Wales' Tour to Australia

First topic message reminder :

As a Wallabies supporter I am looking forward to Wales coming over. Wales play some pretty entertaining rugby at times, but they should also be the type of team that the Wallabies can beat comfortably 3 times, and really build performances, combinations and confidence.

I think the mood of the Wallabies supporters is confidence and excitement, and there is an expectation that we could run in a fair few tries. I feel there are 3 welsh weak points that will be exposed on their tour down under.

1: Fly Half. Australia's options in this position are unreal. Wales have nobody of any real class at the top level and I expect Australia to take full advantage. Priestland for example looks very fragile.

2: Full Back. Wales lack a top class full back. Again Australia have great versatility and lots of options here. For me Halfpenny is simply a labrador at this level, launching the ball high and running after it with a wagging tail.

3: Front Row: While I don't think Australia have any advantage here, I think Wales are expecting to dominate in this area and that simply wont be the case. The Australian front row is now a more solid unit and with Robinson, Moore etc we will hold our own. Wales will probably be bargaining on smashing the Wallabies in the front row but I can't see them getting this huge advantage.

So with all this in mind I think basic skills, aggression and mental attitude will decide the games and I can see Australia excelling with the likes of Genia and Ioane in the backs and Horwill and Palu in the forwards.

My predictions are

1st Test: Wallabies by 15

2nd Test: Wallabies by 20

3rd Test: Wallabies by 10

Let's hope for a great series of matches, no serious injuries and some brilliant attacking rugby!

maestegmafia wrote:About time one of the mods checked links between

majesticimperialman
HERSH
anotherworldofpain
BigTrevsbigmac
BarneyMcGrew
sugarNspikes
AussieJakexv
ButtyBachXV

Me and anotherworldofpain linked?! Now I'm hurting, although I always appreciate a name check.

I know what you mean though, there was this guy mickeyphil on 606 (I think he was a Tigers' fan), kept coming back as kirk2entereprise, westwander, Evanjonescymru, etc annoying people. I always liked him though - very amusing.

I keep seeing people saying Wales beat australia in new zealand??? And unless im very mistake wales lost the third place playoff didnt they?

And I've always seen the labrador as the chubba of the dog world. Not like 0.5penny at all. Unless you're talking about the labradoodle.

Bullsbok wrote:I keep seeing people saying Wales beat australia in new zealand??? And unless im very mistake wales lost the third place playoff didnt they?

Knowing the welsh they were referring to the 1987 World cup

ButtyBachXV wrote:

Bullsbok wrote:I keep seeing people saying Wales beat australia in new zealand??? And unless im very mistake wales lost the third place playoff didnt they?

Knowing the welsh they were referring to the 1987 World cup

So it's they not we

ButtyBachXV wrote:

Bullsbok wrote:I keep seeing people saying Wales beat australia in new zealand??? And unless im very mistake wales lost the third place playoff didnt they?

Knowing the welsh they were referring to the 1987 World cup

Are you perennially Welsh ?

I Wales

Barney McGrew did it wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:About time one of the mods checked links between

majesticimperialman
HERSH
anotherworldofpain
BigTrevsbigmac
BarneyMcGrew
sugarNspikes
AussieJakexv
ButtyBachXV

Me and anotherworldofpain linked?! Now I'm hurting, although I always appreciate a name check.

I know what you mean though, there was this guy mickeyphil on 606 (I think he was a Tigers' fan), kept coming back as kirk2entereprise, westwander, Evanjonescymru, etc annoying people. I always liked him though - very amusing.

I never knew why the English kept getting wound up by mikeyphil, all he did was give his opinion.

Morgannwg wrote:

Barney McGrew did it wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:About time one of the mods checked links between

majesticimperialman
HERSH
anotherworldofpain
BigTrevsbigmac
BarneyMcGrew
sugarNspikes
AussieJakexv
ButtyBachXV

Me and anotherworldofpain linked?! Now I'm hurting, although I always appreciate a name check.

I know what you mean though, there was this guy mickeyphil on 606 (I think he was a Tigers' fan), kept coming back as kirk2entereprise, westwander, Evanjonescymru, etc annoying people. I always liked him though - very amusing.

