Planet Rugby Forum

P in VG wrote:

bessantj wrote:If Wales are going to continue to play they way they have been in the 6N then they'll need a superhuman defence effort against Ireland. Ireland look far more comfortable with ball in hand than the other teams Wales have played.

It will be a similar game to the England game IMO - we'll have to nullify their big ball carriers (Healy, Stander, Furlong) early doors & take our chances when they come along. Back row will have to be firing on all cylinders (my main worry is that Navidi & Moriarty are running on fumes) - hopefully the extra day of rest will help us

Short Man Syndrome wrote:Not even a slam will get this thread to 350 pages.

Such is our blasé approach to success these days.

P in VG wrote:

bessantj wrote:If Wales are going to continue to play they way they have been in the 6N then they'll need a superhuman defence effort against Ireland. Ireland look far more comfortable with ball in hand than the other teams Wales have played.

It will be a similar game to the England game IMO - we'll have to nullify their big ball carriers (Healy, Stander, Furlong) early doors & take our chances when they come along. Back row will have to be firing on all cylinders (my main worry is that Navidi & Moriarty are running on fumes) - hopefully the extra day of rest will help us

c69 wrote:We need Toby Shingler and Ellis

Frodder wrote:

Short Man Syndrome wrote:Not even a slam will get this thread to 350 pages.

Such is our blasé approach to success these days.

350 by the end of the RWC. A SMART target

Frodder wrote:We need not Toby fully fit and then cloned - several times

Theflier wrote:

Frodder wrote:We need not Toby fully fit and then cloned - several times

Why? the same logic here applies to Webb, we have arguably been a worse team with both of those to what we are now
Line out aside

Rose tinted glasses I think

Frodder wrote:

Theflier wrote:

Frodder wrote:We need not Toby fully fit and then cloned - several times

Why? the same logic here applies to Webb, we have arguably been a worse team with both of those to what we are now
Line out aside

Rose tinted glasses I think

You proclaimed Moriarty to be the 4th best BR at the Dragons. You wouldn't want not Toby back? We have no depth at 8

New guy wrote:Yeah I'd stick with the same team but haul Moriarty off after 50 minutes for Wainwright unless he's having a blinder.

Tomos Williams should start but the fact that he's not even getting picked for the bench ahead of the worst Scrum Half in the tournament doesn't bode well.

Theflier wrote:

Frodder wrote:

Theflier wrote:

Frodder wrote:We need not Toby fully fit and then cloned - several times

Why? the same logic here applies to Webb, we have arguably been a worse team with both of those to what we are now
Line out aside

Rose tinted glasses I think

You proclaimed Moriarty to be the 4th best BR at the Dragons. You wouldn't want not Toby back? We have no depth at 8

I agree Talupe is a superior player, but the team just beat the best Scottish team in years, the best english team in years, is odds on to beat the best Irish team ever.

Compare that to the 2017 team, Faletau, Webb, Biggar, Warburton etc

It would be stupid/poor form to replace anyone, until they have a stinker(Gareth Davies)

eldanielfire wrote:

Theflier wrote:

Frodder wrote:

Theflier wrote:

Frodder wrote:We need not Toby fully fit and then cloned - several times

Why? the same logic here applies to Webb, we have arguably been a worse team with both of those to what we are now
Line out aside

Rose tinted glasses I think

You proclaimed Moriarty to be the 4th best BR at the Dragons. You wouldn't want not Toby back? We have no depth at 8

I agree Talupe is a superior player, but the team just beat the best Scottish team in years, the best english team in years, is odds on to beat the best Irish team ever.

Compare that to the 2017 team, Faletau, Webb, Biggar, Warburton etc

It would be stupid/poor form to replace anyone, until they have a stinker(Gareth Davies)

I actually have a bad feeling Ireland have found their mojo again and will spoil the Cardiff party with one or two sneaky Schmitt plays when one Wales player is asleep. I find Ireland have a great defence but just have always scored tries and points a bit more easily than Wales.

The Wales Under-20s team

15 Cai Evans, 14 Tomi Lewis, 13 Tiaan Thomas-Wheeler, 12 Aneurin Owen, 11 Ioan Davies, 10 Sam Costelow, 9 Dafydd Buckland, 1 Rhys Davies, 2 Dewi Lake (capt), 3 Ben Warren, 4 Ed Scragg, 5 Teddy Williams, 6 Ellis Thomas, 7 Jac Morgan, 8 Iestyn Rees.

