Wales V Namibia - Team Thread Etc Etc

[bedfordwelsh]

OK over the last round of matches we have seen both Englnad and Scotland have the chance to change good % of the team and have look at other players but because of the physiciality of our group we not had that chance and won't be able to against Fiji.

SO, and with no offence to the Namibians this game will be our only chance to rotte some of the players so here's what I would do and why if all fit

Jenkins (needs game time)
Burns
Mitchell
Davies
AWJ
R Jones
Powell
Warburton

Knoyle
Hook (not working at XV)

Brew
Davies
Sc Williams
North

Halfpenny


James,Owens,Charterris,Faletau, L Williams, S Jones Byrne

QUite few changes butt hat side should still be able to get the bp win we need

[Cymroglan]

Will need to wait on news on Hook and Lydiate but hopefully both will be OK,
I'm not sure if I would make so many changes we need continuity. Personally I would play our first XV then bring on the bench when the game is out of reach.

[bedfordwelsh]

Would give Lydiate a rest and Hook not working at XV so give Halfpenny run there

[maestegmafia]

Gethin
Burns
Mitchell
Charteris
Davies
Jones
Warburton c
Faletau
Knoyle
Jones
Brew
Davies
Williams
Halfpenny
Byrne

[glamorganalun]

maesteg:

You missed the openside to complete the team

[maestegmafia]

maesteg:

You missed the openside to complete the team

Cheers mate...!

[TycroesOsprey]

We have just had two hard matches and we need to rest a few people, but pick a strong bench. Im assuming Lydiate and Hook will be rested if they have both taken knocks.

1. Gethin Jenkins - needs gametime
2. Huw Bennett
3. Craig Mitchell - No point in risking Adam in this game.
4. Bradley. - Needs a start and must start carrying again.
5. Charteris.
6. Ryan Jones, not his best position, will do the work to frees warbs and Faletau
7. Warburton.
8. Faletau, not as dynamic today but improves every game needs more time
9. Mike Phillips,
10. Priestland- hes our no 1 and will only get better with more time
11. Brew
12. Scott Williams - Jamies been outstanding rest him.
13. JD
14. Georgie
15. Halfpenny, looked good today and it is his natural position.

16. Paul James
17. Lloyd Burns
18. AWJ
19. Powell- really wish Turnball, Mccusker or Tipuric was in the squad
20. Tavis - to actually come on if we have a good lead
21. Wellies to replace priestland on teh hour and get gametime
22. Byrne - last chance saloon but needs 20-30 mins

[Shifty]

We have 6 days between Namibia and Fiji, then 6 days before Fiji and a potential quarter final against Ireland, unless the plan goes títs up on us.

Namibia play South Africa Thursday, then us 4 days later, so assuming they pick their strongest team against South Africa we should play a reserve team, as they wont want to be embarrased against the country that their play their domestic competition in (Vodaphone Cup).

All Wales need to do is beat Namibia to be honest, I'm not sure the bonus point is essential/

[maestegmafia]

I think any bonus points are definitely essential.

[bedfordwelsh]

Alyn,

We have to get a BP against Namibia IMO thats a must. Then hopefully just a win (of any sorts) against Fiji will see us through.

The Boks Samoa game will be quite big game for us as well. If the Boks can beat them and stop them getting a losing BP will help us

[Shifty]

I think any bonus points are definitely essential.

Well, as long as Wales beat Namibia and Fiji then we are through surely?

[welshy824]

we need a bonus point not only as it gives us extra security but running in 4+ tries will be good for team morale, if i was gatland i would ask whichever team he put out to put 50 points against nambia

[TycroesOsprey]

I think any bonus points are definitely essential.

Well, as long as Wales beat Namibia and Fiji then we are through surely?

not if Samoa beat SA, doubtful I know but the boks have got PDV as coach. Honestly we shouldnt take fiji too lightly either, look where that got us last time.

If Samoa can win two with BP and pick up another two losing bp giving them 12 points, our bonus point against SA means even if we only pick up 8 points from our last two matches we go through. If samoa win against the boks though even with us winning against fiji it could put us all on 3 wins so bonus points are very important. Were still third in the table at teh halfway stage because of them.

[Cymroglan]

Fiji and Samoa need to play each other and I'm looking forward to that one.

[bedfordwelsh]

Fiji and Samoa need to play each other and I'm looking forward to that one.

Now thats one game where the hits will come flying in, whoever the ref is will have his hands full. Will be great to watch

[Knowsit17]

Please don't go treating this as an experiment! It's a WC game regardless of the opposition and we need the bonus point.

1. James (Jenkins at half time)
2. Burns
3. A Jones
4. B Davies
5. Charteris
6. R Jones (if fit)
7. Warburton
8. Faletau
9. Knoyle
10. Priestland
11. Brew/Shane Williams (don't mind which)
12. Scott Williams (Roberts at half time)
13. J Davies
14. North
15. Halfpenny

16. Bennett
17. Jenkins
18. AW Jones
19. Powell
20. Phillips
21. S Jones
22. Roberts

[Cymroglan]

Yes use a strong side but empty the bench sooner rather than later.