I never knew why the English kept getting wound up by mikeyphil, all he did was give his opinion.

Yeah, but when your opinion is like his you should keep it to yourself.

Evanjonescymru is maestegmafia.

Welsh boys in training

This thread reminds me of the old 606 and it saddens me.Thought we had moved on.Hey ho!

I find it funny

Some blatant new accounts being set up to wind up Maesteg and Morgannwg but guys dont let it bother you and you spoil their fun.

Also Maes - sure you have a point but with the recent stalking by Sugar and Spice and the constant accusations of new posters your starting to sound a tad paranoid.

Lads don't take to heart just keep posting on rugby that's why your here.

To wind me up?

all about the banter boys, that's what the forum is all about, just don't rise to it in a serious response. In regard to the thread, I find it really hard to go with my head over my heart. I am what many would call an 'over optimistic Welsh fan' and its only because I have so much passion for my country.

I truly believe Wales can beat Australia, and in fact anyone, because unlike previous years, this genuinely is a side that can dominate the NH and beat the SH at home and the odd one away, simply because it is such a talented side that is new to the test arena, combined with the right blend of experience.

I don't like predicting series involving Wales, but I know that, if Wales can play similar to what they done in the 6N, then they can most definitely win down under, and send a message to world rugby. Call me delusional but its my view and i'm sure other Welsh fans are looking forward to a fantastic series. ]

Cymru Am Byth

No Morgannwg - to post on rugby !

martyr_94 wrote:all about the banter boys, that's what the forum is all about, just don't rise to it in a serious response. In regard to the thread, I find it really hard to go with my head over my heart. I am what many would call an 'over optimistic Welsh fan' and its only because I have so much passion for my country.

I truly believe Wales can beat Australia, and in fact anyone, because unlike previous years, this genuinely is a side that can dominate the NH and beat the SH at home and the odd one away, simply because it is such a talented side that is new to the test arena, combined with the right blend of experience.

I don't like predicting series involving Wales, but I know that, if Wales can play similar to what they done in the 6N, then they can most definitely win down under, and send a message to world rugby. Call me delusional but its my view and i'm sure other Welsh fans are looking forward to a fantastic series. ]

Cymru Am Byth

Wales are pwp at rugby! Australia will burn us, a combined Australia Wales XV
1)Jenkins
2) Moore
3) Palu
4) AW Jones
5)Horwill (c)
6)Lydiate
7)Pocock
8)Elsom
9)Genia
10)Cooper
11) Ioane
12)Barnes
13)Ashley-Cooper
14)North
15)Beale

11-4 to Aussies

That's a good way to judge the balance I think. Assuming everyone was fit mine would be:

1. Benn Robinson
2. Stephen Moore
3. Adam Jones
4. Rob Simmons
5. James Horwill
6. Dan Lydiate
7. David Pocock
8. Toby Faletau
9. Will Genia
10. Quade Cooper
11. Digby Ioane
12. Jonathan Davies
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper
14. Alex Cuthbert
15. Kurtley Beale

ButtyBachXV wrote:Wales are pwp at rugby! Australia will burn us, a combined Australia Wales XV
1)Jenkins
2) Moore
3) Palu
4) AW Jones
5)Horwill (c)
6)Lydiate
7)Pocock
8)Elsom
9)Genia
10)Cooper
11) Ioane
12)Barnes
13)Ashley-Cooper
14)North
15)Beale

11-4 to Aussies

Fooling nobody mate. This is getting embarrassing (for you)

I agree he doesnt seem particularly Welsh, but you've got to admit that isn't far off the best combined team. Except Elsom at 8 and no Jones, which is madness. I'd take 1/2p over North too and maybe JD2 at IC but a combined team would probably be more Aussie than Welsh.

It's not so much the team he named I was referencing, although Palu over Jones is a joke and not at least one Welsh centre. His first sentence shows how he's barely even trying to disguise the fact that he's not Welsh. "Wales are pwp at rugby" really? That's despite being RWC semi finalists, GS champions and 5th on the IRB table

Surely imitating must be against the house rules? You're entitled to dislike a team but pretend to be one of their fans just to have a dig at them, I don't think so.

Gentlemen, sometimes a team is more than the sum of its parts.

