6N Uncapped players

[Sourdust]

Not long to go, which untried players do you think have made a case for squad inclusion?

A few from me:

Keelan Giles (been in the squad but not played)
Steff Evans
Steve Shingler
Olly Cracknell
Will Boyd
Ollie Griffiths

Still can't really think of any centres or locks coming through, which is worrying. Enlighten me!

[MrK]

1 Wynn Jones in with a shout as 3rd choice LH cover with GJ Out (asssuming Smith and Evans get the nod)
2 Sam Parry - best hooker in Wales atm - with Dacey a strong second - Ryan Elias also looking good.
3 Would have loved to have seen Dillon Lewis but hes just not been playing
4/5 - cant see any uncapped players getting a look in (maybe Thornton if Bradley is out) - But AWJ, Ball and Clart to be the 3 in the 23
6 Olly Cracknell - has to be in with a shout - agreed - form #6
7 So many choices - Boyd, Griffiths, Young
8 WIth TF out see Moriaty having this shirt - long shots are Keddie/ Mcloed

9 Tom Habberfield - playing very very well and I think is better than Lloyd Williams
10/12 - Id like to see Owen Williams get a call, but unlikely
11/14 - Giles, but Evans has looked very impressive and maybe deserves a shot even more than Giles
12/13 - Not uncapped but Beck might get a look in -havent been impressed with Tyler Morgan at all
15 - Nope, no change here.

[Sandydragon]

I had hoped that Tyler Morgan would have stood up, but injury has hampered him and at the moment he isn't even close. The centre options aren't inspiring, the closest thing to a playmaker is Scott Williams and whilst he can pass, Henson he ain't.

Can we convert a flyhalf?

[MrK]

Our best option for that is Williams - he's played 12 a fair bit for Leicester this season . I would have like to have seen Patchell tried too but he hasn't played there for club and I understand Wales think his defence isn't up to centre.

[ALunpg]

1 Wynn Jones in with a shout as 3rd choice LH cover with GJ Out (asssuming Smith and Evans get the nod)
GOOD CALL

2 Sam Parry - best hooker in Wales atm - with Dacey a strong second - Ryan Elias also looking good.
YES.

3 Would have loved to have seen Dillon Lewis but hes just not been playing

4/5 - cant see any uncapped players getting a look in (maybe Thornton if Bradley is out) - But AWJ, Ball and Clart to be the 3 in the 23

6 Olly Cracknell - has to be in with a shout - agreed - form #6
YES HE HAS STEPPED UP

7 So many choices - Boyd, Griffiths, Young
YOUNG COULD COVER BOTH 6 OR 7

8 WIth TF out see Moriaty having this shirt - long shots are Keddie/ Mcloed

9 Tom Habberfield - playing very very well and I think is better than Lloyd Williams
YES ..YES ...YES

10/12 - Id like to see Owen Williams get a call, but unlikely
HIS DEFENCE LOOKS QUESTIONABLE AT TIMES I HAVE SEEN HIM.

11/14 - Giles, but Evans has looked very impressive and maybe deserves a shot even more than Giles
AGREED HE HAS MORE OVERALL ABILITY BETTER DEFENCE

12/13 - Not uncapped but Beck might get a look in -havent been impressed with Tyler Morgan at all
BECK IS BACK IN FORM

15 - Nope, no change here.

EVANS OR NIPPER ARE THE 3RD CHOICE FOR ME SO I AGREE


Lots of nodding agreement from me ... but maybe there is a list players like Beck who deserve a recall.

Biggest sadness for me is Corey Allan who I really liked but has not yet come back to top form since his injury .

[TibetanBlue]

Steff Evans has looked pretty decent this and last season. Get him involved instead of cuthbert.
Ive been pleasently surprised by Steve shinglers form this season, if it continues bring him in. Shame patchell got injured

[Numbers]

1 Wynn Jones in with a shout as 3rd choice LH cover with GJ Out (asssuming Smith and Evans get the nod)
2 Sam Parry - best hooker in Wales atm - with Dacey a strong second - Ryan Elias also looking good.
3 Would have loved to have seen Dillon Lewis but hes just not been playing
4/5 - cant see any uncapped players getting a look in (maybe Thornton if Bradley is out) - But AWJ, Ball and Clart to be the 3 in the 23
6 Olly Cracknell - has to be in with a shout - agreed - form #6
7 So many choices - Boyd, Griffiths, Young
8 WIth TF out see Moriaty having this shirt - long shots are Keddie/ Mcloed

9 Tom Habberfield - playing very very well and I think is better than Lloyd Williams
10/12 - Id like to see Owen Williams get a call, but unlikely
11/14 - Giles, but Evans has looked very impressive and maybe deserves a shot even more than Giles
12/13 - Not uncapped but Beck might get a look in -havent been impressed with Tyler Morgan at all
15 - Nope, no change here.

