Wales vs Argentina KO 14:30 Sat 10th Nov - TEAM ANNOUNCED

WALES V ARGENTINA

Venue: Millennium Stadium Cardiff Date: Saturday, 10 November Kick-off: 14:30 GMT

Coverage: Live on BBC One Wales & online; live on S4C; live commentary on BBC Radio Wales & online; live commentary on Radio Cymru

Wales Team

L Halfpenny (Blues), A Cuthbert (Blues), S Williams (Scarlets), J Roberts (Blues), G North (Scarlets); R Priestland (Scarlets), T Knoyle (Scarlets); G Jenkins (RC Toulon), M Rees (Scarlets), A Jarvis (Ospreys), A W Jones (Ospreys), I Evans (Ospreys), J Turnbull (Scarlets), S Warburton (Blues & Captain), T Faletau (Dragons)

Replacements: R Hibbard (Ospreys), R Bevington (Ospreys), P James (Bath RFC), R McCusker (Scarlets), J Tipuric (Ospreys), M Phillips (RC Bayonne), J Hook (USA Perpignan), L Williams (Scarlets)


Argentina Team

JM Hernandez (Racing Metro), G Camacho (Exeter), G Tiesi (San Isidro), F Contepomi (Stade Francais), J Imhoff (Racing Metro), N Sanchez (Bordeaux-Begles), M Landajo (San Isidro), M Ayerza (Leicester), E Guinazu (Southern Kings), J Figallo (Montpellier); M Carizza (Racing Metro), JF Cabello (Tucuman); L Senatore (Gimnasia Rosario), JM Leguizamon (Lyon), JM Fernandez Lobbe (Toulon, captain)

Replacements: A Creevy (Montpellier), B Posiglioni (La Plata), J Gomez (Los Matreros), T Vallejos (Scarlets), T Leonardi (San Isidro), N Vergallo (Southern Kings), H Agulla (Bath), J Tuculet (Grenoble).

The team of the Wail readers:-


THE autumn series is nearly upon us and its that time of year when every Welsh rugby supporter dons their selector’s hat and puts themselves in the place of the Wales coach.

Following rugby writer Andy Howell’s team selection earlier this week that got the debate rolling, we opened the polls to you, the fans, on our website WalesOnline.

Nearly 1,200 of you took part and the results are both surprising and controversial.

Here, we take you through the public vote and details the big-name stars who find themselves out of favour with supporters this autumn.


Full-back

Since establishing himself as Wales’ first-choice full-back last year, any selection debate over the number 15 jersey has been all but ended.

The ultimate modern professional, Halfpenny’s composure with ball and boot has seen him develop into Wales’ most reliable player.

Halfpenny is one of the few Blues players to emerge with any semblance of credit during the recent five-match losing streak and remains a clear favourite with the fans, taking a huge 94% of the vote.

Scarlets flyer Liam Williams is sure to be a major challenger for the role in the coming seasons, but his relative inexperience sees him collect just 5% of the vote.

Leigh Halfpenny: 94%

Liam Williams: 5%

James Hook: 1%

Wingers

Wales’ back three has been touted as one of the finest currently performing on the world stage, and, as with Halfpenny, there is little debate among the fans over who should fill the spots out wide this autumn.

Alex Cuthbert has made suggestions he might suffer the dreaded “second season syndrome” seem laughable with six tries in as many matches for a struggling Blues side, while North has been equally potent with seven tries in eight games for the Scarlets.

Big, powerful, quick and destructive - both men tick all the boxes laid out by Wales’ selectors.

Almost every fan taking our survey opted for this pair, with very few interested in shifting Halfpenny back to his old position of wing or drafting in unproven Blues star Harry Robinson.

George North: 98%

Alex Cuthbert: 96.5%

Leigh Halfpenny: 3.4%

Harry Robinson: 1.5%

Centres

The first of the big talking points in our fans’ team, with the first big-name casualty being Blues powerhouse Jamie Roberts.

