Team v Les Bleus

[Numbers]

I think that the chances of us developing an all court game in time for the RWC are zero. There’s so many basics to work on that we might as well revert to Gatlandball and hope to get some self respect. Perhaps even a decent end position depending on how other games go.

As pointed out below, despite good passing players we struggle to put together a coherent attack, so let’s start building now on what’s the most likely team for the serious games in the RWC.

Have you not been watching, that's what we've played, created nothing and lived off errors caused by a pressure defence, this time without the rock solid defence so you can see why we're struggling, we are averaging about 30 missed tackles per game which is ludicrous, I'm not sure what's going on with Forshaw. We may as well start Tompkins and North for the next one just to try and sure up the midfield defence, Danty and Fickou would have a field day against the youngsters.

[Sandydragon]

Who else is in the squad?

Tompkins?

my apologies

but please no NORTH. he has not played well for a few seasons now

Long term I'd go for Watkin. For France we could replace one of our centres from last weekend with Tompkins and see how that shores up the midfield defence.

[Sandydragon]

I think that the chances of us developing an all court game in time for the RWC are zero. There’s so many basics to work on that we might as well revert to Gatlandball and hope to get some self respect. Perhaps even a decent end position depending on how other games go.

As pointed out below, despite good passing players we struggle to put together a coherent attack, so let’s start building now on what’s the most likely team for the serious games in the RWC.

Have you not been watching, that's what we've played, created nothing and lived off errors caused by a pressure defence, this time without the rock solid defence so you can see why we're struggling, we are averaging about 30 missed tackles per game which is ludicrous, I'm not sure what's going on with Forshaw. We may as well start Tompkins and North for the next one just to try and sure up the midfield defence, Danty and Fickou would have a field day against the youngsters.

Its look a bit like Warrenball adapted slightly for the modern game. Clearly we can't play it so lets just go back to basics.

[Son of Mathonwy]

Who else is in the squad?

Tompkins?

my apologies

but please no NORTH. he has not played well for a few seasons now

Look back at the stats. North was out of action for last year's 6N but was one of our better players when we won in 2021.

Sure, it may be that he won't get back to where he was but playing him in the hope that he rediscovers his best form in time for the world cup is at least as reasonable as playing Grady in the hope that he becomes a good international centre in the same timeframe.

[Numbers]

I think that the chances of us developing an all court game in time for the RWC are zero. There’s so many basics to work on that we might as well revert to Gatlandball and hope to get some self respect. Perhaps even a decent end position depending on how other games go.

As pointed out below, despite good passing players we struggle to put together a coherent attack, so let’s start building now on what’s the most likely team for the serious games in the RWC.

Have you not been watching, that's what we've played, created nothing and lived off errors caused by a pressure defence, this time without the rock solid defence so you can see why we're struggling, we are averaging about 30 missed tackles per game which is ludicrous, I'm not sure what's going on with Forshaw. We may as well start Tompkins and North for the next one just to try and sure up the midfield defence, Danty and Fickou would have a field day against the youngsters.

Its look a bit like Warrenball adapted slightly for the modern game. Clearly we can't play it so lets just go back to basics.

The only adaptation I have seen is a stepping 12 rather than a bosh 12, other than that it is Gatlball at it's finest, the issue with defence makes it less successful, if we want to play that way then we should have got Llewellyn in asap to get gainline imo.

Of course I'd rather we had stuck with Pivac and tried to develop our game rather than reverting to this anti-rugby which is more about not losing than going out to win games.

It would seem that we reap what we sow in that respect..

[Sandydragon]

Have you not been watching, that's what we've played, created nothing and lived off errors caused by a pressure defence, this time without the rock solid defence so you can see why we're struggling, we are averaging about 30 missed tackles per game which is ludicrous, I'm not sure what's going on with Forshaw. We may as well start Tompkins and North for the next one just to try and sure up the midfield defence, Danty and Fickou would have a field day against the youngsters.

