Pick your starting XV for Wales v Ireland

Go on then.

lp,

Sure this has been done elsewhere but this would be MY XV out of the likely squad, Gatlands choices in brackets.

Jenkins
Rees
A Jones
Davies
Evans
Lydiate
Faletau
Warburton (c)

Phillips
Priestland

Brew (Halfpenny)
Roberts
JD2
North

Halfpenny (Byrne)

I'm sure it has too, Bedford!

Do you really think Gatland will opt for Byrne at full back? Halfpenny would get my vote.

luckless_pedestrian wrote:Go on then.

lp,

Will explain my reasoning, personally I would go for as I said Brew, Halfpenny North but I think Cuthbert is currently ahead of Brew in Gatlands eyes.

So that would leave us a back 3 of Cuthbert Halfpenny North, which I still wouldn't be to upset to see but is still relatively in-experienced.

Now by all accounts Byrne is on good form for Clermont so I feel he may well plump for a bit more of an experienced look to his back 3.

Me? As in mine, without any reference to Gatland's men in possession?

15-9 Thomas, Halfpenny, Beck, Davies, Brew, Jones, Evans
1-8 D Jones, Hibbard, A Jones, R Jones, Evans, Lydiate, Tipuric, Faletau.

You might be right, Bedford, but Halfpenny has a good few seasons' experience of Test rugby under his belt by now. Plus he's less likely to do something stupid than Lee Byrne is. Remember last time we were in Dublin and he was yellow-carded for preventing a quick throw?

After dropping Brew for the Australia game Cuthbert seems to be in pole position for Shane's wing spot. It all boils down to whether Gatland has sufficient confidence in either him or Brew. If not then Byrne may sneak in by default. I'd much prefer to see Halfpenny at 15. You never know, Gatland could surprise us and put Henson in at 12 and shift Roberts or Scott Williams to the wing. Has anyone else thought that Matthew Morgan may be a wing option if we are looking for someone in the Shane mould?

Glas a du wrote:Me? As in mine, without any reference to Gatland's men in possession?

15-9 Thomas, Halfpenny, Beck, Davies, Brew, Jones, Evans
1-8 D Jones, Hibbard, A Jones, R Jones, Evans, Lydiate, Tipuric, Faletau.

You would drop Warburton Glas?

lp,

For me it would be Brew/Cuthbert Halfpenny and North and think they are more than upto the job so I guess time will tell.

luckless_pedestrian wrote:You might be right, Bedford, but Halfpenny has a good few seasons' experience of Test rugby under his belt by now. Plus he's less likely to do something stupid than Lee Byrne is. Remember last time we were in Dublin and he was yellow-carded for preventing a quick throw?

It's a year ago this month he became known as the 16th man.

Only to the bench Rory. He has been outstanding for the Ospreys since the WC.

I wouldn't put Matthew Morgan on the wing, Eclipse. He's quick off the mark but he's not a winger.

Glas a du wrote:Only to the bench Rory. He has been outstanding for the Ospreys since the WC.

I do like Tipuric I have to say, but I wouldn't drop Warburton. What about moving Warburton to 6 to accommodate Tipuric? I rate Warburton over Lydiate.

Warburton is effective at openside for Wales because Lydiate is effective at blindside for Wales.

Warburton is nowhere near as good as Lydiate at 6, they are both top class but leave them where they are.

1- Jenkins
2- Rees
3- Adam Jones
4- Ian Evans
5- Bradley Davies
6- Dan Lydiate
7- Warburton
8- Falatalatlaltlaooww

9- Phillips/Williams
10- Preistland
11- Brew
12- Roberts
13- Davies
14- North
15- Halfpenny

If Brew is unavailable then Halfpenny on the wing and Barry Davies or Henson (shocking I know) to replace him.

Precisely. Warburton needs to know he has to fight for his place. Tipuric needs to know that he will be rewarded for his hard work. Look at NZ Carter and McCaw are injured and they are Flip!

If you're picking on form, there's a case for Adam Jones at lock.

lp,

If Gatland names an extended training squad then I think he will be in that at least.

But chances are Warburton will be captain, Glas.

1. Gethin
2. Smiler
3. Adam
4. Bradley D
5. Evans
6. Lydiate
7. Warburton (c)
8. Faletau
9. Phillips
10. Priestland
11. Cuthbert
12. Jamie R
13. JD
14. North
15. Halfpenny

16. James, 17 Hibbard, 18. Ryan, 19. Tipuric, 20, Ll Williams, 21, Hook. 22, Byrne or Henson

Tycores,

Pretty much spot on for me ( would pick Brew but can't see it happening). I f wewnt into the game with that squad I would be happy.

Personally think Bennett will get nod over Hibbard and don't think he will pick Hook and Henson on bench but thats just my opinion.

If we really are looking to the future then I'd like to see Ashley Beck involved, if not starting then on the bench. I think he's quality.