Thankfully Faletau is due to be fit for the tournament, likewise Samson Lee.

[MrK]

Squad announced next week, was 37 last year

Id like the following. - But expect to see Baldwin, E Jenkins, Lyd Williams, Anscombe, T Morgan, Amos and Cuthbert all included.

Smith, Evans, W Jones
Owen, Dacey, Parry
Francis, Lee, AN Other
AWJ, Ball, Charteris, HIll(or)Thornton
Cracknell, Tipuric, Warburton, Boyd, Young
Faletau, Moriaty, Baker

Webb, Habberfield, G Davies
Davies, Biggar O Williams (who can cover 12 also)
Roberts, Williams, Davies, Beck
North, Giles, James, S Evans,
Halfpenny, L Williams

[Sandydragon]

1 Wynn Jones in with a shout as 3rd choice LH cover with GJ Out (asssuming Smith and Evans get the nod)
2 Sam Parry - best hooker in Wales atm - with Dacey a strong second - Ryan Elias also looking good.
3 Would have loved to have seen Dillon Lewis but hes just not been playing
4/5 - cant see any uncapped players getting a look in (maybe Thornton if Bradley is out) - But AWJ, Ball and Clart to be the 3 in the 23
6 Olly Cracknell - has to be in with a shout - agreed - form #6
7 So many choices - Boyd, Griffiths, Young
8 WIth TF out see Moriaty having this shirt - long shots are Keddie/ Mcloed

9 Tom Habberfield - playing very very well and I think is better than Lloyd Williams
10/12 - Id like to see Owen Williams get a call, but unlikely
11/14 - Giles, but Evans has looked very impressive and maybe deserves a shot even more than Giles
12/13 - Not uncapped but Beck might get a look in -havent been impressed with Tyler Morgan at all
15 - Nope, no change here.

Thankfully Faletau is due to be fit for the tournament, likewise Samson Lee.

Is he? Thanks f*ck for that! No disrespect to Moriarty who would probably have filled the No8 berth and done a good job, but Faletau is simply class and I'd like to see Moriarty at blindside.

[Numbers]

Squad announced next week, was 37 last year

Id like the following. - But expect to see Baldwin, E Jenkins, Lyd Williams, Anscombe, T Morgan, Amos and Cuthbert all included.

Smith, Evans, W Jones
Owen, Dacey, Parry
Francis, Lee, AN Other
AWJ, Ball, Charteris, HIll(or)Thornton
Cracknell, Tipuric, Warburton, Boyd, Young
Faletau, Moriaty, Baker

Webb, Habberfield, G Davies
Davies, Biggar O Williams (who can cover 12 also)
Roberts, Williams, Davies, Beck
North, Giles, James, S Evans,
Halfpenny, L Williams

I'd have Hewitt at the Dragons over Tom James, Amos isn't fit. Boyd has played very well for the Scarlets in James Davies's absence but I'm not sure I would select him over Ollie Griffiths or Davies, there's an embarrassment of riches at 7, we could really do with some 8's and second rows, I'd like to see Keddie come on a bit but he's seemingly not top of the pecking order at Dave Parade, ditto Elliot Dee.

Corey Allen would be in the mix if he was actually playing any rugby.

[MrK]

I'd have Hewitt at the Dragons over Tom James, Amos isn't fit. Boyd has played very well for the Scarlets in James Davies's absence but I'm not sure I would select him over Ollie Griffiths or Davies, there's an embarrassment of riches at 7, we could really do with some 8's and second rows, I'd like to see Keddie come on a bit but he's seemingly not top of the pecking order at Dave Parade, ditto Elliot Dee.

Corey Allen would be in the mix if he was actually playing any rugby.

Id pick Boyde over the other 2 as hes also played 8 and I think 6 for the Scarlets this year...I'd forgotten about King also who seems a Gatland favourite but I havent seen him mentioned for a while...is he injured?

Allen, Morgan, Amos, havent really done enough as you say.

[Numbers]

I'd have Hewitt at the Dragons over Tom James, Amos isn't fit. Boyd has played very well for the Scarlets in James Davies's absence but I'm not sure I would select him over Ollie Griffiths or Davies, there's an embarrassment of riches at 7, we could really do with some 8's and second rows, I'd like to see Keddie come on a bit but he's seemingly not top of the pecking order at Dave Parade, ditto Elliot Dee.

Corey Allen would be in the mix if he was actually playing any rugby.

Id pick Boyde over the other 2 as hes also played 8 and I think 6 for the Scarlets this year...I'd forgotten about King also who seems a Gatland favourite but I havent seen him mentioned for a while...is he injured?

Allen, Morgan, Amos, havent really done enough as you say.

I think King is fit but just suffering from squad roatation, I take your point regarding Boyd's versatility, in fact his best game recently was at 8 imo.

[ALunpg]

Allen not getting game time is just not good...it will be similar for Ben John at the Ospreys I fear.

