France v Wales: Build-up and match thread

[Ospreydragon]

First topic message reminder :

A very interesting opening weekend in the 6N. Good wins for Ireland and England, and a great one for Italy, who showed some nice touches and are devloping their play (unlike Wales).

Here's a typically hyperbolic journalist (or sub-editor's headline) in today's Express:

"Rob Howley Planning to Dump Failures"

http://www.sundayexpress.co.uk/posts/view/375256/Rob-Howley-planning-to-dump-failures

Nothing in the article to state who is going to be dumped, and no surprise there.

Will Howley have the cojones to drop some players? Jenkins, Shingler, and one of the centres? We'll see!

[maestegmafia]

WALES’ star men Sam Warburton and Gethin Jenkins have been told they are under huge pressure for their places ahead of Saturday’s Six Nations clash with France in Paris.

Caretaker coach Rob Howley will tomorrow name his team for what has become a must-win clash for the two countries, each having lost their opening game of the Championship.

The role of skipper Warburton has been put under increased scrutiny with Justin Tipuric pushing him for the openside flanker’s berth, while 100-times capped prop Jenkins is struggling to hold off the challenge of Paul James at loose-head.



Read more: Wales Online http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/rugby-news/2013/02/06/wales-stars-warburton-and-jenkins-warned-places-under-threat-91466-32752581/#ixzz2K7hiZZb6

[maestegmafia]

I do wonder whether Tipuric is better as an impact player to speed the game up rather than a starter.

Great lad who has been huge for the Ospreys and Wales in the last two seasons.

Might be tempted to say that Ryan Toby and Sam would be our best starting back row?

[Guest]

"WALES’ star men Sam Warburton and Gethin Jenkins have been told they are under huge pressure for their places ahead of Saturday’s Six Nations clash with France in Paris."

No, no , NO! It shouldn't be 'are' under huge pressure, it should be 'were' under pressure and as such have now been dropped. How many chances can people get?! If you play poorly and keep getting picked then there is no incentive to improve. If you're the form player and you keep not getting picked, then your confidence will be knocked and you may chuck the towel in eventually (and perhaps move abroad, e.g. Hook, Byrne, Brew, Mitchell, Robinson - you could all argue that they were overlooked when in form and decided to risk the move abroad).

The media keeps saying 'the bold call' to leave Tipuric out. Wrong! The bold call is to have the balls to call up the likes of Tipuric. Give youth it's chance and play the players in form. They can't do much worse. We've lost 8 on the bounce with the out of form players - what's the worst that can happen? Another loss?

[Casartelli]

Chill out Griff, Mark Jones has revealed to Sky Sports that;

"the boys sometimes have a drink of a fluid based beverage during training. It quenches their thirst. You might say we should do something similar during a game...hmmmm..."

Then he put his little finger to the edge of his mouth and narrowed his eyes.

Genius coach.

[maestegmafia]

If you're the form player and you keep not getting picked, then your confidence will be knocked and you may chuck the towel in eventually (and perhaps move abroad, e.g. Hook, Byrne, Brew, Mitchell, Robinson - you could all argue that they were overlooked when in form and decided to risk the move abroad).

All those players you mentioned either had better players ahead of them at their club in the position they wanted to play in.. They weren't the form player with the exception of maybe Byrne who had no rival, but had been injured or off form for two years plus.

[Glas a du]

Tesco's car crash part II -

"Have you got 2p?"

"Everyone's got to pee..."

[Guest]

That's your opinion. Brew was first choice at his club. I don't believe he wanted to play another position. I believe he left as has was being overlooked for Wales, so it didn't matter that he wasn't in the shop window. His scrum v interview in France alluded to the same. Nicky Robinson was first choice at Blues at 10. I don't believe he wanted to play another position. I think he left as he was constantly overlooked for Wales when he was the form 10. Hook. Yes, if he wanted to play 10. But, he did play a fair amount at 10 too.. Byrne - you've agreed. Mitchell. Yes, OK players were ahead of him. Bad example on my behalf.

I take it then that you do not believe that the constant overlooking of form, in favour of poor form, may persuade players to consider moves abroad, i.e. "I need to be here to play for the Wales national team, but I'm not getting picked so I may as well leave."

