RugbyRebels

The team should either look like this..IMO

Patchell, North, Williams, Parkes, Evans, Biggar, Webb
Evans, Owens, Lee, Brad, AWJ, Moriaty, Tipuric, Navidi

Dee, W Jones, Lewis, S Davies, Shingler, G Davies, Amos, Halfpenny

Or this if Biggar is out

Halfpenny, North, Williams, Parkes, Evans, Patchell, G Davies
EVans, Owens, Lee, Brad, AWJ, Moriaty, Tipuric Navidi

Dee, Jones, Lewis, S Davies, Shingler, Webb, Anscombe, Amos

The team will probably look like this

Halfpenny, North, Williams, Parkes, Cuthbert, Biggar, Webb
Evans, Owens, Lee, Hill, AWJ, Navidi, Tipuric, Moriaty

Baldwin, Jones, Francis, Bradley, Jenkins, G Davies, Anscome, Amos

Is Liam Williams injured?

MrK wrote:The team should either look like this..IMO

Patchell, North, Williams, Parkes, Evans, Biggar, Webb
Evans, Owens, Lee, Brad, AWJ, Moriaty, Tipuric, Navidi

Dee, W Jones, Lewis, S Davies, Shingler, G Davies, Amos, Halfpenny

Or this if Biggar is out

Halfpenny, North, Williams, Parkes, Evans, Patchell, G Davies
EVans, Owens, Lee, Brad, AWJ, Moriaty, Tipuric Navidi

Dee, Jones, Lewis, S Davies, Shingler, Webb, Anscombe, Amos

The team will probably look like this

Halfpenny, North, Williams, Parkes, Cuthbert, Biggar, Webb
Evans, Owens, Lee, Hill, AWJ, Navidi, Tipuric, Moriaty

Baldwin, Jones, Francis, Bradley, Jenkins, G Davies, Anscome, Amos

This is the squad I would pick:

Evans
Owens
Lee
Davies
AWJ
Shingler
Tipuric
Moriarty
Webb
Biggar
S Evans
S WIlliams
Parkes
North
Williams

Reps:
W Jones
Dacey
Francis
Hill
Jenkins
G Davies
Patchell
Amos

I would have selected Priestland over Biggar if he was fit.

Mikey Brown wrote:I know I only come on here to ask why you’re not playing Patchell but that left to right pass he threw at the weekend was insane.

He's a cracking player, isn't he..?. I love to watch him play and he's in very good nick ATM. He's actually become a much more conservative player recently, and it seems to be working for him and for the Scarlets, but the big bomber pass still makes an occasional appearance. Which might be why Gats doesn't pick him.

So Biggar is out probably for the whole campaign although they are saying it is for sure first there.
So now we will see if there is a change in style with a differant 10 on play.
The downside is both Biggar and Halfpenny have been the maon consistant goal kickers for Wales and that may edge the coaches to stay on Halfpenny.

It's bad luck for Biggar & a shame that Priestland is out too.
Both were playing well & will be a loss.
Can't see Gats going for Patchell @ 10, it'll probably be Anscombe now but Owen Williams could be a bolter. He's been playing 10 for Gloucester recently & was reasonably impressive in the autumn games.

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PoolerSaint wrote:It's bad luck for Biggar & a shame that Priestland is out too.
Both were playing well & will be a loss.
Can't see Gats going for Patchell @ 10, it'll probably be Anscombe now but Owen Williams could be a bolter. He's been playing 10 for Gloucester recently & was reasonably impressive in the autumn games.

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The matches I have watched Owen Williams play 10 at Gloucester have not really made me beleive that he should be above Anscombe or Patchell in the selection stakes for the fly half slot
At inside centre he may get the nod but with Watkin and Parkes as options, it may be down to which combination suits best suits Stans new all flavour tictacs.

ALunpg wrote:

PoolerSaint wrote:It's bad luck for Biggar & a shame that Priestland is out too.
Both were playing well & will be a loss.
Can't see Gats going for Patchell @ 10, it'll probably be Anscombe now but Owen Williams could be a bolter. He's been playing 10 for Gloucester recently & was reasonably impressive in the autumn games.

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The matches I have watched Owen Williams play 10 at Gloucester have not really made me beleive that he should be above Anscombe or Patchell in the selection stakes for the fly half slot
At inside centre he may get the nod but with Watkin and Parkes as options, it may be down to which combination suits best suits Stans new all flavour tictacs.

Yep, if the new system is the same as the Scarlets and indeed the Lions used then it seems likely Williams will be at 12 to move any quick ball as soon as possible to the strike runners, be it Williams, JD, North or whatever.

