RugbyRebels

Posted: **Mon Sep 25, 2023 11:27 am**

Well three hurdles jumped with confidence and abilities growing. While we should beat a Georgian team who have looked very impressive so far, we still have to put in a performance.

The squad have a two week window of R&R and I would like to see Gatland blend in some of our benchers and backups into the starting lineup for Georgia.

Thomas deserves a start at TH along with Lake at hooker and Smith as the other prop.

This game will be another opportunity to make a statement to the top four - Wales won’t be a pushover.

Posted: **Mon Sep 25, 2023 12:36 pm**

I think there will be some changes for this one, but hopefully not too many. Biggar will be out and as LRZ limped off I’d like to wrap them both in cotton wool.

Henry THomas deserves a start and I’d like to see Basham get more game time. But hopefully not 13 changes as it would be good to keep some momentum going, even if we start strong but then empty the bench early.

Posted: **Mon Sep 25, 2023 12:44 pm**

If Reffell's fit then he should get some game time even if off the bench with Basham starting. Morgan's been great, but he can't start all the games and hope to remain as effective, he'll be knackered.

Posted: **Tue Sep 26, 2023 5:46 pm**

There are multiple arguments against wholesale changes:

Georgia are no mugs. Our 2nds SHOULD handle them but it's genuinely risky. Also we need to maintain momentum; if the 1sts all rest they will have had 3 weeks off rugby before the QF, which feels like too much.

There are a few obvious cases where genuine knockout options still need game time, and a couple of 1sts who should probably be protected; but I neither expect nor want to see an entirely new XXIII.

Posted: **Tue Sep 26, 2023 6:39 pm**

Morgan needs a rest. Lake needs lineout practice. Anscombe also needs more time. We should probably play most of the Portugal team (other than Morgan and Faletau - maybe have Basham at 8 instead). Hope those two centres have a better game this time.

But we need a really strong bench just in case the win is in doubt.

Posted: **Tue Sep 26, 2023 11:16 pm**

Sourdust wrote: ↑Tue Sep 26, 2023 5:46 pm There are multiple arguments against wholesale changes:

Georgia are no mugs. Our 2nds SHOULD handle them but it's genuinely risky. Also we need to maintain momentum; if the 1sts all rest they will have had 3 weeks off rugby before the QF, which feels like too much.

There are a few obvious cases where genuine knockout options still need game time, and a couple of 1sts who should probably be protected; but I neither expect nor want to see an entirely new XXIII.

The long gap is worrying. If the next games were consecutive weekends then I’d be tempted to test a bunch of players, but it’s a bit long and there’s a risk of being undercooked. One or two players need to recover and maybe a couple of bench players swop over but nothing too wholesale. We should beat Georgia and a BP isn’t important anymore. But losing moment by struggling again wouldn’t be great. I’d much rather we start strong and empty the bench nice and early.

Posted: **Wed Sep 27, 2023 7:49 am**

Sandydragon wrote: ↑Tue Sep 26, 2023 11:16 pm
Sourdust wrote: ↑Tue Sep 26, 2023 5:46 pm There are multiple arguments against wholesale changes:

Georgia are no mugs. Our 2nds SHOULD handle them but it's genuinely risky. Also we need to maintain momentum; if the 1sts all rest they will have had 3 weeks off rugby before the QF, which feels like too much.

There are a few obvious cases where genuine knockout options still need game time, and a couple of 1sts who should probably be protected; but I neither expect nor want to see an entirely new XXIII.
The long gap is worrying. If the next games were consecutive weekends then I’d be tempted to test a bunch of players, but it’s a bit long and there’s a risk of being undercooked. One or two players need to recover and maybe a couple of bench players swop over but nothing too wholesale. We should beat Georgia and a BP isn’t important anymore. But losing moment by struggling again wouldn’t be great. I’d much rather we start strong and empty the bench nice and early.

I’m certain Gatland, the wily and experienced operator, will pick the side he wants to do the job against Georgia.

