Welsh Squad Thread - Warburton (Capt) - Nugget OUT

[PenfroPete]

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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)

[kultschar]

Ahh didn't hear that Hibbard was injured - thats an understandable selection now (dropping Hibbard and picking Owens), I suppose if he isn't badly injured he could always be called up after we've played a few games.

It's worrying what Gatlands doing to our squad, I mean it's great that we're really fit and are very physical but our players are dropping like flies!

Yup and still a fair amount of training to go which is scary!!!

Ive never heard of so many calf injuries over the last few years!

[offload]

Unfortunately I'm not surprised. We only had 14 fit backs so with a 14/16 split they were all going to go.

Williams has forgotten more about back row play than Powell will ever know. Powell is one dimensional - then so is Gatland.

[Guest]

Surprised Turnbull has been left out, but Lydiate has played 7 before and got a MOTM for it against Fiji so I think he can cover there.

Glad to see a lot of youngsters getting their chance though rather than the overrated veterans we have.

[Smirnoffpriest]

Surprised Turnbull has been left out, but Lydiate has played 7 before and got a MOTM for it against Fiji so I think he can cover there.

Glad to see a lot of youngsters getting their chance though rather than the overrated veterans we have.

But isn't it a bit short sighted and idiotic that if your best 7 gets injured then you have to move your best 6 to cover, totally unbalancing your pack. Most teams would choose to have cover, especially as they've chosen Powell a 6 and 8 instead and we have plenty of 6 and 8 cover.

[RubyGuby]

Does this mean we'll all be at 6's and 7's when we play SA

[Smirnoffpriest]

[Luckless Pedestrian]

It does seem daft that there isn't any openside cover.

I'm just pleased that Jonathan Thomas isn't anywhere to be seen.

[Shifty]

15) Rhys Priestland (Scarlets), Lee Byrne (Clermont Auvergne),
14) George North (Scarlets), Leigh Halfpenny (Blues),
13) Jamie Roberts (Blues),
12) Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Scott Williams (Scarlets),
11) Shane Williams (Ospreys), Aled Brew (Dragons),
10) Stephen Jones (Scarlets), James Hook (Perpignan),
9) Michael Phillips (Bayonne), Lloyd Williams (Blues), Tavis Knoyle (Scarlets),
8) Toby Faletau (Dragons), Andy Powell (Sale Sharks),
7) Sam Warburton (Blues, capt),
6) Danny Lydiate (Dragons),
5) Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Luke Charteris (Dragons),
4) Bradley Davies (Blues), Ryan Jones (Ospreys),
3) Adam Jones (Ospreys), Craig Mitchell (Exeter),
2) Huw Bennett (Ospreys), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Lloyd Burns (Dragons),
1) Gethin Jenkins (Blues), Paul James (Ospreys), Ryan Bevington (Ospreys),

Ok so I'm assuming this is pretty much how our squad is going to look then?
I'm assuming Lydiate will be the cover for open side if Warburton gets injured.
I'm sad for Martyn but to be to be honest he isn't good enough to play for Wales anymore. I think it's a big, strong, physical squad, roll on the world Cup!

[HammerofThunor]

One of Powell's biggest weaknesses for me is his lack of control at the scrum. Wales have a strong scrum but without that control it becomes a gamble. Or is it part of the plan because Wales play better off the cuff so man sausage-up at the scrum results in messy defence and Wales try?

[nottins_jones]

Right, so the team I'd pick for SA would be: Priestland, North, Williams, Roberts, Shane, Hook, Phillips - Powell, Warburton(c), Lydiate, Davies, Jones, Adam, Bennet, James - Bench: Bevington, Ryan, Faletau, Burns, Steve-o, Byrne, Halfpenny OR J.Davies.

The XV is the form team imo, with number 8 up for debate the most.

Could swap Hook and Priestland around if you like. Midfield could also be Steve-o, Hook, Roberts. I doubt Jones will start at fly-half though having not played.

[Smirnoffpriest]

You'd pick Powell? and you say it's a form team and put Byrne on the bench?

Also big gamble and big ask for Scott W to start his 1st game against SA

[Shifty]

That's who I'd pick for South Africa.

