WALES SQUAD 2014 RBS 6 NATIONS:

WALES SQUAD 2014 RBS 6 NATIONS:

Forwards:
Paul James (Bath), Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Ryan Bevington (Ospreys), Richard Hibbard (Ospreys), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Emyr Phillips (Scarlets), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Rhodri Jones (Scarlets), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Luke Charteris (Perpignan), Ian Evans (Ospreys), Andrew Coombs (Dragons), Ryan Jones (Ospreys), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Sam Warburton Capt (Cardiff Blues), Toby Faletau (Dragons), Dan Lydiate (Racing Metro), Aaron Shingler (Scarlets)

Backs:
Rhodri Williams (Scarlets), Mike Phillips (Racing Metro), Rhys Webb (Ospreys), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Rhys Priestland (Scarlets), James Hook (Perpignan), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Jamie Roberts (Racing Metro), Scott Williams (Scarlets), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), George North (Northampton Saints), Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues), Liam Williams (Scarlets

Small squad....and some are walking wounded - no suprises either...

Fairly predictable squad, surprised Dacey is not included, is he injured?

Interesting to see Lloyd Williams dropped but he is indeed behind Phillips, Webb and possibly Rhodri. We lack a bit of cover in the centres though considering JD2 and Roberts are going to be out for most of the campaign.

I know.. I don't get it, is Scot Williams playing on his own ?

hmmm....

thought Keiron Dacey (blues), Jake Ball (Scarlets), Lewis Evans (dragons) all could have been called up (for experience if nothing else).

Lack of backline cover again considering we know 2/3 are injured/coming back halfway through.....

overall not that surprised mind.

As other have noted - no surprises, but sparse numbers. And if injuries are to be believed - even sparser!

Well lets have a review of the injury list:

Sam Warburton has hardly played this season
Gethin Jenkins has hardly played this season and was injured in his first game back
Jamie Roberts has hardly played this season, injured in his first game back
Jonathan Davies has been out since November.

Munkian, you seem quite calm with that squad announcement.

10 Scarlets, 9 Ospreys, 4 Blues, 3 Racing Metro, 2 Perpignan, 2 Dragons, 1 Bath, 1 Northampton.

Looks like a pretty blinkered selection. Especially given that a number (I make it 7 or 8) of them are either carrying knocks or racing a race to get fit in time.

Bevington is awful. Lydiate is way off form. Warbs is injured, isn't playing, yet he's back as captain. And as mentioned half of the players are walking wounded. What an oddball bunch of selections.

No new caps is the worry for me - RWC next year and we aren't brimming with depth in some positions.

I'm assuming more will be called up ?

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Munkian, you seem quite calm with that squad announcement.

10 Scarlets, 9 Ospreys, 4 Blues, 3 Racing Metro, 2 Perpignan, 2 Dragons, 1 Bath, 1 Northampton.

Looks like a pretty blinkered selection.  Especially given that a number (I make it 7 or 8) of them are either carrying knocks or racing a race to get fit in time.

Not alot I can do mate. Despite being the 2nd region in the league the Dragons are overlooked again.

Only 2 actual wingers in the squad ? 2 centres ? Its really...odd

IronMike wrote:Well lets have a review of the injury list:

Sam Warburton has hardly played this season
Gethin Jenkins has hardly played this season and was injured in his first game back
Jamie Roberts has hardly played this season, injured in his first game back
Jonathan Davies has been out since November.

Foxy -: not expected any time soon.

Li Williams, Coombs, Ryan Jones and Ken Owens all having question marks over their fitness/injury status too.

Is he trying to see himself out of a job?

The Saint wrote:Is he trying to see himself out of a job?

Could be, imagine the payoff the union would have to give him to ditch him with 6 years left to run on his contract!!!!!

Does Newport recieve the same funding as the other Regions?

If so I think Bath should get some!

wounded Wales . foxy be lucky to make the last two games so why pick him . mad selection there

I keep hearing this negativity about Lydiate yet his stats against Scarlets was most tackles made missed one most rucks hit 24 and second most carries in the forwards quite good for some one not in form

So are we just hoping roberts is going to be fit and firing and Williams can do a job at 13 rather than 12 yeah?

If Jenkins is ruled out I'll be an injury to Paul James away from a breakdown.

Looking at the backs we have available, I'd have added Dan Evans to that at least. Problem is there's enough potential coming through in the centres and wings spots, they just happen to be unavailable (C Allen/O Williams/Amos/Dirksen/Walker).

Very surprised by JD2's inclusion, unless they've received news from the fitness experts that he's on course to be back for the last 2 games or so. Guessing it means Williams will play 13 to accommodate Roberts at 12 if he's fit. If not, i'm assuming North will play 13 and Liam Williams to come in on the wing.

Good squad

Rhys Webb has earned his chance..!

We should do well. Plenty of experience and the majority of a squad that has one this championship twice in a row, some three or four times before.

