Wales Squad for the Six Nations

With the xmas derbies around the corner for the regions, there are a few players who may still put their hands up for selection like Webb or are coming back from injury like Stoddart. However I think the squad for the six nations is starting to look pretty easy to select barring injuries. Some of the exiles will be back but there will be no room for Powell, Byrne or Wellies.

Props

Adam Jones, Mitchell, Gethin, Paul James,

Hookers,

Smiler, Hibbard, Burns

Second Row

I Evans, Bradley, Ryan

Back Row

Faletau Warburton, Lydiate, Tipuric, Lewis Evans,

Scrum Halfs

Phillips, L Williams, Webb

OUtside Half

Priestland, Hook, Biggar(should be Tovey)

Centres,

Roberts, JD, Scott williams, Henson

Wings,

North, Brew, Cuthbert,

FullBack

Halfpenny and Byrne

Tycroes,

Pretty much spot on bar for me IMO

P James will be in squad if fit, at expense of Mitchell or Bevington

Think he will take gamble on Morgan but not Henson which will free up a centre spot

Brew will be out for most of Xmas and New Year period we led to believe to again that will free up another wing/XV slot.

I would take Tovey over Biggar, and I would take Steffan Jones, Morgan or the young lad at Scarlets who's name escapes me, as an alternative to Hook.

I think it is important to keep the older more experienced players like Hook in the squad, we know he is an exceptional talent, but we need to test these youngsters, see if they've got it.

The battle for the scrum half slot will be interesting too. With Phillips not playing very well at Bayonne at the moment Webb, Williams, Knoyle and Davies will all also be contesting for three spots.

mm,

I owuld take Tovey but can't see it happening and despite not playing well Phillips will still be 1st choice IMO.

He wasn't on form before the WC but had very good one, Hook likewise as you said should be involved but doesn't warrant a starting slot.

Props

Gethin Jenkins
Adam Jones
Paul James
Ryan Bevington
Craig Mitchell (or Scott Andrews if Gats want players released for Poland)

Hooker

Matthew Rees
Huw Bennett
Ken Owens/Lloyd Burns

Locks

Ian Evans
Alun Wyn Jones
Bradley Davies
Ryan Jones

Flanker + No8s

Sam Warburton
Dan Lydiate
Justin Tipuric
Toby Faletau
(Ben Morgan?)

Scrum Half

Mike Phillips
Lloyd Williams
Rhys Webb (probably Tavis though)

Flyhalf

Rhys Preistland
Jason Tovey
Dan Biggar

Centre

Jamie Roberts
Jonathon Davies
Scott Williams
James Hook (unless Gats want him for Poland)
(Gavin Henson?)

Back 3

Leigh Halfpenny
George North
Alex Cuthbert
Morgan Stoddart (hopefully)
Liam Williams

They'll have Steve Jones - I'd be massively suprised if they didnt take an experienced No 10. Hope Tovey is chosen but Biggar seems to be in Gatland's good books again.

Hope they cap Morgan - Faletau wil play himself into the ground before long and we need Ryan to cover Lock.

Wonder if AdamHughes may be drafted up for wing cover ? Will Harries is back now too

Munkian,

As much as I owuld love it I can't see Tovey getting chosen ahead of Jones Biggar or Hook.

If Hook gets chosen, which I think we all know he will then I can see him only picking two 10s, Priestland and well who knows.

Agree that Morgan should get a call as we need genuine back up and competition for Toby.

munkian wrote:
Wonder if AdamHughes may be drafted up for wing cover ? Will Harries is back now too

I like Adam Hughes, but he should be considered a 13 now for the Dragons and Wales.

He is the only proper 13 in Wales at the moment.

606,

Problem being for us now is we have Brew and Chavanga out injured and Harries only just coming back so I wouldn't be surprised to see him moved back out to wing as we have Smith, Riley and Tuilagi there for centre berths.

Is Tuilagi on the bench again for the Exeter game ?

Tuilagi is starting at 12 as Smith pulled out

Thomas
Harries
Riley
Tuilagi
Hughes
S Jones
Bedford

Price
Burns
Buck
Jones
Sidoli
Lydiate
Thomas
Faletau

Buckley
Williams
Jenkins
Morgan
Evans
W Evans
Brew!!!
Tovey

Them backs look tasty and the Dragons back 5 fowards are developing into a very nice unit - get some good props and you'll soon start beating loads of teams away.

How come Smith is out ? Not a massive loss but hopefully not another injury.

Brew???

What? How?

Nathan Brew or Aled?

maesteg, hook? c'mon lets get serious !! he's gone. we've got to move on.

gavstar... why dispense of hook. he is playing really well at the moment. Could well be in the team somewhere.