Replacements: Will Griffiths, Tom Devine, Nick English, Jac Price, Ioan Rhys Davies, Dan Babos, Max Llewellyn, Ryan Conbeer.

penguin wrote:

The Wales Under-20s team

15 Cai Evans, 14 Tomi Lewis, 13 Tiaan Thomas-Wheeler, 12 Aneurin Owen, 11 Ioan Davies, 10 Sam Costelow, 9 Dafydd Buckland, 1 Rhys Davies, 2 Dewi Lake (capt), 3 Ben Warren, 4 Ed Scragg, 5 Teddy Williams, 6 Ellis Thomas, 7 Jac Morgan, 8 Iestyn Rees.

Replacements: Will Griffiths, Tom Devine, Nick English, Jac Price, Ioan Rhys Davies, Dan Babos, Max Llewellyn, Ryan Conbeer.

Interesting to see Ryan Conbeer on the bench - he's a player I've wanted to see more of since that try he scored on debut (I think) for the Scarlets.

P in VG wrote:

penguin wrote:

The Wales Under-20s team

15 Cai Evans, 14 Tomi Lewis, 13 Tiaan Thomas-Wheeler, 12 Aneurin Owen, 11 Ioan Davies, 10 Sam Costelow, 9 Dafydd Buckland, 1 Rhys Davies, 2 Dewi Lake (capt), 3 Ben Warren, 4 Ed Scragg, 5 Teddy Williams, 6 Ellis Thomas, 7 Jac Morgan, 8 Iestyn Rees.

Replacements: Will Griffiths, Tom Devine, Nick English, Jac Price, Ioan Rhys Davies, Dan Babos, Max Llewellyn, Ryan Conbeer.

Interesting to see Ryan Conbeer on the bench - he's a player I've wanted to see more of since that try he scored on debut (I think) for the Scarlets.

No Tommy Reffell or Basham? - I know U20 selection is a bit of a merry-go-round - but why are they not in the mix - 2 of our best players surely?

penguin wrote:

P in VG wrote:

penguin wrote:

The Wales Under-20s team

15 Cai Evans, 14 Tomi Lewis, 13 Tiaan Thomas-Wheeler, 12 Aneurin Owen, 11 Ioan Davies, 10 Sam Costelow, 9 Dafydd Buckland, 1 Rhys Davies, 2 Dewi Lake (capt), 3 Ben Warren, 4 Ed Scragg, 5 Teddy Williams, 6 Ellis Thomas, 7 Jac Morgan, 8 Iestyn Rees.

Replacements: Will Griffiths, Tom Devine, Nick English, Jac Price, Ioan Rhys Davies, Dan Babos, Max Llewellyn, Ryan Conbeer.

Interesting to see Ryan Conbeer on the bench - he's a player I've wanted to see more of since that try he scored on debut (I think) for the Scarlets.

No Tommy Reffell or Basham? - I know U20 selection is a bit of a merry-go-round - but why are they not in the mix - 2 of our best players surely?

Basham's been playing for the Dragons first team with the senior players away and the injuries to Cudd, Keddie and Griffiths. Reffell I assume is playing for Leicester.

P in VG wrote: No fixtures this weekend though (P14 / GPrem) - but might be withheld as precaution I guess?

penguin wrote:

P in VG wrote: No fixtures this weekend though (P14 / GPrem) - but might be withheld as precaution I guess?

I'd guess so with Basham - we're getting pretty thin in the backrow...

Just checked - Reffell is injured it seems.

penguin wrote:

The Wales Under-20s team

15 Cai Evans, 14 Tomi Lewis, 13 Tiaan Thomas-Wheeler, 12 Aneurin Owen, 11 Ioan Davies, 10 Sam Costelow, 9 Dafydd Buckland, 1 Rhys Davies, 2 Dewi Lake (capt), 3 Ben Warren, 4 Ed Scragg, 5 Teddy Williams, 6 Ellis Thomas, 7 Jac Morgan, 8 Iestyn Rees.