It pretty much looks like this



The chap at the front of the 3 or triangle, in this instance Owens, can either carry into contact or offload left or right to the other players in the triangle as he sees fit, so his passing and decision making is critical, or if he gets a shout from a back he can pass the ball out the back (no forward in that position should ever be putting the ball out the back to a back unless that's what's called, and that can go wrong in a stadium where it's very loud, it's much easier in a club game with 60% attendance to get this right just based on what you can hear)

The 3 man pod in the shot above follows from a 3 man pod used the phase before, and that spits the forwards in 2 groups of 3 with 1 wide either side, or 1331, which as above is the same system the Lions used, and it's also the same as Australia. You'll even see NZ use the system, but NZ are less wedded to the system and mix it up with other systems more (no surprise there)

The 1331 system I like, it's simple to set up, it's easier than the variant on this that England employ, but it's perhaps well suited as with England's use of Ford and Farrell to having the 2nd playmaker at 12, and that suggests Williams. I'm not convinced on the back of what Howley said it'll be a truly open handling game as it's unlikely everyone is good enough to make use of that, this system allow you to try and place your best handlers at the tip of the triangle and thus less emphasis on the handling of the whole pack.

Digby wrote:

ALunpg wrote:

PoolerSaint wrote:It's bad luck for Biggar & a shame that Priestland is out too.
Both were playing well & will be a loss.
Can't see Gats going for Patchell @ 10, it'll probably be Anscombe now but Owen Williams could be a bolter. He's been playing 10 for Gloucester recently & was reasonably impressive in the autumn games.

Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk

The matches I have watched Owen Williams play 10 at Gloucester have not really made me beleive that he should be above Anscombe or Patchell in the selection stakes for the fly half slot
At inside centre he may get the nod but with Watkin and Parkes as options, it may be down to which combination suits best suits Stans new all flavour tictacs.

Yep, if the new system is the same as the Scarlets and indeed the Lions used then it seems likely Williams will be at 12 to move any quick ball as soon as possible to the strike runners, be it Williams, JD, North or whatever.

It pretty much looks like this



The chap at the front of the 3 or triangle, in this instance Owens, can either carry into contact or offload left or right to the other players in the triangle as he sees fit, so his passing and decision making is critical, or if he gets a shout from a back he can pass the ball out the back (no forward in that position should ever be putting the ball out the back to a back unless that's what's called, and that can go wrong in a stadium where it's very loud, it's much easier in a club game with 60% attendance to get this right just based on what you can hear)

The 3 man pod in the shot above follows from a 3 man pod used the phase before, and that spits the forwards in 2 groups of 3 with 1 wide either side, or 1331, which as above is the same system the Lions used, and it's also the same as Australia. You'll even see NZ use the system, but NZ are less wedded to the system and mix it up with other systems more (no surprise there)

The 1331 system I like, it's simple to set up, it's easier than the variant on this that England employ, but it's perhaps well suited as with England's use of Ford and Farrell to having the 2nd playmaker at 12, and that suggests Williams. I'm not convinced on the back of what Howley said it'll be a truly open handling game as it's unlikely everyone is good enough to make use of that, this system allow you to try and place your best handlers at the tip of the triangle and thus less emphasis on the handling of the whole pack.

That is invariably the play with the Scarlets, the two forward runners you refer to as the options are holding the defence, they are very infrequently used unless the ball carrier has spotted a gap on either side, the purpose of the Scarlets play is to keep the ball in hand as much as possible and avoid contact unless absolutely necessary.

The diamond attack was very much a thing supported by Mcgeechan and in the Glasgow attacks last weekend there were two clear attacks in the 15m channel where the diamond was used to immense effect.

However for me we also need someone at 15 who can fulfill the strike role and with Liam Williams probably out then we need an option .

ALunpg wrote:The diamond attack was very much a thing supported by Mcgeechan and in the Glasgow attacks last weekend there were two clear attacks in the 15m channel where the diamond was used to immense effect.

However for me we also need someone at 15 who can fulfill the strike role and with Liam Williams probably out then we need an option .

I suppose there are a few options:

Anscombe
Patchell
S Evans
Amos
Halfpenny

Halfpenny and Anscombe don't offer a great threat, I'd prefer Patchell to play there in front of either of those two, Amos is good at 15 but not sure how fit he'll be, Steff Evans played 15 throughout the age groups so he is an option.

I think on the balance of it I'd go with Amos, but as we know Halfpenny will be there for his place kicking in Biggars absence, unless Owen Williams is on the park somewhere as he is the most consistent place kicker behind Halfpenny who is available.

