Brew long term Wales contender?!

Darren Edwards thinks Brew can be Shane Williams long term Wales replacement.

There are a few problems:

Brew doesn't perform for Wales
Brew doesn't score tries for Wales
Brew has been DROPPED!!!

Plus there is a long list of established and up and coming wings that can and will do more for Wales than "let down Brew" has.

Halfpenny
North
Cuthbert
Stoddart
Dirksen?
Prydie?
Phillips?

Even bloody Czekaj!

North Plays on the other wing. 1/2p & Stoddart seem to be covering both wing and FB so why shouldn't Brew be involved. I don't see how you can say all those mentioned WILL do more for Wales when they haven't even been tested at international level.

Czekaji, Phillips, Prydie Dirksen....REALLY????

Oh Look, an anti Gwent Ospreys fan, how refreshing.....

Brew has recently scored several tries for Wales, he ran through a forward to get one of them.

His last several International games for Wales have hardly been a let down.

Now Biggar on the other hand....

No. Brew should not be considered for Wales again. He doesn't score and gives away stupid penalties because he tries too hard to impress

He's scored tries in his last two appearances....

He's on the left wing, as is Shane, who hasn't scored a lot of tries recently either.

No. Brew should not be considered for Wales again. He doesn't score and gives away stupid penalties because he tries too hard to impress

To be fair he played in some games (Fiji draw at home comes to mind) where the whole team hasn't performed. I guess there's a few who will never appreciate him but seeing what he does for the Dragons week in week out he often out performs other Welsh wingers in domestic games. Like Edwards said he needs a run of games for Wales where he can just go out and play without trying to prove a point. Nobody complained when Mark Jones was starting on the right wing and his try scoring record was quite abysmal!

munkian wrote:He's scored tries in his last two appearances....

He's on the left wing, as is Shane, who hasn't scored a lot of tries recently either.

How about the crucial try against Samoa.

Brew has been a let down when he has played for Wales - He failed to impress against the BaaBaas or Namibia. He has a habit of trying to hard for Wales and giving away stupid penalties.

Cuthbert is the way forward (or as he is now known, George North MKII)

I'd say Impossible Standards sums it up perfectly. And some of Western Ospreys comments are (again) laughable

I think Brew is a valuable player and his constant good form for the Dragons will keep him in contention for a squad and possibly a starting place.

Gatland and the other coaches will know him well having spent three months together trying to win the RWC so if he has been dropped it is likely because they want to look at other alternatives, Williams and Cuthbert are both good players who deserve a call up as reward for their efforts for their respective regions.

All Brew can do in the meantime is just play well and wait for the next opportunity. We are lucky to have such depth in our outside backs.

Cuthbert is the way forward (or as he is now known, George North MKII)

I agree that Cuthbert is looking a good prospect, and his sevens experience will count for a lot. My point is more that I think given the chance Brew could prove to be a good player for Wales. And when I mean chance, I mean not in a team of second choice players where he receives little ball. He was one of the top try scorers last season which must count for something.

Brew is a powerful winger with a nose for the line. The problem for him in a wales shirt is that he has always been behind Shane so is never assured of a start. He is a confidence player in many ways. At the Dragons he is sure of his position and does the right things. If he gets a run of games in the 11 shirt he could be just as devestating for Wales so discarding him would be really narrow thinking. Unfortunatly for Brew, Cuthbert does look somthing special so he could find himself sidelined again which at 25 would be a shame. Quality player its quite ridiculous to say otherwise.

wales606 wrote:

munkian wrote:He's scored tries in his last two appearances....

He's on the left wing, as is Shane, who hasn't scored a lot of tries recently either.

How about the crucial try against Samoa.

Brew has been a let down when he has played for Wales - He failed to impress against the BaaBaas or Namibia. He has a habit of trying to hard for Wales and giving away stupid penalties.

Cuthbert is the way forward (or as he is now known, George North MKII)

You know nothing John Snow.

To be fair that was Halfpenny's try - Shane just finished it.

And most of the Welsh squad were poor in the first half of the Namimbia game - they didn't let go until the 2nd half.

And Brew scored a try pretty much under thier posts - did you actually watch the game ?

When you get into a 22-0 lead, the confidence should grow," says ITV pundit Gareth Thomas. "The wingers Leigh Halfpenny and Aled Brew are working hard, but the forwards aren't really giving them a platform on which to build."

Matthew Morgan is the closest player to Shane Williams at the moment in terms of style of running and size but wings in the future need to be big powerful lumps.

Fortunately Wales have a 19 year old giant powerful quick, but also incredibly skillful lump in George North.

munkian wrote:

wales606 wrote:

munkian wrote:He's scored tries in his last two appearances....

He's on the left wing, as is Shane, who hasn't scored a lot of tries recently either.

How about the crucial try against Samoa.

Brew has been a let down when he has played for Wales - He failed to impress against the BaaBaas or Namibia. He has a habit of trying to hard for Wales and giving away stupid penalties.

Cuthbert is the way forward (or as he is now known, George North MKII)

You know nothing John Snow.

