game vs the Oz in a decade. Another who landed the victory kick, won us the england game in RWC and just had a (debatable)MoM performance, one who scored a fabulous solo effort and physically is superior to them all, one is the form 10 in domestic rugby and the GOAT, Sam Davies....
When will we have a centre of use?
That was a real bummer to come back from 27-13 down and lose to an interception.Theflier wrote:Well, turns out, we were one anscombe intercept away from dicking the best team in the world in their back garden. Wales RWC 2019 winners
We’re about 5 years behind them in terms of mental strength. They’ve been routinely scalping Aus and SA for a while now. We’re just killing some long term monkeys and starting to really put away tier 2. The big advantage for us is that the Ireland game today really solidified the notion that it’s now the back row and number 10 combined which winds the modern game. We’re kind of ok in that department. Still a lot of work to do though.Jeff the Bear wrote:Ireland look good at the moment, and are thr best in the world, but certainly not imperious. It says a lot about where we are that i reckon Gatland will be looking forward to playing thr Irish next year.
Although i agree regarding Ireland's greater mental strength against the rest of the world, we're not 5 years behind them in terms of actually thinking we can beat them, if you know what I mean. Even when we have no right to, we still think we can take Ireland.Plato'sCave wrote:We’re about 5 years behind them in terms of mental strength. They’ve been routinely scalping Aus and SA for a while now. We’re just killing some long term monkeys and starting to really put away tier 2. The big advantage for us is that the Ireland game today really solidified the notion that it’s now the back row and number 10 combined which winds the modern game. We’re kind of ok in that department. Still a lot of work to do though.Jeff the Bear wrote:Ireland look good at the moment, and are thr best in the world, but certainly not imperious. It says a lot about where we are that i reckon Gatland will be looking forward to playing thr Irish next year.
Ireland remind me of England in 2002. Very efficient, and regularly beating the SH lads.Jeff the Bear wrote:Although i agree regarding Ireland's greater mental strength against the rest of the world, we're not 5 years behind them in terms of actually thinking we can beat them, if you know what I mean. Even when we have no right to, we still think we can take Ireland.Plato'sCave wrote:We’re about 5 years behind them in terms of mental strength. They’ve been routinely scalping Aus and SA for a while now. We’re just killing some long term monkeys and starting to really put away tier 2. The big advantage for us is that the Ireland game today really solidified the notion that it’s now the back row and number 10 combined which winds the modern game. We’re kind of ok in that department. Still a lot of work to do though.Jeff the Bear wrote:Ireland look good at the moment, and are thr best in the world, but certainly not imperious. It says a lot about where we are that i reckon Gatland will be looking forward to playing thr Irish next year.
We have historic mental weaknesses against the big SH 3 and England. One of the major plusses of the Gatland era is that we've all but wiped out our fears of England and SA (who have, tbf, helped out mmassively through their own ineptitude on that front). We're pretty much over Oz as well. Only the Kiwis remain in striking fear into our hearts.
Assuming SR means 2nd row. It was interesting to see that the Wail reported that project reset will see the FH and locks being paid the most. The FH is the general who pulls the strings (I remember on Gats' pre-Lions tour meetups with fans, he was being asked who was the most impt player in a team and he immediately said #10) and the payment to locks is I assume because we have very few in Wales and is a way of encouraging the big lads in Wales to make the effort to earn the big bucks, By the way, Jake had his best game for Wales today.Theflier wrote:Yeh right, when AWJ goes who here fancies our chances with Beard, Hill, Ball and Davies?
We need a world class hooker, 12 and two SRs and we need them before we lose faletau and navidi
Don't think anyone would berate you when you have that brain tumor to worry about!New guy wrote:Feels weird to be saying this on a day where Ireland have beaten New Zealand... but I think we're going to win the grand slam in 2019. Feel free to berate me and accuse me of jinxing it but there's a quiet confidence about this Welsh side and I firmly believe we'll be going into the opening game in Paris against the useless French off the back of 8 consecutive wins.
