Sourdust wrote:
Same here. I think we'll do well to come third. We're miles off England and Ireland, and Scotland and France are on upward curves. That seldom means anything for Scotland in the 6N, but still...
All that said, I won't be too worried if we come out of the tournament stronger than we went in; namely, with a settled centre partnership, an improving front-row, genuine half-back options and some sign of a functional passing game. We're unlikely to lose too many players to the Lions so we'll probably be able to send a strong squad to the Pacific Islands, and that tour could be a lot of fun provided they don't just want to smash our heads off.
Third is the most likely outcome. We'd need a minor miracle to beat England (unfortunately they're the second match up, so little time for our team to gel). On paper we're miles behind Ireland too, but anything could happen there, we drew in Dublin last year after all. The biggest glimmer of hope is that both of these tough matches are in Cardiff.
Re the centres, I don't see any of Roberts, JD or Scott shining brightly at the moment.
Inside centre is difficult. What we really want is Matavesi! , but I guess of all our options I would choose Scott. Patchell or Sam Davies would probably be effective, but they're concentrating on being 10s, fair enough.
For outside centre we have lots of options. For me Beck and Ben John are the leaders - I'd pick Beck at the moment, but only perhaps because I haven't seen much of John recently.
Scott Williams certainly put his hand up for the Wales 12 shirt with an excellent MOM performance today. Scarlets unlucky to only get the draw.
Yeah, he was excellent, Jake Ball played well again and Aled Davies offers quick ball, disappointed with McNichol, he doesn't look all that good to me or quick (I don't think he is worth trying to naturalise despite our lack of wingers), he managed to throw the ball forwards yesterday when trying to field it, as did Liam Williams.
Tadhg Beirne was very mobile in the second row, tho unfortunately he's Irish.
Much as Im an advocate of Nicky Smith and Dacey, I think the Scarlets front row did enough yesterday to warrant keeping that unit together for Wales.
Ball continued his push for the second second row spot.
Is James Davies turning into the PFC of Welsh Rugby? Hes starting to annoy the hell out of me.
Aled Davies did provide quick ball but I dont think theres a Welsh 9 playing better than Habberfield at the moment.
Scott Williams did his chance of starting no harm at all.
Liam Williams will start..probably at wing, Steff Evans would be a decent bench option with Giles probably out.
The Os continued to dominate that competition - interestingly James King was back and scoring and Baker apparently had another strong carrying game. , Id expect to see one or both in the squad as the management seem to like King.
Apparently Beck was creative and had another decent performance at Centre.
Ive read the reports about Keddie - could he be a bolter for the squad?
DId Shingler play 12 for the Blues? How did that go ?
MrK wrote:Much as Im an advocate of Nicky Smith and Dacey, I think the Scarlets front row did enough yesterday to warrant keeping that unit together for Wales.
Ball continued his push for the second second row spot.
Is James Davies turning into the PFC of Welsh Rugby? Hes starting to annoy the hell out of me.
Aled Davies did provide quick ball but I dont think theres a Welsh 9 playing better than Habberfield at the moment.
Scott Williams did his chance of starting no harm at all.
Liam Williams will start..probably at wing, Steff Evans would be a decent bench option with Giles probably out.
The Os continued to dominate that competition - interestingly James King was back and scoring and Baker apparently had another strong carrying game. , Id expect to see one or both in the squad as the management seem to like King.
Apparently Beck was creative and had another decent performance at Centre.
Ive read the reports about Keddie - could he be a bolter for the squad?
DId Shingler play 12 for the Blues? How did that go ?
He scored two tries didn't he, I think it's a bit too soon for him at the moment as he is playing second fiddle to Ed Jackson in most of the Dragons games, who is English....
Keddie had a big game, albeit against a minor team. He is potentially a huge player but I'd prefer him to stay at newport and develop rather than push him into the international limelight too soon. Next season maybe or perhaps a squad member for the summer tour.
MrK wrote:Much as Im an advocate of Nicky Smith and Dacey, I think the Scarlets front row did enough yesterday to warrant keeping that unit together for Wales.
Ball continued his push for the second second row spot.
Is James Davies turning into the PFC of Welsh Rugby? Hes starting to annoy the hell out of me.
Aled Davies did provide quick ball but I dont think theres a Welsh 9 playing better than Habberfield at the moment.
Scott Williams did his chance of starting no harm at all.
Liam Williams will start..probably at wing, Steff Evans would be a decent bench option with Giles probably out.
The Os continued to dominate that competition - interestingly James King was back and scoring and Baker apparently had another strong carrying game. , Id expect to see one or both in the squad as the management seem to like King.
Apparently Beck was creative and had another decent performance at Centre.
Ive read the reports about Keddie - could he be a bolter for the squad?
DId Shingler play 12 for the Blues? How did that go ?
The Davies dive was fricking pathetic. The slap deserved a penalty, perhaps even a yellow as t was pretty blatant, but davies was lucky not to have been carded himself.
, but I guess of all our options I would choose Scott. Patchell or Sam Davies would probably be effective, but they're concentrating on being 10s, fair enough.
