Team for France

[Graigwen]

WALES TEAM TO PLAY FRANCE ON SUNDAY OCTOBER 20:

1. Wyn Jones (Scarlets) (19 Caps)
2. Ken Owens (Scarlets) (70 Caps)
3. Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs) (46 Caps)
4. Jake Ball (Scarlets) (39 Caps)
5. Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys) (131 Caps) (CAPT)
6. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons) (16 Caps)
7. Justin Tipuric (Ospreys) (69 Caps)
8. Josh Navidi (Cardiff Blues) (22 Caps)
9. Gareth Davies (Scarlets) (48 Caps)
10. Dan Biggar (Northampton Saints) (76 Caps)
11. Josh Adams (Cardiff Blues) (18 Caps)
12. Hadleigh Parkes (Scarlets) (22 Caps)
13. Jonathan Davies (Scarlets) (79 Caps)
14. George North (Ospreys) (89 Caps)
15. Liam Williams (Saracens) (61 Caps)

Replacements:

16. Elliot Dee (Dragons) (26 Caps)
17. Rhys Carre (Saracens) (3 Caps)
18. Dillon Lewis (Cardiff Blues) (19 Caps)
19. Adam Beard (Ospreys) (17 Caps)
20. Ross Moriarty (Dragons) (38 Caps)
21. Tomos Williams (Cardiff Blues) (13 Caps)
22. Rhys Patchell (Scarlets) (17 Caps)
23. Owen Watkin (Ospreys) (19 Caps)
​

[Graigwen]

There is nothing untoward or unexpected in the team.

I think Rhys carre is the right call as loose head bench cover.

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[bruce]

I think I may have opted for Cubby as back row bench cover but apart from that happy. I worry about our scrum.

[tigran]

The fact Biggar has had two commotions doesn' t ask any question ?

[Digby]

The fact Biggar has had two commotions doesn' t ask any question ?

I was wondering about that, bar the politeness of referring to them as commotions, and whether Rob Howley has had a cheeky bet on Bigger going 3 from 3

[Graigwen]

France: Medard; Penaud, Vakatawa, Fickou, Huget; Ntamack, Dupont; Poirot, Guirado (capt), Slimani, Le Roux, Vahaamahina, Lauret, Ollivon, Alldritt.

Replacements: Chat, Baille, Setiano, Gabrillagues, Picamoles, Serin, Lopez, Rattez.

[normanski]

Great game in prospect. Two well matched teams but battle hardened Wales to come through.

[francoisfou]

Great game in prospect. Two well matched teams but battle hardened Wales to come through.

Indeed! Two contrasting teams, and I’d agree with the «battle-hardened » adjective. For the French, the word « unpredictable » has been used so often that I’m loth to use it, but it’s true! Without doubt, the flair is there in the backs with the likes of Dupont, Penaud, Huget and Médard, but the Welsh have the better pack, in my opinion. A close match awaits. France by a gnat’s cock!

[Graigwen]

On any careful sober analysis I think Wales would be judged to be most likely to win.

However, for once a stereotype is accurate. France are a team of talented players who, on the right day, could beat any other team, even including the All Blacks. But for the French the "right day" does not come all that often. So I am left feeling that if one team was leading by twenty points after twenty minutes, it would be more likely be France; but overall we are more likely to win.

Two major factors in Wales' favour are fitness in the last quarter and the ability to often (but not always) keep cool heads in the face of adversity. If there was to be a French storm I would rather it came earlier in the match.

I am glad the French have got a strong team and are without injuries to key players. It has the potential to ge a very good game. I hope it is not decided by a red card.

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[Son of Mathonwy]

Unless France put in an exceptional performance I think Wales will win this. Wales by 8 points.

I'm a little concerned for Bigger. I don't think it will impact the match but his future health might be at risk. No doubt they've done this by the book though.

[tigran]

Yeah no red card please, it would freezer our players and free yours...

[cashead]

Unless France put in an exceptional performance I think Wales will win this. Wales by 8 points.

I'm a little concerned for Bigger. I don't think it will impact the match but his future health might be at risk. No doubt they've done this by the book though.

Wales will probably win with a bigger margin. It's a cliché to say "you never know which French team will turn up," and they've really upped the ante on that this tournament, often suddenly going to shit about 20, 30 minutes into the game.

[Graigwen]

Well I guess we are all settled and have nothing to say before the game.

No team selection controversies or injury worries, we are just all relaxed (!) and waiting for the game.

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[Sandydragon]

Well I guess we are all settled and have nothing to say before the game.

No team selection controversies or injury worries, we are just all relaxed (!) and waiting for the game.

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It’s odd not having something to be concerned about. I hope we don’t fall flat tomorrow, but we have rarely been in such a position with such a strong and settled team..

[tigran]

Unless France put in an exceptional performance I think Wales will win this. Wales by 8 points.

I'm a little concerned for Bigger. I don't think it will impact the match but his future health might be at risk. No doubt they've done this by the book though.

Wales will probably win with a bigger margin. It's a cliché to say "you never know which French team will turn up," and they've really upped the ante on that this tournament, often suddenly going to shit about 20, 30 minutes into the game.

Very good insight and prediction, I hope you have placed a huge bet on it

[Graigwen]

Just checking......all quiet on the Welsh front....


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[Hooky]

Ffs. JD2 not fit. Watkin in.

[Lizard]

Good morning, everybody!

Are we sitting comfortably?

So far the quarterfinals have been a parade for the favourites, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the impending thrashing of the garlic-munchers.

[Sandydragon]

Ffs. JD2 not fit. Watkin in.

Something had to go wrong. Let’s hope this is all.

[Hooky]

Ffs. JD2 not fit. Watkin in.

Something had to go wrong. Let’s hope this is all.

True. Pretty big though. Once of our three world class players

[Graigwen]

Halfpenny onto the bench.

Watkin is good, tho' relatively inexperienced.

Compared to the last World Cup it is not too bad.


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[francoisfou]

It’s a shame about JD2, but his replacement must undoubtedly be more than competent. Contrary to the post of our antipodean friend above, I remain quietly optimistic!

[Which Tyler]

Is this the match thread? If so, my apologies to the locals, France have alway been my second team, not to mention my wife's country..

Shit, France look positively chilled in the changing room there.
Wales look pumped

[Which Tyler]

Is this the match thread? If so, my apologies to the locals, France have alway been my second team, not to mention my wife's country..

Shit, France look positively chilled in the changing room there.
Wales look pumped

And barely an ounce of emotion during the anthems...

[bruce]

Well looks like we'll be back home shortly.