Every game they've played since February has been organised and disciplined. They've not panicked when put under pressure or when they go behind. With the momentum we have we should be aiming to play Ireland in a grand slam decider on the final weekend, and in that scenario I'd back Wales to f**king smash anybody.
I've had a few drinks tonight so I reserve the right to withdraw this statement in the morning. But we're definitely getting a slam in 2019.
If we beat S.A. next week, new guy is right.bessantj wrote:Don't think anyone would berate you when you have that brain tumor to worry about!New guy wrote:Feels weird to be saying this on a day where Ireland have beaten New Zealand... but I think we're going to win the grand slam in 2019. Feel free to berate me and accuse me of jinxing it but there's a quiet confidence about this Welsh side and I firmly believe we'll be going into the opening game in Paris against the useless French off the back of 8 consecutive wins.
Every game they've played since February has been organised and disciplined. They've not panicked when put under pressure or when they go behind. With the momentum we have we should be aiming to play Ireland in a grand slam decider on the final weekend, and in that scenario I'd back Wales to f**king smash anybody.
I've had a few drinks tonight so I reserve the right to withdraw this statement in the morning. But we're definitely getting a slam in 2019.
Sa next week will be a big test for Wales, hardest of the 4, SA last year were dire, this is a very different beast.LandOTurk wrote:If we beat S.A. next week, new guy is right.bessantj wrote:Don't think anyone would berate you when you have that brain tumor to worry about!New guy wrote:Feels weird to be saying this on a day where Ireland have beaten New Zealand... but I think we're going to win the grand slam in 2019. Feel free to berate me and accuse me of jinxing it but there's a quiet confidence about this Welsh side and I firmly believe we'll be going into the opening game in Paris against the useless French off the back of 8 consecutive wins.
Every game they've played since February has been organised and disciplined. They've not panicked when put under pressure or when they go behind. With the momentum we have we should be aiming to play Ireland in a grand slam decider on the final weekend, and in that scenario I'd back Wales to f**king smash anybody.
I've had a few drinks tonight so I reserve the right to withdraw this statement in the morning. But we're definitely getting a slam in 2019.
Agree 100%.Clive wrote:Sa next week will be a big test for Wales, hardest of the 4, SA last year were dire, this is a very different beast.LandOTurk wrote:If we beat S.A. next week, new guy is right.bessantj wrote:Don't think anyone would berate you when you have that brain tumor to worry about!New guy wrote:Feels weird to be saying this on a day where Ireland have beaten New Zealand... but I think we're going to win the grand slam in 2019. Feel free to berate me and accuse me of jinxing it but there's a quiet confidence about this Welsh side and I firmly believe we'll be going into the opening game in Paris against the useless French off the back of 8 consecutive wins.
Every game they've played since February has been organised and disciplined. They've not panicked when put under pressure or when they go behind. With the momentum we have we should be aiming to play Ireland in a grand slam decider on the final weekend, and in that scenario I'd back Wales to f**king smash anybody.
I've had a few drinks tonight so I reserve the right to withdraw this statement in the morning. But we're definitely getting a slam in 2019.
I'd tend to agree. That's why I think Biggar will come back in. Lots of aerial stuff, and defensive control will be the order of the day for Wales.iarmhiman wrote:First proper forwards test for Wales this.
Still expect Wales to win in a tight game and South Africa won't break that defense down.
Expect mainly a game of penalty kicks.
I tend to think Anscombe will get the nod, just who who will be on the bench - Biggar or Patch. Nicky will get LH, Parkes will be retained and Jake returned at lock.Theflier wrote:Parkes' awful defence this series may cost him, Smith will be LH, Anscombe won't be dropped, Gatland learned that the hard way when he dropped Anscombe for Biggar vs Ireland
We won't lose.
Don't lie...you love them ankle chops!c69 wrote:Lydiate. Is shit.
That s all
If we had two locks who were AWJs size and only did exactly what lydiate does, I'd be a happy manc69 wrote:Lydiate. Is shit.