Its look a bit like Warrenball adapted slightly for the modern game. Clearly we can't play it so lets just go back to basics.

The only adaptation I have seen is a stepping 12 rather than a bosh 12, other than that it is Gatlball at it's finest, the issue with defence makes it less successful, if we want to play that way then we should have got Llewellyn in asap to get gainline imo.

Of course I'd rather we had stuck with Pivac and tried to develop our game rather than reverting to this anti-rugby which is more about not losing than going out to win games.

It would seem that we reap what we sow in that respect..

TO be clear, we need to evolve. I just don't see that happening in time for the RWC. For better or worse we have Warrenball and need to adjust the team to fit that shape and see how far it gets us. If (massive if) we can beat Fiji then we have a good chance of doing fairly well thanks to a very favourable draw.

I also agree about Llewelyn (was he injured for 6N squad selection?).

[Numbers]

Its look a bit like Warrenball adapted slightly for the modern game. Clearly we can't play it so lets just go back to basics.

The only adaptation I have seen is a stepping 12 rather than a bosh 12, other than that it is Gatlball at it's finest, the issue with defence makes it less successful, if we want to play that way then we should have got Llewellyn in asap to get gainline imo.

Of course I'd rather we had stuck with Pivac and tried to develop our game rather than reverting to this anti-rugby which is more about not losing than going out to win games.

It would seem that we reap what we sow in that respect..

TO be clear, we need to evolve. I just don't see that happening in time for the RWC. For better or worse we have Warrenball and need to adjust the team to fit that shape and see how far it gets us. If (massive if) we can beat Fiji then we have a good chance of doing fairly well thanks to a very favourable draw.

I also agree about Llewelyn (was he injured for 6N squad selection?).

The only reason I can think that they haven't drafted hinm in is so he doesn't get a cap before he moves to England, so is still available for World Cup selection.

[francoisfou]

I think that Reffell must play to counter the pilferers such as Danty and Marchand, to minimize what’s going to be a tough afternoon at the Stade de France. The only silver lining may be the weather. Thundery showers are forecast on Saturday afternoon in Paris, but our weathermen are about as reliable as yours so it’ll probably be a lovely spring day! Bon courage, cos you’ll need it!

[pompey-zebra]

. The only silver lining may be the weather.

Well it was hardly "Springtime in Paris" weather in Twickenham on Saturday and it didn't seem to impede the French much. Unless it was the only thing stopping them getting a century.

[Sandydragon]

The only adaptation I have seen is a stepping 12 rather than a bosh 12, other than that it is Gatlball at it's finest, the issue with defence makes it less successful, if we want to play that way then we should have got Llewellyn in asap to get gainline imo.

Of course I'd rather we had stuck with Pivac and tried to develop our game rather than reverting to this anti-rugby which is more about not losing than going out to win games.

It would seem that we reap what we sow in that respect..

TO be clear, we need to evolve. I just don't see that happening in time for the RWC. For better or worse we have Warrenball and need to adjust the team to fit that shape and see how far it gets us. If (massive if) we can beat Fiji then we have a good chance of doing fairly well thanks to a very favourable draw.

I also agree about Llewelyn (was he injured for 6N squad selection?).

The only reason I can think that they haven't drafted hinm in is so he doesn't get a cap before he moves to England, so is still available for World Cup selection.

Good point. Although there must be some small print around that given his deal was done before a cap was offered.

[pompey-zebra]

Llewellyn was injured just before Christmas and was expected to be out long term when the squad was picked. Shame as he's English qualified- not that I've heard it said he wants to represent them, but there might be a few new faces needed by the Sais after recent events.

[Sandydragon]

Llewellyn was injured just before Christmas and was expected to be out long term when the squad was picked. Shame as he's English qualified- not that I've heard it said he wants to represent them, but there might be a few new faces needed by the Sais after recent events.