[wales606]

I will be happy if this team starts in Paris

1. Paul James
2. Richard Hibbard
3. Adam Jones
4. Ryan Jones
5. Ian Evans
6. Sam Warburton
7. Justin Tipuric
8. Toby Faletau
9. Mike Phillips
10. Dan Biggar
11. George North
12. Jamie Roberts
13. Jonathan Davies
14. Leigh Halfpenny
15. Lee Byrne

16. Matthew Rees
17. Ryan Bevington
18. Craig Mitchell
19. Andrew Coombs
20. Aaron Shinger
21. Lloyd Williams
22. James Hook
23. Alex Cuthbert

[Guest]

Wales 606, I like your team a lot. My only differences would be perhaps Cuthbert for North, only because he seems to have the knack of scoring a lot more at international level lately than North. Not sure if that's statistically correct, but in my mind he seems a bit more prolific. Defense is not great though...

I'd put in Lloyd Williams for a bit more zip at 9, even though I appreciate he's far from the finished article. I'd just like to see quick ball from the first minute, to see what happens.

[gboycottnut]

I will be happy if this team starts in Paris

1. Paul James
2. Richard Hibbard
3. Adam Jones
4. Ryan Jones
5. Ian Evans
6. Sam Warburton
7. Justin Tipuric
8. Toby Faletau
9. Mike Phillips
10. Dan Biggar
11. George North
12. Jamie Roberts
13. Jonathan Davies
14. Leigh Halfpenny
15. Lee Byrne

16. Matthew Rees
17. Ryan Bevington
18. Craig Mitchell
19. Andrew Coombs
20. Aaron Shinger
21. Lloyd Williams
22. James Hook
23. Alex Cuthbert

Gareth Llewellyn said that Andrew Coombs can play in the blindside flanker position. With this in mind, Wales need to select him there to increase Wales lineout options and importantly give Wales greater physical and muscle power V what is likely to be a very huge French forward pack. So I would have a backrow of Coombs, Tipuric and Faletau with a second row pairing of Krohn and Evans.

And for lineouts in the French 22, I would like to see Wales use the full 15 man lineout as they did successfully against the mighty and powerful All Blacks forward pack.

[maestegmafia]

I'm not convinced that playing Ryan Jones at lock is going to be best for Wales. He is a good flanker and a tough call should be made as to who is in our backrow.

France have a talented pack we need to win ball.

Warbs tips ryan and Toby are our best options. Shingler didn't play his best last week but he was injured so maybe he isn't an option until he is fit.

Nothing wrong with Coombs and Evans at lock.

[Guest]

I will be happy if this team starts in Paris

1. Paul James
2. Richard Hibbard
3. Adam Jones
4. Ryan Jones
5. Ian Evans
6. Sam Warburton
7. Justin Tipuric
8. Toby Faletau
9. Mike Phillips
10. Dan Biggar
11. George North
12. Jamie Roberts
13. Jonathan Davies
14. Leigh Halfpenny
15. Lee Byrne

16. Matthew Rees
17. Ryan Bevington
18. Craig Mitchell
19. Andrew Coombs
20. Aaron Shinger
21. Lloyd Williams
22. James Hook
23. Alex Cuthbert

Gareth Llewellyn said that Andrew Coombs can play in the blindside flanker position. With this in mind, Wales need to select him there to increase Wales lineout options and importantly give Wales greater physical and muscle power V what is likely to be a very huge French forward pack. So I would have a backrow of Coombs, Tipuric and Faletau with a second row pairing of Krohn and Evans.

And for lineouts in the French 22, I would like to see Wales use the full 15 man lineout as they did successfully against the mighty and powerful All Blacks forward pack.

Can play? That's where he does play! Believe it or not he has only played a few times for the Dragons at lock. Flanker is his normal position. I wouldn't mind him starting at 6, but maybe now he's added lock to his list of experiences he has become a utility player!

Read an interview with Coombs the other day where he was talking about training with Wales at lock. The way he was talking, about how funny his legs felt after scrummaging, and that he wasn't used to that, made it sound like he's never played there much in his life.

[whocares]

And for lineouts in the French 22, I would like to see Wales use the full 15 man lineout as they did successfully against the mighty and powerful All Blacks forward pack.

that would be worth the price of my ticket on its own, specially if they mess it up !

[BlueNote]

"Read an interview with Coombs the other day where he was talking about training with Wales at lock. The way he was talking, about how funny his legs felt after scrummaging, and that he wasn't used to that, made it sound like he's never played there much in his life.."