That s all
Agree RE Ellis, also I think he's too small, people go on about him being warburton-esque, but warburtons party piece was unbelievable physicality, ellis is just a muscly short bloke.LandOTurk wrote:I tend to think Anscombe will get the nod, just who who will be on the bench - Biggar or Patch. Nicky will get LH, Parkes will be retained and Jake returned at lock.Theflier wrote:Parkes' awful defence this series may cost him, Smith will be LH, Anscombe won't be dropped, Gatland learned that the hard way when he dropped Anscombe for Biggar vs Ireland
We won't lose.
I think Gats will pick this team. Navidi would be well suited here.
15. Liam - assuming Pence is HIA
14. North
13. JD
12. Parkes
11. Adams
10. Anscombe
9. Davies
8. Moriarty
7. Tipuric
6. Lydiate
5. AWJ
4. Ball
3. Lee
2. Ken
1. Nicky
Replacements (5-3) will be more impactful as the game opens up as the trend seems to be moving to - aka at last we have depth
16. RevProps
17. Dee
18. Dillon
19. Cory
20. Wainwright - Ellis' poor Tonga performance may cost him
21. Tomos
22. Patchell
23. Watkin- with Patch, Liam and Anscombe have 3 FBs so won't need a winger as Liam can move there
Too think that we have Cubby, Shingler, Navidi and Faletau not fit and still put out a good backrow.
and have often bemoaned the smaller stature of our backrow. Jenkins fell off way too many tackles on the weekend. However, Gatland really like him, so he could well make the bench. But you have to pick a 12, not just say they are all crap, and I think Parkes can hit form again. Hopefully within the next 6 days.Theflier wrote:Agree RE Ellis, also I think he's too small, people go on about him being warburton-esque, but warburtons party piece was unbelievable physicality, ellis is just a muscly short bloke.LandOTurk wrote:I tend to think Anscombe will get the nod, just who who will be on the bench - Biggar or Patch. Nicky will get LH, Parkes will be retained and Jake returned at lock.Theflier wrote:Parkes' awful defence this series may cost him, Smith will be LH, Anscombe won't be dropped, Gatland learned that the hard way when he dropped Anscombe for Biggar vs Ireland
We won't lose.
I think Gats will pick this team. Navidi would be well suited here.
15. Liam - assuming Pence is HIA
14. North
13. JD
12. Parkes
11. Adams
10. Anscombe
9. Davies
8. Moriarty
7. Tipuric
6. Lydiate
5. AWJ
4. Ball
3. Lee
2. Ken
1. Nicky
Replacements (5-3) will be more impactful as the game opens up as the trend seems to be moving to - aka at last we have depth
16. RevProps
17. Dee
18. Dillon
19. Cory
20. Wainwright - Ellis' poor Tonga performance may cost him
21. Tomos
22. Patchell
23. Watkin- with Patch, Liam and Anscombe have 3 FBs so won't need a winger as Liam can move there
Too think that we have Cubby, Shingler, Navidi and Faletau not fit and still put out a good backrow.
Sorry to break this to you, but Lee's gotten injured...
Unpopular opinion, Aled looked better than Tomos or Gareth
Parkes I disagree, he's been all at sea in defence in both games
Patchell should get bench spot, his ability in the air is a real worry, did not like how he stood off the restart, following on the issues he had vs england and leinster, would have anscombe cover 15. But his boot has 15 yards minimum on anscombe, and he can pass 30m+ no sweat
Unpopular opinion no.2, Kens ineffective carrying is quickly making him second choice, just not sure who's first
Wouldn't be surprised to see seb at 8
12 is of great concern now, neither Morgan or Watkin are 12s they both need time to get to speed and round on the outside, they are not ball players.
Come RWC we really could've done with Willis getting to wales 6 weeks earlier
Good summary. This game will be a real arm wrestle and the depth we have developed will be really tested.iarmhiman wrote:First proper forwards test for Wales this.
Still expect Wales to win in a tight game and South Africa won't break that defense down.
Expect mainly a game of penalty kicks.
