Wales team vs Australia

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Obviously its a few weeks away but this match is the only bit of international rugby being played until the six nations so I thought I would have a pop at selecting a team for it. I wonder what the Ozzie side will look like. Personally I think this is a game Wales really need to win. Australia coming here is not ideal for them in the middle of their off season with players who wont have kicked a ball for a few weeks. Waels by contrast will have players back from injury and who have been playing Pro12 and HEC so shouldnt be rusty when the team meet up.

Some changes from the World cup are certain, Mike Phillips, Hook, Byrne, Powell, Mitchell will all be unavailable. Adam jones and Rhys Priestland will both probably be back by then, Jones is more of a worry than the young ten. Shane if he is fit is a show in on the wing and I cant see Gatland experimenting too much for this game. Only a couple of changes from the RWC squad as we have smiler available again and possibly Henson. McCusker who should have gone to RWC instead of Powell should come in and whilst I would choose Hibbard I expect Gatts to stick with HB but on the bench. Rhys Webb is going to be putting pressure on Williams and Tavis but I expect Gatts to go for tavis this time, come six nations Tavis could be usurped.

If Adam Jones is not fit then we do have a problem, we could play Paul James there again but it didnt work in the RWC and its time we started doing some succession planning in the tighthead spot. Cai Griffiths has played well there so far this year for the Ospreys, whilst Rhys thomas and Simin Gardiner are starting there for the scarlets. RT still doesnt inspire me with confidence in the scrum whilst Gardiner is a good scrummager his conditioning has not been great in the past and hes been unlucky with injury. Scott Andrew is my pick of the youngsters but havent seen him play since the Aironi game so not sure if he is fit or not. Buck has been starting a lot for the dragons but he is a player I dont know at all, can any dragons fans enlighten me is he welsh qualified and any good?

1. Gethin Jenkins
2. Matthew Rees
3. Adam Jones
4. Luke Charteris - Bradley now with Luke unlikely to be fit
5. AW Jones
6. Danny Lydiate - Ryan I guess with McCusker injured too
7. Sam Warburton (c)
8. T Faletau
9. Lloyd Williams
10. Rhys Priestland
11. Shane Williams
12. Jamie Roberts
13. J Davies
14 George North
15. Halfpenny

16. R Bevvington
17. Bennett
18. Ryan Jones Ian Evans to come in with Ryan probably stepping up to the XV
19. Rob McCusker - JT may have to come in for a bench spot with all the injuries hopefuly Tipuric or McCusker will be fit.
20. Tavis Knoyle - Rhys Webb is looking good as well
21. Jason Tovey
22. Scott Williams

Thats good...! It will be interesting to see who gets the call. With seven or eight of the first choices playing abroad and a few injuries a few new faces will appear.

I am hoping that Cuthbert gets a call up and hopefully a few young props.

7 or 8 first choices abroad ?

Byrne and Hook aint first choices !

For the squad they are..!

For the training squad rather than team ? Otherwise surely its halfpenny and Priestland

First choices abroad...

Mike Phillips (maybe)
...
.......

Mike Phillips is the only one that springs to mind

munkian wrote:7 or 8 first choices abroad ?

Byrne and Hook aint first choices !

Haven't you heard, all of a sudden Hook can't miss for Perpignan

Byrne is playing well too...!

Lewis Evans is playing very well at blindside for Dragons tonight... could be a good addition too

Tovey really put the nail in Hooks coffin tonight. maybe look at him for fullback if Halfpenny is out but should definitely be in the squad at the moment even if Im not a great fan normally.

I've been saying for ages that Tovey should be considered at FB to ease him into the international standard of rugby and then he can start really competing with Priestland for the 10 spot. He had a very good game last night in front of Gats and the team, so hopefully they finally recognise how good he is.

Don't by anyway think this is the end for Hook, he will improve if he plays regularly at 10, we'll just have to see if he improves enough...

I wouldn't like to see Tovey at full back, I really wouldn't. First of all he hasn't played there for ages and secondly he's so much better at ten than he is at fifteen.