A really brave effort from him against Ireland, particularly put into context like that. But I would go for a proper, big, specialist 2nd row against France.

Big competition for bench places. I guess you might go for Ryan Jones and one of Shingler or Coombs, assuming a starting back row of Warburton, Tips and Faletau.

Having said which, there's a lot to be said for Ryan Jones starting, he's a wise old warrior.

[Glas a du]

Imagine the scene. Rob, Shaun and Neil in Frankie and Benny's Cardiff Gate...

"Bloomin eck this is a bit posh eh Rob?"

"Yeah, that's why we haven't invited Robin and Mark is it Rob? Haha!"

"erm, lads, erm, you know I only bring you to the best places, ahem, erm, Robin and Mark HAVE BEEN INVITED NEIL, erm, it's just that time is going on and I want to get started, erm..."

"Bloomin right Rob, I'll have prawn cocktail, steak n chips and Auntie Flo's New York baked cheesecake."

"On the, erm, team Shaun!"

"Oh yeah, the team"

"Few changes is it Rob braw?"

"No Neil, well yes Neil, Erm, I've been thinking...we are playing France in France..."

"Yeah" "Aye"

"So, why don't we pick, erm, all our French based players, erm, they know the French players and how they think"

"But Rob, I know Melon's a Ponty boy but come on!"

"Neil, the, erm, French will expect us to drop him. It will, erm, take them by surprise. AND I PICK THE TEAM OK?"

"OK Rob, yeah, you're the boss, whatever you say."

"Well, I'm glad we have that sorted. We'll start with:
Halfers
Horse
Foxy
The Jaw
The North
Hooky
Big Mike

Melons
Smiler
Fatty
Ianto
Coombsey
RJ
Toby
Sammy as skip.

Bench:
Jamesy
Sheriff
Mitch
King Kohn
Tips
Lloydie
Daniel Biggar
Scottie"

"But, but, that's the same team as last week, apart from dropping Biggar and bringing Ryan back in!"

"Yes, erm, the boys need to recover their form by playing. We won't make any knee jerk selections, they have a couple of games to prove themselves"

"But what about Biggar! Doesn't he get a couple of games"

"NO, HE WAS RUBBISH AGAINST FIJI"

"But Rob, that were three year ago?"

"We lost this, erm, game because he got charged down and missed the conversion that would have got us within two scores"

"But it was Halfers kicking braw?"

"I DON'T CARE, erm, he's not playing, erm, and that's it. Neil have you remembered the WRU credit card...?"

[gboycottnut]

"Read an interview with Coombs the other day where he was talking about training with Wales at lock. The way he was talking, about how funny his legs felt after scrummaging, and that he wasn't used to that, made it sound like he's never played there much in his life.."

A really brave effort from him against Ireland, particularly put into context like that. But I would go for a proper, big, specialist 2nd row against France.

Big competition for bench places. I guess you might go for Ryan Jones and one of Shingler or Coombs, assuming a starting back row of Warburton, Tips and Faletau.

Having said which, there's a lot to be said for Ryan Jones starting, he's a wise old warrior.

Agree there, as France apparently have a very huge and massive lock forward in their squad who can play V Wales.

[wales606]

Ryan Jones has to be in the starting 15. Whether at 6 or lock. He is Wales' most experienced player and he hasn't had a bad game for Wales since he lost the captaincy. He puts in 100% and will dive on anything on the floor (the insane lack of fear that we haven't had since Martyn's floor work)

Lloyd Williams was good last week, and in the game before for the Blues. But prior to that, he hasn't had a average game for 18months - he has been dire in every Blues game. I would rather give Phillips a chance to have one of his 50% of good games where he is a match changer.

Warburton is going to start somewhere, otherwise I would give his play to R.Jones (captaincy and 6) in a heartbeat. As it is, Warbs at 6, Tip 7 is the best option

Going to France has ruined Gethin's careers. He is now the 4th choice Welsh LHP for me (James, Gill, Bevington) and should have no chance of getting on the Lions tour if you look on the last years form.

Cuthbert was dropped for my team simply because his defence is not good enough at the moment, despite his try scoring nack, he needs to learn to make the right decisions in defence - that is more important in many ways and something players struggle with if it doesn't come naturally.

[gboycottnut]

The great Wales full-back JPR Williams once played as a Flanker V Australia. What about playing both North and Cuthbert as Flankers, with Warburton as number 8?