This game is a great opportunity for some of the lesser players to meld in with the normally first choices to give them a winning experience. Fate can be fickle and you never know if a fringe player today will be stepping up to play a part in the next but one big game in the quarters.

Posted: **Wed Sep 27, 2023 8:11 am**

normanski wrote: ↑Wed Sep 27, 2023 7:49 am
Sandydragon wrote: ↑Tue Sep 26, 2023 11:16 pm
Sourdust wrote: ↑Tue Sep 26, 2023 5:46 pm There are multiple arguments against wholesale changes:

Georgia are no mugs. Our 2nds SHOULD handle them but it's genuinely risky. Also we need to maintain momentum; if the 1sts all rest they will have had 3 weeks off rugby before the QF, which feels like too much.

There are a few obvious cases where genuine knockout options still need game time, and a couple of 1sts who should probably be protected; but I neither expect nor want to see an entirely new XXIII.
The long gap is worrying. If the next games were consecutive weekends then I’d be tempted to test a bunch of players, but it’s a bit long and there’s a risk of being undercooked. One or two players need to recover and maybe a couple of bench players swop over but nothing too wholesale. We should beat Georgia and a BP isn’t important anymore. But losing moment by struggling again wouldn’t be great. I’d much rather we start strong and empty the bench nice and early.
I’m certain Gatland, the wily and experienced operator, will pick the side he wants to do the job against Georgia.

This game is a great opportunity for some of the lesser players to meld in with the normally first choices to give them a winning experience. Fate can be fickle and you never know if a fringe player today will be stepping up to play a part in the next but one big game in the quarters.

They should be looking to get the team into the best place for the quarterfinals ie rest those who need it, game time for those who need it etc. Whatever team that gives us should be enough to beat Georgia.

Posted: **Wed Sep 27, 2023 8:47 am**

normanski wrote: ↑Wed Sep 27, 2023 7:49 am
Sandydragon wrote: ↑Tue Sep 26, 2023 11:16 pm
Sourdust wrote: ↑Tue Sep 26, 2023 5:46 pm There are multiple arguments against wholesale changes:

Georgia are no mugs. Our 2nds SHOULD handle them but it's genuinely risky. Also we need to maintain momentum; if the 1sts all rest they will have had 3 weeks off rugby before the QF, which feels like too much.

There are a few obvious cases where genuine knockout options still need game time, and a couple of 1sts who should probably be protected; but I neither expect nor want to see an entirely new XXIII.
The long gap is worrying. If the next games were consecutive weekends then I’d be tempted to test a bunch of players, but it’s a bit long and there’s a risk of being undercooked. One or two players need to recover and maybe a couple of bench players swop over but nothing too wholesale. We should beat Georgia and a BP isn’t important anymore. But losing moment by struggling again wouldn’t be great. I’d much rather we start strong and empty the bench nice and early.
I’m certain Gatland, the wily and experienced operator, will pick the side he wants to do the job against Georgia.

This game is a great opportunity for some of the lesser players to meld in with the normally first choices to give them a winning experience. Fate can be fickle and you never know if a fringe player today will be stepping up to play a part in the next but one big game in the quarters.

That’s fair, but hopefully not 13 changes.

I’d suggest that LRZ, Biggar and Jac Morgan all need a rest. Possibly Liam Williams too.

I’d be tempted to give Thomas a start.

Maybe swop out one of the centres but not both.

Posted: **Wed Sep 27, 2023 10:35 am**

Sandydragon wrote: ↑Wed Sep 27, 2023 8:47 am
normanski wrote: ↑Wed Sep 27, 2023 7:49 am
Sandydragon wrote: ↑Tue Sep 26, 2023 11:16 pm

The long gap is worrying. If the next games were consecutive weekends then I’d be tempted to test a bunch of players, but it’s a bit long and there’s a risk of being undercooked. One or two players need to recover and maybe a couple of bench players swop over but nothing too wholesale. We should beat Georgia and a BP isn’t important anymore. But losing moment by struggling again wouldn’t be great. I’d much rather we start strong and empty the bench nice and early.
I’m certain Gatland, the wily and experienced operator, will pick the side he wants to do the job against Georgia.