Not saying this couldn't be termed a diamond attack, it's certainly the case the diamond attack often has forwards in a 3 with an out the back pass available to a back which makes a diamond. But the thing I'd note with the diamond is it's often backs in the diamond, and the 1331 tends to be all about how the pack gets resourced across the pitch. Though it's not that important what things are labelled, and I'm aware this is drifting a little away from the 6N squad

Numbers wrote:

ALunpg wrote:The diamond attack was very much a thing supported by Mcgeechan and in the Glasgow attacks last weekend there were two clear attacks in the 15m channel where the diamond was used to immense effect.

However for me we also need someone at 15 who can fulfill the strike role and with Liam Williams probably out then we need an option .

I suppose there are a few options:

Anscombe
Patchell
S Evans
Amos
Halfpenny

Halfpenny and Anscombe don't offer a great threat, I'd prefer Patchell to play there in front of either of those two, Amos is good at 15 but not sure how fit he'll be, Steff Evans played 15 throughout the age groups so he is an option.

I think on the balance of it I'd go with Amos, but as we know Halfpenny will be there for his place kicking in Biggars absence, unless Owen Williams is on the park somewhere as he is the most consistent place kicker behind Halfpenny who is available.

Yep makes sense...I sadly think it will be Anscombe and Halfpenny unless they really buy into something along your lines .
I was surprised you mention that Williams is second best goal kicker ...my impression was Patchell was kicking well but impressions are not always right .

Numbers wrote:

ALunpg wrote:The diamond attack was very much a thing supported by Mcgeechan and in the Glasgow attacks last weekend there were two clear attacks in the 15m channel where the diamond was used to immense effect.

However for me we also need someone at 15 who can fulfill the strike role and with Liam Williams probably out then we need an option .

I suppose there are a few options:

Anscombe
Patchell
S Evans
Amos
Halfpenny

Halfpenny and Anscombe don't offer a great threat, I'd prefer Patchell to play there in front of either of those two, Amos is good at 15 but not sure how fit he'll be, Steff Evans played 15 throughout the age groups so he is an option.

I think on the balance of it I'd go with Amos, but as we know Halfpenny will be there for his place kicking in Biggars absence, unless Owen Williams is on the park somewhere as he is the most consistent place kicker behind Halfpenny who is available.

I still think of Anscombe in that Scotland game at full back and shudder. Patchell at 15 would be my option, probably with Anscombe at fly half. I'm still not convinced that Halfpenny has done anything to warrant selection and should be left to rediscover some of that attacking promise he had as a younger player.

A back 3 of Patchell, Amos and North would offer a lot of options. Shane was calling for Stef Evans, but based on the His, Amos deserves the first crack on the wing.

WIth Webb out I cant see past a Scarlets led back division

Davies & Patchell
Parkes & Williams
North, Cuthbert, 1/2p back 3

MrK wrote:WIth Webb out I cant see past a Scarlets led back division

Davies & Patchell
Parkes & Williams
North, Cuthbert, 1/2p back 3

I think I would prefer Amos instead of Cuthbert as he did play well in the AI. I would probably have Davies Williams and Evans on the bench.

Williams to cover 10 and 12 North to cover 13 and Evans to cover wing or 15 .

However I still have a gut feeling Stan will go for Anscombe and based on the release requirements Owen Williams might be the person that suffers.

ALunpg wrote:

MrK wrote:WIth Webb out I cant see past a Scarlets led back division

Davies & Patchell
Parkes & Williams
North, Cuthbert, 1/2p back 3

I think I would prefer Amos instead of Cuthbert as he did play well in the AI. I would probably have Davies Williams and Evans on the bench.

Williams to cover 10 and 12 North to cover 13 and Evans to cover wing or 15 .

However I still have a gut feeling Stan will go for Anscombe and based on the release requirements Owen Williams might be the person that suffers.

I think Amos is definitely the more intelligent and rounded player than Cuthbert, the back three will most likely be Amos, North and Halfpenny imo, Gatland has already said that he thinks his selection will be altered by the loss of Biggar's place kicking so that pretty much means Halfpenny is certain to start. I wouldn't be averse to North at 13 to accomodate Steff Evans however.

Numbers wrote:

ALunpg wrote:

MrK wrote:WIth Webb out I cant see past a Scarlets led back division

Davies & Patchell
Parkes & Williams
North, Cuthbert, 1/2p back 3

I think I would prefer Amos instead of Cuthbert as he did play well in the AI. I would probably have Davies Williams and Evans on the bench.

Williams to cover 10 and 12 North to cover 13 and Evans to cover wing or 15 .

However I still have a gut feeling Stan will go for Anscombe and based on the release requirements Owen Williams might be the person that suffers.

I think Amos is definitely the more intelligent and rounded player than Cuthbert, the back three will most likely be Amos, North and Halfpenny imo, Gatland has already said that he thinks his selection will be altered by the loss of Biggar's place kicking so that pretty much means Halfpenny is certain to start. I wouldn't be averse to North at 13 to accomodate Steff Evans however.