Replacements: Will Griffiths, Tom Devine, Nick English, Jac Price, Ioan Rhys Davies, Dan Babos, Max Llewellyn, Ryan Conbeer.

Interesting to see Ryan Conbeer on the bench - he's a player I've wanted to see more of since that try he scored on debut (I think) for the Scarlets.

LandOTurk wrote:

penguin wrote:

The Wales Under-20s team

15 Cai Evans, 14 Tomi Lewis, 13 Tiaan Thomas-Wheeler, 12 Aneurin Owen, 11 Ioan Davies, 10 Sam Costelow, 9 Dafydd Buckland, 1 Rhys Davies, 2 Dewi Lake (capt), 3 Ben Warren, 4 Ed Scragg, 5 Teddy Williams, 6 Ellis Thomas, 7 Jac Morgan, 8 Iestyn Rees.

Replacements: Will Griffiths, Tom Devine, Nick English, Jac Price, Ioan Rhys Davies, Dan Babos, Max Llewellyn, Ryan Conbeer.

Interesting to see Ryan Conbeer on the bench - he's a player I've wanted to see more of since that try he scored on debut (I think) for the Scarlets.

Yes v Ulster

penguin wrote:

LandOTurk wrote:

penguin wrote:

The Wales Under-20s team

15 Cai Evans, 14 Tomi Lewis, 13 Tiaan Thomas-Wheeler, 12 Aneurin Owen, 11 Ioan Davies, 10 Sam Costelow, 9 Dafydd Buckland, 1 Rhys Davies, 2 Dewi Lake (capt), 3 Ben Warren, 4 Ed Scragg, 5 Teddy Williams, 6 Ellis Thomas, 7 Jac Morgan, 8 Iestyn Rees.

Replacements: Will Griffiths, Tom Devine, Nick English, Jac Price, Ioan Rhys Davies, Dan Babos, Max Llewellyn, Ryan Conbeer.

Interesting to see Ryan Conbeer on the bench - he's a player I've wanted to see more of since that try he scored on debut (I think) for the Scarlets.

Yes v Ulster

Looks a beautiful runner. Hope to see more of that on Friday.

penguin wrote:

The Wales Under-20s team

15 Cai Evans, 14 Tomi Lewis, 13 Tiaan Thomas-Wheeler, 12 Aneurin Owen, 11 Ioan Davies, 10 Sam Costelow, 9 Dafydd Buckland, 1 Rhys Davies, 2 Dewi Lake (capt), 3 Ben Warren, 4 Ed Scragg, 5 Teddy Williams, 6 Ellis Thomas, 7 Jac Morgan, 8 Iestyn Rees.

Replacements: Will Griffiths, Tom Devine, Nick English, Jac Price, Ioan Rhys Davies, Dan Babos, Max Llewellyn, Ryan Conbeer.

Interesting to see Ryan Conbeer on the bench - he's a player I've wanted to see more of since that try he scored on debut (I think) for the Scarlets.

LandOTurk wrote: He is, but apparently has some defensive skills he needs to improve upon a la Steff Evs. Also he hasn't got Tomi Lewis' straight line speed. I hear that Tomi is the fastest in the Scarlets squad - even more than J McNicholl. Both he and Conbeer have been on 7s duty these past few months so interesting to see how quickly they get back up to speed (pun). Looking forward to both of them play.

LandOTurk wrote: Where does Costelow come from? I know he is with Tigers now? Is he considered a better prospect at #10 than son of Ieuan?

Before the game with England in Pontypridd in March, Leicester Tiger Costelow had been spoken about as a player with a big future.

But on the day he could do nothing as the Red Rose brigade bossed the collisions and dominated physically.

For a fly-half on the receiving end that day, the experience must have been sobering. Every time Costelow looked up he seemed to have an English player about to clatter him. He had no space and no platform — no room to showcase his skills.

But in Stellenberg on Tuesday the Welsh pack gave him such a platform and he used it quite devastatingly, setting up a try early on and then conjuring a touchdown himself of such quality that some have suggested Barry John would have been pleased to sign it off.

The score was set up by Ellis Bevan combining with lock Teddy Williams, who sent out a rapid short pass to the Wales fly-half.

Costelow had a lot of work to do, 30 metres out and with several English players in front of him.