To be fair that was Halfpenny's try - Shane just finished it.

And most of the Welsh squad were poor in the first half of the Namimbia game - they didn't let go until the 2nd half.

And Brew scored a try pretty much under thier posts - did you actually watch the game ?

When you get into a 22-0 lead, the confidence should grow," says ITV pundit Gareth Thomas. "The wingers Leigh Halfpenny and Aled Brew are working hard, but the forwards aren't really giving them a platform on which to build."

Yes, I did - Scoring against Namibia is not the same as scoring against Samoa. Pretty much every back scored against Namibia.

Halfpenny created the try, but Shane's finishing was superb - he had no right to pick up that ball (on the opposite wing) and run it in, Brew wouldnt - so you cant really compare him to SW.

I really dont get the Brew Hate.

Said in other post I think Brew has been hard done by being left out of the Australia game but I think he will still be involved come 6 Nations, whether he will be anymore than squad player am not sure.

As long as he keeps doing it for us down at Dave then I will be happy.

TycroesOsprey wrote:Brew is a powerful winger with a nose for the line. The problem for him in a wales shirt is that he has always been behind Shane so is never assured of a start. He is a confidence player in many ways. At the Dragons he is sure of his position and does the right things. If he gets a run of games in the 11 shirt he could be just as devestating for Wales so discarding him would be really narrow thinking. Unfortunatly for Brew, Cuthbert does look somthing special so he could find himself sidelined again which at 25 would be a shame. Quality player its quite ridiculous to say otherwise.

I agree. Brew has never been given consistentcy in the Wales selection. As opposed to Biggar, Jon Thomas, Ryan Jones, James Hook... Remember how bad their form was? And you can't say they weren't given a chance because they were handed plenty. Brew hasn't been though, a game here and there at 80 minutes if he is lucky. He's playing for us in his position week in, week out and scores tries. If he gets the chance to string a few games for Wales together from the selectors and is still poor then fair enough, proves that he is just an average player who excels at club level.

p.s. Loved the way you destroyed the 'England rugby embarrassment' on the Shane Williams accolade thread Tycroes. Funny but accurate and to the point.

I've always wanted to see what he can do in a run of games in the 6ns for instance in the first team.

His handling does seem to have let him down at times, but his defence and rucking are flanker-ish to be frank. He's quick, powerful and creative, to say otherwise is tosh.

is he 1 of the 2/3 best wingers in wales currently? very debatable.

All cocahes both Regional and Internationally ask that players compete, put hand up for selection and demonstrate thatt hey have the hunger for hard work and committment.

Lack of any of those traits cannot be levelled at Brew now he has settled into the Dragons side.

I just hope he gets a run of games to prove (one way or not) whether he can do it, T James has had more chances than Brew and still gets mentioned as possible replacement for Ickle so Brew surely still deserves a shot.

That always makes me laugh how much T James is mentioned whenever he puts 2 or 3 good games together - he's played very poorly for Wales on a fair few occasions - shows that he continually uses every muscle except the most important one, and has trouble finishing opportunities. He's certainly played much more poorly for Wales than Brew, and Brew is by far the more consistent regional player - but T James' name keeps coming back whenever possible Wales wingers are mentioned

I don't really know where most people get their ideas about Brew.

''He has had loads of chances'' - 8 caps, how many off the bench?

''He gives away stupid penalties'' - No recolection of that in a Welsh shirt at all.

''He's past it'' - He's not long turned 25.

''He has done nothing in a Welsh shirt'' - Well, 2 tries in his 8 caps. One of them was running straight through a prop.

I dont really care to be honest, as I'd rather him at the Dragons where he is at least used correctly and appreciated. Just think it's stupid to just bang on about dropping a player who has never really been given a chance and never really done anything wrong because everyone is doing it and it's trendy to do so. How many quality players have been shown up by Brew over the years? Alot.

Oh and my quotes above are age old examples from the old 606 aswell as this one and not just from this post, before the usual suspects start picking holes.

Flanker,

Couldn't agree more and with the exception of North I doubt any other welsh winger could match Brews workrate.

As much as I want him at dave he deserves international recognition so hope he gets it

Personally I would prefer Tom James for Wales. I know that's contraversial though

why McKay? Brew offers so much more - IMO of course

Brew might make it - it's up to him to continue to perform so that he can't be ignored. I don't think he has quite the talent of some of the contenders so it will be down to hard work.

I hope he can, at least then we might avoid another show pony Osprey more worried about his makeup.

wales606 wrote:Halfpenny created the try, but Shane's finishing was superb - he had no right to pick up that ball (on the opposite wing) and run it in, Brew wouldnt - so you cant really compare him to SW.

How can you possibly know that?!

luckless_pedestrian wrote:

wales606 wrote:Halfpenny created the try, but Shane's finishing was superb - he had no right to pick up that ball (on the opposite wing) and run it in, Brew wouldnt - so you cant really compare him to SW.

How can you possibly know that?!

He doesn't, he has 'interesting' ideas about rugby and wing play.

Brew has never had run of games for Wales - he's had the odd one with mostly bodged together Welsh sides.

