The WOL 6N squad

[MrK]

Interesting take from Steff Thomas on who he think Gatland will select

Back-three: Cameron Winnett, Cai Evans, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Louis Rees-Zammit, Josh Adams, Rio Dyer
Centres: George North, Nick Tompkins, Eddie James, Mason Grady, Ben Thomas
Half-backs: Tomos Williams, Gareth Davies, Kieran Hardy, Sam Costelow, Callum Sheedy, Ioan Lloyd

Front-row: Gareth Thomas, Nicky Smith, Corey Domachowski, Elliot Dee, Ryan Elias, Dewi Lake, Henry Thomas, Tomas Francis, Kieron Assiratti
Second-rows: Adam Beard, Dafydd Jenkins, Rhys Davies, Christ Tshiunza, Will Rowlands, Teddy Williams
Back-row: Aaron Wainwright, Tommy Reffell, Jac Morgan (captain), Taulupe Faletau, Morgan Morris, Taine Basham, Mackenzie Martin


My take
Back-three: Not sure he will pick Feyi-Waboso over Rogers this early on
Centres: Struggle to see Ben Thomas and Eddie James in the squad at the expense of J Williams, maybe one but not both; K Williams I imagine is off the radar
Half backs: Probably the correct picks assuming Costelow is fit.
Front Row - LH- yes, HK - probably although Roberts has played more than Dee and Belcher has been playing very well, TH - I think Lewis will get selected ahead of Thomas, Fairbrother had a random selection for the AWJ game, Botha keeps getting mentioned but I dont think he'll get picked either, H O'Connor seems to be the "dark horse"
Second Rows - For me R Davies has to be selected (and also covers the 6 spot), Tshiunza was used in the 23 a fair bit in the RWC so assuming hes fit, hes in the squad
Back Row - Not enough balance in that selection for me; need a proper 6 - Its a real shame Plumtree is out - I just cant see him picking Morris so would expect to see Mann called in unless Botham gets a run of games. I think Martin over Tuipolotu is a fair call, even at this early stage, I know you have to pick Faletau but maybe he needs a break from breaking.

[Son of Mathonwy]

Interesting take from Steff Thomas on who he think Gatland will select

Back-three: Cameron Winnett, Cai Evans, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Louis Rees-Zammit, Josh Adams, Rio Dyer
Centres: George North, Nick Tompkins, Eddie James, Mason Grady, Ben Thomas
Half-backs: Tomos Williams, Gareth Davies, Kieran Hardy, Sam Costelow, Callum Sheedy, Ioan Lloyd

Front-row: Gareth Thomas, Nicky Smith, Corey Domachowski, Elliot Dee, Ryan Elias, Dewi Lake, Henry Thomas, Tomas Francis, Kieron Assiratti
Second-rows: Adam Beard, Dafydd Jenkins, Rhys Davies, Christ Tshiunza, Will Rowlands, Teddy Williams
Back-row: Aaron Wainwright, Tommy Reffell, Jac Morgan (captain), Taulupe Faletau, Morgan Morris, Taine Basham, Mackenzie Martin


My take
Back-three: Not sure he will pick Feyi-Waboso over Rogers this early on
Centres: Struggle to see Ben Thomas and Eddie James in the squad at the expense of J Williams, maybe one but not both; K Williams I imagine is off the radar
Half backs: Probably the correct picks assuming Costelow is fit.
Front Row - LH- yes, HK - probably although Roberts has played more than Dee and Belcher has been playing very well, TH - I think Lewis will get selected ahead of Thomas, Fairbrother had a random selection for the AWJ game, Botha keeps getting mentioned but I dont think he'll get picked either, H O'Connor seems to be the "dark horse"
Second Rows - For me R Davies has to be selected (and also covers the 6 spot), Tshiunza was used in the 23 a fair bit in the RWC so assuming hes fit, hes in the squad
Back Row - Not enough balance in that selection for me; need a proper 6 - Its a real shame Plumtree is out - I just cant see him picking Morris so would expect to see Mann called in unless Botham gets a run of games. I think Martin over Tuipolotu is a fair call, even at this early stage, I know you have to pick Faletau but maybe he needs a break from breaking.