15 Rhys Priestland
14 George North
13 James Hook
12 Jamie Roberts
11 Shane Williams
10 Stephen Jones
9 Mike Phillips
8 Andy Powell
7 Sam Warburton
6 Dan Lydiate
5 Luke Charteris
4 Bradley Davies
3 Adam Jones
2 Huw Bennett
1 Paul James

16 Craig Mitchell
17 Ken Owens
18 Alun-Wyn Jones
19 Ryan Jones
20 Tavis Knoyle
21 Scott Williams
22 Lee Bryne

[Smirnoffpriest]

I wouldn't move Hook around - he's played very well at 10, his kicking is mostly very good and tactical (except for the odd chip), he's defence is vastly improved, he look composed and dangerous. I feel he should only be moved if he's genuinely playing badly in his 1st position or there is someone better in that position. You could argue Priestland is better, but I think he needs more game time. Keep Hook in 1 position and stop messing him around.

My team would be
15 Rhys Priestland
14 George North
13 Jon Davies (too soon for Williams, although bring him on as a sub)
12 Jamie Roberts
11 Shane Williams
10 James Hook
9 Mike Phillips
8 Toby Faletau (could play R Jones there, but I think Jones is more a 6,4,5)
7 Sam Warburton
6 Dan Lydiate
5 Luke Charteris/AWJ (following AWJ's good performace on the w/end am torn)
4 Bradley Davies
3 Adam Jones
2 Huw Bennett
1 Paul James

16 Craig Mitchell
17 Ken Owens (if he's been training well and fit, otherwise Burns)
18 Alun-Wyn Jones
19 Ryan Jones
20 Tavis Knoyle
21 S Williams
22 Halfpenny

[nottins_jones]

I've picked Powell because of the Arg game really... Makes good tackles and ground, not too smart at the breakdown but we have Lyd and Warbs for that. Jones hasn't played enough and Faletau made too many errors in vital areas on the field against England twice. Probably would have dropped the ball en route to a try had he been in Powells place on sat. If we were leading SA I think he'd come in handy. The team is on form I feel, that's the bench pal. You can't call me up on the bench. He's our only full back and if he's fit why wouldn't he be on there?

It is a bit risky for Scott but his performances have outshone all of JD's performances in a Wales jersey.

Also Alyn, can't see how you've benched our best 2nd row.

[wales606]

Im guessing Faletau will be used as backrow cover if injuries crop up. After all, he has played 6,7 and 8 for the Dragons this year and been reasonably effective.

[wales606]

I've picked Powell because of the Arg game really... Makes good tackles and ground, not too smart at the breakdown but we have Lyd and Warbs for that. Jones hasn't played enough and Faletau made too many errors in vital areas on the field against England twice. Probably would have dropped the ball en route to a try had he been in Powells place on sat. If we were leading SA I think he'd come in handy. The team is on form I feel, that's the bench pal. You can't call me up on the bench. He's our only full back and if he's fit why wouldn't he be on there?

It is a bit risky for Scott but his performances have outshone all of JD's performances in a Wales jersey.

Also Alyn, can't see how you've benched our best 2nd row.

But, why have Byrne on the bench to cover 15 when you have no centre cover. ScWilliams/JD2 and Halfpenny on the bench cover 11,12,13,14,15. Byrne isnt a good winger, Halfpenny can play well on both wings and fullback.

[nottins_jones]

Hook is the centre cover. As is Jonothan Davies, did you not see? Byrne is the only specialist full back, wouldn't mind seeing Halfpenny get a go there but he's off the pace a bit. Next game could be the last chance to impress for either player. You do know that replacements don't always get off the bench though right?

[wales606]

Oh, you have no SH cover though.

I dont think I have seen a Welsh team (Or any team) have no SH cover on the bench.

[Smirnoffpriest]

Exactly Wales606 there's no need for Byrne to be anywhere near the match day squad if you have Halfpenny in the team. And if you choose my bench you also have 10 covered with Priestland.

I can't see how you can justify putting in an 8 who had 1 decent game in probably a year, versus a young player who really made yards in both England games has played well all season, looks exciting and is much better defensively and offensively.

Fair enough about the bench/form (I'm just not impressed with Byrne).

[wales606]

So, if Warburton gets injured does Gatland have to call up the Blues and say "urmmm, sorry, we broke one of your 7s....um, can we borrow the other one?"

