Warburton retires

[Mikey Brown]

Great player, but not a massive shock?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/44869719

[hugh_woatmeigh]

Huge loss to the game. I hated him as a player - which shows just how good he really was.

Unfortunately I suspect he won't be the first early retirement in Wales - unless they want to start looking after their players.

[Numbers]

Gutted for him.

[Mikey Brown]

Gutted for him.

Considering the amount of time he’s spent injured, he’s managed to be fit for some pretty massive moments. RWC, Lions tours, was he in the grand slam team? Just not fit for anything in between all those. 29 is young but he’s had a pretty good innings.

[Sandydragon]

Always gutting when a player has to retire due to injury. That said, there wasn’t much missing from Warburtons CV so you have to say his career has been successful, even accounting for multiple injuries. At his best a world class player and he will be missed.

[Son of Mathonwy]

Brilliant player when fit and a great CV, especially considering how much time he's spent injured. It's too early but his body's had enough, so that's it, good luck to him going forward. Luckily we have a group of excellent flankers coming through, so his absence will not hurt too much.

[Numbers]

Brilliant player when fit and a great CV, especially considering how much time he's spent injured. It's too early but his body's had enough, so that's it, good luck to him going forward. Luckily we have a group of excellent flankers coming through, so his absence will not hurt too much.

Aye, he's got a career as a pundit in the bag, so I will look forward to seeing him in that regard.

[canta_brian]

Wales have had a good bunch of loosies over the last decade or so. Warbs seemed to be the best of the biggest of those though. So while you may have as skillful, and you may have as large, you may struggle to find someone as skillful and large.

[Numbers]

Wales have had a good bunch of loosies over the last decade or so. Warbs seemed to be the best of the biggest of those though. So while you may have as skillful, and you may have as large, you may struggle to find someone as skillful and large.

Ellis Jenkins, Navidi and Davies are pretty much the same size as Warburton, and Jenkins and Davies I would say are more skillful, what we will miss most is his leadership and commitment imo.

[Spiffy]

Wales have had a good bunch of loosies over the last decade or so. Warbs seemed to be the best of the biggest of those though. So while you may have as skillful, and you may have as large, you may struggle to find someone as skillful and large.

Ellis Jenkins, Navidi and Davies are pretty much the same size as Warburton, and Jenkins and Davies I would say are more skillful, what we will miss most is his leadership and commitment imo.

What - no mention of Justin Tipuric, the best of the lot. Heracy!

[Numbers]

Wales have had a good bunch of loosies over the last decade or so. Warbs seemed to be the best of the biggest of those though. So while you may have as skillful, and you may have as large, you may struggle to find someone as skillful and large.

Ellis Jenkins, Navidi and Davies are pretty much the same size as Warburton, and Jenkins and Davies I would say are more skillful, what we will miss most is his leadership and commitment imo.

What - no mention of Justin Tipuric, the best of the lot. Heracy!

I don't think he is that's why, they are much of a muchness in reality.

[Son of Mathonwy]

Ellis Jenkins, Navidi and Davies are pretty much the same size as Warburton, and Jenkins and Davies I would say are more skillful, what we will miss most is his leadership and commitment imo.

What - no mention of Justin Tipuric, the best of the lot. Heracy!

I don't think he is that's why, they are much of a muchness in reality.

I disagree but I suspect that Gatland is with you on this point. But we shall see, the AI selections will be interesting....

[Numbers]

What - no mention of Justin Tipuric, the best of the lot. Heracy!

I don't think he is that's why, they are much of a muchness in reality.

I disagree but I suspect that Gatland is with you on this point. But we shall see, the AI selections will be interesting....

They will indeed, I feel a bit for Tips as he has been waiting for this opportunity for a long time now, tho saying that he has had a fair few caps due to Warburtons injuries.

My only issue with him is I don't see him winning enough turnovers, the rest of his game is exemplary, I think Gatland may consider him a little lightweight despite the stats saying he's about the same size as the rest, he does seem to get moved off the ball more easily than the other three I've mentioned.

[Digby]

Sad to see Warburton go, he's had an excellent career that also seems to have fallen short of what might have been

[Son of Mathonwy]

I don't think he is that's why, they are much of a muchness in reality.