Back three: a lot depends on whether he wants to play LRZ or Adams at FB. Agreed that Rogers is more likely to be there than IFW. Personally I'd take him instead of Cai Evans, who isn't quite international class for me. This is all assuming that Nagy's out . . .
Centres: surely Johnny Williams will be in there. Obviously I'd have Keiran there but Gatland won't. Ben Thomas had a great game this weekend but he needs to do that a bit more to get into the squad. Not sure about James yet.
Half backs: I would pick those 6 but I'm worried that Lloyd is too talented for Gatland's liking.
Front row: agreed unless Carre shows signs of greater commitment.
Second row: yes, but will Tshiunza be fit? Maybe Fender then.
Back row: no way is Gatland picking Morris. Unfortunately. Perhaps R Davies for 6 instead with Fender taking his place in the 2nd row? I wouldn't be shocked if Gatland picked Tuipolotu but he's not dynamic enough for me (yet).

[Numbers]

He picked a squad of 37 last year so not sure he will now pick 39.

[Son of Mathonwy]

Jarrod Evans now eligible for Wales because he didn't get a 'credible' offer from a Welsh club? Given the slashed budgets and terrible offers, doesn't that mean that pretty much anyone leaving will be eligible?

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rug ... k-28325122

Can't see many of those out of contract staying.

[Son of Mathonwy]

Gotta say I agree with Shane about Grady being better on the wing at the moment. As long as North is fit, this is perhaps the better option for Wales. And even without North (for whatever reason) perhaps Johnny Williams could slot into the human missile role at 13?

[Sandydragon]

Jarrod Evans now eligible for Wales because he didn't get a 'credible' offer from a Welsh club? Given the slashed budgets and terrible offers, doesn't that mean that pretty much anyone leaving will be eligible?

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rug ... k-28325122

Can't see many of those out of contract staying.

I've historically been in favour of limiting your ability to play for Wales unless you had earned a certain number of caps. I think it generally benefitted the Regions as well. But given the current climate, it would be mad not to think about suspending that policy. The regions wont hold onto their star players who have +25 caps in most cases and they depend on the money that the WRU can generate from internationals, which means keeping that team compeititve.

[Sandydragon]

Gotta say I agree with Shane about Grady being better on the wing at the moment. As long as North is fit, this is perhaps the better option for Wales. And even without North (for whatever reason) perhaps Johnny Williams could slot into the human missile role at 13?

All fair points. I suspect for Wales Grady will be the bench option, brought on to run at tired players, which is by no means a bad tactic. I think wing brings out his natural abilities whilst shielding him more from areas where he needs development.

[MrK]

Gotta say I agree with Shane about Grady being better on the wing at the moment. As long as North is fit, this is perhaps the better option for Wales. And even without North (for whatever reason) perhaps Johnny Williams could slot into the human missile role at 13?

All fair points. I suspect for Wales Grady will be the bench option, brought on to run at tired players, which is by no means a bad tactic. I think wing brings out his natural abilities whilst shielding him more from areas where he needs development.

A "finisher"

[MrK]

Wales online updated view of squad

B3: Cai Evans, Cameron Winnett, Josh Adams, Rio Dyer, Louis Rees-Zammit, Mason Grady, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso. - Grady moved from Centre to Wing
Centres: Nick Tompkins, George North, Joe Roberts, Ben Thomas, Johnny Williams - Eddie James removed from list, Roberts and Williams added
10s: Sam Costelow, Owen Williams, Ioan Lloyd - O Williams replaces Sheedy in their pick
9s:Tomos Williams, Gareth Davies, Kieran Hardy - as before
FR: Gareth Thomas, Nicky Smith, Corey Domachowski, Dewi Lake (Captain), Ryan Elias, Elliot Dee, Tomas Francis, Dillon Lewis, Kieran Assiratti, Leon Brown. - - Brown and Lewis added, Thomas removed
2R:Will Rowlands, Adam Beard, Dafydd Jenkins, Teddy Williams, Rhys Davies - Christ swaps to Back Row in this list, rest remain as was
BR: Aaron Wainwright, Tommy Reffell, Taulupe Faletau, Christ Tshiunza, Morgan Morris, Josh Macleod, Mackenzie Martin. - No Jac unfortunately, Basham taken off list, Macleod added