The Lions man is arguably still finding his feet after a lengthy absence through injury, but indifferent form at regional level means there is no place for him in your Wales starting XV.

Scarlets star Jonathan Davies is the fans’ clear first-choice in the midfield, with more than 90% of those polled including him in their autumn XV.

The battle for inside centre is much closer, but it is Ospreys creator Ashley Beck who just gets the nod ahead of his more decorated colleague Roberts.

Nearly 46% of you selected Beck as one of your centres, while Roberts only made 39% of people’s teams.

A big decision awaits caretaker coach Rob Howley next week, but it is hard to see him ditching such a big-game player despite being a huge fan of Beck.

Jonathan Davies: 90.7%

Ashley Beck: 45.7%

Jamie Roberts: 39.3%

Scott Williams: 17.8%

James Hook: 4.8%

George North: 1.7%

Outside-half

So just who is Wales’ best option when it comes to conducting the world class orchestra that is Wales’ backline?

Scarlets star Rhys Priestland just about remains the coaches’ favourite despite some flat performances in recent times, but the judgement of the fans appears to be somewhat more brutal.

The 25-year-old was a sensation after bursting onto the scene just weeks before the World Cup, but a year has passed, the sparkle has faded and the kicking duties passed on to Halfpenny.

The result is no place for Priestland in the fans’ XV - in fact, he doesn’t even make the replacements bench.

Just 9% of those polled opted for the Scarlet, putting him a distant third behind the rejuvinated Dan Biggar (33.6%) and first-choice James Hook (57.3%).

Hook knows more than most how quickly one’s stock can fall on the international stage, but perhaps now is his time to come again amid reports he is finally producing consistently fine form as Perpignan’s number 10.

James Hook: 57.3%

Dan Biggar: 33.6%

Rhys Priestland: 9.1%

Scrum-half

In terms of form, scrum-half is perhaps one of Wales’ biggest worries heading into the autumn series.

Mike Phillips is currently enduring a difficult time at a hapless Bayonne side who were thumped 50 - 0 by Toulon last week.

The Lions star has received some unfavourable reviews in the French media, while is off-field escapades and subsequent suspension have done little to endear him to supporters.

That said, Phillips is still the stand-out choice behind the scrum for Wales fans, with 76% of the vote.

That is surely down to the 30-year-old’s proven ability to produce the goods when it matters most, but also the poor form of the other contenders.

Lloyd Williams, who gets just 6.6% of the vote, does not seem the same player of a year ago, while Tavis Knoyle (17.4%) has played less games for the Scarlets than rival Gareth Davies, who was unlucky not to get a call-up.

Mike Phillips: 76%

Tavis Knoyle: 17.4%

Lloyd Williams: 6.6%

Loosehead prop

A pretty close call here, with Gethin Jenkins just about getting the nod over Paul James, although that could be attributed to the fact the versatile James was also selected by many at tighthead.

Jenkins’ move to France has not proved to be quite what the prop was hoping for, with the 30-year-old playing second fiddle to Andrew Sheridan for much of the Top14 campaign so far.


In contrast, James has been a huge hit with Bath in the Aviva Premiership. His scrummaging remains superior and that will be a key area of the match against Argentina next week.

A class act is a class act, though, and Jenkins has long been a fans’ favourite.

Jenkins claimed just shy of 50% of the vote, with James next in line on 40.4% and Osprey Ryan Bevington taking 9.8%

Gethin Jenkins: 49.8%

Paul James: 40.4%

Ryan Bevington: 9.8%

Hooker

Three good options for fans to choose from here, and it is form that wins the day over reputation.

You have given the shirt to Osprey Richard Hibbard despite the indiscipline that saw him blamed for heart-breaking second Test defeat in Australia this summer.

He can be unreliable but on his day Hibbard is a player of phenomenal power and strong scrummaging ability.

