Wales - selection questions?

1.

Paul James - Seemed to be displacing Gethin Jenkins after the 6Ns with Gethins limited gametime. However, he has started to creak in the scrum, the usual strong point of his game. His ability to cover 1 and 3 will see him on the bench at least, but, will he start against SA?

Gethin Jenkins - Needs to play like he did against Australia 10 months ago when he plays against Argentina next week. If he can produce a good performance in the loose and hold his own against the Argetinian scrum, I would take the risk of starting him against SA.


2.

Huw Bennett - I cant believe im about to say this...If Hibbard doesnt play next week and Rees doesnt recover, Bennett MUST start against SA. Burns looked very poor today, while Bennetts throwing was excellent as was his loose play.

Lloyd Burns - With perhaps Rees out he is likely to get on the plane, but, after todays performance, I would much rather see a return of TRThomas.

Richard Hibbard - Has been outstanding at the Ospreys, but, he has had limited gametime and there will be questions over his fitness.

Matthew Rees - I really hope he recovers...


3.

Adam Jones - Limited gametime, but the best we have. If he can regain his form from before his injury, then he will be a force to be reckon with and may sure up our scrum

Craig Mitchell - The only backup option, he has done well considering and has to go to NZ/


4/5

Alun Wyn Jones - Not produced outstanding displays

Bradley Davies - Not produced outstanding displays

Luke Charteris - Had a good game today, but, hasnt played regularly at international standard for a while

6/7

Lydiate - The best 6 by a long way

Warburton - Outstanding - Guarenteed to start and captain

Turnball - Has had limited gametime and poor form at the end of last season

Martyn Williams - Been there done that - Is there still room for Martyn on the international scene?

Tipuric - Unlikely to go to the WC, too young and inexperienced

Jonathon Thomas - A stop gap at international level. He has fallen out of favour and his versatilty at being able to play 4/5/6/7/8 may not be enough to save him this time.


8.

Toby Faletau - He looked out of his depth in both England games and isnt able to use his strength as well as he has at the NGD.

Ryan Jones - Must be first choice - Great attitude, great workrate, and he is also the only man in a welsh team ever to catch a restart!

Gareth Delve - If he doesnt play against Argentina then he has no chance of making the plane.

Andy Powell - No, just no.


9.

Mike Phillips - Leaving the Ospreys seems to have worked, he is back to his best with good displays in the last 2 game. He may not be suited to every game, but, in a physical group we cannot afford not to have Mike Phillips at 9

Tavis Knoyle - Has impressed and is likely to go as backup to Phillips

Dwayne Peel - Injured, if he cant recover to play against Argentina, he is out of contention.

Lloyd Williams - If Gats is taking 3 SHs then this uncapped young prospect will be at the WC...oddly, since...

...Richie Rees has been dropped from Gats sqaud despite being ahead of Williams at the Blues and his international experience, an odd decision by Gatland which may backfire if there are injuries.


10.

James Hook - Is he considered 1st choice? Who knows, he certainly hasnt had enough gametime recently.

Rhys Preistland - Has impressed in the last 2 games and will likely go to the WC as 10/15 cover, but I wonder how high up the pecking order he is now?

Stephen Jones - Will he be the bench option as in the 6Ns? Has he been surplanted by his regional understudy? Is he still the first choice experienced campaigner?


Centres

Jamie Roberts - Two excellent displays, particularly in defence have surely guarenteed Roberts a starting position in the centre, the question is, who will he partner?

Jonathon Davies - Excellent for the Scarlets, but hasnt really shown it for Wales yet. He will go to the WC.

Gavin Henson - Looked good for 30 mins today, but, will it be enough. If he can recover to play against Argentina then he will go to the WC, if not, will Gatland risk it?

Scott Williams - A young talent, but, he lacks experience and shows it sometime. Can he be trusted to come of the bench in a narrow game for the last 10 minutes in a WC?


Wingers

Shane Williams - On the plane, but hopefully not playing Fullback again

George North - Has been good and looks to be improving, now probably the fist choice 14.

Leigh Halfpenny - Needs to play against Argentina, if he does, he will go to NZ. He may well be the first choice fullback with Lee Byrne's injuries and form

Aled Brew - Has never impressed me at international level. He may go to the WC, but only to make up the numbers if injury strikes.


Fullback

Lee Byrne - Needs to play and recover form. Its worrying if he is our only specialist fullback. :/