Nervous Anticipation

Well our (Wales) warm up games are all over so its now a nervous wait for players and fans to see who will get in Gatlands 30 man squad for the WC.

As these boards prove we all like a good debate about who should or shouldn't go and why did he pick him instead of him etc etc.

So after what I have seen here is what I think Gatlands (not my) squad (16-14 split) will be:

PROPS - Jenkins*, James, A Jones, Mitchell.

HOOKERS - Bennett, Hibbard*, Burns.

2nd ROW - B Davies, AWJ, Charterris, R Jones.

BACK ROW - Lydiate, Warburton(c), Faletau, Powell, M Williams.

S/HALF - Knoyle, Phillips, L Williams.

O/HALF - Hook, S Jones

WINGS - S Williams, North, Halfpenny, Brew.

CENTRES - Roberts, J Davies, Sc Williams.

FULLBACKS - Byrne, Priestland.

The ones with asterix are doubts due to injury and I would have grave concerns about him taking players who wouldn't be in contention by the 2nd group game.

A lot of talk will be about Henson but I just can't see how he can justify taking him, especially now he has an injury as well. If he did risk takinghim then I would guess Brew would drop out.

Also the selection or non selection, which ever way it goes of M Williams will raise a lot of debate. Some say he is past it others say his expereince could be vital if R Jones is used as a 2nd row option.

Bevington will go as 5th prop so Brew will miss out. (I would take Iestyn but Gats will not go outside squad).

Hibbard is injured so Owen will be recalled to the squad. I hope Martyn Williams is not chosen, he has been a shaddow of his former self this season, lets remember him at his best. With doubts over Ryan Jones fitness and Falatau's readiness expect Powell to go with either Turnbull (who can cover all back 5 forward positions) or Williams?

sea,

Has Hibbard definately been ruled out yet? Also if he takes bevington as 5th prop that will be a 17-13 split.

I think a 16-14 is more balanced but we will all see come this afternoon I guess.

bedfordwelsh wrote:sea,

Has Hibbard definately been ruled out yet? Also if he takes bevington as 5th prop that will be a 17-13 split.

I think a 16-14 is more balanced but we will all see come this afternoon I guess.

With Jenkins being injured but almost certainly on the plane then Gatland will more than likely have to take 5 props otherwise we are going to be left with only 3 fit props for at least 1 game which isnt ideal for training etc.

Momentum is with the Welsh. They've planned well and have got some good results. Certainly capable of semi finals.

mpc28 wrote:

bedfordwelsh wrote:sea,

Has Hibbard definately been ruled out yet? Also if he takes bevington as 5th prop that will be a 17-13 split.

I think a 16-14 is more balanced but we will all see come this afternoon I guess.

With Jenkins being injured but almost certainly on the plane then Gatland will more than likely have to take 5 props otherwise we are going to be left with only 3 fit props for at least 1 game which isnt ideal for training etc.

Fair point mpc, though I still don't like idea of taking players who are carrying injuries and have had little or no gametime all season. Its a disaster waiting to happen.

bedfordwelsh wrote:

mpc28 wrote:

bedfordwelsh wrote:sea,

Has Hibbard definately been ruled out yet? Also if he takes bevington as 5th prop that will be a 17-13 split.

I think a 16-14 is more balanced but we will all see come this afternoon I guess.

With Jenkins being injured but almost certainly on the plane then Gatland will more than likely have to take 5 props otherwise we are going to be left with only 3 fit props for at least 1 game which isnt ideal for training etc.

Fair point mpc, though I still don't like idea of taking players who are carrying injuries and have had little or no gametime all season. Its a disaster waiting to happen.

I fully agree with you, as good as a fully fit Gethin Jenkins is im not sure its worth the risk.

Another worrying fact is who is likely to be back up cover of Jenkins goes but doesn't then become fit or we pick up another injury.

I would presume Yapp is on stand by but for me it should be Thomas or even D Jones.

bedfordwelsh wrote:Another worrying fact is who is likely to be back up cover of Jenkins goes but doesn't then become fit or we pick up another injury.

I would presume Yapp is on stand by but for me it should be Thomas or even D Jones.

Thomas should of been in the squad anyway in my opinion but as you said it will probably be Yapp