I disagree but I suspect that Gatland is with you on this point. But we shall see, the AI selections will be interesting....

They will indeed, I feel a bit for Tips as he has been waiting for this opportunity for a long time now, tho saying that he has had a fair few caps due to Warburtons injuries.

My only issue with him is I don't see him winning enough turnovers, the rest of his game is exemplary, I think Gatland may consider him a little lightweight despite the stats saying he's about the same size as the rest, he does seem to get moved off the ball more easily than the other three I've mentioned.

And then Gatland selected him at 6, which leaves me completely confused.

[Spiffy]

Ellis Jenkins, Navidi and Davies are pretty much the same size as Warburton, and Jenkins and Davies I would say are more skillful, what we will miss most is his leadership and commitment imo.

What - no mention of Justin Tipuric, the best of the lot. Heracy!

I don't think he is that's why, they are much of a muchness in reality.

OK - here's another name to toss into the fray. Thomas Young, son of Dai, Wasps openside, and the best 7 in the English PL. Tough luck on his international career prospects that he's playing outside Wales. I would say he's as good as Davies, but possibly better than Jenkins/Navidi who have shot into prominenece this season but have still to prove their long-term consistency. A classic openside with gas, brains, football skills, a linker, a forager, a tough nut and a nose for the try line.

[Numbers]

What - no mention of Justin Tipuric, the best of the lot. Heracy!

I don't think he is that's why, they are much of a muchness in reality.

OK - here's another name to toss into the fray. Thomas Young, son of Dai, Wasps openside, and the best 7 in the English PL. Tough luck on his international career prospects that he's playing outside Wales. I would say he's as good as Davies, but possibly better than Jenkins/Navidi who have shot into prominenece this season but have still to prove their long-term consistency. A classic openside with gas, brains, football skills, a linker, a forager, a tough nut and a nose for the try line.

I've seen a lot of Thomas Young play over the last couple of seasons, he's very good, not quite as good this season as last imo and he does miss the occasional tackle.

[Sandydragon]

I suspect Navidi will be viewed as the more like for like replacement. Tips lack of physicality will still be viewed with suspicion.

[Spiffy]

I suspect Navidi will be viewed as the more like for like replacement. Tips lack of physicality will still be viewed with suspicion.

I
I think that Tipuric's lack of physicality is something of a myth and more related to the way he plays the game compared with those others mentioned. He is probably the most traditional openside of the lot - fast, good hands, link man, and smart, so tends to be involved less in tight work. But when required, he can be physical. He looks slimly built but is in the same weight range as the others. I know player physical stats are not always reliable but these figures from the web;

Warburton 103 Kg ; Tipuric 102 ; Navidi 105.

[Sandydragon]

Agree Spiff, it’s about style of play rather than size. And ultimately what style Gatland wants at open side.

[Son of Mathonwy]

Agree Spiff, it’s about style of play rather than size. And ultimately what style Gatland wants at open side.

One reason why I'm glad Gatland's time is coming to an end (...not to dispute that he's been our most successful coach of the professional era, though).

[Sandydragon]

Agree Spiff, it’s about style of play rather than size. And ultimately what style Gatland wants at open side.

One reason why I'm glad Gatland's time is coming to an end (...not to dispute that he's been our most successful coach of the professional era, though).

I’m hoping Privac will bring some of that Scarlets flair with him, that would suit Tipurics game.

As it is, I can see a Moriarty, Navidi and Faletau backrow as we move towards the RWC, with Tips as a replacement.

[Digby]

What are Navidi's hands like? The 1331 system works better the more good handlers there are in the pack

[Son of Mathonwy]

Agree Spiff, it’s about style of play rather than size. And ultimately what style Gatland wants at open side.

One reason why I'm glad Gatland's time is coming to an end (...not to dispute that he's been our most successful coach of the professional era, though).

I’m hoping Privac will bring some of that Scarlets flair with him, that would suit Tipurics game.

As it is, I can see a Moriarty, Navidi and Faletau backrow as we move towards the RWC, with Tips as a replacement.

It will be interesting to see who Gatland prefers on the flanks for the AIs. After the summer he has a lot of options.

[Sandydragon]

Aye, didn’t even mention Cubby or Ellis Jenkins.