We need to get the center right, JD2 Henson, Hook, Roberts, Hughes, Williams... a lot of good names flying around there...

Calf injury for Smith, I expect Tuilagi to have a half and Brew to come on with Hughes moving to centre. Tuilagi not 100% match fit at the mo but Edwards wants him ready for the derby games.

It's Aled on the bench, must have amazing healing powers!

Maestegmafia

Hook is playing really well at the moment?

Perpignan have lost 7 games in a row since Hook came back from the World Cup. Coverage of their games in the UK is not great, put there is certainly no mention of Hook and Porical is kicking their goals.

I saw him play at the Dave and he looked really lost. I don't think the Perpignan players were particularly motivated for what is a minor competition for them. They only looked dangerous when Hook was moved to 13 and Laharrange came on at 10.

No doubting he has talent but it is the top 3 inches he lacks, leave him in France for the rest of the season. He will either play himself back into form (not sure at which position) or be looking for a Henson style transfer back home.

I can't see Gatland picking Biggar and Tovey as back-ups to Priestland, he's going to put some experience there in case of injury, just a question of whether he puts in an off-form James Hook, a past-it-but-in-great-form-at-the-moment Stephen Jones or a completely untried Gavin Henson.

Perpignan had a big win today but Hook was again not in the 22, anyone know whether he is injured or out of favour?

Turkster wrote:I can't see Gatland picking Biggar and Tovey as back-ups to Priestland, he's going to put some experience there in case of injury, just a question of whether he puts in an off-form James Hook, a past-it-but-in-great-form-at-the-moment Stephen Jones or a completely untried Gavin Henson.

Turk,

Agree there mate and think Biggar will get the nod. Depending on what happens with hook he might only pick 2 No10s anyway and use Hook as utility

No no no no no no no

No fecking Hook as utility

either he gets in the squad as a form 10 or he can stay in France munching garlic

Gatts wrote:No no no no no no no

No fecking Hook as utility

either he gets in the squad as a form 10 or he can stay in France munching garlic

Gatts,

I agree with you but I just can't see him getting left out. One bench slot will be taken by a No 9 (L Williams for me) then for me he will go with someone who can cover a few positions Hook for 10 and centre, Stoddart maybe for wing n XV

I suspect that Stoddart will take some time to work himself into form. He is not due to play until the new year, so could be too late for the 6N.

Hook is currently not playing for Perpignan (not in the 22 for the last 2 games) not sure whether he is injured or dropped following the 7 game losing streak. Any posters know what is going on?

There's no way Stoddart will be back for the 6 nations his leg looked really bad and even if he does we shouldn't rush him. Maybe Richard Fussell should be considered? we dont have a lot of options unfortunately.

Regarding Hook, Perpignan are rotating their squad all French clubs do it throughout the year after all they do play up to 30 games a year!

At scrum half I'd have Rhys Webb or Martin Roberts in ahead of Tavis Knoyle as 3rd choice, he doesn't even start for the Scarlets I can't see how he deserves a place.

Tovey probably wont be selected until the summer tour, I can't see Gatland taking that risk for the 6 nations.

Hibbard should be in at hooker as 2nd choice, he is 1st choice at the Ospreys ahead of Bennett and would have been at the world cup if it weren't for injury.

As for tighthead cover Rhys Thomas would be an option, I don't think Scott Andrews is ready for a competition like the 6 nations he needs to work his way up learning the hard way. I dont understand why the Blues don't loan him out to London Welsh or something so he can gain some experience. Craig Mitchell would be the preferred backup but as others have said he's in England so that could cause problems.

At centre i agree with everyones selections but I think Ashley Beck would benefit greatly from being involved with the squad (he could do with some bulking up in Poland).

Fussell has played well at FB for the Os but I don't think he's international standard.

Jones at 10 and Priest at FB seemed to work well in stages against Munster.

Also Martyn Thomas is a dangerous counter runner for the Dragons (when we actually play properly... )

go,

If Stoddart doesn't make it back in time then we have a fair few untried options for the spare wing berth.

I still think Hook will be involved and that will decide on how many 10s Gatland then chooses but I cant see him picking Priestland Biggar and Tovey.

Another factor that will come into it is who he sees as 1st choice XV and back up, if he goes with Byrne (hope not) then Halfpenny will be considered as wing cover. I hope he sticks with Halfpenny then maybe has a look at Thomas rather than moving Priestland or someone else (Hook) back there.

Never been a fan of Thomas but have posted before how he has improved of late and agree that if Mitchell is unavailable for the training sesions (which I doubt he will be) then I would take Thomas over Andrews.

He always names an extended squad before hand so I guess Beck and few others will be named in that squad.

It seems mad to think that we are advocating a possible front row including Bennett and R Thomas, with a squad possibly without Hook, Byrne or S Jones and Charteris being seen as our best lock. How things change from 6 months ago!