[maestegmafia]

Knowsit,

You could well be right. Taking even Namibia lightly could cause issues. We need points and lots of them as security.

That could well be what gays was thinking too as he took players off quickly.

I do imagine Knoyle and Stephen Jones will start though.

[redlamb]

1. Jenkins
2. Owens
3. James
4. B.Davies
5. Charteris
6. R.Jones
7. Warbuton
8. Faletau
9. Knoyle
10. S.Jones
11. North
12. J.Davies
13. Sc.Williams
14. Byrne
15. Halfpenny

[TycroesOsprey]

Redlamb, a couple of things I questioning about your pick,

YOu would play an out of form out of position Byrne rather than giving Brew a run?

YOu would switch george north to the left wing to accomodate that even though byrne is left footed?

You would play our second choice loosehead instead of craig mitchell our tighthead backup?

You would play our third choice hooker and a completly new front row that has never played together against a scrummaging side like namibia?

You would start wellies even though he has had no game time and is coming back from injury?

YOu would move Scott williams from his inside centre position to outside whilst moving JD inside him despite JD having played all of his international rugby at outside centre?

[Taffineastbourne]

Redlamb, a couple of things I questioning about your pick,

YOu would play an out of form out of position Byrne rather than giving Brew a run?

YOu would switch george north to the left wing to accomodate that even though byrne is left footed?

You would play our second choice loosehead instead of craig mitchell our tighthead backup?

You would play our third choice hooker and a completly new front row that has never played together against a scrummaging side like namibia?

You would start wellies even though he has had no game time and is coming back from injury?

YOu would move Scott williams from his inside centre position to outside whilst moving JD inside him despite JD having played all of his international rugby at outside centre?

Apart from that it was a cracking selection.Be fair.

[wayne]

I believe we have to select a team assuming that Samoa will beat South Africa and Fiji, thereby getting 5 points out of this fixture is a must
15 Lee Byrne Fourie would not have scored that try against us with Lee there and we need to get him into form.
14 George North
13 John Davies
12 Jamie Roberts
11 Leigh Halfpenny give Shane a well deserved rest
10 Steve Jones to give him some game time I feel we will need him soon
9 Mike Phillips we have to give Tavis at least 40 minutes before the QFs are upon us
1 Gethin Jenkins he has to have game time as well
2 Huw Bennett for experience as soon as the 5 points are secured fetch Burns on
3 Craig Mitchell for experience and to give Adam a rest
4 Bradley Davies for game time
5 Luke Charteris or AWJ either will do
6 Ryan Jones to give someone in the backrow a rest
7 Sam Warburton
8 Toby Falatau
Subs James, Burns, Charteris or AWJ, Powell, Knoyle, Priestland and Williams

[TycroesOsprey]

Well i wouldnt start Knoyle either, but apart from those 8 changes its great

[Gatts]

I expect few changes if any due to injury.

Important to cement this side and give them confidence and continuity before Fiji

[wayne]

Can I also add to fetch only 16 forwards with Ryan and Gethin carrying injuries was an extremely foolish act on Gatland's part he should have brought another openside flanker to cover for Sam and left more than likely Brew at home there are plenty of options already there.

[TycroesOsprey]

I dont think the problem was going for the 16/14 split rather it was picking a one trick pony like Powell rather than the more versatile McCusker or Turnbull.

[youngguns6]

Gethin
Burns
Mitchell - first choice front row need a rest.
Davis
Awj (wouldnt risk Luke)
Jones (rest danny\might be injured)
Warburton (to come of early)
Faletau (not the full 80)

Knoyle (needs gametime)
Hook
Brew
Sc Williams
Davies
North
Halfpenny (I'd take of north for Byrne n move halfpenny to the wing.

No disrespect but it should be a 40+ win for us so my only concern is injurys.

[wayne]

He had to pick another No 8 so it had to be Powell or Delve, Ryan was to cover 4,5 and 8 we need an out and out 7 cover so IMO it would have to be Martyn or Tupiric

[TycroesOsprey]

or he could have picked Turnbull who is able to play accross the backrow, has more rugby nous than powell and doesnt upset Gats every time he opens his mouth like Delve.

Justin is one for the 6 nations as is Ben Morgan if he commits to wales and for me Nugget would have been badly exposed at this world cup, hes a couple of years too late for it.

[Cymroglan]

Anybody know how Turnbull played yesterday we may need a replacement for Lydiate hopefully not though.

[TycroesOsprey]

Scarlets backrow were superb against Aironi Ben Morgan in paticular stood out but Turnbull and Mccusker were very good as well. Nugget bust his arm on friday so he is out of the running now.