[wales606]

Id pick

1. Paul James
2. Huw Bennett
3. Adam Jones
4. Bradley Davies
5. Alun Wyn Jones
6. Dan Lydiate
7. Sam Warburton (c)
8. Ryan Jones
9. Mike Phillips
10. James Hook
11. Shane Williams
12. Jamie Roberts
13. Jonathon Davies
14. George North
15. Rhys Preistland

16. Ken Owens
17. Ryan Bevington
18. Luke Charteris
19. Toby Faletau
20. Tavis Knoyle
21. Scott Williams
22. Leigh Halfpenny

[Taffineastbourne]

Pretty good squad with no glaring omissions,injuries considered.

[nottins_jones]

So, if Warburton gets injured does Gatland have to call up the Blues and say "urmmm, sorry, we broke one of your 7s....um, can we borrow the other one?"

Hopefully not, hopefully they'll call up Turnbull.

I did notice afterwards that I didn't have sh on the bench. In that case i'd be tempted to move Byrne out of the 22 and bring in Lloyd Williams. Don't see the need for Tavis when he's too similar to Phillips. Worst MOTM novelty ever awarded (apart from Joe Worsley last getting it against us).

Faletau isn't really superior offensively/defensively to Powell as you say. He is a better breakdown player though, which is why he's safely sitting on the bench. Powell's starting to punch holes in SA and now that the whole team is much quicker I can't see him getting isolated much. If he does then that's likely to be down to the work of the Boks excellent forwards. This is just my choice anyway.

[Smirnoffpriest]

You wouldn't put Mitchell in on the bench Wales 606?

[RubyGuby]

I actually think Falatau is far superior in his defense and offense NJ

[Smirnoffpriest]

Notting - Disagree with knoyle being too similar to Phillips, but do agree he didn't deserve the MOTM though he played well, it was a choice between AWJ and Hook for me.

Faletau makes a lot more breaks than Powell, Powell has a tendancy to run into people or away from support and hasn't got the hands to offload in the tackle. I can't see him making much of an impact against a very physical boks side - they'll just swallow him up. And Toby is much better in defence than Powell, who was coming out of his line and not stopping his player through the Argies game.

But we've had these arguements about Knoyle before and we're not going to agree - I'll ask you the same question I asked Wales 606 why wouldn't u put Mitchell on the bench instead of Bevington

[nottins_jones]

I don't mind either Bev or Mitchell on the bench. I suppose Mitchell would be a good choice though because it stops Paul James from having to move to tighthead. Poor James surely needs a rest by now.

[Smirnoffpriest]

We just need to pray he doesn't get injured in our training camp over the next month (or just under), if he does then our scrum is going to take a huge hit!

[Cymroglan]

We are not the only side that's going to have injury problems our lads have toughened up a lot in the last few months.

[Cari]

Congratulations to Bread of Seven. Big tournament for him

No big surprises really to be fair, but I did expect Nugget to get picked.

[Shifty]

Also Alyn, can't see how you've benched our best 2nd row.

I'd rather attack the South Africa line out and frankly AWJ isn't great at this. Also Charteris is a lot bigger and heavier and I'd like to try and get as much size and weight in our pack as possible.

[wales606]

You wouldn't put Mitchell in on the bench Wales 606?

Can he play LH? Surely its better to have a LH on the bench since Paul James covers both sided.

[Smirnoffpriest]

I thought Mitchell could play LH but doesn't usually and I feel our scrum would loose any semblance of competitiveness if he came on, whereas at least James and Mitchell are quite good.

[Smirnoffpriest]

you may be right though

[Glas a du]

Jones and Powell but no Turnbull or Tipuric X
Knoyle and Lloyd Williams but no Peel or Rees X
Byrne X

Gethin Jenkins - we only have 30 as it is, what is the point taking 29 + 1 injured player.

Halfpenny, Hook, Roberts and Priestland can cover 15, so why take Byrne? Why not take an extra open side?


Apart from that I'm quite happy like

[bedfordwelsh]

Pretty much as I predicted bar Bevington in for Williams. I still would have taken Delve and have reservations about taking Jenkins whithout hardly any gametime all last season.

Am absoutely delighted that Brew has been given the nod and also glad he has stuck with Warburton as skipper.

Pretty good squad all in all given injuries etc.

[Small Time]

Can someone please tell me why we haven't taken one of the top no. 8's in the super 14 and have chosen to take instead a man that has "one trick pony" between the names Andy and Powell? Seriously, is Gatland trying to tell me that not only is Powell better than Delve but also some Novice who is yet to do much of anything??

Isn't anyone else sick and tired of Gatlands "favourites" policy that he continues to abuse??