Roberts being fit is a big bonus, glad to see jd2 must be one the mend as well.

Experience is great BUT no new caps ? No exposure to younger players before the RWC ?

Hmmm...sceptical

munkian wrote:Experience is great BUT no new caps ? No exposure to younger players before the RWC ?

Hmmm...sceptical

Is a bit strange given that he has called in new players in past.

Ah, found this quote

'As we did last year which was hugely successful we are going to have the Wales U20 squad come in on Tuesday to train with us and we both got a huge amount from that.

"It gives us plenty of bodies and a good chance for those boys to come and train with the senior squad.'

Any news on when Allen and Owain Williams are back from injury

Sounds good Munkian...!

It's still a young squad and where we have ageing players we are picking youngsters as back up, Sampson Lee, Rhodri Williams etc..!

Average age of the first team is likely still only mid twenties...

If there had been many additions then posters would complaining of the lack of continuity.

I don't think there are any that are not deserved of being in the squad.

we are all talking about new caps, which yes is all well and good if they are up to the standard!

At the moment what new caps are there really who should be in the squad? Jake ball, possibly, but with 4 very good locks (1 injured), and 3 players who can play both lock and flanker (Coombes, Jones and Shingler) is there any real point in bringing him in. (not saying personally I wouldn't but looking at it from Gats' perspective). in the centre we capped a number of promising centres, who are now unfortunately injured, and there are no other centres really standing out.

front row, possibly Rob evans could have been brought in, and also the forgotten Rhys gill. (personally would have had those two in instead of bevington)
tighthead we suddenly have some ok depth, Hooker, there are no other standouts (other than Kristian Dacey who is injured)

at 10, Tovey could be disappointed (haven't seen him play, so reserve judgement) however patchell is injured, and owen Williams up at the tigers has limited game time

9, we have 3 good scrum halves, well 2 good scrum halves and a good player! no complaints there

back 3, Amos I think showed from his debut that he perhaps isint quite ready yet, Dan evans should be disappointed but again after Evans, then Walker is injured again, so no other real options

and back row, well we have a wealth of experience and talent there, Lewis evans again should be disappointed and we really need to try and find a back up for toby.

so overall for me a decent looking squad and remember hook can cover centre if desperate

I guess not. I'd say Ball is worth capping though - what is Charteris's form like ?

Mad not selecting Byrne either

maestegmafia wrote:I don't think there are any that are not deserved of being in the squad.

Could argue a few really. Ian Evans has been playing second fiddle a lot of the time. Ryan Jones has been injured. There's a hell of a lot of question marks in that squad, where it makes no sense not to have some cover in there. Funny how Cement Head has mentioned the possibility of dropping to three regions and then does the usual trick of not selecting Dragons players, especially when there are question marks over players and obvious gaps where Dragons players have been playing well (Flanker Evans, Centre Leach, back three Evans)

Risca Rev wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:I don't think there are any that are not deserved of being in the squad.

Could argue a few really. Ian Evans has been playing second fiddle a lot of the time. Ryan Jones has been injured. There's a hell of a lot of question marks in that squad, where it makes no sense not to have some cover in there. Funny how Cement Head has mentioned the possibility of dropping to three regions and then does the usual trick of not selecting Dragons players, especially when there are question marks over players and obvious gaps where Dragons players have been playing well (Flanker Evans, Centre Leach, back three Evans)

The same goes for selecting players like Rhodri Williams and Rhodri Jones, neither are first choice at their region and are behind welsh qualified players.

Risca Rev wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:I don't think there are any that are not deserved of being in the squad.

Could argue a few really. Ian Evans has been playing second fiddle a lot of the time. Ryan Jones has been injured. There's a hell of a lot of question marks in that squad, where it makes no sense not to have some cover in there. Funny how Cement Head has mentioned the possibility of dropping to three regions and then does the usual trick of not selecting Dragons players, especially when there are question marks over players and obvious gaps where Dragons players have been playing well (Flanker Evans, Centre Leach, back three Evans)

Agreed. The mind boggles

Scarlet, you could argue though Rhodri is first choice, although that is a great battle between him and davies.

With R.Jones though, he is behind Samson who is also in the squad, and there are no real other tightheads in wales after him and adam. Jarvis is supposedly struggling with the new rules, and both the blues and dragons have NWQ players starting at tighthead

welshy824 (new) wrote:Scarlet, you could argue though Rhodri is first choice, although that is a great battle between him and davies.

With R.Jones though, he is behind Samson who is also in the squad, and there are no real other tightheads in wales after him and adam. Jarvis is supposedly struggling with the new rules, and both the blues and dragons have NWQ players starting at tighthead

Chapparo doesn't normally start for the Dragons actually. The rest of our front row are Welsh, they're just rubbish.

How Dan Evans hasn't got a call up I don't know.

Liam wrote:Any news on when Allen and Owain Williams are back from injury

Owen Williams due back "soon"

Allen will be out for a while I think.