[Morgannwg]

Jenkins and james offer different games but are our two best tight heads

No, Gill and James are our two best looseheads.

Also, you don't mention Roberts and Warburton in your defence of Howley's selection.

I agree. James and Gill on current form are much better options than Jenkins and Bevington, particulary Bevs!

[glamorganalun]

Ryan Jones has to be in the starting 15. Whether at 6 or lock. He is Wales' most experienced player and he hasn't had a bad game for Wales since he lost the captaincy. He puts in 100% and will dive on anything on the floor (the insane lack of fear that we haven't had since Martyn's floor work)

Lloyd Williams was good last week, and in the game before for the Blues. But prior to that, he hasn't had a average game for 18months - he has been dire in every Blues game. I would rather give Phillips a chance to have one of his 50% of good games where he is a match changer.

Warburton is going to start somewhere, otherwise I would give his play to R.Jones (captaincy and 6) in a heartbeat. As it is, Warbs at 6, Tip 7 is the best option

Going to France has ruined Gethin's careers. He is now the 4th choice Welsh LHP for me (James, Gill, Bevington) and should have no chance of getting on the Lions tour if you look on the last years form.

Cuthbert was dropped for my team simply because his defence is not good enough at the moment, despite his try scoring nack, he needs to learn to make the right decisions in defence - that is more important in many ways and something players struggle with if it doesn't come naturally.

I agree with your post but R Jones like Hook will be on the bench, I also suspect Hibbard and James will also be on the bench.

[Morgannwg]

Who else thinks it's going to be the same team as last week? Which is likely.

[glamorganalun]

Tips will be 7 and Warburton will replace Shingler, anyhting to keep Warburton in the team.

[BlueNote]

I was just trying to work out: between Howlers, McBryde, Jenks and Mark Jones, how much coaching experience do they have apart from in the Wales set-up?

[Morgannwg]

I'd like to see Shingler replaced though, by Ryan Jones on the bench. Kohn needs to start and Coombs deserves to keep his place in the 23.

[bedfordwelsh]

Who else thinks it's going to be the same team as last week? Which is likely.

It wouldn't surprise me or shock me if it was, nothing Howler does now shocks or surprises me I do however think that we will see Tipuric in and Warburton moved to 6, they certainly won't drop him.

For me

James should start over Jenkins
Hibbard over Rees
Tipuric over Warburton
R Jones over Shingler
S Wiiliams over Roberts
Halfpenny over Cuthbert
Byrne over halfpenny

[glamorganalun]

110% agree with you but it won't happen as we both know. Never mind give Howley enough rope.

[manofgwent]

I can see Tipuric coming in and Warburton being shifted to blindside. I'm not sure if Ryan Jones s available for selection, but if he is, you have to go with him. The Welsh management have shown for years that they don't like to drop the bigger names, even if they aren't performing.
Mike Pjillips is marmote. You love him or hate him. The problem for me at scrum half is who to replace him with. Obviously with Lloyd Williams in the squad, he'd be the natural choice, but for me he hasn't been playing great at the Blues. He did come on and increase the tempo. That's not too difficult with Phillips crabbing across the surface! Jinny Evans has been playing great stuff at the Drsgons, but it takes about 18 months of outstanding performances to try and get into the welsh team. EG Faletau and now Tipuric. Personally against France id rather see Tipuric play with a natural 6. Lewis Evans is having a very good season and wouldn't let Wales down. I think too many players are in a comfort zone. It's team Wales. Jamie Roberts treats Wales like his club. He barely turns out for the Blues and knows he's going to start no matter what. Just look at how Andrew Coombs raised his game on Saturday. He showed just what it meant to play for Wales and showed real pride. We could do with a bit more passion from some other players.

[bedfordwelsh]

mog,

WHo would you drop for R Jones those, the easy option which would be right up Howlers street would be Coombs but to me that would be very harsh because as you said he was ne of a very few who showed up well for the whole 80.

The other option of course is top put Jones at 6 but then that means no Tipuric because we all know he won't drop Warburton.

[wales606]

mog,

WHo would you drop for R Jones those, the easy option which would be right up Howlers street would be Coombs but to me that would be very harsh because as you said he was ne of a very few who showed up well for the whole 80.

The other option of course is top put Jones at 6 but then that means no Tipuric because we all know he won't drop Warburton.