[flyhalffactory]

Gethin
Burns
Mitchell
Charteris
Davies
Jones
Warburton c
Faletau
Knoyle
Jones
Brew
Davies
Williams
Halfpenny
Byrne

Great team buddy, but I think some more players need to be rested due to the really hard opening two games, you need to rest young Faletau

I would select

8 Ryan Jones (needs game time). Bench Toby
6 Powell.
5 Charteris. Bench AWJ

Bench
Byrne (if form permits)

[TycroesOsprey]

didnt see the game against munster but wasnt a good result for the scarlets.

[TycroesOsprey]

FHF How did the Scarlets backrow go against Munster?

[wayne]

Ryan is 4th choice 2nd row and 2nd choice 6 and 8 Powell is 3rd choice 6 and 8, that would make in Gatlands estimation Turnball 4th choice 6 and 8 and at the best 2 nd choice 7, but IMO as an out and out 7 he is 4th. I disagree that Martyn would have been badly exposed, he might not have won the ball Sam has but he would have contributed.

[flyhalffactory]

FHF How did the Scarlets backrow go against Munster?

Not sure mate, I am home but I can tell you how Edinburgh Academicals did they lost 22-44 Boroughmuir quite a decent match !!!

[RubyGuby]

Here's my lot for Namibia and we need to win and win well

15 Halfpenny
14 Brew
13 Davies
12 Williams
11 North
10 Priestland (Needs the game time)
9 Knoyle
8 Ryan Jones
7 Warbs
6 Faletau
5 Charteris
4 Davies
3 Jones
2 Burns
1 Jenkins

Bench:
Hook
Jamie
Phillips
Powell
AWJ
Owens
Mitchell

[flyhalffactory]

Here's my lot for Namibia and we need to win and win well

15 Halfpenny
14 Brew
13 Davies
12 Williams
11 North
10 Priestland (Needs the game time)
9 Knoyle
8 Ryan Jones
7 Warbs
6 Faletau
5 Charteris
4 Davies
3 Jones
2 Burns
1 Jenkins

Bench:
Hook
Jamie
Phillips
Powell
AWJ
Owens
Mitchell

Best possible side to start, with the exception of Toby who I think has had two really tough games, I would play Powell to start, and rest Faletau on the bench

[RubyGuby]

I only had Powell on the bench 'cos there's no one else - I'd rather put AWJ at 6 before him and play Bradley and Luke in the 2nd row Nice team though eh!

[flyhalffactory]

I am one of the few poster who dont run with the "on trick pony" attachment for Powell

He has played very well in the AP wiining quite a few MOM performances, and he didnt do that badly in the warm-up match or against a very physical Samoan side

Gatland has to now find the balance between

Burn out (tireness) v Continuity

How many does he rest and who does he rest?

[Shifty]

How many does he rest and who does he rest?

He has to rest everyone, and throw in the reserves against Namibia, risk it, and give the lads a rest, the World Cup warm ups, and now 2 physical world cup games, they need a break.

[Cymroglan]

If Fiji beat Samoa then we can afford to take risks with Namibia but we should just presume we need a bonus point win.

[RubyGuby]

I think we need Samoa to beat Fiji and SA to beat Samoa Cymro - although if we play like we have been we should beat Fiji

[Shifty]

I think it's safe for Wales to put a total reserve side out now, either way Namibia will be very tired or put their own reserve side out.
We should still get a bonus point win.

[munkian]

Brrrrrrreeeeeeeeewwwwwwwww !

[Shifty]

Brrrrrrreeeeeeeeewwwwwwwww !

Great call! TO THE BEER TENT!!!!!

[scoi]

Jenkins to see if he's ready
Bennett
Jones
Charteris
Davies
Powell
Warburton
Felatau

Phillips
Priestland
Roberts
JD2
Brew
North
Halfpenny

James, Burns, Mitchell, AWJ, Knoyle, Jones, Byrne

Bring on all subs once the 4th try is scored except James (Jenkins needs the time) to give some players a rest and the bench the much needed time. Could try North at 13 to give Roberts the rest. I'm assuming RJ, Lydiate and Hook are unavailable.

Making wholesale changes is very dangerous and there are still questions to be answered in the squad especially with Jenkins fitness, Halfpenny at FB and a few others current form.

[RubyGuby]

I think I'd rest Adam and bring Warbs, Falatau, Roberts, Phillips and Bennett off after 50 minutes if the games a done deal

[glamorganalun]

Not sure if the breadman is fit acording to Wales on Line but R Jones took part in training!

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/rugby-news/2011/09/21/in-pictures-wales-in-training-as-they-prepare-to-face-namibia-at-rugby-world-cup-91466-29461330/

[Gatts]

Not sure if the breadman is fit acording to Wales on Line but R Jones took part in training!

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/rugby-news/2011/09/21/in-pictures-wales-in-training-as-they-prepare-to-face-namibia-at-rugby-world-cup-91466-29461330/

BBC says RJ training alone.

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