Wales v France (not Italy)

Moderator: Sandydragon

User avatar
Sandydragon
Posts: 10461
Joined: Tue Feb 09, 2016 7:13 pm

Re: Wales v France (not Italy)

Post by Sandydragon »

Spiffy wrote: Sat Mar 18, 2023 7:53 pm
UKHamlet wrote: Sat Mar 18, 2023 4:53 pm Wainwright has settled the argument about who plays 6. He was very good today. Given he's had an hour on the pitch since injury, I'd pencil him in as a "must play". Tips had his best game this 6N, AWJ was terrific, as was Biggar, Z was good at FB, but the standout player for me was North, who look settled alongside Tomkins.
Tompkins is one tough little nut who punches well above his weight in both attack and defence. Good feet too.
Yes he is. And he’s young enough to be around for another RWC cycle. Just need to find an outside centre to compliment him.
User avatar
Sandydragon
Posts: 10461
Joined: Tue Feb 09, 2016 7:13 pm

Re: Wales v France (not Italy)

Post by Sandydragon »

UKHamlet wrote: Sat Mar 18, 2023 4:53 pm Wainwright has settled the argument about who plays 6. He was very good today. Given he's had an hour on the pitch since injury, I'd pencil him in as a "must play". Tips had his best game this 6N, AWJ was terrific, as was Biggar, Z was good at FB, but the standout player for me was North, who look settled alongside Tomkins.
He’s physical and quick which a re big bonuses for the modern game. He does switch off but has been in good form for thenDragons and it’s good to see him back. If nothing else we need a No8 to challenge Faletau.
Mikey Brown
Posts: 11989
Joined: Sat Feb 13, 2016 5:10 pm

Re: Wales v France (not Italy)

Post by Mikey Brown »

Is he more of an 8 than a 6? Always seems to look handy as a flanker for you guys.
User avatar
Son of Mathonwy
Posts: 4964
Joined: Fri Feb 12, 2016 4:50 pm

Re: Wales v France (not Italy)

Post by Son of Mathonwy »

normanski wrote: Sat Mar 18, 2023 5:39 pm What’s Tipuric’s record for the 6N this year?
58 made, 1 missed, in 294 minutes.

Although, to be fair, Jonny Gray got 51 with 0 missed in 240 minutes, so even better.
User avatar
Sourdust
Posts: 817
Joined: Tue Feb 09, 2016 5:03 pm
Contact:

Re: Wales v France (not Italy)

Post by Sourdust »

Not that I'm suggesting they're unimportant (!) but our formerly most exciting attacking backrower ("he could play 13!") now being regularly lauded for his tackle count, is the most Gatland thing ever.
MrK
Posts: 345
Joined: Tue Mar 08, 2016 11:27 pm

Re: Wales v France (not Italy)

Post by MrK »

Sandydragon wrote: Sat Mar 18, 2023 8:10 pm
UKHamlet wrote: Sat Mar 18, 2023 4:53 pm Wainwright has settled the argument about who plays 6. He was very good today. Given he's had an hour on the pitch since injury, I'd pencil him in as a "must play". Tips had his best game this 6N, AWJ was terrific, as was Biggar, Z was good at FB, but the standout player for me was North, who look settled alongside Tomkins.
He’s physical and quick which a re big bonuses for the modern game. He does switch off but has been in good form for thenDragons and it’s good to see him back. If nothing else we need a No8 to challenge Faletau.
Wainwright is a Gatland favourite - botham, Navidi, moriaty will all be in the mix with him for the 6/8 spot in the squad, assuming he takes Tshiunza as a 6/5 option. Although I’m less convinced he will actually take him at this point in time
User avatar
Son of Mathonwy
Posts: 4964
Joined: Fri Feb 12, 2016 4:50 pm

Re: Wales v France (not Italy)

Post by Son of Mathonwy »

Sourdust wrote: Sun Mar 19, 2023 12:40 am Not that I'm suggesting they're unimportant (!) but our formerly most exciting attacking backrower ("he could play 13!") now being regularly lauded for his tackle count, is the most Gatland thing ever.
Agreed! I'm drawing attention to his tackling stats to dispell the idea that Tipuric is a lightweight or luxury player. I'm a fan and even I hadn't have thought they'd be so good.
User avatar
Sandydragon
Posts: 10461
Joined: Tue Feb 09, 2016 7:13 pm

Re: Wales v France (not Italy)

Post by Sandydragon »

MrK wrote: Sun Mar 19, 2023 7:52 am
Sandydragon wrote: Sat Mar 18, 2023 8:10 pm
UKHamlet wrote: Sat Mar 18, 2023 4:53 pm Wainwright has settled the argument about who plays 6. He was very good today. Given he's had an hour on the pitch since injury, I'd pencil him in as a "must play". Tips had his best game this 6N, AWJ was terrific, as was Biggar, Z was good at FB, but the standout player for me was North, who look settled alongside Tomkins.
He’s physical and quick which a re big bonuses for the modern game. He does switch off but has been in good form for thenDragons and it’s good to see him back. If nothing else we need a No8 to challenge Faletau.
Wainwright is a Gatland favourite - botham, Navidi, moriaty will all be in the mix with him for the 6/8 spot in the squad, assuming he takes Tshiunza as a 6/5 option. Although I’m less convinced he will actually take him at this point in time
It wouldn’t be a surprise if Tshiunza misses out. I’d expect the return of Ball and Hill and of course Rowlands (assuming an exception is made). With Beard and probably AWJ and given Hill can play at blindside at a push, I can see the youngsters not making this one. Maybe. Moriarty and Wainwright are both good blindsided and of course there is Navidi who may also return. Although Daf Jenkins has done very well this tournament and looks ready.

I could be wrong but I think Gatland will look to the younger players after the RWC.
Post Reply