I don't think he showed up that well. He played ok for a debutant and the only lock left with a leg. Of his first 3 carries in the first half, he failed to get over the gainline and lost possession twice. He had a good second half, and was ok in the lineout with Evans calling - but not undroppable when Wales' second best forward from the 2012 campaign returns.

[Casartelli]

Mark Jones has revealed on the Twitter that the Welsh team will spend the night before the game in a hotel.

"The boys find they get better rest in beds than if they kip down in the team bus."

Said the ex-Llanelli speedster.

[majesticimperialman]

The great Wales full-back JPR Williams once played as a Flanker V Australia. What about playing both North and Cuthbert as Flankers, with Warburton as number 8?

How about dropping Warburton all together.

[wales606]

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/rugby-news/2013/02/06/justin-tipuric-and-richard-hibbard-to-get-wales-call-ups-against-france-91466-32760859/

Hibbard to start
Warbs to blindside, Tips at 7
No Ryan starting
Gethin Jenkins remains

[wales606]

15. Leigh Halfpenny
14. Alex Cuthbert
13. Jonathan Davies
12. Jamie Roberts
11. George North
10. Dan Biggar
9. Mike Phillips

1. Gethin Jenkins
2. Richard Hibbard
3. Adam Jones
4. Andrew Coombs
5. Ian Evans
6. Sam Warburton
8. Toby Faletau
7. Justin Tipuric

Replacements

17. Paul James
16. Ken Owens
18. Craig Mitchell
19/20. Olly Kohn / Ryan Jones / Aaron Shingler
21. Lloyd Williams
22. James Hook
23. Scott Williams

[bedfordwelsh]

I guess thats one of them can't have it all momenst, great if Tipuric and Hibbard start, absolutely shocking if Jenkins starts.

[bedfordwelsh]

15. Leigh Halfpenny
14. Alex Cuthbert
13. Jonathan Davies
12. Jamie Roberts
11. George North
10. Dan Biggar
9. Mike Phillips

1. Gethin Jenkins
2. Richard Hibbard
3. Adam Jones
4. Andrew Coombs
5. Ian Evans
6. Sam Warburton
8. Toby Faletau
7. Justin Tipuric

Replacements

17. Paul James
16. Ken Owens
18. Craig Mitchell
19/20. Olly Kohn / Ryan Jones / Aaron Shingler
21. Lloyd Williams
22. James Hook
23. Scott Williams

Bar Jenkins somehow keeping his place I think thats back most would have picked I know its mine. As for the backs then gald he has stuck with Biggar not so with Roberts but then again he's one of the players Howler hasn't the guts to drop.

[majesticimperialman]

Gethin Jenkins? still in the team? why oh why?

[thebluesmancometh]

I really hope thats not the team to face France, selecting Jenkins again is a joke, bringing in Hibbard and dropping Rees, not to mention keeping Owens on the bench is silly too.

What must Rees and Owens think, Owens has been told he's not as good as Rees, then told he's better option than Rees but Hibbards better than both... WTF!

Hopefully Jones isn't in, he will not be fit, and I'd like to see Coombs miss this battle out initially (for his developments sake)

Back row is now very lightweight with no lineout, and the French back row has less carrying options than Ireland did, so a beefier player needed IMHO!!! 2 opens will be a waste.

Backline as is is a good call, especially if Mermoz and Fritz play again!

I had a scary feeling the French boys would be thrown in just because they play in France!!

[bedfordwelsh]

Problem with the backrow is he was never going to drop Warburton but Tipuric is playing on top form at mo.

[thebluesmancometh]

bedford

Don't you want to see more bulk v France though?!

Warbs, Tips woudve been good again the HUGE Irish carrying threat, but Duss and Quadrago won't be anywhere near as potent!

[Morgannwg]

15. Leigh Halfpenny
14. Alex Cuthbert
13. Jonathan Davies
12. Jamie Roberts
11. George North
10. Dan Biggar
9. Mike Phillips

1. Gethin Jenkins
2. Richard Hibbard
3. Adam Jones
4. Andrew Coombs
5. Ian Evans
6. Sam Warburton
8. Toby Faletau
7. Justin Tipuric

Replacements

17. Paul James
16. Ken Owens
18. Craig Mitchell
19/20. Olly Kohn / Ryan Jones / Aaron Shingler
21. Lloyd Williams
22. James Hook
23. Scott Williams

If Gethin was playing more regulary I would understand, but he hasn't and it sure does show. James should be starting! Replacements I'd pick both of Kohn and Ryan Jones. Surprised Olly isn't starting to be honest.