Those attributes, and a string of man-of-the-match awards at regional level, see him pick up 68% of the vote, comfortably ahead of Scarlets pair Matthew Rees (19.7%) and Ken Owens (11.6%), who have both been solid if unspectacular.

Tighthead

The loss of Adam Jones is, of course, a monumental blow, but now could be the time to look to the future.

Should Rob Howley go with the experience and solidity of the versatile Paul James, or will young Aaron Jarvis or Samson Lee get the nod?

The fans, it would seem, think Jarvis is the man most deserving of the opportunity.

The young Osprey has been an impressive understudy for Jones at regional level in the early part of the season, providing a strong cornerstone to the region’s bulldozing pack.

Jarvis takes 45.6% of the vote, ahead of James (30%), whose versatility probably proves his downfall due to a split selection at tighthead and loosehead.

Aaron Jarvis: 45.6%

Paul James: 30%

Samson Lee: 22.3%

Scott Andrews: 2.1%

Second rows

A four-way battle for the boiler house positions but two clear winners among the fans on current form.

Luke Charteris and Bradley Davies have been outstanding at times over the past two seasons but it is the Ospreys pair of Alun Wyn Jones and Ian Evans who find themselves in pole position heading into the autumn.

Both have been at the heart of the Ospreys resurgence in recent weeks, while Davies has struggled as part of a Blues pack that tends to come off second best on a weekly basis.

Charteris, who has done well for Perpignan, misses the opening match in order for him to be available against Australia in December. That deal between his club and country could, ironically, see him lose ground in the selection battle early on.

Alun Wyn Jones: 92.3%

Ian Evans: 71.5%

Luke Charteris: 26.1%

Bradley Davies: 9%

Blindside flanker

Plenty of options to choose from here and that’s just as well considering the latest injury worry over Ryan Jones.

With Dan Lydiate out through injury of his own, Jones is the first-choice among the fans with 61.8% of the vote.

If his shoulder problem proves too much to overcome, Scarlets man Aaron Shingler is next in line among the fans, with 18.1% of the vote.

The option of moving skipper Sam Warburton to blindside could yet be a consideration for Howley, with a modest 15% of you thinking this would be a good idea.

Ryan Jones: 61.8%

Aaron Shingler: 18.1%

Sam Warburton: 15.1%

Rob McCusker: 3.1%

Josh Turnbull: 1.9%

Openside flanker

And so we come to the big talking point of the fans’ team.

Form or reputation? The brilliance of Justin Tipuric or the leadership of Sam Warburton?

In the eyes of Welsh rugby supporters, at this point in time, there is one clear winner.

Nearly 78% of fans we polled have chosen the young Osprey to wear the number seven jersey this autumn, with Warburton lagging behind on 20.7%.

While the skipper was also available for selection at six and number eight, the total number of people who included him in their back row is dwarfed by those who opted for Tipuric.

It is a controversial school of thought that has snowballed with each passing week of the season.

Nobody is doubting Warburton’s world class ability, and it would be just like him to produce an outstanding autumn.

But the simple truth is Tipuric is playing better rugby at this point in time.

What happens next will be fascinating, although it is hard to see Howley discarding his captain.

Justin Tipuric: 78%

Sam Warburton: 20.6%

Aaron Shingler: 0.7%

Josh Turnbull: 0.5%

Rob McCusker: 0.2%

Number 8

A clear winner at number eight in Toby Faletau, although the young Dragon has been a long way short of his best this season.

Like Priestland, his early forays into Test rugby were simply sensational during the World Cup but he has struggled to reach those lofty heights since.

That said, there is not a great deal of genuine Test-standard depth behind him, so it is easy to see why Faletau scooped 78.1% oft he vote.

Ryan Jones, who was first-choice at number six, takes second spot with 18.2%, while Warburton gets just 3% and Josh Turnbull does not register as a genuine option.

