Team for Ireland

[MrK]

I'll start again.

Im guessing there are going to be very few changes, Im expecting to see him revert to type

Halfpenny, North, Davies, Williams, Williams, Biggar, Webb
Evans, Owens, Lee, Charteris, AWJ, Warburton, Moriaty, Faletau

B: Baldwin, Smith, Francis, Ball, Tipuric, G DAvies, S Davies, Roberts

What Id like to see

L Williams, Halfpenny, S Williams, O Williams, S Evans, S Davies, R Webb
Evans, Dacey, Francis, Charteris, AWJ, Warburton, Tipuric, Faletau

B: Owens, Smith, Lee, Ball, Moriaty, G Davies, J Davies, G North


Reasons:
1) I know swapping Williams/Halfpenny isnt going to solve all our problems, but it will solve one, our reluctance to run the ball back
2) Much as Roberts was "dropped" in the Autumn, North needs to be now, Evans is in form, lets try him out
3) Im popping O Williams straight in at 12, my reason for this is not that I think hes any better than J Davies, but I do think he will play flatter as a 12 (much like Matevesi does at Os) and that will support better my choice at 10, S Williams moves out to 13.
4) It was a straight decision for me on Davies v Biggar - Im just choosing Davies
5) Owens is playing his heart out and Id like him coming off the bench, Dacey for me will add another dimension to our pack
6) Francis gets another shot but Id be happy with Lee, its a bit meh for me - neither offer much around the park
7) Charteris has to come in for the maul defence alone
8) Id also go for Faletau now and see if his world class qualities come through.


It also gives us impact off the bench in the pack with Owens, Ball and Moriaty, and 3 players that could turn a game in the backs with Davies, Davies and North.

But as we all know...it aint going to happen

[ALunpg]

Yep ..agree that they will not change much..the main variance in the hopeful is Owain Williams... it would be a bench warmer and leave the other centres in. What they have to do is adjust to Sam Davies at 10 and get flatter
as they did when the Priest was there .
I dont mind swapping Halfpenny and Liam ... i want them to do it during the match as well.

The others yep..bench North but give him time on the pitch.

Dacey on the bench would be my first choice because Owens is playing himself into a Lions slot if anyone is. goes...

[Sandydragon]

Im struggling to understand the Welsh managements problem with making changes. No one is suggesting that we pick 15 brand new players and spin the ball about for a laugh. But what is clear is that there are a snumber of players whose club performances make them contenders for a starting, or bench position. Why keep on picking players who aren't performing just on the basis of reputation/ experience. Sometimes dropping a player is the kick up the arse he needs.

North was poor on the weekend. Whilst he has a good scoring rate over the 6N, he is not influencing the game in the way many of us thought he would and his defence has always been suspect. Bringing in an in form player would perhaps give North the kick he needs to become more involved in the game.

We all know what Biggar brings to the party. Why not give Davies a go? If Howley thinks that we are going to beat Ireland without making some alteration to lineup and tactics then he is deluded.

[wayneha50]

Im struggling to understand the Welsh managements problem with making changes. No one is suggesting that we pick 15 brand new players and spin the ball about for a laugh. But what is clear is that there are a snumber of players whose club performances make them contenders for a starting, or bench position. Why keep on picking players who aren't performing just on the basis of reputation/ experience. Sometimes dropping a player is the kick up the arse he needs.

North was poor on the weekend. Whilst he has a good scoring rate over the 6N, he is not influencing the game in the way many of us thought he would and his defence has always been suspect. Bringing in an in form player would perhaps give North the kick he needs to become more involved in the game.

We all know what Biggar brings to the party. Why not give Davies a go? If Howley thinks that we are going to beat Ireland without making some alteration to lineup and tactics then he is deluded.

they've been doing the same things with diminishing returns for years now, I can't see much changing until they're gone tbh

[ALunpg]

Sam Davies released for match 6 days before Ireland http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/39129435
Think that probably says who will be starting next Friday !!!

[Renniks]

Sam Davies released for match 6 days before Ireland http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/39129435
Think that probably says who will be starting next Friday !!!

There's a weekend off this week…

[Numbers]

Sam Davies released for match 6 days before Ireland http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/39129435
Think that probably says who will be starting next Friday !!!

There's a weekend off this week…

It's a Friday night game, 6 days before the Ireland match...

[Numbers]

I'll start again.