[wales606]

15. Leigh Halfpenny
14. Alex Cuthbert
13. Jonathan Davies
12. Jamie Roberts
11. George North
10. Dan Biggar
9. Mike Phillips

1. Gethin Jenkins
2. Richard Hibbard
3. Adam Jones
4. Andrew Coombs
5. Ian Evans
6. Sam Warburton
8. Toby Faletau
7. Justin Tipuric

Replacements

17. Paul James
16. Ken Owens
18. Craig Mitchell
19/20. Olly Kohn / Ryan Jones / Aaron Shingler
21. Lloyd Williams
22. James Hook
23. Scott Williams

If Gethin was playing more regulary I would understand, but he hasn't and it sure does show. James should be starting! Replacements I'd pick both of Kohn and Ryan Jones. Surprised Olly isn't starting to be honest.

Kohn is an injury doubt that's why the fail don't know who is on the bench.

Who keeps telling them the team the night before?

[Morgannwg]

I guess they chuck Howley or Edwards a few grand. Shingler was carrying an injury too, but I'm not sure if he still is. If both are fit they'd probably go with Shingler to 'prove a point.' But that point defeats the selections of Jenkins and other players not based in Wales.

[Glas a du]

RANT - For goodness sakes, Warburton is not the best open side, he certainly is not the best blind side! How can you play such a lightweight back row with a weakness in the second row (one crocked, one small) and blydi Jenkins in the front row...against blydi France! Shocking!

[majesticimperialman]

I for one are not surprised with Gethin Jenkins being selected. I would be moore surprised if he was dropped to be honest.

Wales seen to be going down the old England route. Once a player has made in to the team. Unless he gets injured he will get picked no matter how bad he plays.

[bedfordwelsh]

maj,

I agree with you there, Howelr selecting players like Jenkins Warburton Roberts etc is not a surprise because he hasn't got the balls to drop them.

If he did then that would be the surprise.

[Casartelli]

If WalesOnline have called it right, is this the strangest pack fielded by Wales during the professional era?

Loosehead that hardly ever plays nowadays because he can't get in his club team.

29 year old hooker who's had 5 test starts in 7 years. Never started in the 6N.

A big second row who has played once since Nov and a mini semi-pro who's played there four times in his life.

An out of form, out of position captain on the blindside and two lightweight 'finesse' Martyn Williams clones at 7 & 8.

And Adam.

It looks a weird mishmash of a selection - I have no idea what Howley thinks he can throw at the French. I just hope nobody gets hurt.

[glamorganalun]

RANT - For goodness sakes, Warburton is not the best open side, he certainly is not the best blind side! How can you play such a lightweight back row with a weakness in the second row (one crocked, one small) and blydi Jenkins in the front row...against blydi France! Shocking!

Exactly what I have been saying, it is going to be hard enough having two second rows and a decent big 6 in the team, I posted on another thread it is going to be a similar result at half time as with Ireland. I hope we don't get many scrums from 5m that pack is going to be targetted by the French. R Jones will be on the bench, I suspect he s not 100% behind Howley, if he was he may push him over a cliff if Hook does not beat him to it.

[wales606]

The three form players in Wales are Hibbard, Tipuric and Biggar.

So at least they are starting.

[Casartelli]

The three form players in Wales are Hibbard, Tipuric and Biggar.

So at least they are starting.

Form players in France are Byrne and Hook.

Form player in England is Kohn.

Could have done with them starting too!

And Ryan.

[Ospreydragon]

Casartelli,

jenkins -- agreed. James is playing reg and in form and should start.

Hibbard -- has been the form hooker in Wales and has made a recovery since his last, disastrous outing for Wales. Deserves to start on the basis of club form.

Ian E -- made several mistakes carrying the ball too upright buit lasted 73 mins of a test match after returning from injury. Deserves to start because he can be class and theer are so many injuries.

Coombs -- there's an argument that he could play 6 and Sam could be dropped. On the basis of Sam's play and the grunt Coombs showed on his debut, Coombs should start ahead of Warb at 6 to accommodate Kohn (if he's fit after the training injury earlier in the week) alongisde Ian E.

Tips and Faletau deserve to start.

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