Toby Faletau: 78.1%

Ryan Jones: 18.2%

Sam Warburton: 3%

Josh Turnbull: 0.7%


15. Leigh Halfpenny
14. George North
11. Alex Cuthbert
13. Jonathan Davies
12. Ashley Beck:
10. James Hook
9. Mike Phillips
1. Gethin Jenkins
2. Richard Hibbard
3. Aaron Jarvis
4. Alun Wynn Jones
5. Ian Evans
6. Ryan Jones
7. Justin Tipuric
8. Toby Faletau

Read More http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/rugby-news/2012/11/02/the-fans-wales-xv-for-the-autumn-internationals-91466-32148079/#ixzz2BIJQSVK3

Wales lock Alun Wyn Jones is hoping a long week of intense training in Poland pays off against Argentina in their November Test opener.

Jones, who has played 66 times for Wales and is still only 27, is an integral part of the training squad currently working at the same Olympic training village in Eastern Europe which was 'home' for him and his team-mates for two ten day periods prior to the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

The visit to Spala last time was followed by a World Cup semi-final appearance and a trip to a similar resort in Gdansk pre-dated Wales' 2012 Six Nations Grand Slam winning performance.

The Ospreys lock knows the physical value of these training camps to the national squad but he is quick to point out the players will need to take a psychological edge into match day as well.

"We are all out here working hard and putting the time in which is what we know we have to do to ensure we prepare properly to face some of the top sides in the world," said Jones.

"But, what we do or don't do in Spala will be irrelevant if we don't get it right when we get out on that pitch against the Pumas and we are all acutely aware of that fact as well.

"Coming out to Poland has been a welcome change of environment and a chance to get back into the groove at international level.

Jones, who made his international debut on the 2006 tour of Argentina, has been an ever present in the Wales side through the 2011 World Cup and two Grand Slams (in 2008 and 2012) but it is the three test tour to Australia this summer which is his strongest motivating force at the moment.

"Australia was tough to take for us all. To end the series with a difference of only 11 points across the three matches shows we weren't far away but that's not good enough for us and we are determined to keep going," he added.

"This team has reached the semi-finals of the Rugby World Cup and won the Grand Slam last season. After success like that there are always going to be tough times ahead as teams will be well prepared for you.

"But we didn't drop off, we know we could and should have won anyone of those games in Australia and we are pushing the top teams in the world game hard.

"We have the top two teams in the world in our own back yard this autumn and we have another great opportunity to make our mark.

"But Argentina are fresh from a baptism of fire in the Rugby Championship, they will be battle-hardened and coming to Wales looking for victory, so we will have to be ready for them.

"We'll definitely need to keep on our guard, when you come up against these teams you have to front up and show where you're at as a player.

"When Warren Gatland first took over Wales he had a mantra to play against the top three sides in the world, namely New Zealand, South Africa and Australia.

"So as a nation we should be a little envious of Argentina now, seeing them in the Rugby Championship and playing against the best sides in the world.

"They're only going to benefit from it and as I say, look at their performance against South Africa. They were very close to taking a scalp there and as we've improved in our performances, so have Argentina.

"They have got a history of having a strong forward pack and a bit of class behind with the likes of Hernandez.

"They've had a bit of a dent in their forward pack of late with the retirement of some key forwards but they've showed in patches in the Rugby Championship what they can achieve and obviously playing consistently in that competition is only going to benefit them as a team."

Wales also face Samoa, New Zealand and Australia on consecutive weekends at the Millennium Stadium in the 2012 Dove Men Series and will be looking to start their campaign with a win against the Pumas on November 10.

And Jones feels in good form as he looks to help Wales climb the IRB World Rankings and possibly pick up an elusive Southern Hemisphere scalp.

"Personally I'm pretty happy," added Jones.

"I've featured in every game for the Ospreys since the start of the season which I wasn't able to do last year because of the World Cup and when I got back from New Zealand I was injured. Touch wood I'm going okay at the moment."

Felipe Contepomi has been handed a recall to the Argentina squad for their autumn internationals, but second-row Patricio Albacete has been forced to withdraw after undergoing surgery.

