Who is Wales' best lock pairing?

Personally I think it is Alun-wyn & Ian Evans.

Yes Bradley Davies was banned, but it may be a blessing in disguise. In 2007/2008 Ian Evans was the next best thing, but has been plagued with injury. He is 6'8" tall and was outstanding during the Grand Slam.

We need to keep continuity and stick with a tournament winning lock pairing. They have also been phenomenal as part of the Pro 12 winning Ospreys pack, which is arguable the best pack in Europe.

Please have your say and vote who you think should start against Australia.

Very good question and a difficult one to answer - Ian Evans and AWJ at the moment perhaps with Charteris and Bradley in that order - I'd be happy with any of the 4 as the competition apears to have really pushed them all on. Ianto was outstanding in the 6 Nations and started to live up to his previous billing, the same v Leinster - AWJ also pushing himself to the limit.

biltongbek wrote:

I agree!

Evans and AWJ at the moment.

Although I like the look of Evans and Charteris if AWJ amazing form comes to an end.

During the world cup the best pairing by far was AWJ and Charteris. ATM, I think it's AWJ and Evans. I think it is just a case of trying to find the most suitable partner for Alun and right now it seems to be his 2nd row partner at the Ospreys.

I am sure I read somewhere that both Evans and Davies miss the first test due to wedding commitments. gives a good chance to someone to stake their claim.

They do. So first test would likely see Davies and Charteris start with Alun on the bench.

I'd be happy with any of those Lock pairings, though I think Evans and AWJ just sneak in because Charteris hasnt had much game time this season.

Charteris' performances in NZ have yet to be topped. His fine hard tackles and general workrate around the park puts him up there with Lydiate as a top defender in the side. His lineout presence was also terrific. I think that on that form it's tough to match his determination and grit. Makes it extra disappointing to see him off to France next season.

Second row is actually an area where we're faring very decently. Out of Alun-Wyn, Evans, Charts and Bradley Davies (who is a very good player despite being a prat), any combination we go with isn't far from first choice. Also an honourable mention to Lou Reed coming through and Ryan Jones who can cover effectively enough (though he is a better flanker) making for a decent amount of depth at lock.

All I can say is when all at their best, I'd pick Charteris to start. Very tight call between AWJ and Evans on who partners him. Bradley takes upthe rear, though not by much.

I think Evans and AWJ are at weddings and will miss the pre-game training.

I think any combination of AWJ, Charts, Davies, Ianto will be pretty safe - my preference is Charteris and Ianto, but think it depends on form and what gameplan we'll be playing against what opposition.

As Knowsit says very honourable mentions to R Jones who can do a great job in the 2nd row but is a better flanker. Some promising options being developed - particularly for the Blues and I'm interested to see how Cook, Hill, Reed and Down come along

No votes for Evans and Davies as a partnership even though they would probably be the most brutal pairing out of the 4 - At least it looks like Wales's long standing nemesis at 2nd row is at least in good hands for the time being.

I think AWJ and Charteris are the strongest pairing but Evans and AWJ are form.

Though no disrespect to big bad brad who has been an inspiring leader for the blues at the end of the season.

I dont think Wales have had four such talented locks in forty years.

Evans and Charteris for me

maestegmafia wrote:I think AWJ and Charteris are the strongest pairing but Evans and AWJ are form.

Though no disrespect to big bad brad who has been an inspiring leader for the blues at the end of the season.

I dont think Wales have had four such talented locks in forty years.

I dont think we've ever had 4 locks of genuine international standard playing at the same time - and lets not forget Ryan who's having a great season

RubyGuby wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:I think AWJ and Charteris are the strongest pairing but Evans and AWJ are form.

Though no disrespect to big bad brad who has been an inspiring leader for the blues at the end of the season.

I dont think Wales have had four such talented locks in forty years.

I dont think we've ever had 4 locks of genuine international standard playing at the same time - and lets not forget Ryan who's having a great season

Back in the sixties and seventies we did. Though players were injured or absent less, games were less frequent and we only capped the best. But if Delme or Martin had been unavailable there were plenty of lads begging for chances.