I think with Hook it depends if Gatts sees him as a genuine option at fly half now hw is playing there regularly. If he is a 10. then there is space for Henson as a utility. If he picks Byrne as specialiset 15. then he needs Hook on the bench to cover the midfield and fly half spots as I cant see Gatts trusting Henson with that role.

luckless_pedestrian wrote:But chances are Warburton will be captain, Glas.

You said I could pick the team , but now you're telling me who I have to pick as captain!

Ryan Jones would be my choice as captain.

That's true, Glas - sorry, forget I said anything!

Ryan is out of the game tomorrow which is not good news.

NO!

Gatlands team:

15-9 Byrne, North, Davies, Roberts, Halfpenny, Priestland, Phillips
1-8 Jenkins, Bennett, Jones, Davies, Evans,. Lydiate, Warburton (c) (happy now!) Faletau
16-23 James, Rees, Bevington, Ryan Jones, Tipuric, Williams, Jones, Williams

Glas,

Is the 6 Nations using 23 man squads?

If not drop Bevington off it.

Burns is out for the six nations so I think its looking like Smiler Hibbard and Bennet for teh hooler spot. Cant see Ken Owens coming into Gatlands plans again this year.

When is the squad actually announced? I can't find the date on the web.

It's threads like these that show why 606 is such a bad idea. Byrne, Henson etc shouldn't even be mentioned. I understand some people are trying to second guess Gatland rather than give their own 15 but still.

If you don't pick on form then you are in a strange position. You are saying that if you're playing well or not playing well, the perceived best team, which could have been decided a year ot two ago are untouchable and there is no need for a compeitive environment. Load the bench with you're perceived best players and you cover your bases in that sense. But always reward form. It's the only way to pick to create the right atmosphere. This would be my form 15 and subs:

15. Martyn Thomas
14. Leigh Halfpenny
13. Jonathan Davies
12. Ashley Beck
11. George North
10. Rhys Priestland
9. Mike Phillips
8. Toby Faletau
7. Justin Tipuric
6. Aaron Shingler
5. Adam Jones
4. Bradley Davies
3. Rhys Thomas
2. Matthew Rees
1. Ryan Bevington

16. Gethin Jenkins
17. Dan Lydiate
18. Ken Owens
19. Sam Warburton
20. Ryan Jones
21. Jason Tovey
22. Lloyd Williams
23. Liam Williams

nms

That would be superb to see but it won't happen because there is too much inexperience in that team. I would like to see Beck get the nod but if Roberts is fit he'll play and the front row will more than likely be jenkins, bennett and jones. can't really argue with that. Shingler does look good at 6 but is he good enough to push out Lydiate and Warburton will be captain so we know he's playing.

Martyn Thomas looks good but not sure he's solid enough at the back. Would rather Halfpenny there and Liam Williams on the wing...personally.

NeverMySoul, I've asked people to name the starting XV they want to see for the game against Ireland. I don't see what's wrong with that.

1. Jenkins
2. Rees
3. A Jones
4. B Davies
5. R Jones
6. Lydiate
7. Warburton
8. Faletau
9. Phillips
10. Priestland
11. Brew
12. Roberts
13. J Davies
14. North
15. Halfpenny

16. Bennett
17. Bevington
18. Evans
19. Tipuric
20. Lloyd Williams
21. Biggar
22. Thomas

This would be the team i'd pick

1.Gethin Jenkins
2.Matthew Rees
3.Adam Jones
4.Brad Davies
5.Ian Evans
6.Dan Lydiate
7.Sam Warburton (c)
8.Toby Faletau
9.Mike Phillips
10.Rhys Priestland
11.George North
12.Jamie Roberts
13.Jon Davies
14.Leigh Halfpenny
15.Lee Byrne

16.Richard Hibbard
17.Paul James
18.Ryan Jones
19.Justin Tipuric
20.Dwayne Peel
21.James Hook
22.Alex Cuthbert/Scott Williams

1. Melon
2. Smiler
3. Hairbear
4. Davies
5. Evans
6. Lydiate
7. Warburton (c)
8. Faletau
9. L. Williams
10. Priestland
11. Cuthbert
12. Doc
13. Foxy
14. North
15. Halfpenny

16.Hibbard
17.James
18.Ryan Jones
19.Justin Tipuric
20.Phillips
21.Hook
22.Scott Williams
.

1,Jenkins
2.Rees
3.Jones
4.Davies
5.Evans
6.Lydiate
7.Warburton
8.Faletau

9.Phillips
10.Priestland
11.Cuthbert
12.Roberts
13.Davies
14.North
15.Halfpenny

16.Hibbard
17.James
18.R.Jones
19.Tipuric
20.L.Williams
21.Hook
22.Sc.Williams

What's with this Cuthbert nonsense?


Ceffyl cart.