[Son of Mathonwy]

Wales online updated view of squad

B3: Cai Evans, Cameron Winnett, Josh Adams, Rio Dyer, Louis Rees-Zammit, Mason Grady, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso. - Grady moved from Centre to Wing
Centres: Nick Tompkins, George North, Joe Roberts, Ben Thomas, Johnny Williams - Eddie James removed from list, Roberts and Williams added
10s: Sam Costelow, Owen Williams, Ioan Lloyd - O Williams replaces Sheedy in their pick
9s:Tomos Williams, Gareth Davies, Kieran Hardy - as before
FR: Gareth Thomas, Nicky Smith, Corey Domachowski, Dewi Lake (Captain), Ryan Elias, Elliot Dee, Tomas Francis, Dillon Lewis, Kieran Assiratti, Leon Brown. - - Brown and Lewis added, Thomas removed
2R:Will Rowlands, Adam Beard, Dafydd Jenkins, Teddy Williams, Rhys Davies - Christ swaps to Back Row in this list, rest remain as was
BR: Aaron Wainwright, Tommy Reffell, Taulupe Faletau, Christ Tshiunza, Morgan Morris, Josh Macleod, Mackenzie Martin. - No Jac unfortunately, Basham taken off list, Macleod added

I'm not that convinced by Cai Evans or Winnett. I think I'd be looking to start LRZ at fb. Might even bring Lloyd in at fb if he's not going to be the starting 10 (which he would be for me).
Not convinced by Roberts or Thomas. Owen Williams might be a better back up 12 to Tompkins. (This is assuming Keiran Williams isn't an option).
Costelow needs some great performances in the next few weeks to get the 10 shirt. It's Lloyd for me, followed by Sheedy.
I'd have Fender at lock, Rhys Davies at back row. Prefer Basham and Botham to Tshiunza and MacLeod. I guess Morse is an option but probably too soon for him.

[Sandydragon]

Wales online updated view of squad

B3: Cai Evans, Cameron Winnett, Josh Adams, Rio Dyer, Louis Rees-Zammit, Mason Grady, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso. - Grady moved from Centre to Wing
Centres: Nick Tompkins, George North, Joe Roberts, Ben Thomas, Johnny Williams - Eddie James removed from list, Roberts and Williams added
10s: Sam Costelow, Owen Williams, Ioan Lloyd - O Williams replaces Sheedy in their pick
9s:Tomos Williams, Gareth Davies, Kieran Hardy - as before
FR: Gareth Thomas, Nicky Smith, Corey Domachowski, Dewi Lake (Captain), Ryan Elias, Elliot Dee, Tomas Francis, Dillon Lewis, Kieran Assiratti, Leon Brown. - - Brown and Lewis added, Thomas removed
2R:Will Rowlands, Adam Beard, Dafydd Jenkins, Teddy Williams, Rhys Davies - Christ swaps to Back Row in this list, rest remain as was
BR: Aaron Wainwright, Tommy Reffell, Taulupe Faletau, Christ Tshiunza, Morgan Morris, Josh Macleod, Mackenzie Martin. - No Jac unfortunately, Basham taken off list, Macleod added

I'm not that convinced by Cai Evans or Winnett. I think I'd be looking to start LRZ at fb. Might even bring Lloyd in at fb if he's not going to be the starting 10 (which he would be for me).
Not convinced by Roberts or Thomas. Owen Williams might be a better back up 12 to Tompkins. (This is assuming Keiran Williams isn't an option).
Costelow needs some great performances in the next few weeks to get the 10 shirt. It's Lloyd for me, followed by Sheedy.
I'd have Fender at lock, Rhys Davies at back row. Prefer Basham and Botham to Tshiunza and MacLeod. I guess Morse is an option but probably too soon for him.