But he shot through a gap and arrowed right before beating England full-back Will Haydon-Wood with a shimmy and a step that saw the Pencoed RFC product cut back the other way and over the try line.

It looks simple, but the finish is sublime. The type of score we once used to see from the great Barry in the red 10 jersey.

One score reveals only so much, but the coaches have been delighted with Costelow.

“He is a particularly talented player,” said head coach Horsman.

“The good thing against England is the pack were able to put in place the platform for him to perform.

“Half-backs need that platform and with it Sam showed how much ability he has.

“It is still early days for him. I do not like making comparing players who others who have gone before them or those who are still playing. Let’s just say he Sam is an individual who does things his way rather than calls to mind others.”

penguin wrote:

LandOTurk wrote: He is, but apparently has some defensive skills he needs to improve upon a la Steff Evs. Also he hasn't got Tomi Lewis' straight line speed. I hear that Tomi is the fastest in the Scarlets squad - even more than J McNicholl. Both he and Conbeer have been on 7s duty these past few months so interesting to see how quickly they get back up to speed (pun). Looking forward to both of them play.

Interesting. Hope Conbeer makes the necessary adjustments and gets some gametime.

I've just seen Tomi Lewis is from Brecon - will watch the kid with interest now I know he's from my hometown.

Gwenno wrote:

penguin wrote:

LandOTurk wrote: He is, but apparently has some defensive skills he needs to improve upon a la Steff Evs. Also he hasn't got Tomi Lewis' straight line speed. I hear that Tomi is the fastest in the Scarlets squad - even more than J McNicholl. Both he and Conbeer have been on 7s duty these past few months so interesting to see how quickly they get back up to speed (pun). Looking forward to both of them play.

Interesting. Hope Conbeer makes the necessary adjustments and gets some gametime.

I've just seen Tomi Lewis is from Brecon - will watch the kid with interest now I know he's from my hometown.

Pont Senni I think.

Steven Shingler off to France. He isn't getting game time at the Blues, and that might get worse with more young players coming through, so probably a good move at this stage of his career.

Amos and Adams will be confirmed signings once the dust settles.

Theflier wrote:Teams are out, but id rather evict my eyes with HCL than have to discuss with the Irish.

Beirne is a worry, we are hopelessly outgunned at lock, but our front row has had everyone on toast so far, backs are playing better, and SOB is a pretender these days

Sanjay is crucial, aki has been found wanting at this level, I think he can be duped in attack.

Moriarty and navidis missed tackles last week have me on edge

penguin wrote:

Theflier wrote:Teams are out, but id rather evict my eyes with HCL than have to discuss with the Irish.

Beirne is a worry, we are hopelessly outgunned at lock, but our front row has had everyone on toast so far, backs are playing better, and SOB is a pretender these days

Sanjay is crucial, aki has been found wanting at this level, I think he can be duped in attack.

Moriarty and navidis missed tackles last week have me on edge

I'd think that the Irish runners will come straighter at them than the likes of Watson, who gave them so much trouble last week. I'd expect higher tackle success percentages this week all round, but Ireland will make more of any that are missed, so we obviously need to be brutally efficient.

Beirne starting is a good move by Schmidt - we know better than almost anyone how good he can be. Need to be blasting him out of rucks early. Lots of big runners from Ireland, going to be like the England game - just hope we can rise to the same levels again.

LandOTurk wrote:

penguin wrote:

Theflier wrote:Teams are out, but id rather evict my eyes with HCL than have to discuss with the Irish.

Beirne is a worry, we are hopelessly outgunned at lock, but our front row has had everyone on toast so far, backs are playing better, and SOB is a pretender these days

Sanjay is crucial, aki has been found wanting at this level, I think he can be duped in attack.

Moriarty and navidis missed tackles last week have me on edge

I'd think that the Irish runners will come straighter at them than the likes of Watson, who gave them so much trouble last week. I'd expect higher tackle success percentages this week all round, but Ireland will make more of any that are missed, so we obviously need to be brutally efficient.

Beirne starting is a good move by Schmidt - we know better than almost anyone how good he can be. Need to be blasting him out of rucks early. Lots of big runners from Ireland, going to be like the England game - just hope we can rise to the same levels again.

I think we got this - Wales by 1 or 2 pts