Wales v Italy

by munkian Tue 28 Jan 2014, 10:37 am

Should be announced soon, just making a preliminary thread. I think the squad picks itself, doubt Warbs will start.

Wales Online predict -

Probable Wales team: L Halfpenny; A Cuthbert, J Roberts, S Williams, G North; R Priestland, M Phillips; P James, R Hibbard, A Jones; AW Jones, L Charteris; D Lydiate, J Tipuric, T Faletau

Actual Wales team

Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues); Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), Scott Williams (Scarlets), Jamie Roberts (Racing Metro), George North (Northampton Saints); Rhys Priestland (Scarlets), Mike Phillips (Racing Metro); Paul James (Bath), Richard Hibbard (Ospreys), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Luke Charteris (Perpignan), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys, capt), Dan Lydiate (Racing Metro), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Toby Faletau (NG Dragons).

Replacements: Ken Owens (Scarlets), Ryan Bevington (Ospreys), Rhodri Jones (Scarlets), Andrew Coombs (NG Dragons), Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues), Rhys Webb (Ospreys), James Hook (Perpignan), Liam Williams (Scarlets).

I'm still struggling to find the Italian team lineup...

Right, found this

Michele Rizzo
Leonardo Ghiraldini
Martin Castrogiovanni
Quintin Geldenhuys
Marco Bortolami
Alessandro Zanni
Mauro Bergamasco
Sergio Parisse
Edoardo Gori
Tommy Allan
Leonardo Sarto
Alberto Sgarbi
Michele Campagnaro
Angelo Esposito
Luke McLean
Davide Giazzon
Alberto De Marchi
Lorenzo Cittadini
Joshua Furno
Francesco Minto
Tobias Botes
Luciano Orquera
Tomasso Iannone

by gatlandgun Tue 28 Jan 2014, 11:01 am

Would be mental not to select Biggar.

by munkian Tue 28 Jan 2014, 11:05 am

Considering we have injuries, that is a strong team Very Happy

by gatlandgun Tue 28 Jan 2014, 11:07 am

Walesonline called it correctly. I guess they're saving Biggar for the bigger games although they maybe trying to build up some confidence in Priestland. He plays a better game suited to the Gatland way and links well with Roberts.

Priestland was also sublime in Dublin last time and let's remember Priestland has won a slam, Biggar hasn't. Biggar may also be a big reason towards Wales losing to Ireland last year.

by munkian Tue 28 Jan 2014, 11:11 am

He's played well for the Turks in the Heino.

by ScarletSpiderman Tue 28 Jan 2014, 11:14 am

What the hell has Samson got to do to get into a match day 23? He is the best scrimmaging tighthead in wales at the moment, Adam Jones has been found out since the hit has been taken away, and Rhodri Jones is not able to shake Samson from his regional place!

Also if WRUburton is not fit enough to start then IMO he is not fit enough for the bench, this is a full blooded international, there is no place for risking players.

Other than those two odd calls, and Biggar being over looked for Hook on the bench (versatility?) not a bad squad.

by jimmyinthewell68 Tue 28 Jan 2014, 11:14 am

no real surprises . it was always going to be either biggar or priestland start with hook on bench . nice to see Justin start hopefully we play expansive rugby and not to many box kicks .

by ScarletSpiderman Tue 28 Jan 2014, 11:15 am

munkian wrote:He's played well for the Turks in the Heino.

And he is Gatland's preferred option at fly half, especially with Halfpenny as a goal kicker.

by munkian Tue 28 Jan 2014, 11:17 am

ScarletSpiderman wrote:What the hell has Samson got to do to get into a match day 23? He is the best scrimmaging tighthead in wales at the moment, Adam Jones has been found out since the hit has been taken away, and Rhodri Jones is not able to shake Samson from his regional place!

Also if WRUburton is not fit enough to start then IMO he is not fit enough for the bench, this is a full blooded international, there is no place for risking players.

Other than those two odd calls, and Biggar being over looked for Hook on the bench (versatility?) not a bad squad.