The Stade Français fly-half won the most recent of his 78 caps against France in June and then missed the entire Rugby Championship after an agreement between the Argentine Union (UAR) and the French clubs meant that players couldn't feature in the June Tests and the Rugby Championship. Albacete required surgery after he injured an eye socket in Toulouse's match with Racing Metro on Thursday and will be out of action for over a month.

"Pato Albacete is a major player in our team and we wish him a speedy recovery," Phelan said. "But being able to call on the experience of Felipe Contepomi is something that will help the squad."

Overall Los Pumas coach Santiago Phelan has had to make three change to his squad for matches against Wales in Cardiff on November 10, France in Lille on November 17 and Ireland in Dublin on November 24. Contepomi replaces Biarritz centre Marcelo Bosch, who along with prop Gómez Kodela, has been held back by their club. Juan Gómez Kodela replaces Kodela and Tomás Vallejos Cinalli comes in for Albacete.

Even though his side has been hit by the reluctance of French clubs to release them, Phelan is confident that the depth of players is sufficient for the upcoming internationals.

"One year as long as this one has been involves having a lot of players prepared to play at the highest level and ready to be called up," Phelan said. "We worked really well with the European clubs to give us access to their players for the Rugby Championship."

Wales should win this game by 5-10 points, less would not be an issue as Argentina are a very capable side, but Wales have to realise their abilities and be accountable for their talents this Autumn.

We were, and we hold be a top four nation, but we let a lose series in Australia slip through our grips. This has to be rectified now.

Top 4?

IRB world rankings

1 NEW ZEALAND
2 AUSTRALIA
3 SOUTH AFRICA
4 ENGLAND
5 FRANCE
6 WALES
7 IRELAND
8 ARGENTINA
9 SCOTLAND
10 SAMOA

It does seem a little disrespectful to expect to win well against a team ranked only 2 places lower than you mate.

Guess what I voted for?

Forget what the fans want and expect, IF (and am sure they do) the players and coaches have any ambition to be a top 4 team then they simply have to believe they will win their first to games.

That said it doesn't mean they wil disrespect or under estimate Argentina or Samoa.

For me anything less than 3 wins this AI series will be deemed as a failure.

bedfordwelsh wrote:Forget what the fans want and expect, IF (and am sure they do) the players and coaches have any ambition to be a top 4 team then they simply have to believe they will win their first to games.

That said it doesn't mean they wil disrespect or under estimate Argentina or Samoa.

For me anything less than 3 wins this AI series will be deemed as a failure.

I agree with you wholeheartedly. I can't imagine there would be any element of disrespect for the opposition who ever we are playing, we know all four teams can put us under pressure. We do have the ability to deal with it, we have the ability to win 3 out of the 4.

After the first two games we will know if we have the ability to win that elusive third match too.

Exciting times.

Wales' Scrum V pundits Jonathan Davies and Martyn Williams predict a 3-1 record this Autumn in Wales' favour.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/20201721

I see the bell ends are out in force here again, 60% of the votes going for an Argentina win, I tell you one thing, if Wales have any ambitions about sitting at the top table of international rugby then loosing to Argentina is a big NO-NO. Wales will not lose to the Argies this weekend, and let us not forget, we were only a few dodgy referee decisions away from winning down under.

LordDowlais wrote:I see the bell ends are out in force here again, 60% of the votes going for an Argentina win,

Pretty sure it is just one with many different IDs on here... 6 votes for Argies by a good margin all came within half an hour of each other... If the mods can find out who those votes were from they would have a very good case for finding who some of the sites trolling culprits.

If anyone would like to own up to those votes and reason their opinion, it would add to the debate, if not, the thoughts will be discarded as blatant trolling and no more.

LordDowlais wrote:I tell you one thing, if Wales have any ambitions about sitting at the top table of international rugby then loosing to Argentina is a big NO-NO. Wales will not lose to the Argies this weekend, and let us not forget, we were only a few dodgy referee decisions away from winning down under.

