Welsh Squad Thread - Warburton (Capt) - Nugget OUT

[PenfroPete]

First topic message reminder :

http://www.wru.co.uk/27087.php



For those unable to open the link



WALES SQUAD - 2011 RUGBY WORLD CUP

CAPTAIN

Sam WARBURTON (CARDIFF BLUES, CAPTAIN - Cap No 1,070)

DoB: 05.10.88. 1.88m / 6'2". 16st 4lbs / 103kgs

International record: 17 caps (W 8, L 9; 5 pts - 1T)

FORWARDS

Huw BENNETT (OSPREYS - Cap No 1,017)

DoB: 11.06.83. 6'0" / 1.83m. 16st 8lbs / 105kgs

International record: 42 caps (W 20, L 21, D 1)

Ryan BEVINGTON (OSPREYS - Cap No 1,081)

DoB: 9.12.88. 6'0"/1.82m. 17st 2lb/109kgs

International record: 4 caps (W 2, L 2)

Lloyd BURNS (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS - Cap No 1,085)

DoB: 09.12.84. 6'0" / 1.83m. 17st 0lbs / 108kgs

International record: 3 caps (W 1, L 2)

Luke CHARTERIS (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS - Cap No 1,030)

DoB: 09.03.83. 6'9" / 2.06m. 19st 10lbs / 125kgs

International record: 25 caps (W 12, L 13)

Bradley DAVIES (CARDIFF BLUES - Cap No 1,065)

DoB: 09.01.87. 6'6" / 1.98m. 19st 1lbs / 121kgs

International record: 24 caps (W 10, L 13, D 1)

Toby FALETAU (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS - Cap No 1,082)

DoB: 12.11.90. 1.88m / 6'2". 17st 5lbs / 110kgs

International record: 3 caps (W 1, L 2)

Paul JAMES (OSPREYS - Cap No 1,021)

DoB: 13.05.82. 6'1" / 1.86m. 18st 2lbs / 115kgs

International record: 26 caps (W 10, L 15, D 1)

Gethin JENKINS (CARDIFF BLUES - Cap No 1,006)

DoB: 17.11.80. 6'2" / 1.88m. 18st 9lbs / 118kgs

International record: 76 caps (W 33, L 41, D 2; 15 pts - 3T)

Adam JONES (OSPREYS - Cap No 1,018)

DoB: 08.03.81. 6'0" / 1.83m. 18st 12lb / 120kgs

International record: 70 caps (W 32, L 35, D 3; 10 pts - 2T)

Alun Wyn JONES (OSPREYS - Cap No 1,046)

DoB: 19.09.85. 6'5" / 1.96m. 18st 10lbs / 119kgs

International record: 52 caps (W 21, L 31; 30 pts - 6T)

Ryan JONES (OSPREYS - Cap No 1,029)

DoB: 13.03.81. 6'5" / 1.96m. 17st 5lbs / 110kgs

International record: 53 caps (W 26, L 25, D 2; 5 pts - 1T)

Dan LYDIATE (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS - Cap No 1,071)

DoB: 18.12.87. 1.93m / 6'4". 17st 10lbs / 112kgs

International record: 14 caps (W 6, L 7, D 1)

Craig MITCHELL (EXETER CHIEFS - Cap No 1,068)

DoB: 03.05.86. 6'1" / 1.85m. 17st 2lbs / 109kgs

International record: 10 caps (W 7, L 3)

Ken OWENS (SCARLETS - Uncapped)

DoB: 03.01.87. 6'1" / 1.86m. 17st 8lbs / 112kgs

International record: Uncapped

Andy POWELL (SALE SHARKS - Cap No 1,061)

DoB: 23.08.81. 6'4" / 1.94m. 18st 0lbs / 114kgs

International record: 18 caps (W 9, L 9; 5 pts - 1T)

BACKS

Aled BREW (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS - Cap No 1,051)

DoB: 09.08.86. 6.0" / 1.83m. 15st 2lbs / 96kgs

International record: 7 caps (W 2, L 4, D 1; 5 pts - 1T)

Lee BYRNE (ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE - Cap No 1,041)

DoB: 01.06.80. 6'3" / 1.91m. 14st 12lb / 94kgs

International record: 44 caps (W 18, L 24, D 2; 45 pts - 9T)

