Should Wales have played Tonga instead, and could they of played Russia?

Wales have gone into the World Cup with 2 physical games against England. Clearly this is designed to toughen the pack up ready for South Africa. But after those 2 tests they play Argentina. My question would be should Wales have added a game against Tonga instead of Argentina, based on the fact Wales are playing Fiji and Samoa at the World Cup.

Secondly, as Wales players will be short of match practice do you think it might of been an idea for Wales to of played Russia this Tuesday?
Tuesday will see Newport Gwent Dragons play Russia, but Wales could of easily organised a game instead and played some of the other fringe players, that haven't been used in the England games. This would still of given Wales 6 days before the Argentina game as well.

You do realise that Tonga play a different style of rugby to Fiji and Samoa? In fact, Samoa and Fiji are really quite different as well in their styles.

MBTGOG wrote:You do realise that Tonga play a different style of rugby to Fiji and Samoa? In fact, Samoa and Fiji are really quite different as well in their styles.

Yes mate, I have all the Pacific Nations cup games on my hard drive from the last 2 seasons, but Wales's weakness with Islander teams, is not from a style of play, it's being put off their game by ferocious tackling and aggressive defence, and in those areas, all 3 Island sides are pretty similar.

I don't know about ferocious tackling but Argentina will certainly bring aggressive defence and also really test the breakdown of Wales which is important. Plus, do you think Tonga can really afford to fly half way across the world for one Test?

MBTGOG wrote:I don't know about ferocious tackling but Argentina will certainly bring aggressive defence and also really test the breakdown of Wales which is important. Plus, do you think Tonga can really afford to fly half way across the world for one Test?

Well Russia can for games against Dragons and Ospreys, and Wales will be paying Argentina to come here, so why not Tonga instead?

I doubt Tonga would of come over here for just for 1 match especially as the world cup is on their doorstep and besides they're not nearly as strong as Fiji or Samoa so what would we of got from playing them that we cant get out of playing England or Argentina who are much better teams and certainly as physical.

AlynDavies wrote:

MBTGOG wrote:I don't know about ferocious tackling but Argentina will certainly bring aggressive defence and also really test the breakdown of Wales which is important. Plus, do you think Tonga can really afford to fly half way across the world for one Test?

Well Russia can for games against Dragons and Ospreys, and Wales will be paying Argentina to come here, so why not Tonga instead?

The difference between a flight from Russia and a flight from Tonga is nearly 24 hours more.

I wouldn't say the problem Wales have is dealing with the defence, it's playing the wrong attack and chucking it about rather than grinding them down for about an hour then playing quickly. Hopefully a situation Gatland has rectified

Well of Tonga's 30 man World Cup squad
10 are based in France
8 in New Zealand
3 in England
2 in Wales, Australia, Japan
1 in Tonga, Italy, and Ireland

The game would also of suited Tonga as France and Wales are not totally disimilar, in style and attitude.

AlynDavies wrote:Well of Tonga's 30 man World Cup squad
10 are based in France
8 in New Zealand
3 in England
2 in Wales, Australia, Japan
1 in Tonga, Italy, and Ireland

The game would also of suited Tonga as France and Wales are not totally disimilar, in style and attitude.

Of Tonga's squad, they are all based in Tonga at the moment doing prep for the World Cup.

What you really mean is wouldnt t be nice to get one win in the warm ups

Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler wrote:What you really mean is wouldnt t be nice to get one win in the warm ups

No real need for that comment, I was trying to start a constructive discussion

Alyn:

We are playing England they have plenty SH players to play against, I think England are a good choice, aat least we are giving them a game this RWC.

glamorganalun wrote:Alyn:

We are playing England they have plenty SH players to play against, I think England are a good choice, aat least we are giving them a game this RWC.

No,no I think England is a good choice, I was discussing whether to swap the Argentina game for Tonga. Beating England at Cardiff always put Wales confidence into orbit.