If you can't do the basics why don't you get dropped?

I have been watching Wales U20 for weeks now and a high number of them really lack basics such as kicking, passing, catching, one on one defending and chasing the ball when it is kicked. Sam Davies is most definitely the worst fly-half in the competition, inconsistent on his basics such as passing, kicking and catching. Odd that he is billed a good prospect. So back to the Q; why do you not get dropped if you really lack the basics? Because on this form the Baby Blacks will succeed their 92 - 0 record win against us.

It depends if the guys behind are any better. Or is it just nerves and need to play their way through it. I haven't seen much of the Welsh U20 so can't say how bad they've been

It's the third team under 20s side mun, give them a break.

HammerofThunor wrote:It depends if the guys behind are any better. Or is it just nerves and need to play their way through it. I haven't seen much of the Welsh U20 so can't say how bad they've been

I have previously stressed the importance of playing our best available U20 players in the competition and they were not released by the Regions. No idea why Rhodri Jones wasn't made available, it's not as if Wales are short of loose-heads. No point in counting North, L.Williams or Prydie obviously. You seen them against England, how would you say there were then?

maestegmafia wrote:It's the third team under 20s side mun, give them a break.

No.

Thunor you should have tuned in to S4C. You just missed an absolute gem by Wales. Worst U20 team ever fielded by Wales.

Watching England U20

So you would expect more of a third-string welsh under20 team against France's choice u20s?

Most of these French lads are top 14 starters or at least match day 22 players.

Of the welsh most of these are in their first season in the welsh premiership

Give them a break. They never stood a chance.

But that is a qualifying standard for wales.

Sorry was naughty of me

HammerofThunor wrote:Watching England U20

Drop us in some updates then. Ta.

England have two tries so far. One great individual try by Watson. The other a great lineout move for the scrum half. England turned down two easy penalties but on one Ireland won the lineout and the other then got the ball just after the scrum. Ireland struggling to get out of their half but England not making the most of their opportunities.

12-3 to England after 25min

maestegmafia wrote:So you would expect more of a third-string welsh under20 team against France's choice u20s?

Most of these French lads are top 14 starters or at least match day 22 players.

Of the welsh most of these are in their first season in the welsh premiership

Give them a break. They never stood a chance.

I'm sorry but what makes these lads "3rd choice"? There was a lot of hype before the tournament about how experienced they were actually. France aren't really that good at U20 level, well they rarely have been anyway when you consider what's available to them.

If the French were Top 14 starters, it is gauranteed that they would not be involved in this tournament. If you aren't good enough you don't get picked it's really that simple. Saying that, the coach must be pretty bad aswell. Bring in Darren Edwards for the JWC I say.

Riskysports wrote:But that is a qualifying standard for wales.

Sorry was naughty of me

I'd say it was more silly than naughty seeing as Wales have beaten your team 5 in a row .

And there we just seen another example of Wales' poor tackling and how bad they are at chasing the ball down. It's that bad it's an invitation for France to counter-attack every time. Something they are doing well btw.

Most people have beaten us regualily so not.a.great boast.

And there we just seen another example of our poor outside half's shocking passing. I can't honestly believe he is the best we have for the 10 jersey?

Another try to France from guess what, a Welsh knock-on at the ruck. Everytime we get the ball we just knock it on. Are you actually going to defend this maes?

15-6 to England at half time. England doing so stupid things and blowing chances.

EDIT: Ireland a yellow card for repeat infringements as well

Cymru 16 - 29 Ffranc.

Wales have scored a try 16 to 29, it looks as if the French are older and stronger but Wales lack skills.

Morgannwg wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:So you would expect more of a third-string welsh under20 team against France's choice u20s?

Most of these French lads are top 14 starters or at least match day 22 players.

Of the welsh most of these are in their first season in the welsh premiership

Give them a break. They never stood a chance.

I'm sorry but what makes these lads "3rd choice"?

You could pick three players ahead of these for the under 20 age group.

Most welsh Qualified under 20s are playing regional rugby in the LV=. Even the commentators have discussed how Wales have been making eight changes per game to this team trying players for the U20 RWC.

Wales are not taking this comp seriously.

Wales have a problem at flyhalf kicks too much and can't tackle.

Morgannwg wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:So you would expect more of a third-string welsh under20 team against France's choice u20s?

Most of these French lads are top 14 starters or at least match day 22 players.

Of the welsh most of these are in their first season in the welsh premiership

Give them a break. They never stood a chance.

I'm sorry but what makes these lads "3rd choice"? There was a lot of hype before the tournament about how experienced they were actually. France aren't really that good at U20 level, well they rarely have been anyway when you consider what's available to them.

If the French were Top 14 starters, it is gauranteed that they would not be involved in this tournament. If you aren't good enough you don't get picked it's really that simple. Saying that, the coach must be pretty bad aswell. Bring in Darren Edwards for the JWC I say.

+1

I thought that too you can't have it both ways. Are these guys getting quality experience or not?