Jonathan DAVIES (SCARLETS - Cap No 1,066)

DoB: 05.04.88. 6'1" / 1.86m. 16st 3lb / 103kgs

International record: 14 caps (W 7, L 7; 10 pts - 2T)

Leigh HALFPENNY (CARDIFF BLUES - Cap No 1,060)

DoB: 22.12.88. 5'10" / 1.77m. 13st 2lbs / 83kgs

International record: 20 caps (W 8, L 12; 62 pts - 7T, 9PG)

James HOOK (PERPIGNAN - Cap No 1,047)

DoB: 27.06.85. 6'0" / 1.83m. 14st 12lbs / 94kgs

International record: 54 caps (W 23, L 29, D 2; 303 pts - 12T, 39C, 51PG, 4DG)

Stephen JONES (SCARLETS - Cap No 966)

DoB: 08.12.77. 6'1" / 1.86m. 14st 7lbs / 92kgs

International record: 100 caps (W 40, L 56, D 3; 889 pts - 7T, 142C, 184PG, 6DG)

Tavis KNOYLE (SCARLETS - Cap No 1,076)

DoB: 02.06.90. 6'1" / 1.85m. 14st 5lbs / 91kgs

International record: 5 caps (W 2, L 3)

George NORTH (SCARLETS - Cap No 1,078)

DoB: 13.04.92. 6'4" / 1.92m. 16st 5lbs / 104kgs

International record: 8 caps (W 2, L 5, D 1; 30 pts - 6T)

Mike PHILLIPS (BAYONNE - Cap No 1,022)

DoB: 29.08.82. 6'3" / 1.91m. 15st 10lb / 101kgs

International record: 54 caps (W 25, L 27, D 2; 30 pts - 6T)

Rhys PRIESTLAND (SCARLETS - Cap No 1,080)

DoB: 07.01.87 1.82m / 6'0". 13st 9lbs / 87kgs

International record: 4 caps (W 2, L 2; 10 pts - 2C, 2PG)

Jamie ROBERTS (CARDIFF BLUES - Cap No 1,057)

DoB: 08.11.86. 6'4" / 1.93m. 17st 5lbs / 110kgs

International record: 32 caps (W 15, L 17; 10 pts - 2T)

Lloyd WILLIAMS (CARDIFF BLUES - Cap No 1,087)

DoB: 30.11.89. 6'0" / 1.83m. 13st 9lbs / 87kgs

International record: 1 cap (W 1)

Scott WILLIAMS (SCARLETS - Cap No 1,084)

DoB: 10.10.90. 6'0" / 1.83m. 15st 3lbs / 97kgs

International record: International record: 4 caps (W 2, L 2)

Shane WILLIAMS (OSPREYS - Cap No 976)

DoB: 26.02.77. 5'7" / 1.71m. 12st 1lb / 77kgs

International record: 81 caps (W 39, L 40, D 2; 270 pts - 54T)

[Guest]

I am going to merge this shortly with the thread discussing the Wales world cup squad.

[maestegmafia]

Congratulations to Samuel Tobias Gerald Albert Lieven Flood Warburton on getting the Wales captaincy for the world cup.

Wales have struggled since I can remember for a captain who can put in top draw performances consistently at international level. We tried it with Stephen Jones and he crumbled, Alfie was just a nutter & Ryan Jones form was about as reliable as Lee Byrnes penalty touch finders. Warby is a machine. Respect to Martyn Williams he is/was one very special player, but I must say Warby has it all. He is still very young & putting in phenomenal performances. His effort equals his talent & he really does give 100%.

Well said Krusty you are right.

I cant remember the last time we had a captain in such great form.

[Shifty]

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/rugby-news/2011/08/22/wales-world-cup-squad-announcement-press-conference-highlights-91466-29282656/

Link to world Cup press thingy.

[Seagultaf]

The really big ommission for me is Turnbull. He was the standout club 7 in Wales last season. He is also an excellent 6 and can play in the second row and at 8. He didn't get much of a chance in the warm up games but was outstanding in his cameo performance agaist England.

Powell was OK against Argentina, ironicaly his try came from a scrum where he picked up and then dropped the ball!

At the end of the day, Powell is one of Gatlands favourites and he is in, but he does not like Peel and he is not.