Bad timing really as he’s seemed a tidy player for Cardiff quite consistently

[Son of Mathonwy]

Looks like Liam Williams, Christ Tshiunza and (although it's pretty academic) Keiran Williams are out of contention (ie out of the squad) for the France match:

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rug ... s-26466338

For me that would mean Halfpenny at 15, Morgan at 6 (although Davies is tempting) and a Tompkins/North pairing at centre (although I would call up Johnny Williams, at the very least to see how he went training with the squad).

[pompey-zebra]

Interesting to see Sam Parry brought in as cover after Baldwin's injury. Parry looked quite good when he first came in the scene. Got injured as I recall, and that gave Lake a chance. Doubt if parry will make the squad for Saturday but good to see him back in the mix.

Edit; surprised to read Parry's 31! Thought he was a bit younger than that given he made his Wales debut only 2-3 years ago.

[Tuco Ramirez]

Looks like Liam Williams, Christ Tshiunza and (although it's pretty academic) Keiran Williams are out of contention (ie out of the squad) for the France match:

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rug ... s-26466338

For me that would mean Halfpenny at 15, Morgan at 6 (although Davies is tempting) and a Tompkins/North pairing at centre (although I would call up Johnny Williams, at the very least to see how he went training with the squad).

I would go with adams or LRZ at 15, time to look forward now.

[Numbers]

Looks like Liam Williams, Christ Tshiunza and (although it's pretty academic) Keiran Williams are out of contention (ie out of the squad) for the France match:

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rug ... s-26466338

For me that would mean Halfpenny at 15, Morgan at 6 (although Davies is tempting) and a Tompkins/North pairing at centre (although I would call up Johnny Williams, at the very least to see how he went training with the squad).

They interviewed him after the Scarlets game against Munster and he said he was blowing out of his ass for the last 20 minutes, he only came on after 20 odd minutes so I don't think he would be able to last a game, he would offfer something different from the bench tho.

I would also be tempted by Rhys Davies at 6 as we could do with some bulk, either him/Wainwright or Daff Jenkins perhaps?

[Sandydragon]

Looks like Liam Williams, Christ Tshiunza and (although it's pretty academic) Keiran Williams are out of contention (ie out of the squad) for the France match:

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rug ... s-26466338

For me that would mean Halfpenny at 15, Morgan at 6 (although Davies is tempting) and a Tompkins/North pairing at centre (although I would call up Johnny Williams, at the very least to see how he went training with the squad).

They interviewed him after the Scarlets game against Munster and he said he was blowing out of his ass for the last 20 minutes, he only came on after 20 odd minutes so I don't think he would be able to last a game, he would offfer something different from the bench tho.

I would also be tempted by Rhys Davies at 6 as we could do with some bulk, either him/Wainwright or Daff Jenkins perhaps?

I like Jonny Williams, but ideally, he needs to regain full fitness with his region first. Fully fit he's well in the mix in my opinion for centre.

[UKHamlet]

Liam Williams (shoulder) and Scott Baldwin (pec) have both been ruled out of Wales’ final Six Nations match against France, with Keiran Williams also released due to a groin injury. Ospreys hooker Sam Parry has been called up to the squad.

[Son of Mathonwy]

Looks like Liam Williams, Christ Tshiunza and (although it's pretty academic) Keiran Williams are out of contention (ie out of the squad) for the France match:

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rug ... s-26466338

For me that would mean Halfpenny at 15, Morgan at 6 (although Davies is tempting) and a Tompkins/North pairing at centre (although I would call up Johnny Williams, at the very least to see how he went training with the squad).

I would go with adams or LRZ at 15, time to look forward now.

IMO the time for looking forward is after the world cup. All we have is a few months. We shouldn't have anyone at full back whose defence is suspect. After the world cup LRZ may well develop into a world class full back.

[Sandydragon]

Looks like Liam Williams, Christ Tshiunza and (although it's pretty academic) Keiran Williams are out of contention (ie out of the squad) for the France match:

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rug ... s-26466338

For me that would mean Halfpenny at 15, Morgan at 6 (although Davies is tempting) and a Tompkins/North pairing at centre (although I would call up Johnny Williams, at the very least to see how he went training with the squad).