15 Leigh Halfpenny
14 George North
13 Jamie Roberts
12 Scott Williams
11 Alex Cuthbert
10 Rhys Priestland
9 Rhys Webb
8 Toby Faletau
7 Sam Warburton
6 Dan Lydiate
5 Luke Charteris
4 Ian Evans
3 Adam Jones
2 Matthew Rees
1 Duncan Jones

16 James Hook
17 Jonathan Davies
18 Mike Phillips
19 Justin Tipuric
20 Bradley Davies
21 Richard Hibbard
22 Gethin Jenkins

Glas a du wrote:What's with this Cuthbert nonsense?


Ceffyl cart.

I don't quite see what the fuss is about either.

luckless_pedestrian wrote:

Glas a du wrote:What's with this Cuthbert nonsense?


Ceffyl cart.

I don't quite see what the fuss is about either.

Five tries in 8 games i the rabo direct, two tries in 3 games in the Heineken cup.

I wouldn't have any surprise ideas on selection. i would go with Cuthbert on the wing too, I like him, fast, good player.

Martyn Thomas is a good shout, great player a worthy alternative to Halfpenny at fullback.

Byrne is playing well though at the moment and may well get his place back.

Cant see any reason to change much bar injuries in the second row. Would be tempted to get Adam Jones in there, or at least in the squad.

Glas a du wrote:Precisely. Warburton needs to know he has to fight for his place. Tipuric needs to know that he will be rewarded for his hard work. Look at NZ Carter and McCaw are injured and they are Flip!

Be fair Glas win can still a game or two without Carter

I think Lloyd will get the nod over Phillips. Playing in Wales and played for Wales against Australia, surely puts him in pole position to start? Apart from that the team picks itself. It's the bench that is tough to select, I am hoping Gatland opts for Mitchell and Gill as the reserve front row.

I cant believe some people are trying to drop Warburton and Roberts? - Did they watch the WC.

Roberts and Warburton have been playing well for their region since returning, and certainly dont deserve to lose their starting places to player who have a few caps between them and have done nothing of note on the international scene.

Beck has looked good for the O's and may deserve a shot at the welsh squad to challenge S.Williams for the 3rd centre place.

Tipuric is a good 7, but very much in the fetcher M.Williams mould, he doesnt dominate the breakdown and win penalties like Warburton does (which is what Wales have needed for the last decade) - He deserves the bench backrow cover spot - mostly because nobody else has stood out for it (bar Shingler)

Im also hoping Gatland picks Ken Owens over Hibbard as Hibbard has been off form with the O's.


1. Gethin Jenkins
2. Matthew Rees (ahead of Bennett again)
3. Adam Jones

Bennett has had little GT and Rees did very well off the bench against Aus, its time for Rees to reclaim the 2 shirt, deservingly.

4. Bradley Davies
5. Ryan Jones

Davies has been back to his best form for the Blues and is well worth his place. Ryan vs Evans is a close call, but Ryan has been in very good form and Evans injuries have prevented him from playing much recently - Although Evans is the first in if there are injuries in the second row or backrow.

6. Dan Lydiate
7. Sam Warburton (c)
8. Toby Faletau

If it aint broke...
Ryan Jones is the only player who has perhaps put his hand out to disrupt this combination, but the balance is better with LWF. Ryan will have to fight it out for a second row place or else play super-sub on the bench (one of the few players we can bring of the bench and not lose anything)

9. Mike Phillips
10. Rhys Preistland

Not much debate here. L.Williams didnt do that great against Aus (and his form has slipped recently with the Blues) Phillips is still first choice - especially against the Irish, 3/3 here we come.

12. Jamie Roberts
13. Jonathon Davies

Roberts was superb at the world cup and his defence is second to none, his place is gaurenteed and would be in any international team bar the All Blacks. There is little competition to play 13 and Davies is well worth his place too, this combination worked well in the WC.

11. Alex Cuthbert
14. George North
15. Leigh Halfpenny

Cuthbert has been excellent for the Blues and is the form winger in Wales at the moment. North is unquestionable. Cuthbert is favoured to Byrne really since Halfpenny will be playing somewhere in that back3 bar injury.

16. Ryan Bevington
17. Huw Bennett
18. Ian Evans
19. Justin Tipuric
20. Lloyd Williams
21. James Hook
22. Scott Williams

Bevington makes the bench over P.James since James has barely played since the WC (this decision may chance if James plays well over the next few games). Hook makes the bench since I would prefer him to Biggar or Tovey (IMO, we are in desperate need on 10 cover), I would be equally happy with Stephen Jones, but age may count against him.
Scott Williams covers the centres and wings (with Hook/Preistland being able to cover FB)

Anyone who hasn't picked Ashley Beck, what on earth are you thinking? He's the best centre in Wales right now. I can't understand anyone not picking the form option. Youth should be a positive.

NeverMySoul wrote:Anyone who hasn't picked Ashley Beck, what on earth are you thinking? He's the best centre in Wales right now. I can't understand anyone not picking the form option. Youth should be a positive.

Ospreys fan?