This game is a great opportunity for some of the lesser players to meld in with the normally first choices to give them a winning experience. Fate can be fickle and you never know if a fringe player today will be stepping up to play a part in the next but one big game in the quarters.
That’s fair, but hopefully not 13 changes.

I’d suggest that LRZ, Biggar and Jac Morgan all need a rest. Possibly Liam Williams too.

I’d be tempted to give Thomas a start.

Maybe swop out one of the centres but not both.

I'd rest Anscombe as well. With Biggar being a mild injury doubt, the last thing you'd need would be him getting Duponted.

Puja

Posted: **Wed Sep 27, 2023 11:46 am**

Puja - you’re right about resting Anscombe as well as Biggar. Good opportunity for Costelow to start making his mark, but remember he’s our back up scrum half so we have to be careful with our management of all the half backs.

With Georgia struggling both in the forwards and backs against Portugal I’d be tempted to start Williams at 12 and to have him play out the last twenty minutes at 10 to see how he goes. By that time, form would suggest Wales should have a big lead and Gatland could usefully experiment.

Posted: **Wed Sep 27, 2023 12:47 pm**

I think Gatland will pick a team similar to what we saw against Portugal with a few tweaks. As said above costellow could well start, as Biggar wouldn't be ready, and Anscombe's now had the best part of two games under his belt. Costellow needs a start- if Biggar doesn't recover he's one Anscombe injury away from starting the quarter final!
LRZ played on the wing against Portugal but he limped off at the end of the Aussie game so might not be risked, so maybe Adams or even Liam W on the wing. I'd keep the same centres with North on the bench for 13/ wing cover. Other than that, brng in Reffell if fit and maybe start Henry Thomas.

Posted: **Wed Sep 27, 2023 12:54 pm**

pompey-zebra wrote: ↑Wed Sep 27, 2023 12:47 pm I think Gatland will pick a team similar to what we saw against Portugal with a few tweaks. As said above costellow could well start, as Biggar wouldn't be ready, and Anscombe's now had the best part of two games under his belt. costellow needs a start- if Biggar doesn't recover he's one Anscombe injury away from starting the quarter final!
LRZ played on the wing against Portugal but he limped off at the end of the Aussie game so might not be risked, so maybe Adams or even Liam W on the wing. I'd keep the same centres with North on the bench for 13/ wing cover. Other than that, brng in Reffell if fit and maybe start Henry Thomas.

I’d like to see Thomas start at TH because he seems to developing into a strong understudy to Francis. I’d also like to see a back three of Halfpenny, Sanjay and Dyer and I’m not fussed who out of them occupies the other wing/FB spots.

Posted: **Wed Sep 27, 2023 1:37 pm**

I fully expect us to filed the strongest team we can, barring the players with niggles, the more game time they get the morwe they will gel.

Posted: **Wed Sep 27, 2023 3:34 pm**

Given we have a two week rest, I'd throw the kitchen sink at it and put Georgia firmly back in their box. Nothing less than a bonus point win and possibly a record winning margin against them will satisfy.

Posted: **Wed Sep 27, 2023 4:28 pm**

UKHamlet wrote: ↑Wed Sep 27, 2023 3:34 pm Given we have a two week rest, I'd throw the kitchen sink at it and put Georgia firmly back in their box. Nothing less than a bonus point win and possibly a record winning margin against them will satisfy.

Hopefully not incurring serious tournament ending injuries.

Posted: **Wed Sep 27, 2023 5:04 pm**

UKHamlet wrote: ↑Wed Sep 27, 2023 3:34 pm Given we have a two week rest, I'd throw the kitchen sink at it and put Georgia firmly back in their box. Nothing less than a bonus point win and possibly a record winning margin against them will satisfy.