I think a lot of people have over reacted to be honest. Out of all the teams announced we (I think) have the strongest squad announced. Do think we could have included another winger and center though.
The only thing i'm peed off about is that Jake Ball isn't in the squad. Yes, centers and wings are short on the team sheet but i'm full of confidence in the medical team.
I will only hit panic mode if all Paul James, Scott Williams, George North or Rhys Webb get injured this weekend.

Centre selection worries me, no depth…..leads me to conclude North is going to be used as a utility O/S centre sub with Liam Williams slotting into 1/2's spot.

IMO Both Priestland and ian Evans are lucky though Davies injury explains Ianto's pick.

There is nothing new really, except at 9 and i hope to see Rhodri Williams get his head

He's chancing a lot on players recovering from injury and regaining a bit of form but he has not let us down in the past and knows far more than me.

With the U20s training with squad we might see a few added and if the likes of Corey Allen and Williams get some gametime then they might be added.

Can someone.........PURLEEEEEZE.........teach Mike Phillips how to box-kick for this 6N?? Just once, go on.
I see one of his classic kicks was the main reason Racing lost to Scarlets last weekend. Give me strength, how has he been allowed to get away with it for so long?

So by my reckoning against Italy we are likely to see a pretty strong side:

James (I would start hin even if Jenkins was fit)
Hibbard
A Jones
AWJ
Evans (I would start Charteris)
Lydiate
Faletau
Warburton

Phillips (I would give Webb a start)
Biggar

North
Roberts
Sc Williams
Cuthbert

Halfpenny

Bench: Bevington (guess it has to be but god knows why), Owens, Lee, Charteris, Tipuric, Phillips, Priestland, Hook

I think the interesting selections will be back row and centre depending on fitness.

Lydiates' form of late not been great but then R Jones and Warburton have/are carrying knocks so we could maybe see Shingler and Tipuric start.

Roberts again hasn't had much game time and is recovering from injury himself so with out other options at centre limited we could see Mr Utility himeself start or the more braver selection of North at centre.

Shingler really isn't a flanker though is he ? Plenty of backrow players at the regions that have been overlooked

Aaron or Stephen?

The non jock   

Munkian, that is harsh. Aaron Shingler is good option in the back row, he is an athletic lineout option, and overs a good link man type of running game. He also does get stuck in at ruck time, and recently made Hibbard's attempt at tackling him look like a fairy trying to tackle a tank. He may not be a big bruising lump of a man, but then again neither is Tipuric. Pairing them too together would not be ideal IMO, unless it was one of them coming on from the bench to exploit knacked Italian legs.

I wouldn't say it was harsh, its not his natural position is it ? Wasn't a criticism of him.

My point was why take a small sqaud and play people out of position when you have plenty of 'natural' 6s and a few sevens playing for the regions ?

munkian wrote:Shingler really isn't a flanker though is he ? Plenty of backrow players at the regions that have been overlooked

I would have picked Evans instead or as well as but hes not there so picked my selection accordingly.

bedfordwelsh wrote:

munkian wrote:Shingler really isn't a flanker though is he ? Plenty of backrow players at the regions that have been overlooked

I would have picked Evans instead or as well as but hes not there so picked my selection accordingly.

Yeah, I wasn;t knocking Shingler, Evans would be an addition to the squad if I picked it.

munkian wrote:

bedfordwelsh wrote:

munkian wrote:Shingler really isn't a flanker though is he ? Plenty of backrow players at the regions that have been overlooked

I would have picked Evans instead or as well as but hes not there so picked my selection accordingly.

Yeah, I wasn;t knocking Shingler, Evans would be an addition to the squad if I picked it.

When you think a few seasons back he was originally selected but got injured it does seem strange that hes never figured again especially given his form over past season or two.

Should have added that 8 is a big worry as well, if Toby gets injured (please no) then our other options are R Jones and Warburton I presume, both of who are carrying/had knocks and limited game time.

With the WC in mind I would have liked to have seen Ieuan Jones and/or Morgan Allen included if just for the experience of being in the set up.

Looks pretty good to me. It's not a risk to pick players that might not make it due to injuries - I'm sure he has the replacements ready to call up, and he has the advantage of not having to name them until closer to the time. If they are coming from the under 20's then they are already training with the squad.
Is George North going to be spending any time at centre do you think?

nobbled,

Even if he doesn't start there I hope he gets some game time there, last 20-25 of Italy game for def would be my plan.

That said if Roberts isn't considered fit enough then the only other option is Mr Utility himself so maybe they have plans to use North from the off in one or two games.

I hope he does Nobbled, he looked dangerous there in the Autumn and for his club.

From a rugby perspective I'd love to see George North at centre, making linebreaks and some of those lovely offloads.

From an England view however, please stick him on the wing. Or the bench. Or a plane to somewhere nice for a few weeks....