Im guessing there are going to be very few changes, Im expecting to see him revert to type

Halfpenny, North, Davies, Williams, Williams, Biggar, Webb
Evans, Owens, Lee, Charteris, AWJ, Warburton, Moriaty, Faletau

B: Baldwin, Smith, Francis, Ball, Tipuric, G DAvies, S Davies, Roberts

What Id like to see

L Williams, Halfpenny, S Williams, O Williams, S Evans, S Davies, R Webb
Evans, Dacey, Francis, Charteris, AWJ, Warburton, Tipuric, Faletau

B: Owens, Smith, Lee, Ball, Moriaty, G Davies, J Davies, G North


Reasons:
1) I know swapping Williams/Halfpenny isnt going to solve all our problems, but it will solve one, our reluctance to run the ball back
2) Much as Roberts was "dropped" in the Autumn, North needs to be now, Evans is in form, lets try him out
3) Im popping O Williams straight in at 12, my reason for this is not that I think hes any better than J Davies, but I do think he will play flatter as a 12 (much like Matevesi does at Os) and that will support better my choice at 10, S Williams moves out to 13.
4) It was a straight decision for me on Davies v Biggar - Im just choosing Davies
5) Owens is playing his heart out and Id like him coming off the bench, Dacey for me will add another dimension to our pack
6) Francis gets another shot but Id be happy with Lee, its a bit meh for me - neither offer much around the park
7) Charteris has to come in for the maul defence alone
8) Id also go for Faletau now and see if his world class qualities come through.


It also gives us impact off the bench in the pack with Owens, Ball and Moriaty, and 3 players that could turn a game in the backs with Davies, Davies and North.

But as we all know...it aint going to happen

1) Liam is better at bringing the ball back, the coaches like Halfpenny for his better defence and positioning.
2) Perhaps, or we could give the ball to North in space.
3) Not sure about this, playing two players out of position hmm.
4) Agreed
5) Agreed, or Sam Parry.
6) Lee for me, but much of a muchness really, neither are tearing up trees in the loose.
7) Agreed
8) I would drop Tipuric, purely as we need to nullify Irelands big back row ball carriers.

Again, you're right, it's all speculation as we are going to see the same team we saw last week or thereabouts.

[Renniks]

Sam Davies released for match 6 days before Ireland http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/39129435
Think that probably says who will be starting next Friday !!!

There's a weekend off this week…

It's a Friday night game, 6 days before the Ireland match...

Ah yes, apologies - got myself all confused

[Lord Lucan]

Im struggling to understand the Welsh managements problem with making changes. No one is suggesting that we pick 15 brand new players and spin the ball about for a laugh. But what is clear is that there are a snumber of players whose club performances make them contenders for a starting, or bench position. Why keep on picking players who aren't performing just on the basis of reputation/ experience. Sometimes dropping a player is the kick up the arse he needs.

North was poor on the weekend. Whilst he has a good scoring rate over the 6N, he is not influencing the game in the way many of us thought he would and his defence has always been suspect. Bringing in an in form player would perhaps give North the kick he needs to become more involved in the game.

We all know what Biggar brings to the party. Why not give Davies a go? If Howley thinks that we are going to beat Ireland without making some alteration to lineup and tactics then he is deluded.

He is deluded, thats why the favorites will go again, wouldn't surprise me if he brought cuntbert back in.

[Spiffy]

I'll start again.

Im guessing there are going to be very few changes, Im expecting to see him revert to type

Halfpenny, North, Davies, Williams, Williams, Biggar, Webb
Evans, Owens, Lee, Charteris, AWJ, Warburton, Moriaty, Faletau

B: Baldwin, Smith, Francis, Ball, Tipuric, G DAvies, S Davies, Roberts

What Id like to see

L Williams, Halfpenny, S Williams, O Williams, S Evans, S Davies, R Webb
Evans, Dacey, Francis, Charteris, AWJ, Warburton, Tipuric, Faletau

B: Owens, Smith, Lee, Ball, Moriaty, G Davies, J Davies, G North


Reasons:
1) I know swapping Williams/Halfpenny isnt going to solve all our problems, but it will solve one, our reluctance to run the ball back
2) Much as Roberts was "dropped" in the Autumn, North needs to be now, Evans is in form, lets try him out
3) Im popping O Williams straight in at 12, my reason for this is not that I think hes any better than J Davies, but I do think he will play flatter as a 12 (much like Matevesi does at Os) and that will support better my choice at 10, S Williams moves out to 13.
4) It was a straight decision for me on Davies v Biggar - Im just choosing Davies
5) Owens is playing his heart out and Id like him coming off the bench, Dacey for me will add another dimension to our pack
6) Francis gets another shot but Id be happy with Lee, its a bit meh for me - neither offer much around the park
7) Charteris has to come in for the maul defence alone
8) Id also go for Faletau now and see if his world class qualities come through.