We're at the start of a new World Cup cycle. Wouldn't it be better to select full backs at full back, rather than stopgaps?

Alun Wyn Jones is out of Ospreys' Heineken Cup clash in Treviso and Wales' 3 December Test with Australia in Cardiff because of a dislocated toe.

The 26-year-old second-rower will undergo surgery on the toe he injured in training this week and Ospreys hope Jones will return before Christmas.

Wales coach Warren Gatland may have a lock crisis as Luke Charteris is a doubt due to a wrist injury.

Ryan Jones replaces Jones for Ospreys' European visit to Treviso on Saturday.

And the versatile 30-year-old is favourite to partner Bradley Davies in the second row for the Australia showdown at the Millennium Stadium.

Charteris and Alun Wyn Jones were Gatland's first-choice second row pairing when Wales finished fourth at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

Flankers Dan Lydiate and Justin Tipuric are also both fitness doubts for the World Cup third-place play-off repeat in Cardiff.

Bayonne scrum-half Mike Phillips has hinted he may miss the December international because non-Welsh clubs do not have to release their players for games outside the International Rugby Board window, unless individual contracts allow.

Perpignan fly-half James Hook will definitely miss the fixture because the game is not an IRB sanctioned game.

And Clermont Auvergne full-back Lee Byrne, Exeter prop Craig Mitchell and Sale Sharks pair Andy Powell and Dwayne Peel are also doubtful for the same reason.

Gatland's Wales squad meet on Monday to begin their Australian preparation but the Kiwi coach also has fitness worries over Leigh Halfpenny (ankle) and Jonathan Thomas (thigh).

I would be keen to see what Adam Jones or Damien Welch could do for Wales in the second row against Australia rather than shunt Ryan Jones around.

Not sure if either are quite ready to face a top 3 nation yet and with Welch being 28 he's only going to get a bit better - still I'd like to see one of them (or Down if he wasn't injured) be involved in the squad and I'd like to see Ryan Jones partner B Davies as I think lock is now his best position and I do like him.

Adam Jones has been in the form of his life for the Dragons this season.

He does look very good for the Dragons but do you think he would be int standard yet or would need a big more exp before making the step up?

maestegmafia wrote:I would be keen to see what Adam Jones or Damien Welch could do for Wales in the second row against Australia rather than shunt Ryan Jones around.

is Damien Welch qualified for Wales? I seem to recall he was born in Reading.

Hasn't he been here for quite a few years? I still can't believe he's 28 though...

I agree with the Adam Jones comment, that guy is in fantastic form. Ryan Jones is playing well but I don't think he's a good second row. We should also have Ian Evans available. Gatland, Howley and McBryde were at RP last night; hopefully not just to watch Hook's game.

Great result for the scarlets just caught the end on the radio but George North going down with what sounds like a bad knee injury is a big blow for wales.

God I hope the Ospreys win tomorrow otherwise I wont hear the end of it round here.

Yeah, North looked bad :/

Hopefully it wont keep him out for too long, but I cant see him making this game.

Cuthbert to start? I wouldn't be surprised, he had another good game today.

Liam Williams in the 22? I wouldn't be surprised

If Halfpenny is injured, who will start at FB?

The following are first choice squad players (ie in the 22/23) that are doubtful for the Aus game because of injuries or not available

Charteris
Wyn Jones
Lydiate
Phillips
Halfpenny
North
Roberts
Bennett
Paul James
Hook
Powell


Half the squad

I was confident we could give Aus a going over but that seems to a distant dream at the moment with all these missing

Im still confident, even without all those guys (and some will make it) we can still field a team of.

1.Geth
2. Smiler
3. Adam
4. Bradley
5. Ryan
6. McCusker
7. Warburton
8. Faletau
9. Williams
10. Preistland
11. Shane
12. JD - Roberts should make it
13. Sc Williams
14. Brew - If that injury was as bad as it sounds or Cuthbert
15. Liam Williams - Halfpenny hopefully but hes the form full back imo

16. Bevvington
17. Hibbard
18. I Evans
19. Tipuric
20. Tavis
21. Tovey
22. Cuthbert

Injuries can be blessing in disguise as it will give the coaches chance to have look at players they might not had picked.