But I agree with most of whats said to be honest.

I'd still like to see Owens in the mix, but he's prob got a long way to go and would need a lot of games to get ahead of Hibbert and Bennett.

Rees done enough for me to get the shirt back (leave captaincy with Sam) after him I guess its a four way fight netween Bennett, Hibbard, Burns and Owens. Which isn't a bad situation to be in.

Owens and either Hibbard or Bennet will have to spend sometime bench warming where as least Burns should be getting regular starts.

Was never a fan of Thomas but lie said has seemed to imrpove his scrummaging a lot of late. Has always been good around the park but then again I thought Andrews had a good game in the loose against Australia.

I've never been his biggest fan and had wanted the Scarlets to get rid of him and buy another prop for the money he's on - but he improved hugely last season before his broken arm and has continued that this season and is starting to justify his wages and help our scrum be competitive.

I do think in 2 seasons Andrews and particularly Bevington are going to be really good - hopefully Gardiner will be up there challenging as well

ok so injuries and availability have caused some changes so heres my adapted squad.

Props

Adam Jones, James, Gethin, Bevvington, Andrews

Hookers,

Smiler, Hibbard, Burns

Second Row

I Evans, Bradley, Ryan, Reed

Back Row

Faletau, Warburton, Lydiate, Tipuric, Lewis Evans, McCusker

Scrum Halfs

Phillips, L Williams, Rhys Webb

OUtside Half

Priestland, Biggar(not happy about it but it looks like gatts has regained some faith) Hook.

Centres,

Roberts, JD, Scott williams, Henson

Wings,

North, Brew, Cuthbert, Stoddart

FullBack

Halfpenny and Liam Williams

and my current 22 from that

1. Gethin
2. Smiler
3. Adam
4. Bradley
5. I Evans
6. Lydiate
7. Warbuton
8. Faletau
9. Phillips
10 Priestland
11. Halfpenny
12. Roberts
13. JD2
14. North
15. Henson

16. Hibbard
17. James
18. Ryan
19. Tipuric
20. Lloyd Williams
21. Hook or Biggar, Im happy about neither but think they are ahead of Tovey in Gats eyes
22. Cuthbert

As long as Adam Gethin and Priestland stay fit I don't have any real worries in any other position.

Has AWJ actaully been ruled out thought he was likely to be back?

I still think Bennett will be included and after WC deserves to be.

Don't think Stoddart will be back in time so he's likely to look at another option for XV and utilise Halfpenny on wing if need be.

AWJ has a toe injury - hopefully shouldn't keep him out the training squad though

As far as I'm aware Stodds is out til March and will prob take a month to get up to speed. Liam Williams could be a good replacement though

Whats happened to Fish for the Blues as he was looking quite good last season, a Blues fan I know mentioned that he was playing for Cardiff which seems strange (though I suppose they've got Halfpenny and Henson) as I'd assume he'd earn a bench place for the Blues

15 Gavin Henson / Leigh Halfpenny
14 George North / Aled Brew
13 Jamie Roberts / Jonathan Davies
12 Scott Williams / Ashley Beck
11 Alex Cuthbert / Liam Williams
10 Rhys Priestland / Stephen Jones
9 Ryhe Webb / Lloyd Williams
8 Toby Faletau / Ryan Jones
7 Sam Warburton / Justic Tipuric
6 Dan Lydiate / Jonathan Thomas
5 Alun-Wyn Jones / Luke Charteris
4 Ian Evans / Bradley Davies
3 Adam Jones / Rhys Thomas
2 Matthew Rees / Huw Bennett
1 Gethin Jenkins / Duncan Jones

Henson? really?

Brew?

No Hook is good

JT? !!!!!

Ou est Mike philipps?

Charteris crocked

Evans and AWJ fit?

Hibberd?

Duncan Jones??

Henson? really?

Who else could we pick?
Barrie Davies? Richard Fussell? Steffan Jones isn't ready yet.

Brew?

Did nothing wrong at the World Cup, and probably deserves a chance.

No Hook is good

Not on form from what I hear, and I'd rather Welsh based players.

JT? !!!!!

He has had a great season, but he is not a ball carrying number 8, though he has bulked up a lot to 18 stone.
He would be a better blind side than Andy Powell.

Ou est Mike philipps?

France? Bearing in mind we have Tavis Knoyle, Lloyd Williams and especially Rhys Webb at home, why not give them a chance?

Charteris crocked, Evans and AWJ fit?

Ian Evans is playing tomorrow night at the Dragons, have Charteris and AWJ been confirmed either way yet?

Hibberd?

Off form, and giving away penalties by the bucket load not to mention iffy line out throwing lately.