It also gives us impact off the bench in the pack with Owens, Ball and Moriaty, and 3 players that could turn a game in the backs with Davies, Davies and North.

But as we all know...it aint going to happen

1) Liam is better at bringing the ball back, the coaches like Halfpenny for his better defence and positioning.
2) Perhaps, or we could give the ball to North in space.
3) Not sure about this, playing two players out of position hmm.
4) Agreed
5) Agreed, or Sam Parry.
6) Lee for me, but much of a muchness really, neither are tearing up trees in the loose.
7) Agreed
8) I would drop Tipuric, purely as we need to nullify Irelands big back row ball carriers.

Again, you're right, it's all speculation as we are going to see the same team we saw last week or thereabouts.

From an Irish point of view, I would not mind at all if Wales were to drop Tipuric. He' s probably the best 7 in the NH. A Welsh backrow of Tipuric/Faletau/Warburton is class. Faleteau needs a bit of game time, but he is an outstanding 8, has shown his value umpteen times in the past and would be worth the punt.

[Sandydragon]

Wel Sam Davies set up a lovely try last night just to remind the selectors that in terms of creativity, he has a lot to offer. I dont expect it to make much difference mind.

[Son of Mathonwy]

Wel Sam Davies set up a lovely try last night just to remind the selectors that in terms of creativity, he has a lot to offer. I don't expect it to make much difference mind.

Beautiful move* in what was otherwise a grind (well ground out by the Ospreys though). Irrelevant to Howley though. He's already decided on Biggar, probably was months ago, and nothing is going to change that (if he kept/keeps selecting Cuthbert, how much more will he keep selecting Biggar?).

Re selection, I love how they didn't even discuss bringing Giles into the squad. I mean, this guy was in the squad in the Autumn, he wasn't selected for the 6N because of injury, he's recovered from his injury, Hewitt is concussed and Cuthbert isn't playing well, but they don't even discuss bringing Giles in. If that's true, what does it say about their decision-making?

* Having said that, if he'd done that move for Wales, would anyone have been there to receive the reverse pass? Hopefully this is not a totally serious point... but Wales would need to adjust their game slightly (for the better).

[Sandydragon]

Wel Sam Davies set up a lovely try last night just to remind the selectors that in terms of creativity, he has a lot to offer. I don't expect it to make much difference mind.

Beautiful move* in what was otherwise a grind (well ground out by the Ospreys though). Irrelevant to Howley though. He's already decided on Biggar, probably was months ago, and nothing is going to change that (if he kept/keeps selecting Cuthbert, how much more will he keep selecting Biggar?).

Re selection, I love how they didn't even discuss bringing Giles into the squad. I mean, this guy was in the squad in the Autumn, he wasn't selected for the 6N because of injury, he's recovered from his injury, Hewitt is concussed and Cuthbert isn't playing well, but they don't even discuss bringing Giles in. If that's true, what does it say about their decision-making?

* Having said that, if he'd done that move for Wales, would anyone have been there to receive the reverse pass? Hopefully this is not a totally serious point... but Wales would need to adjust their game slightly (for the better).

No, they would have been 10 yards away standing deep, thoroughly confused by the fact Davies had changed the direction of attack.

[Vengeful Glutton]

If Ireland are to win this one, they'll have to dispense with any ideas of trying to bash through the Welsh, whose back row will happily chop tackle our ball carriers all day (a la 2011 and more recently 2015).

I'd like to see POM brought back in place of SOB. He'll give us another dimension in the line out, and provide a bit more nous in open play.

Welsh l/o looks pretty good. I read an article in the Micker paipears stating an interesting statistic: apparently Tipuric and Warburton have won the most ball in that set piece.

Scrum is going ok. Francis looks solid at TH, but aside from a couple of buckles v France, the Irish scrum has looked impressive. Don't expect too many probs there.

Even with a scarlets centre partnership, Wales have still looked incredibly dull. I thought Williams might add some creativity to that aspect of their game. Mind you, Ireland haven't been very creative either. Ringrose is still a bit green defensively, and I'd worry about him versus Davies/Williams, but with Sexy back, I think we're capable of causing you guys problems center field.

I don't know how you guys lost to the sweaties. So we can an extremely bad tempered dragon to greet us next Friday - mind you that might work in our favour, if we can survive the opening salvoes of Welsh fire.