Maybe he's saving some for Ireland ?

by Guest Tue 28 Jan 2014, 11:20 am

jimmyinthewell68 wrote:no real surprises . it was always going to be either biggar or priestland start with hook on bench . nice to see Justin start hopefully we play expansive rugby and not to many box kicks .

I'm not sure about the expansive rugby, Roberts and Williams are not really great distributing centres, we'll likely see a lot of crash ball needing North and Cuthbert to come off their wings.

by gatlandgun Tue 28 Jan 2014, 11:20 am

Scott Williams is a real threat in attack and this is his chance to prove he's worth starting. He's still 6ft and 15stone 4lbs, but we will miss JD2 and he is even bigger than Williams.

Wales have to play to their strengths and utilise this monster backline. I wanna see North used as first/second receiver like he's been doing for Saints.

Roberts, Phillips and Lydiate were sublime for Racing metro. It times in well.

by Guest Tue 28 Jan 2014, 11:23 am

ScarletSpiderman wrote:What the hell has Samson got to do to get into a match day 23? He is the best scrimmaging tighthead in wales at the moment, Adam Jones has been found out since the hit has been taken away, and Rhodri Jones is not able to shake Samson from his regional place!

Also if WRUburton is not fit enough to start then IMO he is not fit enough for the bench, this is a full blooded international, there is no place for risking players.

Other than those two odd calls, and Biggar being over looked for Hook on the bench (versatility?) not a bad squad.

Agree on your first two paragraphs. If Hook is on instead of Biggar for versatility, then I think he should be on instead of Sanjay. If Priestland does have a flaky game, then we need somebody to steady the ship and Hook isn't that man either.

by gatlandgun Tue 28 Jan 2014, 11:25 am

It's Italy at home. I don't wanna seem smug but we'll win by 20 plus.

by No9 Tue 28 Jan 2014, 11:28 am

We've lost twice to Italy before and drawn at home, so don't be too smug...

by mrzimmerman Tue 28 Jan 2014, 11:29 am

Quick word on Rhys Webb. Well done to him for getting through a lengthy injury and some bad form to get on the subs bench. Da Iawn butt!

by munkian Tue 28 Jan 2014, 11:31 am

No9 wrote:We've lost twice to Italy before and drawn at home, so don't be too smug...

Not in a fair old while we haven't. And if we lose to Italy in Wales we don't deserve 3 championships in a row

by gatlandgun Tue 28 Jan 2014, 11:31 am

2003 - Dire team
2007 - Even worse
2006 draw - Sonny Parker's Mrs.

by Scrumpy Tue 28 Jan 2014, 11:31 am

How has St WRUburton got onto the bench if he isn't fit? Rolling Eyes

by munkian Tue 28 Jan 2014, 11:32 am

Because he's fit enough to come on later if needed ?

by gatlandgun Tue 28 Jan 2014, 11:34 am

Sam will get a 60 min introduction. Even time to get a feel again ready for the potato destroying fixture a week later.

by jimmyinthewell68 Tue 28 Jan 2014, 11:35 am

gatlandgun wrote:2003 - Dire team
2007 - Even worse
2006 draw - Sonny Parker's Mrs.

yeah she was rubbish with the loose ball and didnt keep it tight at the back

by Guest Tue 28 Jan 2014, 11:36 am

Warburton should be with the Blouse this weekend. What happens if Lydiate or Tipuric go down in first five minutes?

by Scrumpy Tue 28 Jan 2014, 11:38 am

I wonder what sort of reception WRUburton will get?

by Guest Tue 28 Jan 2014, 11:39 am

Scrumpy wrote:I wonder what sort of reception WRUburton will get?

Nothing different? A few people blast him on twitter all of a sudden hes "under attack" from all corners of Wales, the media really have made a storm in a tea cup out of it. As a Blues fan I'm glad hes signed with the WRU, it means that his salary can be used to buy players we desperately need, and considering Warburton hardly plays for us this is a good thing.

by Scrumpy Tue 28 Jan 2014, 11:50 am

Is it a sell out, the game that is!

by ScarletSpiderman Tue 28 Jan 2014, 11:50 am

Welsh fans are disgusting and the paper should cover the abuse that Priestland gets just for being selected

ScarletSpiderman wrote:
Chunky Norwich wrote:Just posted on twitter

1m
Rhys priestland INSULT REMOVED

2m
Warren Gatland must be the only person in the world not named Mr or Mrs Priestland that would pick that INSULT REMOVED in the Welsh team.