I'd normally have Basham in my squad, but I think he has pissed on his chips with recent performances which have been ill-disciplined or sub-par. Agree about Costelow. RWC performances aside, he's been out for a while and his last performance wasn't international class. I'd rather give Lloyd an opportunity since he has been in form.

[Sourdust]

10 and 15 are still massively worrying.

Costelow is badly out of form, Lloyd looks the business HALF the time, and Williams has found a part of his mojo but is already too old to be a long-term solution. Sheedy appears to be doing solidly without lighting any fires. Basically I'd argue against all of them, which means I can't really argue against any of them.

Winnet looks a MUCH better option than Evans to me, but Gatland will probably favour the latter's size and utility function. Realistically I don't think we're going to have much alternative to putting LRZ at 15, where all great Welsh attacking wingers end up far too soon.

[Sandydragon]

10 and 15 are still massively worrying.

Costelow is badly out of form, Lloyd looks the business HALF the time, and Williams has found a part of his mojo but is already too old to be a long-term solution. Sheedy appears to be doing solidly without lighting any fires. Basically I'd argue against all of them, which means I can't really argue against any of them.

Winnet looks a MUCH better option than Evans to me, but Gatland will probably favour the latter's size and utility function. Realistically I don't think we're going to have much alternative to putting LRZ at 15, where all great Welsh attacking wingers end up far too soon.

I really think we will have LRZ at 15, and if not him then Adams. There's some promise amongst the younger fullbacks in the game, but Gatland might want to give LRZ or Adams a chance to claim the shirt. I agree that no one at 10 looks the real deal. I don't see the point in playing Owen Williams this year unless we suddenly need a rookie scrum half and want experience (but we have 2 experienced 9s so not really an issue). Sheedy is me solid but strikes me as a club player filling a gap at the international level. Costelow is badly out of form and I think Lloyd has made the best of the opportunities handed to him this season, but is he a Gatland type player? Sheedy as our starting 10 wouldn't be a surprise, but I really hope its Lloyd.

[Sourdust]

On a more positive note, I just watched some of the Os youngsters acquit themselves pretty well against an admittedly poor Perpignan side. Not-so-young-any-more Keelan Giles looking the business again. Luke Davies and Dan Edwards not an inch out-of-place at half-back. Morgan Morse and James Fender continuing to appear capable. Iestyn Hopkins slightly flattered by two run-ins, but he doesn't look bad either.

[Wallpaperman]

On a more positive note, I just watched some of the Os youngsters acquit themselves pretty well against an admittedly poor Perpignan side. Not-so-young-any-more Keelan Giles looking the business again. Luke Davies and Dan Edwards not an inch out-of-place at half-back. Morgan Morse and James Fender continuing to appear capable. Iestyn Hopkins slightly flattered by two run-ins, but he doesn't look bad either.

Yup, the Os are bringing some proper talent through. Wouldn’t surprise me if Edwards and Fender are capped this year - I gather that Fender is injured, otherwise he may well have made the six nations squad.

Keeping an eye on Deaves, Tristan Davies & Ben Warren, too.

[Numbers]

On a more positive note, I just watched some of the Os youngsters acquit themselves pretty well against an admittedly poor Perpignan side. Not-so-young-any-more Keelan Giles looking the business again. Luke Davies and Dan Edwards not an inch out-of-place at half-back. Morgan Morse and James Fender continuing to appear capable. Iestyn Hopkins slightly flattered by two run-ins, but he doesn't look bad either.

Two players who had their best games for some time were Beard and Owen Watkin, this could be timely for Watkin especially as it seems Williams may be suspended.

We have two real areas of concern which have been mentioned on this thread and lost a lot of players on the weekend.

