RWC Warm up games

[MrK]

Ok, so we have the delightful prospect of England twice, and SA as our warm up games

What do you want to see, who do you want to see

What - a better scrum, lineout was surprisingly good against France- so consistency there, less one up running, better (or more dynamic) carrying, more of the offloading we saw against France, aggressive ruck clear out, an improvement of midfield defence, an improvement in attack options.

Who - much of this wont happen
LH - Id like to see what Domachowski can do at this level, Id like to see Smith return
TH - Im not sure what options we have here outside what we have already seen
Hooker - a fit and available Lake and Elia (although IM also a Parry fan)
2nd Row - Rowlands to be eligible, assuming they are fit and playing well, Hill and Ball to be looked at, if not Seb,
Back Row - so many options but Id like to see Moriaty and Botham
9 - G Davies is still underrated
10 - Anscombe, injury free
Centres - J Williams, I think hes a Gatland player, and outside centre alternative to North - i would still take North, just an alternative for the squad (I dont know who that could be)
B3 - An alternative to 1/2p, great servant, but personally, I wouldnt take him

[pompey-zebra]

In addition to the above mentioned, some outsiders that might be worth consideration;

Front row: Tom Botha is eligible for Wales in August so may be worth a look. At hooker Ethan Lewis was getting some game time at Sarries before he got injured

2nd row;): maybe someone like George Nott at the Dragons in addition to Rowlands, Hill, Ball etc.

Back row: lots of options here but I still like the look of Morgan Morris. Doesnt seem to have many poor games for the O's but there have been suggestions he's too small for international rugby, so that might count against him.

Half backs. Could we see a a return for Sheedy?

Centres; hope Jonny Williams can stay fit, he should be the mix. Max Llewellyn too.

Back three: I still like Giles, but again his size will probably count against him. At 15 there doesnt seem many nailed on alternatives, but we might see a return of Jonny Mcnichol even if just as back three cover. Angus o brien might have an outside chance if he stays in reasonable form and no one else comes along out of the blue.

Not saying many or indeed any of these will be selected even for the warm ups, but just possibilities outside of the current squad and obvious returnees.

[Sandydragon]

I have a sneaky feeling that we won't see too much of new outsiders. I like Max Llewelyn but I can't see him getting an opportunity unless Gatland opts for a very large initial squad. Traditionally they are about 50 or so players and then get whittled down to 35 for the RWC (I think). So assuming that no one in the existing squad has played themselves completely out of contention, theres not a huge amount of spare space for new comers, noting that a few are either current squad members who are injured (Lake, Rowlands, Anscombe maybe Navidi), have been ignored for some other reason for this six nations (Moriarty) or have been ineligible (Hill, Ball).

I don't think Gatland will try out too many new faces in the warm up phase, although I'm sure if someone like Botha is knocking down trees between now and the end of the season, he will be in consideration.

[MrK]

Botha is a good shout actually, and I think McNichol will be involved

Does anyone know how well Ball/Hill have been playing?

[Sandydragon]

Botha is a good shout actually, and I think McNichol will be involved

Does anyone know how well Ball/Hill have been playing?

Not really sure. The fail bigs them up but that means nothing. Hill is apparently moving to France next season so can’t be doing too badly to get a T14 signing.

[MrK]

I hate to admit this, but the fails RWC squad isnt a million miles away from what I would pick, other than I wouldnt take 5 second rows

Fails:
Back 3 - L WIlliams, Halfpenny, LRZ, Adams, McNichol
Centres - Hawkins, J Williams, North, Tompkins
OH - Biggar, Anscombe
SH - Webb, T Williams, G Davies
LH - Smith, Thomas, W Jones
TH - Francis, Lewis, Brown
Hk - Lake, Owen, Elias
2nd - Beard, AWJ, Hill, Ball, Rowlands
BR - Faletau, Tipuric, Morgan, Reffel, Moriaty

Mine:
Back 3 - L WIlliams, LRZ, Adams, McNichol. LLoyd -my wildcard
Centres - Hawkins, J Williams, North, Tompkins
OH - Biggar, Anscombe
SH - Webb, T Williams, G Davies
LH - Smith, Thomas, Carre
TH - Francis, Lewis, Brown
Hk - Lake, Owen, Elias
2nd - Beard, Hill, Ball, Rowlands
BR - Faletau, Tipuric, Morgan, Reffel, Moriaty, Tshiunza

[Sandydragon]

I hate to admit this, but the fails RWC squad isnt a million miles away from what I would pick, other than I wouldnt take 5 second rows

Fails:
Back 3 - L WIlliams, Halfpenny, LRZ, Adams, McNichol
Centres - Hawkins, J Williams, North, Tompkins
OH - Biggar, Anscombe
SH - Webb, T Williams, G Davies
LH - Smith, Thomas, W Jones
TH - Francis, Lewis, Brown
Hk - Lake, Owen, Elias
2nd - Beard, AWJ, Hill, Ball, Rowlands
BR - Faletau, Tipuric, Morgan, Reffel, Moriaty

Mine:
Back 3 - L WIlliams, LRZ, Adams, McNichol. LLoyd -my wildcard
Centres - Hawkins, J Williams, North, Tompkins
OH - Biggar, Anscombe
SH - Webb, T Williams, G Davies
LH - Smith, Thomas, Carre
TH - Francis, Lewis, Brown
Hk - Lake, Owen, Elias
2nd - Beard, Hill, Ball, Rowlands
BR - Faletau, Tipuric, Morgan, Reffel, Moriaty, Tshiunza

Much of that makes sense. I think Dyer will be in the back 5, centres are logical, Owen Williams may be ahead of Anscombe at the moment, locks are interesting, unless we are looking at a 5/6 type player. Hill could play there for a minor game or perhaps Tshunza. Big call if AWJ doesn't go, but one Gatland might have to make as he is no longer an 80 minute player. If fit and firing on all cylinders, I might be tempted to take Navidi rather than one of the open sides or Moriarty. I also like the idea of Wainwright on the bench.

[MrK]

On the form of last couple of weeks names on the possible list

Domachowski must be in the long list - plus smith and Matthias
Parry has been playing well as has belcher
Assirati on the TH
Carter and maybe Seb in the boiler house
Wainwright, Basham, young, Botham, morris all shown up well in parts
g Davies at 9 has been sharp
Costello now ahead of anscombe ?
Llewellyn and Jonny Williams in the centre with Grady a nice 13/wing option ? Kieran Williams / Joe Roberts ?
Beck 3 - dyer looked good again