[Taffineastbourne]

The really big ommission for me is Turnbull. He was the standout club 7 in Wales last season. He is also an excellent 6 and can play in the second row and at 8. He didn't get much of a chance in the warm up games but was outstanding in his cameo performance agaist England.

Powell was OK against Argentina, ironicaly his try came from a scrum where he picked up and then dropped the ball!

At the end of the day, Powell is one of Gatlands favourites and he is in, but he does not like Peel and he is not.

I agree that Turbull would have been a Jon Thomas type selection but we already have Ryan in that role.

[Pot Hale]

Average squad age is 25.9. younger than Ireland (26.5) and England (27.6)

[Cymroglan]

Most will be very experienced players come 2015

[Guest]

Simon Shaw is pushing England's average age up all by himself!

[Cymroglan]

When you look at the average age overall it can only be good news for the Lions for a few years to come.

[Taffineastbourne]

Average squad age is 25.9. younger than Ireland (26.5) and England (27.6)

Take out POC and BOD and the average age drops to 16

[LondonWelsh99]

Typical hysterical nonsense. Martin Williams was evidently off the pace on Saturday. I've massive respect for the man (the first time I remember him playing was at Stradey in 94 or 95?). Ryan Jones can cover 7 and 8. At least Wales are taking a proper open-side flanker with them. Look at the state of England.

[Glas a du]

Absolutely. They gave him his 100th cap didn't they? He was never quick, but now he's painfully off the pace of ML rugby. No other country would have taken him when they have Warburton, Turnbull, Tipuric and even Gavin Thomas to chose from.

[Comfort]

To be fair, Im fairly excited about the options in the backline.

Theres a backline for any occasion!

The one I'd start against S.A

9. Phillips
10. Hook
11. Shane
12. JD2
13. Roberts
14. North
15. Priestland

Bench

20. Knoyle
21. Jones
22. Halfpenny

[Glas a du]

Comfort, he's been reckless in the backs and overly conservative in the forwards don't you think?

[samuraidragon]

He's previously been overly conservative in the backs too, and is now being forced to be reckless. For the past two years, he didn't develop alternativesat 9, 10, or 15. The result is we are going with players who have very little international experience (Knoyle, S. Williams, Priestland, Lloyd-Williams) or have had little game-time in the likely position (Hook). It may work though. It did in 2003. These next generation guys - forwards included - have got a real buzz about them.

[welshy824]

i still feel gutted for henson but i guess if he had focussed for saries instead of dancing then he could have been in the 6n which would have put him in good stead for the WC.

however if there is a centre injury you may never know

[Comfort]

I'd agree Glas. I think he's picked wisely though.

The backs, they're mainly the on-form players that most Welsh fans wanted to see, and you only have to look at the last 3 games to see that so far its paying off. No more side-to side-to side-to side-turnover possession, they're looking to go-forward, I think Faletaus helped here enormously, check his yards gained stats against england, it shows what having a number 8 who goes forward (sorry Ryan) and flankers who can clear out can do to give their backs that extra second needed at international level.

The forwards, not so much so reckless, but injuries have limited him there and the only selection that jumps out at me is Powell, I would have taken Turnbull in a heartbeat. But I stated on another thread that from previous tours it seems Powell is the type of player you need on tour around the squad for morale, that, and I've backed Warburton to give him a slap if he steps outta line!

[Taffineastbourne]

Comfort.Very good point re Powell as a member of a "touring" party.I believe that he is a bit of a character and so may help squad morale.I have seen brighter turnips but he may have hidden talents.

[Glas a du]

The elephant trick?

[Comfort]

Yeah, I havent heard another player say a bad word about Powell as a guy, think hes just a bit dim (maybe an understatement).

I definitely think Warburton's the type of captain that will influence the others off the pitch aswell, he seems to be the new professional breed of player in Wales. After all of the off-field incidents involving members of this welsh squad I think we'll see a real togetherness for this World cup, something we havent really ever had as a squad. They look willing to work for eachother, again, I think Gatlands got a lot to do with that after the trip to Poland.

The selection problems people tend to havecome down to personal opinion, and the power of hindsight is always a wonderful thing. I mean, who's to say Melon doesnt come back and hit full tilt after a game or 2 in the groups and Byrne/B Davies dont rediscover their top form in the next month or so? In that case, Gatland looks like a genius.