Who do we have fit at 10, Sheedy is currently injured as is Costelow and Williams by the looks of it, this leacves us with Lloyd and Evans, will Dan Edwards get a call up, who knows. 15 is a real worry, I think Winnett has all the right attributes but I suspect Cai Evans top be selected due to the fact we don't have many good place kickers, Winnett also went off for a HIA so hopefuly he can pass the relevant return to play protocols.

7 is starting to look a bit bare, Reffell didn't feature for Leicester on the weekend (hopefully they were resting him but he came off early the previous week and he normally starts all their games), Morgan, Deaves, MacLeod all now injured, Thomas Young played well but it was his first game back from injury, Dan Davies could also be an option or Basham more likely, Alex Mann could be an outside option.

[Numbers]

North apparently was just unwell so that's a bonus.

[Son of Mathonwy]

On a more positive note, I just watched some of the Os youngsters acquit themselves pretty well against an admittedly poor Perpignan side. Not-so-young-any-more Keelan Giles looking the business again. Luke Davies and Dan Edwards not an inch out-of-place at half-back. Morgan Morse and James Fender continuing to appear capable. Iestyn Hopkins slightly flattered by two run-ins, but he doesn't look bad either.

Two players who had their best games for some time were Beard and Owen Watkin, this could be timely for Watkin especially as it seems Williams may be suspended.

We have two real areas of concern which have been mentioned on this thread and lost a lot of players on the weekend.

Who do we have fit at 10, Sheedy is currently injured as is Costelow and Williams by the looks of it, this leacves us with Lloyd and Evans, will Dan Edwards get a call up, who knows. 15 is a real worry, I think Winnett has all the right attributes but I suspect Cai Evans top be selected due to the fact we don't have many good place kickers, Winnett also went off for a HIA so hopefuly he can pass the relevant return to play protocols.

7 is starting to look a bit bare, Reffell didn't feature for Leicester on the weekend (hopefully they were resting him but he came off early the previous week and he normally starts all their games), Morgan, Deaves, MacLeod all now injured, Thomas Young played well but it was his first game back from injury, Dan Davies could also be an option or Basham more likely, Alex Mann could be an outside option.

Lloyd for 10, LRZ for 15.
7 is a surprise problem. Could either of the Morgans, Morris or Morse be an answer?

[Numbers]

On a more positive note, I just watched some of the Os youngsters acquit themselves pretty well against an admittedly poor Perpignan side. Not-so-young-any-more Keelan Giles looking the business again. Luke Davies and Dan Edwards not an inch out-of-place at half-back. Morgan Morse and James Fender continuing to appear capable. Iestyn Hopkins slightly flattered by two run-ins, but he doesn't look bad either.

Two players who had their best games for some time were Beard and Owen Watkin, this could be timely for Watkin especially as it seems Williams may be suspended.

We have two real areas of concern which have been mentioned on this thread and lost a lot of players on the weekend.

Who do we have fit at 10, Sheedy is currently injured as is Costelow and Williams by the looks of it, this leacves us with Lloyd and Evans, will Dan Edwards get a call up, who knows. 15 is a real worry, I think Winnett has all the right attributes but I suspect Cai Evans top be selected due to the fact we don't have many good place kickers, Winnett also went off for a HIA so hopefuly he can pass the relevant return to play protocols.

7 is starting to look a bit bare, Reffell didn't feature for Leicester on the weekend (hopefully they were resting him but he came off early the previous week and he normally starts all their games), Morgan, Deaves, MacLeod all now injured, Thomas Young played well but it was his first game back from injury, Dan Davies could also be an option or Basham more likely, Alex Mann could be an outside option.

Lloyd for 10, LRZ for 15.
7 is a surprise problem. Could either of the Morgans, Morris or Morse be an answer?

I'm not liking Rees-Zammitt at fullback tbh, I watched the Glos game and he was ok but I'd rather Winnett was given a chance, I'm hoping Leicester have just been resting Reffell, I think Morgan Morris's boat has sailed unfortunately but Morgan Morse could well be in the squad just for some experience of the environment and what will be expected of him.