How can people possibly say Cuthbert is the future etc when he's not even played a capped game yet let alone consistently in them.

Firstly you cant compare Brew and Shane. They are totally different types of wings. Secondly, Tom James before Brew, no chance, Brew is a far better wing. Thirdly, Brew has failed to impress me when playing for Wales, especially compared to how he plays for the Dragons. He does seem to be trying too hard and isnt comfortable in the international environment I know there is a big step up from regional to international level but I think he can make that step. He needs time to bed in and become comfortable at the level. Whether he gets enough time is another matter, there are good wings about who could easily leap frog him.

SubsBench, it could be that Aled Brew is uncomfortable in the Welsh jersey because he knows he's likely to get dropped for the next game whatever he does. Never underestimate the difference it makes to a player when knows he has the coaches' confidence.

Gatland could just be trying out other wings before the 6 nations.

Brew has been in the Welsh coaching setup and the coaches Know his skills.

They couldn't really throw Cuthbert in the 6ns untested.

Luckless, I agree, which is why I feel he needs time to bed in. If he was told that the jersey was his for say the 6n then we may see him play like he does week in week out at Dave Parade. That is not really a luxury that can usually be afforded to a player.

I think people seem to forget that hes never had a decent string of games for Wales. Hes always picked for the crappy games that the whole team plays badly in. Charteris has been in the Wales squad for a long time and has only just established himself and is now worshiped by most Welsh fans. Id like to see him given a few games in a row to see if he can settle.

Brew is like many other players, just doesn't produce for his country. I hope that changes as I would like to see him, Cuthbert and North fight for the wing berths

Brew! Brew! Brew!
No! No! No!

Wingers who are better than Brew:

North, Cuthbert, Liam Williams, Halfpenny, Czekaj, Tom James, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale - just to name a few!

Harry2899 wrote:Wingers who are better than Brew:

North, Cuthbert, Liam Williams, Halfpenny, Czekaj, Tom James, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale - just to name a few!

You forgot me. I am 6'2, 18 stones and play 3 but I am a better winger than Brew

So Harry, you don't like physical wingers who hit rucks and score tries?

luckless_pedestrian wrote:So Harry, you don't like physical wingers who hit rucks and score tries?

He's scored 2 tries for wales...against a scratch barbarians team and possibly the worst team in the world cup besides Russia.

Not to mention the match against Namibia he was subbed for North...who made a bigger impact in those 20 minutes than brew did in 60. Face it, Brew is not the answer at 11 and never will be. He was horrendous at the Ospreys and even worse at the Blues...he's found a bit of form at the Dragons, great, but he still isn't international quality.

He's terrible in defence, sure he can make the odd big hit here and there when there's a looped pass or an attacker who won't see him...but one on one? He's like a turnstile. I shudder to think what would happen if he lined up against the likes of Habana, Ioane or any other top class internation winger.

Complete myths all of then, MOTM against the Scarlets friday.

Brew looked good on Friday against the Scarlets reserves (6 first choice backs unavailable) but still ended up on the losing side.

In fact Brew allways looks good for the Dragons, unfortunately he has not looked good for anyone else he has played for, including Wales.

I think that North, Halfpenny, Stoddart are all infront of him. Cuthbert and Liam Williams also both look the part. I fear Brew has a lot to do!

Brew is by no means the finished article, yes he is a lump but he also has a terrible pass and i am not sure he has real pace

I thought Brew looked good for Wales against the baa-baas.

Gatland must be a real clown to have taken Brew to the World Cup then, mustn't he?

He lacks something. What's his finsihing like. He ballsed up a couple of passes v Scarlets the other day

Brew knows what he's about and gives 110%.Pretty good starting point but when added to his power and pace he is a very useful unit.Given as many games as Huw Bennett he would be an established member of the team.Some people are getting a bit obsessed with bringing in non-shavers.Get a grip.

Fair enough but then why is he not in the mix...something must be missing

Gatts wrote:why is he not in the mix...something must be missing

Either that or Gatland wants to see how the alternatives (Cuthbert) cope with international rugby ahead of the Six Nations.

I like watching Brew as a club player, but truth is, he never really looks like he's ready when making the step up to the international game.

Let him have his chance if he's playing well and there's no one else available but to be honest, over these next few years we're going to see the likes of Cuthbert, Robinson and Dirksen come into their own.

Laugh it off if you want but Cuthbert is a beast on the sevens circuit and has been devastating for the Blues, Robinson has impressed everytime i've seen him in a red shirt (u20's) and having a good time in the sevens and Dirksen is already contending for a starting spot down at the Ospreys, despite coming from a country with next to no interest in rugby!

And they're just the one's we know about now..

I agree. Brew is like Varndell was. Just couldn't perform on the biggest stage. You have to take your chances when given them and he just hasn't, like Tom James. I like Cuthbert and feel that he, North and Stoddart are a good wing cadre with 1/2 as another option. I don't know Robinson or Dirksen

Harry Robinson looks a great little player. Hanno Dirksen doesn't look that good from what I've seen of him.