These days with more games and more injuries it is far easier to get a chance, and therefor some recognition.

Good point regarding Ryan Jones who as you said has been in his very best form.

Bloody tough call now though.

I like Bradley Davies and Ianto Evans the best by a mile, you only have to look at the way they bullied the Irish pack in Dublin in the 6 Nations to see their 2 animals that won't take a backward step, and if you irritate either of them you could end up being dropped on your head!

Nasty guys who are talented and get stuck in are a rarity in Welsh rugby yet we have 2 of them at lock for Wales!

Charteris was the best lock in the World cup and Evans the best lock in the 6N.

So the answer is easy!

Each player has individual merits... almost a horses for courses scenario. I would say that Charteris, Evans and AWJ are the athletes and might fair better in oz than the more muscular and abrasive Davies?

Such a fantastic quartet to have, you guys really are blessed in that department at the moment, though i was a little surprised at Charteris' age, didn't realise it had taken him this long to establish himself.

I actually went for Evans and Charteris. If it was entirely on form AWJ would get in, but i think at their best that is one helluva partnership. I also think AWJ can go missing in big games. Charteris is good in the lineout and has a surprisingly fantastic workrate plus he seems to have become a genuine ballcarrier as well. Evans is a monster, the sort every 2nd row should include.

Good performance by AWJ and Ian Evans yesterday.

maestegmafia wrote:Good performance by AWJ and Ian Evans yesterday.

Ian Evans yes

AWJ really?

wales606 wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:Good performance by AWJ and Ian Evans yesterday.

Ian Evans yes

AWJ really?

Very much so. I havent seen the game on TV yet. I was at the match yesterday and AWJ was brilliant. Work rate is immense, clever too.

Why did you think otherwise....?

maestegmafia wrote:

wales606 wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:Good performance by AWJ and Ian Evans yesterday.

Ian Evans yes

AWJ really?

Very much so. I havent seen the game on TV yet. I was at the match yesterday and AWJ was brilliant. Work rate is immense, clever too.

Why did you think otherwise....?

I just didn't see him at all yesterday - he has been brilliant for the O's but I thought he was anonymous yesterday while Ian Evans led from the front.

wales606 wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

wales606 wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:Good performance by AWJ and Ian Evans yesterday.

Ian Evans yes

AWJ really?

Very much so. I havent seen the game on TV yet. I was at the match yesterday and AWJ was brilliant. Work rate is immense, clever too.

Why did you think otherwise....?

I just didn't see him at all yesterday - he has been brilliant for the O's but I thought he was anonymous yesterday while Ian Evans led from the front.

Bad camera work probably.

I thought he was industrious as ever. I agree Ian Evans was involved in some great work in Robinsons try, and much more, but AWJ was working hard out of the limelight.

606

I'm watching the game now and I can see your point. AWJ hardly features at all. Very different perspective live. He was good.

Evans had a stormer and that really shows on the coverage.

Yesterday Wales had both Turnbull and Shingler playing lock at various stages of thye game!

maestegmafia wrote:606

I'm watching the game now and I can see your point. AWJ hardly features at all. Very different perspective live. He was good.

Evans had a stormer and that really shows on the coverage.

I think a fit Charteris is your stand-out lock, I am not sure of AWJ TBH, he has never really impressed me and under pressure he is prone to give away silly pens. If fit and on form the Charteris and Davies to me are your best balance, however Ian Evans is making it almost impossible to leave him out.

If you want a turn of speed especially in broken play then you have to consider Shingler who is a country mile quicker than any of your current back 5 options and his inexperience is the only thing is that going against him

Its gotta be
Charteris and Davies/Evans with maybe Shingler on the bench to cover lock/flanker

Ryan Jones covers lock and backrow too.

We are looking pretty good for quantity of quality. Thing will be more about how all of them, Shingler and jones included, perform against the best over the next few years.