Just saying.

You need to look past individual brilliance and talent.

Look at combinations, experience, team unity, motivation, cohesion, gameplan, coaching etc.

bil, im not sure thats what knowsit was asking you for

although, maybe someone should start a thread of the NH vs SH touring combined teams.....

Aus & Wales

SA & ENgland

NZ & Ireland

They're going to be a bit SH heavy but its always interesting to read peoples genuine opinions on those things!

My oz & wales would be:

Jenkins
Moore
Jones
Ian Evans
Horwill
Lydiate
Pocock
Warburton (thats right, at 8 yo!)
Genia
JOC
Ioane
Roberts
JD2
North
Beale


Robinson
Ken Owens
Mitchell
AW Jones
Faletau
Phillips
Barnes
AAC

Boom! Take apart as you will (ps, i admit to not watching too much super rugby this season, so feel free to lambast)

What's pwp?

Comfort wrote:bil, im not sure thats what knowsit was asking you for

although, maybe someone should start a thread of the NH vs SH touring combined teams.....

Aus & Wales

SA & ENgland

NZ & Ireland

They're going to be a bit SH heavy but its always interesting to read peoples genuine opinions on those things!

My oz & wales would be:

Jenkins
Moore
Jones
Ian Evans
Horwill
Lydiate
Pocock
Warburton (thats right, at 8 yo!)
Genia
JOC
Ioane
Roberts
JD2
North
Beale


Robinson
Ken Owens
Mitchell
AW Jones
Faletau
Phillips
Barnes
AAC

Boom! Take apart as you will (ps, i admit to not watching too much super rugby this season, so feel free to lambast)

My only comment on the Aus Wal team would be that JOC's not going to be fit to play in June - Beale to 10, either AAC or Byrne FB.

And possibly Dave Dennis at 8 - the 'Tahs' best player this season.

NZ/Ire:
Woodcock
Best (Mealamu's injured)
O. Franks
Whitelock
O'Connell (is he fit?)
Ferris
McCaw
Reid
A. Smith/Ellis
Savea/Guildford
Carter
SBW
C. Smith
Bowe
Kearney/Dagg

Hore
B. Franks (only 1 prop reserve at international level, he plays both sides)
? (I'm undecided on reserve lock)
O'Brien
A. Smith/Ellis
Sexton
Kearney/Dagg

Morgannwg wrote:What's pwp?

Not sure, but if I could hazard a guess, it would be PURE WELSH PERFORMANCE.

KRD - you got mail (well you actually had it several days ago).

Kiwireddevil wrote:

Comfort wrote:bil, im not sure thats what knowsit was asking you for

although, maybe someone should start a thread of the NH vs SH touring combined teams.....

Aus & Wales

SA & ENgland

NZ & Ireland

They're going to be a bit SH heavy but its always interesting to read peoples genuine opinions on those things!

My oz & wales would be:

Jenkins
Moore
Jones
Ian Evans
Horwill
Lydiate
Pocock
Warburton (thats right, at 8 yo!)
Genia
JOC
Ioane
Roberts
JD2
North
Beale


Robinson
Ken Owens
Mitchell
AW Jones
Faletau
Phillips
Barnes
AAC

Boom! Take apart as you will (ps, i admit to not watching too much super rugby this season, so feel free to lambast)

My only comment on the Aus Wal team would be that JOC's not going to be fit to play in June - Beale to 10, either AAC or Byrne FB.

And possibly Dave Dennis at 8 - the 'Tahs' best player this season.

NZ/Ire:
Woodcock
Best (Mealamu's injured)
O. Franks
Whitelock
O'Connell (is he fit?)
Ferris
McCaw
Reid
A. Smith/Ellis
Savea/Guildford
Carter
SBW
C. Smith
Bowe
Kearney/Dagg

Hore
B. Franks (only 1 prop reserve at international level, he plays both sides)
? (I'm undecided on reserve lock)
O'Brien
A. Smith/Ellis
Sexton
Kearney/Dagg

I like the look of that team KRD!

bloody JOC, i actually knew that and forgot! in which case, Beale to 10, AAC to 15, Halfpenny to the bench.