King has always been a mystery to me... I need to pay more attention to him when he is playing. I am overjoyed that Falateu is fit hopefully... he makes Warburton (if he is selected) far more effective.Samson Lee is good news as well 2 quality tight heads are great for Wales.

My only real strong wishes are for Habberfield and Steff Evans to be in the squad... lets see if they can step up.

[Numbers]

I'm hoping Sam Davies starts against Italy but I think that is pie in the sky.

[Sandydragon]

I'm hoping Sam Davies starts against Italy but I think that is pie in the sky.

I share your sentiment, but its got to be unlikely. I think the Italy team will be the perceived first choice one, at best Davies might be on the bench and used if the game is in the bag.

[Numbers]

I'm hoping Sam Davies starts against Italy but I think that is pie in the sky.

I share your sentiment, but its got to be unlikely. I think the Italy team will be the perceived first choice one, at best Davies might be on the bench and used if the game is in the bag.

I think he has to be a cert for the bench, who else?

[Mikey Brown]

I don't really know many of the other names you guys mention in the back row but Thomas Young seems to be doing the business week after week. Seems to have that uncoachable nous. With the physicality, pace and ball skills to do well in most areas of the game.

[Renniks]

I don't really know many of the other names you guys mention in the back row but Thomas Young seems to be doing the business week after week. Seems to have that uncoachable nous. With the physicality, pace and ball skills to do well in most areas of the game.

Would need to be playing to a level that made him more important than one of Faletau / North / Roberts… And better than their comparative replacements - I doubt he'd make the cut, but I'd have him straight in if he was playing in Wales

[Mikey Brown]

I totally take you're point. Though I'm a Quins fan and really struggling to think of what Roberts is doing well right now. Though he does have that gift of "turning up for the big games".

[ALunpg]

I totally take you're point. Though I'm a Quins fan and really struggling to think of what Roberts is doing well right now. Though he does have that gift of "turning up for the big games".

Glad you mentioned that..every time I catch him play for Quins I think omg ..he looks out of position ...

[Sandydragon]

I don't really know many of the other names you guys mention in the back row but Thomas Young seems to be doing the business week after week. Seems to have that uncoachable nous. With the physicality, pace and ball skills to do well in most areas of the game.

I have seen a little of Young play and of course read the rave reviews. If he were playing in Wales then Im sure he would be straight in the squad (or at least should be). With Gatlands law then life becomes more difficult. Owen Williams is another one who deserves a look, but which established and skilled player do we leave out to accommodate him? When other English based players become captured by the law, the situation will become very interesting.

[Sandydragon]

I'm hoping Sam Davies starts against Italy but I think that is pie in the sky.

I share your sentiment, but its got to be unlikely. I think the Italy team will be the perceived first choice one, at best Davies might be on the bench and used if the game is in the bag.

I think he has to be a cert for the bench, who else?

Im thinking something like:

16. Parry (although it will be Baldwin)
17. Nicky Smith
18. Lee ( I think Francis has moved into top spot for now)
19. IS Bradley Davies fit? If not then probably Jake Ball given the need for some carrying from the bench.
20. Warburton. My starting back row would be Faletau, Moriarty and Tips. Difficult call to make this one, lots of options. I would be more than happy with Ellie Jenkins
21. Possibly Habberfield?
22. Sam Davies
23. Bit stuck on this one. With a starting midfield of Scott Williams and Foxy, the obvious call is Roberts. but does he offer the impact and should we not be looking at other options with a view to blooding them prior to the next RWC? The question is what other centre has put their hand up and Im struggling tbh as the other younger options are either injured or a bit off form. I might be tempted by Gilles and the let opposition worry about how to stop him rather than his own defensive frailties. Otherwise, Beck or John???

[Sandydragon]

Ive just read that Webb will be back for the 6N, so thats Webb and Davies in the scrum half starting and sub shirts.

I'd overlooked King in my back row musings, so too Cracknell. But I just cant see Warburton being dropped completely. I suspect Warburton will start at 6 and Moriarty will bench

[Sourdust]

Some great responses.

I thought I had included Habberfield myself, duh! He's an obvious choice for me, with Davies way behind his form of last year. Not only is he on better form, but he's captained the Ospreys several times to good effect. I'll never forget Lloyd Williams' one moment of triumphant brilliance, but that was on the wing! He's a deeply unconvincing scrum-half IMO.

Of course with my Ospreys head on, having all four frontline half-backs in the Wales squad would be sub optimal...

I was really thinking of players who haven't played for Wales at all, but yes there are several "unproven" players who also deserve a chance too.

[Sandydragon]

Our national team has picked itself for years, but there feels like a real push for places this year, with some great club performances against experienced international players who maybe aren't hitting the heights. This should be a chance for new blood - no one is expecting much from us and at some point form needs to b rewarded.

It won't happen though, Howley will be very conservative IMO.