[Numbers]

Oh and I would have Daff Jenkins as my Captain, every time I watch him play he impresses and he could quite easily play 6 with his athleticism if the captain needs to be a starter.

[Son of Mathonwy]

Oh and I would have Daff Jenkins as my Captain, every time I watch him play he impresses and he could quite easily play 6 with his athleticism if the captain needs to be a starter.

I expect Jenkins could do OK at 6 but has he ever played there? I would need to see some evidence before I started him at 6. If he starts he'd be a good captain. Otherwise it's Beard (captain ahead of Lake for the Ospreys).

[Buggaluggs]

Two players who had their best games for some time were Beard and Owen Watkin, this could be timely for Watkin especially as it seems Williams may be suspended.

We have two real areas of concern which have been mentioned on this thread and lost a lot of players on the weekend.

Who do we have fit at 10, Sheedy is currently injured as is Costelow and Williams by the looks of it, this leacves us with Lloyd and Evans, will Dan Edwards get a call up, who knows. 15 is a real worry, I think Winnett has all the right attributes but I suspect Cai Evans top be selected due to the fact we don't have many good place kickers, Winnett also went off for a HIA so hopefuly he can pass the relevant return to play protocols.

7 is starting to look a bit bare, Reffell didn't feature for Leicester on the weekend (hopefully they were resting him but he came off early the previous week and he normally starts all their games), Morgan, Deaves, MacLeod all now injured, Thomas Young played well but it was his first game back from injury, Dan Davies could also be an option or Basham more likely, Alex Mann could be an outside option.

Lloyd for 10, LRZ for 15.
7 is a surprise problem. Could either of the Morgans, Morris or Morse be an answer?

I'm not liking Rees-Zammitt at fullback tbh, I watched the Glos game and he was ok but I'd rather Winnett was given a chance, I'm hoping Leicester have just been resting Reffell, I think Morgan Morris's boat has sailed unfortunately but Morgan Morse could well be in the squad just for some experience of the environment and what will be expected of him.

Well, not an option now for LRZ as he's gone the NFL.

[Numbers]

Oh and I would have Daff Jenkins as my Captain, every time I watch him play he impresses and he could quite easily play 6 with his athleticism if the captain needs to be a starter.

I expect Jenkins could do OK at 6 but has he ever played there? I would need to see some evidence before I started him at 6. If he starts he'd be a good captain. Otherwise it's Beard (captain ahead of Lake for the Ospreys).

He started off as a backrower and then swapped when he had a growth spurt, I'm pretty sure Gatland has posited him before at 6.

[Sandydragon]

Oh and I would have Daff Jenkins as my Captain, every time I watch him play he impresses and he could quite easily play 6 with his athleticism if the captain needs to be a starter.

I expect Jenkins could do OK at 6 but has he ever played there? I would need to see some evidence before I started him at 6. If he starts he'd be a good captain. Otherwise it's Beard (captain ahead of Lake for the Ospreys).

He started off as a backrower and then swapped when he had a growth spurt, I'm pretty sure Gatland has posited him before at 6.

He could make a decent backrower. He's athletic and physical, but I would be nervous about him being both captain at international level and trying out a new position at the same time. I suspect we will see either Botham or Basham at 6.

[Numbers]

I expect Jenkins could do OK at 6 but has he ever played there? I would need to see some evidence before I started him at 6. If he starts he'd be a good captain. Otherwise it's Beard (captain ahead of Lake for the Ospreys).

He started off as a backrower and then swapped when he had a growth spurt, I'm pretty sure Gatland has posited him before at 6.

He could make a decent backrower. He's athletic and physical, but I would be nervous about him being both captain at international level and trying out a new position at the same time. I suspect we will see either Botham or Basham at 6.

I think Basham gives us an undersized backrow if paired with Reffell on the flank, our pack needs as much weight as possible to try and assist the novice tightheads.

Tho I have a lot of time for Botham so he wouldn't a bad option.