Could make it a high scoring game!

I suspect the back 3 will be Halfpenny, North and Amos. I also suspect Anscombe might get the nod at 10 over Patchell - I dont think the management trust Patch as much. Could be wrong, but it wouldn't surprise me.

Sandydragon wrote:Could make it a high scoring game!

I suspect the back 3 will be Halfpenny, North and Amos. I also suspect Anscombe might get the nod at 10 over Patchell - I dont think the management trust Patch as much. Could be wrong, but it wouldn't surprise me.

Agreed, I don't see Patchell getting the 10 shirt, much more likely Anscombe (since Gatland has oh so subtly hinted than Owen Williams is at a disadvantage).

Assuming no further injuries, I'm pretty sure the back three will be North and Halfpenny, with one of Amos, Cuthbert or Evans taking the other wing.

My preference would be for Patchell at 15, with Halfpenny on the bench if the game gets tight at the end and Patchell's boot fails him. I'd prefer Amos and Evans on the wing, but would have no major problem with North coming in instead of one of them.

Son of Mathonwy wrote:

Sandydragon wrote:Could make it a high scoring game!

I suspect the back 3 will be Halfpenny, North and Amos. I also suspect Anscombe might get the nod at 10 over Patchell - I dont think the management trust Patch as much. Could be wrong, but it wouldn't surprise me.

Agreed, I don't see Patchell getting the 10 shirt, much more likely Anscombe (since Gatland has oh so subtly hinted than Owen Williams is at a disadvantage).

Assuming no further injuries, I'm pretty sure the back three will be North and Halfpenny, with one of Amos, Cuthbert or Evans taking the other wing.

My preference would be for Patchell at 15, with Halfpenny on the bench if the game gets tight at the end and Patchell's boot fails him. I'd prefer Amos and Evans on the wing, but would have no major problem with North coming in instead of one of them.

Gatland did hint at North playing 13 last week, stating that he was surprised Northampton didn't play him there more as he gets more ball, with no genuine 13 in the squad I think it's a fair possibility.

Numbers wrote:

Son of Mathonwy wrote:

Sandydragon wrote:Could make it a high scoring game!

I suspect the back 3 will be Halfpenny, North and Amos. I also suspect Anscombe might get the nod at 10 over Patchell - I dont think the management trust Patch as much. Could be wrong, but it wouldn't surprise me.

Agreed, I don't see Patchell getting the 10 shirt, much more likely Anscombe (since Gatland has oh so subtly hinted than Owen Williams is at a disadvantage).

Assuming no further injuries, I'm pretty sure the back three will be North and Halfpenny, with one of Amos, Cuthbert or Evans taking the other wing.

My preference would be for Patchell at 15, with Halfpenny on the bench if the game gets tight at the end and Patchell's boot fails him. I'd prefer Amos and Evans on the wing, but would have no major problem with North coming in instead of one of them.

Gatland did hint at North playing 13 last week, stating that he was surprised Northampton didn't play him there more as he gets more ball, with no genuine 13 in the squad I think it's a fair possibility.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/42834449
So North didn't start for the Saints and apparently it says in the same article that Amos is already out.

ALunpg wrote:

Numbers wrote:

Son of Mathonwy wrote: Agreed, I don't see Patchell getting the 10 shirt, much more likely Anscombe (since Gatland has oh so subtly hinted than Owen Williams is at a disadvantage).

Assuming no further injuries, I'm pretty sure the back three will be North and Halfpenny, with one of Amos, Cuthbert or Evans taking the other wing.

My preference would be for Patchell at 15, with Halfpenny on the bench if the game gets tight at the end and Patchell's boot fails him. I'd prefer Amos and Evans on the wing, but would have no major problem with North coming in instead of one of them.

Gatland did hint at North playing 13 last week, stating that he was surprised Northampton didn't play him there more as he gets more ball, with no genuine 13 in the squad I think it's a fair possibility.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/42834449
So North didn't start for the Saints and apparently it says in the same article that Amos is already out.

Looks as though this game may come down to who can actually field a 23.

I’m trying to remember a season this bad for injuries, but I’m struggling. It’s not just us, only Ireland are broadly in one piece.

Sounds like the stage is set for Adams to make his debut - if not starting, at least from the bench.

Scrumhead wrote:Sounds like the stage is set for Adams to make his debut - if not starting, at least from the bench.

If North or Amos are out he could be on the bench ...if both are out he will get a start. The only hold back is that the lad has not had much time with the sqaud as he was away last week.
That said he has delivered regularly on the league but as has been said it is a step up to international with less space and better defences.