Think Martin Johnson had it right when he said that with 30 players, you'll always be taking risks in some areas to ensure you have cover in others. It just depends how your luck works out.

[ML]

i still feel gutted for henson but i guess if he had focussed for saries instead of dancing then he could have been in the 6n which would have put him in good stead for the WC.

however if there is a centre injury you may never know

Henson's injury downtime has been extended to a minimum of 12 weeks - he will play NO part in the WC

.... Ryan Jones can cover 7 and 8......

Ryan Jones covers 7 in the same way that Shane Williams does - he might be able to wear a shirt with a 7 on the back but thats about as close to being a 7 as he will ever be.

If we end up with RJ playing 7 in a test match, we are in trouble.

[Glas a du]

Ryan Jones covers 7 in the same way that Shane Williams does - he might be able to wear a shirt with a 7 on the back but thats about as close to being a 7 as he will ever be.

If we end up with RJ playing 7 in a test match, we are in trouble.

Abso flip lutely

(apart from the fact that Shane is our best scrum half and outside half)

[Comfort]

Surely Ryan covers 6 & 8 rather than 7? Lydiate can cover 7 if needed (as can Faletau although I'd rather have him at 8).

Anything happens to Warburton, he send him back to the lab to get fixed, and in the meantime:

6.Ryan
7.Lydiate
8.Faletau

or

6.Lydiate
7.Faletau
8.Ryan

depending on the situation in game.

[Seagultaf]

14/19 Back / Forwards split is a strange one. Wales only have 8 back 5 forwards on the plane. With 5 starters and 2 on the bench (7 reserves, 3 backs, 4 forwards) Just one minor injury and they will be down to bare bones.

On the other hand Wales have 6, wide 3 backs, with one of the Centres likely to take the bench spot, there will be 3 in the stand every game!

Agree with other posters on the lack of 7s, I have never seen Ryan or Buggy Boy play at 7. Lydiate is a basher, not a flyer and Faletau is still learning the game.

Brave or foolish?

[LordDowlais]

Look guy's I am really impressed by this squad, I actually think this is probably one of the best squads we have had. For me the people grizzling about Martin Williams not going need to consider the fact, that although he is world class at steeling and slowing opposition ball down, which he did extremely well on Saturday, what we missed was the physicality at our rucks. We sorely missed Warburton's cleaning out and getting us quick ball because we all saw how the Argentians slowed our ball down and no one was cleaning their forwards out which is what Warburton is so dynamic at. This squad looks very physical and that is just what we need if we are going to qualify from our group. Anyway, the squad has been picked now, so lets get behind them.

[LordDowlais]

I would just like to add, because of the needed physicality of our group, that is why Andy Powell is going. Although he can be frustrating we do need his physicality against the Islanders and the Bok's.

[Comfort]

I would just like to add, because of the needed physicality of our group, that is why Andy Powell is going. Although he can be frustrating we do need his physicality against the Islanders and the Bok's.

My only problem with his physicality, is that he isnt smart enough to use it properly, getting turned over after running away from support, id expect him to be knocking people back in the tackle but he doesnt, he'll make the tackle if you're lucky. He doesnt hit rucks hard enough if at all.

I fully understand what you mean, but I just think we could have taken Rob McCusker if we wanted someone to work hard, be strong and not be intimidated.

[SubsBench]

Still cant understand the 16/14 split when we dont have cover for our open side apart from moving our best blind side flanker to cover yet take 4 wings!

[Taffineastbourne]

Brew could make a pretty good 7!!

[Smirnoffpriest]

But the 16/14 split would have been fine if you'd taken Turnbull (or McCusker) instead of Powell - then you would have had 2 opensides (warbs and Turnbull/McC), 3 blindsides (Lydiate, Jones, Turnbull/McC) and with Turnbull you would have had extra cover in the 2nd row. And theoretically with McCusker you would have had an additional cover for 8 (though I haven't been wholly impressed with him at 8).

I can understand taking 4 wings if Halfpenny is going to be FB or covering FB.

[Smirnoffpriest]

Brew could play anywhere, he's like the Welsh Chuck Norris!