Now i want these sides to play.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/18225774

Oz squad announced for Scotland and Wales games - Seems Cooper is in, JOC and Horwill are out while Beale is a doubt

Australia squad in full: Ben Alexander, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes, Kurtley Beale, Quade Cooper, Dave Dennis, Kane Douglas, Anthony Faingaa, Saia Faingaa, Bernard Foley, Will Genia, Michael Harris, Scott Higginbotham, Michael Hooper, Rob Horne, Digby Ioane, Sekope Kepu, Salesi Ma'afu, Pat McCabe, Ben McCalman, Jesse Mogg, Stephen Moore, Luke Morahan, Cadeyrn Neville, Dan Palmer, Wycliff Palu, Nick Phipps, David Pocock, Tatafu Polota Nau, Hugh Pyle, Benn Robinson, Nathan Sharpe, Dominic Shipperley, Rob Simmons, James Slipper, Sitaleki Timani, Joseph Tomane, Cooper Vuna, Nic White.

Beales injury is good news , he wont play any Rebels games between now and the Internationals , cutting down his workload

no Elsom either? I thought he was back from injury?

Fifteen uncapped players, new captain, and 3 games in 8 days (for some of them). I think Australia look vulnerable.

TycroesOsprey wrote:no Elsom either? I thought he was back from injury?

Fifteen uncapped players, new captain, and 3 games in 8 days (for some of them). I think Australia look vulnerable.

Certainly an interesting challenge for them - but they are home and still have a pretty good front row and electric backs (even without JOC and maybe Beale)

TycroesOsprey wrote:no Elsom either? I thought he was back from injury?

Fifteen uncapped players, new captain, and 3 games in 8 days (for some of them). I think Australia look vulnerable.

Welshies always think that tho Beale coming off was a precaution according to his coach and some of these new boys especially the brumbies are bad bad news . lookout for Tomane . That being said Wales will never get a clearer shot at the Wobblies at home than this

TycroesOsprey wrote:no Elsom either? I thought he was back from injury?

He is back from injury, he's just no good anymore.

I'm still a bit bemused the ARU signed off on this schedule (3 tests in 11 days) right in the middle of the super rugby season but now I think about it, I'm not surprised at all.

Ben McCalman in the squad? The words 't!t' and 'bull' spring to mind. Berrick can count his lucky stars as well, based on form he should be nowhere near that squad. Here's a drinking game... for every aimless kick Barnes does, have a drink... you'll be legless by half-time.

One thing Barnes did very well on the weekend was his extremely effective tactical kicking

biltongbek wrote:One thing Barnes did very well on the weekend was his extremely effective tactical kicking

Are the Australians going to play that game though? I think we can deal with a kicking game pretty well or at least did in the 6 Nations. Think the Aussies would be better suited keeping ball in hand and going through the phases.

TycroesOsprey wrote:

biltongbek wrote:One thing Barnes did very well on the weekend was his extremely effective tactical kicking

Are the Australians going to play that game though? I think we can deal with a kicking game pretty well or at least did in the 6 Nations. Think the Aussies would be better suited keeping ball in hand and going through the phases.

Id expect them to want to offer a variety of threats so they could mix it up and keep wales on their toes

I just hope that the Australian cold weather does not hinder us

Don't be fooled, even Australia use the tactical kik when necessary.

Cymroglan wrote:I just hope that the Australian cold weather does not hinder us

Brisbane will be fine but Melbourne and Sydney can get miserable weather at this time of year.

Just wanted to say I watched the Ospreys win against Leinster and it was a fantastic game. As a huge critic of NH rugby I have to say I thought it was pretty impressive. Will Wales play Beck, Tipuric, Biggar and Webb? They probably should on that performance!

AussieJakexv wrote:Just wanted to say I watched the Ospreys win against Leinster and it was a fantastic game. As a huge critic of NH rugby I have to say I thought it was pretty impressive. Will Wales play Beck, Tipuric, Biggar and Webb? They probably should on that performance!

They'll probably pick Beck and Tipuric (only if Warbs is out but should feature), Biggar's inclusion will depend on his performance against the Baa Baas but he should feature against Oz in at least one test. Be nice to have Webb in but think Lloyd Williams is preferred to him.