I would go with adams or LRZ at 15, time to look forward now.

IMO the time for looking forward is after the world cup. All we have is a few months. We shouldn't have anyone at full back whose defence is suspect. After the world cup LRZ may well develop into a world class full back.

I think Liam will be our full back for the RWC (injury permitting). To get us through the next game its realistically one of the players in the squad. halfpenny would be solid, but perhaps either Adams or LRZ to see how they cut it against one of the best sides in the world.

What's really clear is that we must transition after the next RWC and give youth a chance. Our likely strongest team is getting old and the newer players need an opportunity to bed in.

[Numbers]

I would go with adams or LRZ at 15, time to look forward now.

IMO the time for looking forward is after the world cup. All we have is a few months. We shouldn't have anyone at full back whose defence is suspect. After the world cup LRZ may well develop into a world class full back.

I think Liam will be our full back for the RWC (injury permitting). To get us through the next game its realistically one of the players in the squad. halfpenny would be solid, but perhaps either Adams or LRZ to see how they cut it against one of the best sides in the world.

What's really clear is that we must transition after the next RWC and give youth a chance. Our likely strongest team is getting old and the newer players need an opportunity to bed in.

We don't have any specialist fullbacks in the squad other than Liam and 1/2p and they're not the most robust of players, if we converted LRZ to 15 that would mitigate his interception tries which seem to account for quite a few of our scores, I suppose the counter to that would be he'd get the ball a lot more. Whatever we need to find some 15s tout suite, I'm not seeing anyone coming through the acadamies which is worrying (Cam Winnett looks quite good but he's also quite small, certainly for International rugby).

[Sandydragon]

IMO the time for looking forward is after the world cup. All we have is a few months. We shouldn't have anyone at full back whose defence is suspect. After the world cup LRZ may well develop into a world class full back.

I think Liam will be our full back for the RWC (injury permitting). To get us through the next game its realistically one of the players in the squad. halfpenny would be solid, but perhaps either Adams or LRZ to see how they cut it against one of the best sides in the world.

What's really clear is that we must transition after the next RWC and give youth a chance. Our likely strongest team is getting old and the newer players need an opportunity to bed in.

We don't have any specialist fullbacks in the squad other than Liam and 1/2p and they're not the most robust of players, if we converted LRZ to 15 that would mitigate his interception tries which seem to account for quite a few of our scores, I suppose the counter to that would be he'd get the ball a lot more. Whatever we need to find some 15s tout suite, I'm not seeing anyone coming through the acadamies which is worrying (Cam Winnett looks quite good but he's also quite small, certainly for International rugby).

I'd have O'Brian in my squad as he has been in good form for the Dragons for some time, but for whatever reason he doesn't fit the bill. I think I'd prefer Adams at FB out of the current selection, his defence is slightly better and as you say LRZ is a real danger on the wing, which Adams hasn't been of late.

[pompey-zebra]

Fail suggesting that LRZ will be full back, AWJ returning to the pack, and Tompkins and North in the centre.

[Graigwen]

Wales XV to face France

Wales: 15. Louis Rees-Zammit, 14. Josh Adams, 13. George North, 12. Nick Tompkins, 11. Rio Dyer, 10. Dan Biggar, 9. Rhys Webb, 1. Wyn Jones, 2. Ken Owens, 3. Tomas Francis, 4. Adam Beard, 5. Alun Wyn Jones, 6. Aaron Wainwright, 7. Justin Tipuric, 8. Taulupe Faletau.

Replacements: 16. Bradley Roberts, 17. Gareth Thomas, 18. Dillon Lewis, 19. Dafydd Jenkins, 20. Tommy Reffell, 21. Tomos Williams, 22. Owen Williams, 23. Leigh Halfpenny.

[Graigwen]

Not really any surprises, given earlier leaks.

Tonpkins was obvious, North less so but not a total surprise.