I think we have enough blessings now though Bedford . Im still a bit in shock that we are two rounds into Europe and no welsh team has lost.

I stand by my call for Liam Williams and Alex cuthbert

bedfordwelsh wrote:Injuries can be blessing in disguise as it will give the coaches chance to have look at players they might not had picked.

Borrow that line off anyone Bedford mate

Halfpenny, AWJ and possibly Dan Lydiate out. Who comes in to replace them?

Back three - Liam Williams, Chris Czekaj, Alex Cuthbert(depends if Gats picks Brew tho)
2nd row - Adam Jones(Dragons), Ian Evans
Back row - Lewis Evans... Why not?

You missed Henson and Stoddart who are unavailable as well - Czekaj looked very poor tonight - couldn't break the line and everytime he fielded a kick and ran at the opposition he got to within 5-10 yards of them paniced and stopped and then got clobbered by the Irish.

Tom James looked good in parts but still made mistakes because he looked like he was using all the muscles except the most important one...

Cuthbert could be awesome, makes George north look like a wimp

Czekaj no way

james could be an option but still looks temperamental to me

Liam Williams it is then, I would have opted for him too. I was thinking Gatlandesque for a moment. Didn't mention any other injured players because I was going by the ones that made the world cup.

Hook, Byrne, Phillps, Mitchell, Powell all players not to be considered. Paul James injured so has not played any rugby. North could well be out too, hopefully not. Perhaps Gats will also look at Jarvis of the Ospreys, Duncan Jones aswell?

Morgannwg wrote:Liam Williams it is then, I would have opted for him too. I was thinking Gatlandesque for a moment. Didn't mention any other injured players because I was going by the ones that made the world cup.

Hook, Byrne, Phillps, Mitchell, Powell all players not to be considered. Paul James injured so has not played any rugby. North could well be out too, hopefully not. Perhaps Gats will also look at Jarvis of the Ospreys, Duncan Jones aswell?

Id rather R.Thomas than Jarvis. Duncan is a possibility, but I expect the LHPs for the Aus game will be Gethin and Bevington.

Jeez this is almost turning into an A slash U23's team! There's so many players missing/potentially missing - I like Cuthbert and Liam W, and I reckon Cuthbert is def going to be a Wales star in the future, but can't believe we'll be going into the Oz game with a potential back 3 of 1 33 year old and 2 under 23 year olds!

Gatts wrote:Cuthbert could be awesome, makes George north look like a wimp

I wouldnt say that too loudly ...North might hear

Cuthbert makes north look like Chuck Norris, a total girl

Gatts wrote:Cuthbert makes north look like Chuck Norris, a total girl

Thats it, im out of here ...

Rollerskates doesn't inspire confidence in me. Jarvis looks even better than Mitchell; him, Hibbard and Bevington dominated the scrums against Biarritz. Also, Adam Jones goes into tomorrows game still carrying a calf niggle. Good call Ospreys...

Morgannwg wrote:Rollerskates doesn't inspire confidence in me. Jarvis looks even better than Mitchell; him, Hibbard and Bevington dominated the scrums against Biarritz. Also, Adam Jones goes into tomorrows game still carrying a calf niggle. Good call Ospreys...

The Ospreys scrum always dominates, Bevington and Mitchell dominated against Toulon last season - for the last 20, Mitchell was up against Carl Heyman.

Morgannwg wrote:Rollerskates doesn't inspire confidence in me. Jarvis looks even better than Mitchell; him, Hibbard and Bevington dominated the scrums against Biarritz. Also, Adam Jones goes into tomorrows game still carrying a calf niggle. Good call Ospreys...

Rhys thomas was my man of the match vs saints...

maestegmafia wrote:

Morgannwg wrote:Rollerskates doesn't inspire confidence in me. Jarvis looks even better than Mitchell; him, Hibbard and Bevington dominated the scrums against Biarritz. Also, Adam Jones goes into tomorrows game still carrying a calf niggle. Good call Ospreys...