There are only 2 or 3 players qualified for this team in the first team squad.

maestegmafia wrote:

I'm sorry but what makes these lads "3rd choice"?

You could pick three players ahead of these for the under 20 age group.

Most welsh Qualified under 20s are playing regional rugby in the LV=. Even the commentators have discussed how Wales have been making eight changes per game to this team trying players for the U20 RWC.

Wales are not taking this comp seriously.[/quote]

They said they made 8 changes from the Italy game, not every game. The core of the team has been the same throughout the competition. There isn't another 3 lads ahead of these guys who are eligible maes. That must be in your head as you're just talking rubbish now.

Wales seem to be murdering the French in the scrum and not doing badly in the line out but in the loose they are turning over ball. Wales must run and pass the ball and not take into contact if they are to have any chance and not boot the ball away.

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:

+1

I thought that too you can't have it both ways. Are these guys getting quality experience or not?

There are only 2 or 3 players qualified for this team in the first team squad.

What?

P.S. update, Wales lost another lineout, or just drop the ball/knock it on in the lineout. That has got to be about the tenth time this has happened.

France's back row have been exceptional in this game.

the lack of tackling is embarrassing in the backs

alun, the forwards this year are pretty strong but they aren't very smart, hence their defending around the fringes of the ruck. The backs have been awful all tournament.

Davies is kicking Wales out of any chance of winning the game, why is he still on the park, Daddy being Nigel Davies?

Morgannwg wrote:

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:

+1

I thought that too you can't have it both ways. Are these guys getting quality experience or not?

There are only 2 or 3 players qualified for this team in the first team squad.

What?

P.S. update, Wales lost another lineout, or just drop the ball/knock it on in the lineout. That has got to be about the tenth time this has happened.

I'm agreeing with you regarding Maesteg saying thet are 3rd choice!

Ie They are not!

Morgannwg wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

I'm sorry but what makes these lads "3rd choice"?

You could pick three players ahead of these for the under 20 age group.

Most welsh Qualified under 20s are playing regional rugby in the LV=. Even the commentators have discussed how Wales have been making eight changes per game to this team trying players for the U20 RWC.

Wales are not taking this comp seriously.

They said they made 8 changes from the Italy game, not every game. The core of the team has been the same throughout the competition. There isn't another 3 lads ahead of these guys who are eligible maes. That must be in your head as you're just talking rubbish now. [/quote]

There are thre under twenties with Wales. One in the starting line up.

Pry due at Wasps
Robinson with Wales
Warren Scarlets
Shingler at Irish
North Wales
Morgan ospreys
Davies Scarlets

That would improve the back line a bit eh?

I could list you a lot more but a), rather watch the game and b), why don't you think about it.

At flyhalf alone there are about four players ahead of Nigel Davies kid Sam...!

These backs tackle like girls another French try

It's basic skills, knock on's, losing ball in contact, jeez just rubbish passing, i can't see a single player from this squad that will get full international honours. Been pretty poor each week - real shame as the locals have really come out to support them, cmon Wales, let's select at least a competitive squad.

maestegmafia wrote:

Morgannwg wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

I'm sorry but what makes these lads "3rd choice"?

You could pick three players ahead of these for the under 20 age group.

Most welsh Qualified under 20s are playing regional rugby in the LV=. Even the commentators have discussed how Wales have been making eight changes per game to this team trying players for the U20 RWC.

Wales are not taking this comp seriously.

They said they made 8 changes from the Italy game, not every game. The core of the team has been the same throughout the competition. There isn't another 3 lads ahead of these guys who are eligible maes. That must be in your head as you're just talking rubbish now.

There are thre under twenties with Wales. One in the starting line up.

Pry due at Wasps
Robinson with Wales
Warren Scarlets
Shingler at Irish
North Wales
Morgan ospreys
Davies Scarlets

That would improve the back line a bit eh?

I could list you a lot more but a), rather watch the game and b), why don't you think about it.

At flyhalf alone there are about four players ahead of Nigel Davies kid Sam...!
[/quote]


Lame excuses.

England are happy to compete like they are in the JWC.

Kicked the ball away again, the only decent back is the winger for Wales

No, I think most are first choice at this level. The good prospects are Lee (3), Thomas(7) and Baker(8); I have no doubt they will go on to great honours. The experienced players as far as I know are Ieuan Evans(6), 18 years old, Pontypool starter and a couple LV games for Dragons. Myhill (2) has a few Scarlets games under his belt, mostly LV cup I think. The rest are new to this.

Off the top of my head the players that were unavailable and should have been selected as starters in my opinion; Cory Allen, Thomas Young, Owen Williams, Harry Robinson (Blues), Eli Walker (Ospreys), Rhodri Jones, Adam Warren (Scarlets); all regular with their Regions or the Sevens Circuit. They need to be made available to the U20 for the JWC like I have said. They certainly would have made a big difference in this tourny.