7m
Priestland must have INSULT REMOVED up gatlands INSULT REMOVED. He is not the form 10 in Wales

8m
priestland is INSULT REMOVED why is he still starting hook and biggar are much better

12m
Priestland is absolutely INSULT REMOVED!

19m
OhINSULT REMOVED Rhys Priestland

Edited for decency.

That is exactly the sort of abuse I am on about it is shameful

by Huwball Tue 28 Jan 2014, 11:52 am

I'm quite surprised that Priestland gets lauded for his H cup games.... I watched the Racing Metro game and all he did was kick the ball away constantly and gave out quite a few poor passes.

I just hope we are fit enough to withhold the battering Italy will dispense... I'm in Lloegr to watch the game so we've got to win Whistle

by ScarletSpiderman Tue 28 Jan 2014, 11:55 am

munkian wrote:Because he's fit enough to come on later if needed ?

What happens if Tips takes a serious knock ten mins into the game? We field a ropey unfit player, bad selection.

by Scrumpy Tue 28 Jan 2014, 12:00 pm

ScarletSpiderman wrote:
munkian wrote:Because he's fit enough to come on later if needed ?

What happens if Tips takes a serious knock ten mins into the game? We field a ropey unfit player, bad selection.

I agree Scarlet, vs Italy it isn't worth the risk imo.

by maestegmafia Tue 28 Jan 2014, 12:03 pm

No surprises there

by No9 Tue 28 Jan 2014, 12:04 pm

Strong side... to be honest, I don't think there's any surprises here.

However, is this side capable of putting 20+ points on the Italians. I'm not trying to down play the Italians, but this game could be crucial to Wales' 3rd title hopes.

I think most of us, believe deep down that Wales wont get a Slam, which means we believe we will slip up and lose one game (at least). That being the case, it could be down to points difference. And as England have Italy last, they should know what they have to do by then.

So we have to put Italy to the sword big time, and get a heft points difference now, as it will be more difficult to chase points later on.

by doctornickolas Tue 28 Jan 2014, 12:17 pm

Scrumpy wrote:I wonder what sort of reception WRUburton will get?

I expect he'll get some abuse from anyone immature and pathetic enough to write WRUburton but he won't get any from the grown ups as they will just get behind Wales.

by The Saint Tue 28 Jan 2014, 12:20 pm

It's no surprise some fans are angry though, as this isn't even the form Wales team. Same ol same ol.

by Scrumpy Tue 28 Jan 2014, 12:20 pm

doctornickolas wrote:
Scrumpy wrote:I wonder what sort of reception WRUburton will get?

I expect he'll get some abuse from anyone immature and pathetic enough to write WRUburton but he won't get any from the grown ups as they will just get behind Wales.

Not brave enough to have a go at Scarlet for writing WRUburton then? laughing

by munkian Tue 28 Jan 2014, 12:21 pm

doctornickolas wrote:
Scrumpy wrote:I wonder what sort of reception WRUburton will get?

I expect he'll get some abuse from anyone immature and pathetic enough to write WRUburton but he won't get any from the grown ups as they will just get behind Wales.

I doubt keyboard warriors actually go to games, let alone air their opinions in public

by munkian Tue 28 Jan 2014, 12:23 pm

No9 wrote:Strong side... to be honest, I don't think there's any surprises here.

However, is this side capable of putting 20+ points on the Italians. I'm not trying to down play the Italians, but this game could be crucial to Wales' 3rd title hopes.

I think most of us, believe deep down that Wales wont get a Slam, which means we believe we will slip up and lose one game (at least). That being the case, it could be down to points difference. And as England have Italy last, they should know what they have to do by then.

So we have to put Italy to the sword big time, and get a heft points difference now, as it will be more difficult to chase points later on.