[RubyGuby]

Powell is a big number 8 for Wales yet he falls off tackles and only knocks the number 10 backwards. Mathematically we are able to calculate his overall contribution like this and that is what the statistician is largely concerned with as it gives you a formula on which to judge each player:

Weight
Angle
Nedial Position
Kerb weight
Elevation
Rotation


.

[munkian]

Theres a story that on a night out at a Restuarant a waiter asked Powell 'Would you like your pizza cut into 8th's or 16ths ? '

Powell replied '8ths please, I couldn't eat 16 slices'

Hense nickname Mongo

[Comfort]

Theres a story that on a night out at a Restuarant a waiter asked Powell 'Would you like your pizza cut into 8th's or 16ths ? '

Powell replied '8ths please, I couldn't eat 16 slices'

Hense nickname Mongo

He doesnt understand pizza, he doesnt even understand facial hair, hows hes supposed to understand the concept of support play or recycling posession?!

[munkian]

I think he undertsands pizza just fine, its mathematics that escapes him

[RubyGuby]

When asked about recycling posession Powell said "I'm not into any of that Eco crap"

[Comfort]

I dont know, theres bread, cheese and a tomato base. Not to mention the variations of topping.

Powell & variables =

[RubyGuby]

How do I write an article I cant see the create thing like on the old 606?

[LordDowlais]

[My only problem with his physicality, is that he isnt smart enough to use it properly, getting turned over after running away from support, id expect him to be knocking people back in the tackle but he doesnt, he'll make the tackle if you're lucky. He doesnt hit rucks hard enough if at all.

I fully understand what you mean, but I just think we could have taken Rob McCusker if we wanted someone to work hard, be strong and not be intimidatedquote]

I have seen Andy Powell have an absolute field day agianst the Bok's a few years back thoough.

[Totallybiasedscarlet]

How do I write an article I cant see the create thing like on the old 606?

Hit "New Topic*"


On the matter of the Squad I'd only make two changes as it stands - Iestyn Thomas for Bevington and Turnbull for Powell (possibly Tipuric but Turnbull covers more positions).

Other than that it looks pretty good. Shame about losing our two top 2's

[offload]

" Shame about losing our two top 2's "

Yes that's going to hurt us far more than the problem of covering 7. Even if Jenkins and Jones are fit we are goig to struggle in the front row. I hope losing Rees doesn't become our "what if...."

[Taffineastbourne]

I agree to a point fe the 2's.Please dont be too hasty to judge Burns,the lad is a bit special.Just consider where he was 12/18 months ago and be fair to the guy.Fair dos.

[offload]

Burns may have come a long way and may go a long way, but is he good enough to mix it with the best right now? I'm still worried. Bennett is now first choice and that's very scary !

[bedfordwelsh]

Bennett has made a carear out of being utter pants so anyone could have a carear.

The fact he is now our No1 is shocking despite his recent form.

[Smirnoffpriest]

I think people have to remember that Burns has played well for the Dragons and has been having some rave reviews, and I know he hasn't performed well, but they were high pressure games against England and were his 1st caps. Not sure if he's int standard, but I wouldn't be too suprised at him having a good game/20mins in this WC.

Saying that we are in a bad place re hookers at the mo.

[Cymroglan]

Bennett was a starter for four of the 6 nation matches in 2008 Grand Slam year.

[bedfordwelsh]

And our line out was poor then. He has over 50 caps ( I think) how I will never know.

[Guest]

I think people have to remember that Burns has played well for the Dragons and has been having some rave reviews, and I know he hasn't performed well, but they were high pressure games against England and were his 1st caps. Not sure if he's int standard, but I wouldn't be too suprised at him having a good game/20mins in this WC.

Saying that we are in a bad place re hookers at the mo.

I think when he gets more of an opportunity at throwing at a settled second row pairing etc, he'll be okay. He wasn't helped by the lifters etc last time. His physicality he brings is certainly not a bad thing to bring off the bench against our three main rivals in the group.

[RubyGuby]

Maybe Bennett is helping Burns with his throwing in

[Smirnoffpriest]

I wonder if Rees or Hibbert would stay with the squad before it goes to NZ to help Burns and Owens with things like throwing and to pass on tips and experience?

[Sponsored content]