Good luck!

[WaspInWales]

0-0 draw will do me.

[Nightynight]

The Welsh forwards need to get in the game. Backline, backline wtf!

Defence is excellent but going forward in the attack the front 5 don't do that much actually. How many raging bull type runs do they make or coming round the corner?

[Nightynight]

If Ireland are to win this one, they'll have to dispense with any ideas of trying to bash through the Welsh, whose back row will happily chop tackle our ball carriers all day (a la 2011 and more recently 2015).

I'd like to see POM brought back in place of SOB. He'll give us another dimension in the line out, and provide a bit more nous in open play.

Welsh l/o looks pretty good. I read an article in the Micker paipears stating an interesting statistic: apparently Tipuric and Warburton have won the most ball in that set piece.

Scrum is going ok. Francis looks solid at TH, but aside from a couple of buckles v France, the Irish scrum has looked impressive. Don't expect too many probs there.

Even with a scarlets centre partnership, Wales have still looked incredibly dull. I thought Williams might add some creativity to that aspect of their game. Mind you, Ireland haven't been very creative either. Ringrose is still a bit green defensively, and I'd worry about him versus Davies/Williams, but with Sexy back, I think we're capable of causing you guys problems center field.

I don't know how you guys lost to the sweaties. So we can an extremely bad tempered dragon to greet us next Friday - mind you that might work in our favour, if we can survive the opening salvoes of Welsh fire.

Good luck!

Got beat by being out played for the second half mostly I think.

[wayneha50]

Edwards all-but-confirmed Sam Davies won't start Friday, could be a bluff I suppose but not sure our coaches have that kind of creativity in them.

Wales also apparently stopped Cuthbert playing for the Blues on the weekend for some reason.

[Sandydragon]

The Times has an article about the management keeping the faith with North. Playing Stef Evans is seen as too risky.

Notwithstanding our present difficulties, but when do younger players with promise get an opportunity? If every 6N game is must win, even when we cant win the competition, and the AIs are against the SH teams and also have a ring of must win, that leaves one game in the AI series which is usually against a tier 2 side. At which point we either go nuts and play a hugely changed team with obvious consequences or panic as results haven't gone our way and give the 1st team another chance to redeem themselves.

We should have been prioritising the drawing through of younger players immediately after our last RWC, yet here we are 2 years later and the only change really has been the replacement of Roberts, who you feel could return at any point, with a player who has already amassed a stack of caps from the bench. Hardly the blooding of new talent.

[ALunpg]

The WM had the same feedback from Edwards in yesterdays press meeting ... basically saying that Evans strength going firwards needs to be supported by better performance inder the high ball.

He did in quite obvious terms say that players were gong off plan in defence and seemed quite feckin annoyed .

So if we had not guessed ....this will be an "opportunity" for the team to redeem themselves and show what they have got ...

The ONLY changes I beleive will be Falateu...Chateris and possibly one of the front row.. Moriarty to swop seats with Falteau and Charteris swip with Ball.

Ho hum...

[Ross. S]

The Times has an article about the management keeping the faith with North. Playing Stef Evans is seen as too risky

Quite ironic really. North was capped at 17, against the Bok iirc, by the same management team

[Son of Mathonwy]

The Times has an article about the management keeping the faith with North. Playing Stef Evans is seen as too risky

Quite ironic really. North was capped at 17, against the Bok iirc, by the same management team

This team has soft spot for players who are fecking huge. Otherwise you need to serve a five year apprenticeship on the fringes.

Great stuff about "finishers" from Edwards. But that only makes sense if the "finisher" is on the pitch for the last 20-25 minutes as he said. Not 12, as in Sam Davies's case last time. Still Edwards has to toe the party line... I wonder how much he believes in Howley's selections though?

But this talk of finishers is just PR bullshit. It's to keep the press off their backs for another day or two before the team is revealed to be the same as fecking usual. We got the same from Gatland about Hook not being picked at 10 for years. I'd rather they were just honest about their though processes, ie they think Biggar is better/safer/whatever than Sam, hence the selection.

[MrK]

“We felt it was important the same group of players had the opportunity to go out and perform on Friday so we have named an unchanged match-day squad.
“Friday night is an opportunity for us. There is a lot of experience in our group and you don’t become a bad team overnight. We want to show what we can do and that experience will be very important this week."


This really boils my piss...its not overnight.

[Sandydragon]

Not surprised. In a way almost relieved. If it goes badly wrong, Howley has no one to blame.