Why aim to just put Italy to the sword ? And so what if England have Italy last ? They have to go to Rome and have only beaten Italy by little more than a score there over the past couple of visits

by The Saint Tue 28 Jan 2014, 12:23 pm

Scrumpy wrote:
doctornickolas wrote:
Scrumpy wrote:I wonder what sort of reception WRUburton will get?

I expect he'll get some abuse from anyone immature and pathetic enough to write WRUburton but he won't get any from the grown ups as they will just get behind Wales.

Not brave enough to have a go at Scarlet for writing WRUburton then?

How old are you? Erm

by flyhalffactory Tue 28 Jan 2014, 12:26 pm

Risca Rev wrote:
ScarletSpiderman wrote:What the hell has Samson got to do to get into a match day 23? He is the best scrimmaging tighthead in wales at the moment, Adam Jones has been found out since the hit has been taken away, and Rhodri Jones is not able to shake Samson from his regional place!

Also if WRUburton is not fit enough to start then IMO he is not fit enough for the bench, this is a full blooded international, there is no place for risking players.

Other than those two odd calls, and Biggar being over looked for Hook on the bench (versatility?) not a bad squad.

Agree on your first two paragraphs. If Hook is on instead of Biggar for versatility, then I think he should be on instead of Sanjay. If Priestland does have a flaky game, then we need somebody to steady the ship and Hook isn't that man either.

Morning Guys (and gals)

Firstly that's a awesome looking 23, and some players who are playing seriously well for their clubs particularly Charteris, AWJ, North and Scott Williams.

Secondly it looks like Gatland has bolloxed up key selections yet again,
* Adam Jones - is half the player under the new laws I am amazed Lee yet again has been overlooked against what is traditionally a decent front five side.
* Dan Biggar - best kicking averages of the welsh boys this season, both from the dead ball and out of hand, been looking awesome defensively in the HC and going forward has been strong. Also he has played (correct me Ospreys fans if I am incorrect) fly half, centre and full back this season.
* Locks - no specialist lock on the bench against possibly the best lock combos in the 6Ns, one of the best performing locks in Welsh rugby this season is Jake Ball yet Gats has gone for the safe option "tried and trusted" two back row players in Coombs and Warbs.

Last and not least that old chestnut "versatility",
Full Back - Liam Williams , Dan Bigger, Rhys Priestland, James Hook
Wings - Liam Williams
Centre - George North, Dan Biggar, Mike Phillips, Rhys Priestland, James Hook
Fly Half - Biggar, Priestland, Scott Williams (believe he has played there for Wales already and did pretty ok), James Hook

Based on that why the hell isn't Dan Biggar on the bench instead of Hook, as North can come into the centre if required with Sanjay replacing him on the wing, and Biggar a direct replacement for Priestland, and Liam Williams the obvious replacement for Halfpenny if required.

by Scrumpy Tue 28 Jan 2014, 12:28 pm

But why have a go at the English person when it was a Moderator (a welsh one at that) who started it as far as I can see?

Please read this;
https://www.606v2.com/t51368-rugby-announcement-behaviour-during-the-6ns

Is typing WRUburton really that bad anyway (I think it works well), some of you really need to calm down its only Tuesday

by Scrumpy Tue 28 Jan 2014, 12:30 pm

munkian wrote:
No9 wrote:Strong side... to be honest, I don't think there's any surprises here.

However, is this side capable of putting 20+ points on the Italians. I'm not trying to down play the Italians, but this game could be crucial to Wales' 3rd title hopes.

I think most of us, believe deep down that Wales wont get a Slam, which means we believe we will slip up and lose one game (at least). That being the case, it could be down to points difference. And as England have Italy last, they should know what they have to do by then.

So we have to put Italy to the sword big time, and get a heft points difference now, as it will be more difficult to chase points later on.

Why aim to just put Italy to the sword ? And so what if England have Italy last ? They have to go to Rome and have only beaten Italy by little more than a score there over the past couple of visits

As an English and rugby fan the days of Italy being regarded as whipping boys is a little disrespectful imo. thumbsup

by LordDowlais Tue 28 Jan 2014, 12:40 pm

ScarletSpiderman wrote:
munkian wrote:Because he's fit enough to come on later if needed ?