Rhys thomas was my man of the match vs saints...

Rhys Thomas has been excellent recently - coping with the NH front row was quite an achievement - harder than dominating the Aussies up front.

We'll see

With the current injury list:

15-9 Thomas, Brew, Williams, Davies, Williams, Priestland, Williams
1-8 Jenkins, Bennett, Mitchell, Ryan Jones, Ian Evans, Lewis Evans, Warburton, Faletau.

16-22 James, Burnes, Gough, JT, Rees, Jones, Tom James

Ouch!

I don't think the PRL will let Mitchell play unfortunately.

Oh. James and Thomas up to the bench then *gulp*

Now that I've thought about it, Gatland might go for mobility and actually select Rhys Thomas to start. Is this going to be a squad of 32?

If

Adam Jones
Huw Bennett
Paul James
Craig Mitchell
Alun Wyn Jones
Luke Charteris
Dan Lydiate
Justin Tipuric
Martyn Williams
Andy Powell
Gareth Delve
Mike Phillips
Tavis Knoyle
James Hook
Jamie Roberts
George North
Leigh Halfpenny
Morgon Stoddart
Lee Byrne

Are all out of contention (though a few of those could make it)

Id go for

1. Gethin Jenkins
2. Matthew Rees
3. Rhys Thomas
4. Bradley Davies
5. Ryan Jones
6. Umm, Rob McCusker (not happy with this position thb)
7. Sam Warburton
8. Toby Faletau
9. Lloyd Williams
10. Rhys Preistland
11. Shane Williams
12. Jonathon Davies
13. Scott Williams
14. Alex Cuthbert
15. Liam Williams

16. Ryan Bevington
17. Lloyd Burns
18. Ian Evans
19. Shingler?
20. Rhys Webb
21. Jason Tovey
22. Aled Brew


They question is, would they beat this team?

1. Paul James
2. Huw Bennett
3. Adam Jones
4. Alun Wyn Jones
5. Luke Charteris
6. Dan Lydiate
7. Justin Tipuric
8. Gareth Delve
9. Mike Phillips
10. James Hook
11. Morgon Stoddart
12. Jamie Roberts
13. George North
14. Leigh Halfpenny
15. Lee Byrne

16. Craig Mitchell
17. ???
18. Martyn Williams
19. Andy Powell
20. Tavis Knoyle
21. ???
22. ???

?

Lewis Evans or Shingler both good shouts for Blindside

Yeah but Wales of those guys you mentioned as unavailable

Adam Jones - will probably make it
Huw Bennett - will probably make it
Paul James
Craig Mitchell - always unavailable so not part of the planning
Alun Wyn Jones
Luke Charteris
Dan Lydiate
Justin Tipuric - Will make it
Martyn Williams - Never in consideration
Andy Powell - always unavailable so not part of the planning
Gareth Delve - never being considered
Mike Phillips - always unavailable so not part of the planning
Tavis Knoyle - plays today for llanelli after a belly ache
James Hook - always unavailable so not part of the planning
Jamie Roberts - should still make it
George North - No news yet
Leigh Halfpenny- should still make it
Morgon Stoddart - always unavailable so not part of the planning
Lee Byrne - always unavailable so not part of the planning.

Its our lock position thats the worry they are the only frontline players down other than Georgie its not as bad as it looks.

Wing George North is a doubt for Wales' Test against Australia after suffering a groin injury during the Scarlets win at Northampton.

North was helped off the field at Franklin's Gardens in the 77th minute after receiving a heavy blow during the Heineken Cup match.

Wales are scheduled to name their squad to face Australia on Sunday.

But Scarlets coach Nigel Davies said: "It's [North's injury] something we'll have to wait and see over."

Fly-half Rhys Priestland also suffered a shoulder blow that is not though to be serious.

But 19-year-old wing North, who has won 15 caps, is to have a scan on the injury.

Wales' injury list is mounting ahead of the Wallabies clash on 3 December at the Millennium Stadium.