That's what I was thinking too. We lost to them last year so have a score to settle, a big win would keep the momentum up. I think I'd keep the same 23 but have the bench as starters to play for the first 60 minutes and depending on Biggar, if he can make it back by the QF then start Anscombe, if not then Anscombe on the bench.

Posted: **Wed Sep 27, 2023 7:58 pm**

Ross. S wrote: ↑Wed Sep 27, 2023 5:04 pm
That's what I was thinking too. We lost to them last year so have a score to settle, a big win would keep the momentum up.

TBH I don't really get this "score to settle" thing. They beat us once, and they deserved it, especially after we were lucky the time before.

It's a bit like 00s England fans calling for "Revenge" whenever we beat them; **** off lads, you'd trolleyed us five times in a row. This WAS "revenge".

Posted: **Wed Sep 27, 2023 8:00 pm**

Sourdust wrote: ↑Wed Sep 27, 2023 7:58 pm
Ross. S wrote: ↑Wed Sep 27, 2023 5:04 pm
That's what I was thinking too. We lost to them last year so have a score to settle, a big win would keep the momentum up.
TBH I don't really get this "score to settle" thing. They beat us once, and they deserved it, especially after we were lucky the time before.

It's a bit like 00s England fans calling for "Revenge" whenever we beat them; **** off lads, you'd trolleyed us five times in a row. This WAS "revenge".

I don't see it as a score to settle, more

1) Reassert dominance
2) Keep the momentum going
3) Avoid England jamming a win against us (again)

Posted: **Wed Sep 27, 2023 8:30 pm**

UKHamlet wrote: ↑Wed Sep 27, 2023 8:00 pm
3) Avoid England jamming a win against us (again)

Yeah we definitely want to avoid England right now.

TBF they feel exactly the same about us.

There's just too much at stake, and for too long, for me to ever be happy to play England at a RWC.

And after last time, it must ABSOLUTELY never happen again!

Posted: **Wed Sep 27, 2023 8:34 pm**

Sourdust wrote: ↑Wed Sep 27, 2023 7:58 pm
Ross. S wrote: ↑Wed Sep 27, 2023 5:04 pm
That's what I was thinking too. We lost to them last year so have a score to settle, a big win would keep the momentum up.
TBH I don't really get this "score to settle" thing. They beat us once, and they deserved it, especially after we were lucky the time before.

It's a bit like 00s England fans calling for "Revenge" whenever we beat them; **** off lads, you'd trolleyed us five times in a row. This WAS "revenge".

Settling a score was the wrong term to use. As Hammy said, more of asserting dominance and putting any residual demons to rest, should there be any.

Posted: **Sat Sep 30, 2023 7:03 pm**

After the slug fest of a game between Fiji and Georgia I don’t think Wales have much to worry about next weekend. It was an error strewn game with both sides looking physically shattered at times. What was surprising was that Georgia lead 9-0 to the hour mark but despite dominance in most areas couldn’t score a try.

I don’t think England will be worried about Fiji in the quarters

Posted: **Sat Sep 30, 2023 8:32 pm**

normanski wrote: ↑Sat Sep 30, 2023 7:03 pm After the slug fest of a game between Fiji and Georgia I don’t think Wales have much to worry about next weekend. It was an error strewn game with both sides looking physically shattered at times. What was surprising was that Georgia lead 9-0 to the hour mark but despite dominance in most areas couldn’t score a try.

I don’t think England will be worried about Fiji in the quarters

Georgia looked exhausted and that in the end was probably the difference. Fiji were surprisingly bad at times, and were lucky that they weren't further behind at half time.

Based on today's game, all England would need to do is kick to touch, given how poor the Fiji line out was.

Posted: **Sat Sep 30, 2023 10:17 pm**

Fiji definitely the fitter team, but the lineout was terrible and they put a lot of passes to ground. Entertaining match though.

Posted: **Sun Oct 01, 2023 7:45 am**

I don’t think Fiji mentally turned up yesterday. Against a tier one side they would and would be a different side as a result. They were truly awful but I’d expect them to be better against England.

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