What happens if Tips takes a serious knock ten mins into the game? We field a ropey unfit player, bad selection.

SS, you realy do have a problem with Warburton as of late, give the kid a break, when fit he is one of the best players in his position in the world, and I would still take an half fit Warburton over anybody else in line after Tuperic, and please do not tell me that somebody like Shingler or Navidi should get the nod, when others achieve anything that Warburton has achieved then I will take note of them.

by Scrumpy Tue 28 Jan 2014, 12:47 pm

LordDowlais wrote:
ScarletSpiderman wrote:
munkian wrote:Because he's fit enough to come on later if needed ?

What happens if Tips takes a serious knock ten mins into the game? We field a ropey unfit player, bad selection.

SS, you realy do have a problem with Warburton as of late, give the kid a break, when fit he is one of the best players in his position in the world, and I would still take an half fit Warburton over anybody else in line after Tuperic, and please do not tell me that somebody like Shingler or Navidi should get the nod, when others achieve anything that Warburton has achieved then I will take note of them.

Surely people are allowed to voice their opinions regarding WRUburton? Erm

by LordDowlais Tue 28 Jan 2014, 12:47 pm

Anyway, I have got tickets for this one, and I can tell you one thing for sure, if Warburton comes on the field, I will cheer for him.

by LordDowlais Tue 28 Jan 2014, 12:48 pm

Scrumpy wrote:
LordDowlais wrote:
ScarletSpiderman wrote:
munkian wrote:Because he's fit enough to come on later if needed ?

What happens if Tips takes a serious knock ten mins into the game? We field a ropey unfit player, bad selection.

SS, you realy do have a problem with Warburton as of late, give the kid a break, when fit he is one of the best players in his position in the world, and I would still take an half fit Warburton over anybody else in line after Tuperic, and please do not tell me that somebody like Shingler or Navidi should get the nod, when others achieve anything that Warburton has achieved then I will take note of them.

Surely people are allowed to voice their opinions regarding WRUburton?

by flyhalffactory Tue 28 Jan 2014, 12:50 pm

Scrumpy wrote:But why have a go at the English person when it was a Moderator (a welsh one at that) who started it as far as I can see?

Please read this;
https://www.606v2.com/t51368-rugby-announcement-behaviour-during-the-6ns

Is typing WRUburton really that bad anyway (I think it works well), some of you really need to calm down its only Tuesday

I thought it was quite clever as well, and whilst its not really on topic Warburtons central contract will have repercussions on players like Tipuric who is actually playing! so it is indirectly relevant to "getting behind the Welsh team".

Nothing wrong with elements of the crowd and the playing public venting their feelings on central contracts and the knock on positive or negative effect it will have on the national team and welsh rugby

by ScarletSpiderman Tue 28 Jan 2014, 12:50 pm

LD - no issue with him of late that I have not had with him in the past (please feel free to look back at old posts). He is not a KID he is 25. Yes when fit he is a good player, when unfit he should not be in the team. I have said it before with numerous other players IF your an not fit enough to start you are not fit enough to bench, a bench player could be required to come on from the first minute of the game, so fitness is key.

As for the WRUburton, apologies if it offends any one, I would have no issues with explaining it to him, and if he is as down to earth as he is meant to be then he would take it with a pinch of salt in the good nature it was intended (much like Rob McGog does, and that could be seen as boarderline racist/regionalist)

by Scrumpy Tue 28 Jan 2014, 12:57 pm

LordDowlais wrote:Anyway, I have got tickets for this one, and I can tell you one thing for sure, if Warburton comes on the field, I will cheer for him.

Good for you Sir, I'm sure a United Wales (for 80mins at least) will do likewise

by flyhalffactory Tue 28 Jan 2014, 12:58 pm

munkian wrote:Considering we have injuries, that is a strong team

Warren Gatland wrote:

"We've almost everyone fit for selection which is pretty rare.

by Scrumpy Tue 28 Jan 2014, 1:00 pm

I wonder if Italy will want the roof shut?

by EnglishReign Tue 28 Jan 2014, 1:01 pm

Can't see past a win for the Azzuri here.

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