[bedfordwelsh]

I would go for this against SA

James
Bennett (never thought I would say that)
A Jones
AWJ
Charterris*
Lydiate
Faletau
Warburton (c)

Knoyle*
Hook

S Williams
Roberts
Sc Williams*
North

Priestland*

Bevington, Burns, R Jones, Davies*
Phillips*, S Jones, Halfpenny*

Well thats my selection the asreix are the ones I think where I differ with Gatland.

Davies and Charterris to swap places likewise Knoyle and Phillips.

I also expect him to pick JD and Byrne with Sc Williams missing out and Priestland dropping to the bench in place of Halfpenny.

[bedfordwelsh]

Can someone please tell me why we haven't taken one of the top no. 8's in the super 14 and have chosen to take instead a man that has "one trick pony" between the names Andy and Powell? Seriously, is Gatland trying to tell me that not only is Powell better than Delve but also some Novice who is yet to do much of anything??

Isn't anyone else sick and tired of Gatlands "favourites" policy that he continues to abuse??

Small,

Most on here will know I have shouted for Delve many times and it still does bemuse me how he doesn't fit gatlands plans, maybe it's because he's not a yes man.

As gutted as I am that he's not going I am not surprised after he didn't figure in nay of the warm up games, I suppose as he's now living in the SH he would be an ideal candidate to be called upon if any back rowers get injured.

That said Gatland will most probably call upon Thomas

[RubyGuby]

Delve has been injured - Powell is there to drive the golf buggy in between matches as the players relax. I knew he'd score on Saturday - Murphys law dammit!!

[bedfordwelsh]

Do teams have to name a list of back up players or can they just call on anyone.

I appreciate that players not included may have other plans now and if they are on call they would need to be avaiolable etc but do coaches have to physically name them?

[Comfort]

Overall, Im happy with the sqaud.

Warbs as captain is a huge plus, hes a real lead by example kinda guy.
Not much we can do about the hookers, how ironic Bennett is now the majority's choice!
Glad Brew is going, he hasnt had much of a chance with Wales and he'll love the physical battle of our group.
Byrne had to go, however off-form, he's still solid defensively.
Powell over M.williams? Well a slow/weak intelligent player, or a strong fast moronic player. I wouldda taken Turnbull but he hasnt figured much in the warm-ups.

Can we all say a little prayer for our front row, if any of them go, we'll struggle hugely.

[ML]

Henson will not be joining the World Cup Squad at any point then as his lay-off has been extended from 6/8 weeks to 12.

I am pretty sure Delve (if he has recovered from his injury) will be kept in close proximity to the squad in case of injury.

[bedfordwelsh]

With the injurys we have then the only one that really puzzles me is Powells inclusion over Delve, Turnbull or Williams.

LEts hope Sam doesn't get injured or we could end up with our best No6 playing at No7

[ML]

I am surprised that Martyn ISNT on the plane. I know he has lost some pace, and he never was the most physical of players but it is a high risk strategy asking Warburton to play every game - many of them potentially for the full 80 minutes.

Yes Lydiate has covered 7 before for his region (as has Felatau) but neither are specialists in the position.

[samuraidragon]

Byrne is the only specialist full back available. It's much too late now to say Roberts could do a job or Halfpenny could do a job. It's been too long since they played in the position, and they have never done it at Test level. This is a specialist position where the bread-and-butter is tackling, having the positional radar to be the right place at the right time, and keeping your eyes fixed on the high ball when Bakkies Botha and Victor Matfield are coming at you like a couple of crazed rhinos. Even an all-round talent like Hook has looked uncomfortable at 15. Priestland has played there more regularly, and might be a contender. Otherwise it's going to be Byrne by default.

[senghenydd1913]

just got in from work and I cannot believe we're taking buggy boy to the WC-the only wc he should be let anywhere near is the one in the Prince of Wales

[Cymroglan]

Correct dragon you just cant put people in a specialised position just because they have played there a couple of times at regional level.

[maestegmafia]

Very Happy with the squad personally, wonderful to see so much youth and vibrance within that youthfulness.

We have some very talented young players and it really is a treat to watch them. I have been to all the warm up games and I have been immensely impressed with Scott Williams, Faletau, Tavis Knoyle, Lloyd Williams and I think Warburton has been magnificent leading from the front.

I notice that we have a few positions with only one specialist, but we have plenty of players that back that up.

Great news. Lets hope the boys train hard, rest well, work on their combinations, set piece's and give a fantastic account of themselves in SA.

[krusty]

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%.

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