Duncan Jones??

Form loose head in Wales, second to none at the moment, makes the hard yards and working his guts out for the Ospreys.

AlynDavies wrote:

Henson? really?

Who else could we pick?
Barrie Davies? Richard Fussell? Steffan Jones isn't ready yet.

Fair play but it is no long term solution. Is Byrne gone for good? seems hugely out of favour

Brew?

Did nothing wrong at the World Cup, and probably deserves a chance.

He has had several and never quite steps up

No Hook is good

Not on form from what I hear, and I'd rather Welsh based players.

I agree....I'd prefer Henson!

JT? !!!!!

He has had a great season, but he is not a ball carrying number 8, though he has bulked up a lot to 18 stone.
He would be a better blind side than Andy Powell.

Purely as a back up although like Ryan he covers the entire back 5

Ou est Mike philipps?

France? Bearing in mind we have Tavis Knoyle, Lloyd Williams and especially Rhys Webb at home, why not give them a chance?

Fair enough but MP was so influential at RWC especially v Ireland, for me its the key game and we need his abrasiveness

Charteris crocked, Evans and AWJ fit?

Ian Evans is playing tomorrow night at the Dragons, have Charteris and AWJ been confirmed either way yet?

My understanding is Charteris is out and AWJ is not yet decided may be fit

Hibberd?

Off form, and giving away penalties by the bucket load not to mention iffy line out throwing lately.

But as understudy to Smiler I want a development player, not Bennett who, while awesome at RWC, is not the future

Duncan Jones??

Form loose head in Wales, second to none at the moment, makes the hard yards and working his guts out for the Ospreys.

Fair enough

the staggering frustration i feel is hurting us immensely. We have lloyd ( good but has things to work on), Mike ( in france and although an outstanding world cup has been rather average over the last couple of seasons), tavis (injured, young, and seriously debatable wether hes good enough) and the untessted rhys webb. Some experience and class in Dwayne would do the world of good for wales. He may not start, but his addition would nonetheless be invaluable.

Charteris has been ruled out yeah, AWJ should be fit though maybe not for Irish game.

JT - Come on really? The blokes was I Admit our best N06 a few seasons back but has gone backwards ever since, is nowhere near an International No8 either.

We have Lydiate head and shoulders above anyone else as 1st choice, R Jones has been in good form and looked good off bench.

Then we have McCusker, Turnbull, Faletau if we had to re-jig things and Lewis Evans who would all be ahead of JT in my pecking order.

Who will be back-up No 8 ? Ryan ?

munkian,

I am guessing so and he has been playing well of late and during WC unless of course old buggy boy gets a call (lets hope not).

Lewis Evans played there for us few seasons back before Tobys emergence and it was from 8 (I think) that he originally got selected for the NA Tour but our HC game clashed with it so didn't go.

He's been playing really well - really throwing himself into everything - been very impressed. All this emerging young talent is giving the older established players a good kick up the arse which is great

Great news that the French clubs are cooperating with the WRU. But we will not be allowed any English based players.

We will be allowed English players - but only for the IRB window - we won't be allowed them for the training camp

Still on the positive side it might mean we don't see Powell in a Wales top any more! Just a shame about Mitchell, Gill & Peel

I honestly can't see Peel playing for Wales again, Mitchell will be a blow but Gatland seems keen on giving Andrews a decent crack at it and he is good in the loose.

Gill is a L/Head isn't he so if that's the case then we still have Jenkins, James and D Jones to choose from if things go bad.

As for Powell oh well never mind hey LOL

Yeah the team won't be too badly hit if we don't select any English based players (one of the reasons why the WRU won't give any money to the PRL for player release). Except for Michell like you say.

And unfortunately like you I doubt we'll ever see Peel in a Wales shirt again, which is a shame as if he'd made the right choices he could have been remembered as a great Wales SH.

And Powell - well it's a long way from Sale to Cardiff in a golf buggy...

Have you read the Adam Jones interview that Hobo Posted?

https://www.606v2.com/t21310-adam-jones-qa-the-answers

Such a lovely bloke, a real character. He mentions Joe Rees as a future decent tighthead. I have only seen Rees play a few games but i agree that he has a lot of ability.

I am not overly happy with Mitchell heading to Exeter, I guess it guarantees he gets to play against decent props week in week out like Gill, Stankovich, Ayerza, White, Mujati instead of benchwarming for Adam Jones.

maes,

What surprised me more was the timing of his move, he had just broken into the Welsh squad, admittedly due to Jones' injury but had some good games on the back of it.

Then knowing Gatlands view on playing outside of Wales he went and sigend for Exeter, similar to Charteris to a degree though Luke is nearer to end of his carear than Craig and there is at least some degree of negotiating with the French teams.