Just stated missing 13/14 players with thee regions

Trev, we have nowhere near the Junior base/resources England and France have. England use theirs exceptionally well as far as I can tell. The coach just said there are about 14 players to come back for the JWC so that is a possitive. No excuses for them not being available in the 6 Nations or playing as badly as they have though.

glamorganalun wrote:Just stated missing 13/14 players with thee regions

Same for all the teams.

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Morgannwg wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

I'm sorry but what makes these lads "3rd choice"?

You could pick three players ahead of these for the under 20 age group.

Most welsh Qualified under 20s are playing regional rugby in the LV=. Even the commentators have discussed how Wales have been making eight changes per game to this team trying players for the U20 RWC.

Wales are not taking this comp seriously.

They said they made 8 changes from the Italy game, not every game. The core of the team has been the same throughout the competition. There isn't another 3 lads ahead of these guys who are eligible maes. That must be in your head as you're just talking rubbish now.

There are thre under twenties with Wales. One in the starting line up.

Pry due at Wasps
Robinson with Wales
Warren Scarlets
Shingler at Irish
North Wales
Morgan ospreys
Davies Scarlets

That would improve the back line a bit eh?

I could list you a lot more but a), rather watch the game and b), why don't you think about it.

At flyhalf alone there are about four players ahead of Nigel Davies kid Sam...!

Lame excuses.

England are happy to compete like they are in the JWC.[/quote]

Lame excuses?

Explain that mate..!

I will a bit later just watching England

maes, you can't really count George North and Shingler can you. Can't see LI releasing Shingler nor him wanting to come back to the U20. Trev, as far as I know there isn't another team missing 14 players?

glamorganalun wrote:Davies is kicking Wales out of any chance of winning the game, why is he still on the park, Daddy being Nigel Davies?

Not sure that makes too much difference to be honest. After all Sam is at the Ospreys, so I assume that Tandy must have seen something in him as he has feilded him in the LV= this season.


Being serious some of htose lads have had a regional experience this season (in bokd have played this season to my knowledge)

Wales U20: Ross Jones (Ospreys), Iolo Evans (Scarlets), Luke Williams (Bridgend RFC), Owen Williams (Scarlets), Luke Morgan (Ospreys), Sam Davies (Ospreys), Jonathan Evans (Dragons), Rob Evans (Scarlets), Kirby Myhill (Captain) (Scarlets), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Jack Jones (Ospreys), Matthew Screech (Blues), Ieuan Jones (Dragons), Dan Baker (Ospreys), Dan Thomas (Scarlets).

Replacements : Darran Harris (Blues), Thomas Davies (Blues), WillGriff John (Blues), Carwyn Jones (Scarlets Academy), Reuben Tucker (Blues), Rhodri Williams (Scarlets), Jordan Williams (Scarlets), Cory Allen (Blues).

Cory Allen has had an LV game I think. I don't think it's much use an odd LV cup game. As I said earlier, the regulars at their Regions, who were all products of the Wales U18 and last years U20 were made unavailable which is unacceptable considering this is our 2nd team.... IF the player is a regular at a Prem club then that's useful but I'm not sure how many are as the clubs are out for themselves.

maestegmafia wrote:

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Morgannwg wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

I'm sorry but what makes these lads "3rd choice"?

You could pick three players ahead of these for the under 20 age group.

Most welsh Qualified under 20s are playing regional rugby in the LV=. Even the commentators have discussed how Wales have been making eight changes per game to this team trying players for the U20 RWC.

Wales are not taking this comp seriously.

They said they made 8 changes from the Italy game, not every game. The core of the team has been the same throughout the competition. There isn't another 3 lads ahead of these guys who are eligible maes. That must be in your head as you're just talking rubbish now.

There are thre under twenties with Wales. One in the starting line up.

Pry due at Wasps
Robinson with Wales
Warren Scarlets
Shingler at Irish
North Wales
Morgan ospreys
Davies Scarlets

That would improve the back line a bit eh?

I could list you a lot more but a), rather watch the game and b), why don't you think about it.

At flyhalf alone there are about four players ahead of Nigel Davies kid Sam...!

Lame excuses.

England are happy to compete like they are in the JWC.

Lame excuses?

Explain that mate..![/quote]


Most teams treat it similarly - very rarely, if ever, in this 6Ns U-20 comp will you get a team putting out their very best available team.
This could actually be seen as a good thing if they are getting the best experience regularly at a high level(first team club rugby)
England had 6/7 changes from their last game against France & many U-20 qualified players playi first team for their clubs not playing, as well as the internationals.

Anyway, a win for England tonight secured the championship & we need to push on and go one better in the JWC.

I'm off to bed - early start tomorrow - enjoy your day - lets hope for 3 great games.

Couple of rugby players on twitter were ranting on, apparently one or several of the england u20's were winking and waving at the camera during the anthems...

One did that I saw (shot a finger gun at the camera a winked. Don't care as I hate the anthem.