I agree, I think all fans, players and coaches are in unison that there are no excuses for not beating Samoa, Argentina and Australia, we have the ability, we have to prove that on the pitch.

People can vote however they like. If they think Argentina will win, they're entitled to their view.

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:People can vote for however they like. If they think Argentina will win, they're entitled to their view.

Yes, my point is that it would be good to have some objective, reasoned opinion.

Why would they want to give their reasons if they're going to be described as 'bell ends'?

Maes is right in that these are exciting times. We're still Wales and 'on our day' (as the cliche goes) still as capable of losing to Fiji as we are of beating the ABs (at home at least).

I think it'll be a draw. Hopefully this will just about keep me out of Dowlais's 'Bel end Category'.

I haven't voted. It's a really interesting game. Wales have 'tended' (correct if wrong) to get stronger throughout the AI. Usually Argentina put up a decent fight for around 60 mins and then they don't quite hold on and sometimes fall apart completely. This year Wales are going for that 4th spot but Argentina are on the back of their first proper annual competition against decent opposition. Will this see them starting at a higher standard than usual? Will they be more used to international pace? Will they be knackered already?

I 'expect' Wales to win but that's purely based on history rather than current. No idea.

What is a bell end?

It refers to the tip of a Winkle.

Why Winkle a banned word? It's the proper word.

So Lordowlais is suggesting that the big knobs are in town?

I voted for Arg to win I just think they have a lot to prove after their Championship performances.

But it looks like anyone who goes against a Welsh win will be labelled a Bell End or Troll.

It does ask the question why run a poll if you don't want to see other peoples views?

Very strange behaviour IMO.

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:Why would they want to give their reasons if they're going to be described as 'bell ends'?

One persons opinion of others should not distract those others from giving their opinion, especially if it is in such staunch contrast to the majority.

Though that said they would need to have an opinion rather than a wish.

He'll be using Smeg Head next!

Injured Wales back-row Ryan Jones to miss Argentina clash

Ryan Jones has been ruled out of Wales' opening autumn international clash with Argentina at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday with a shoulder injury.

But the Ospreys back-rower is expected to recover in time for the visit of Samoa on 16 November.

Jones returned home from Wales training in Poland to have a scan on the
shoulder.

The Wales medical staff have decided Jones needs to rest the injury in order to fully recover.

Jones picked up the injury before flying out to Spala for the Wales squad's training camp ahead of the autumn internationals.

Wales are already without key flanker Dan Lydiate for the series against Argentina, Samoa, New Zealand and Australia.

Jones did not take part in any contact sessions in Poland, with his involvement limited to exercises in the swimming pool.

With Six Nations man-of-the-tournament Lydiate already ruled out with a broken ankle, Jones was likely to be first choice on the blind-side for the autumn series.

The Wales team management, who are due to name their team to face the Pumas on Tuesday at 13:00 GMT, have so far not called up any back-row cover.

I agree with Hammertime. A deserving win for Wales after pulling away in the last 20.

Breadvan wrote:I agree with Hammertime. A deserving win for Wales after pulling away in the last 20.

Yes the Argies kept us in a good fight in our last encounter in 2011. I would imagine that fight to be all the tougher now that they have had more game time this year.

That said, I agree that Wales should have the beating of Argentina at home and a resolute win is a realistic goal.

Also noted is the point above that Wales often start their AI's slowly and gather pace. Lets hope they are not so slow this time out.

Maes,

With Jones out I expect to see a backrow of Shingler Faletau and Warburton.

Like it or not, Sam has been named as captain and if he's fit then I cant see them leaving him out of the first game.

bedfordwelsh wrote:Maes,

With Jones out I expect to see a backrow of Shingler Faletau and Warburton.

Like it or not, Sam has been named as captain and if he's fit then I cant see them leaving him out of the first game.

I agree Beds,

i don't think that is necessarily a bad thing though either. He has been off form, but he has the ability to step up to being one of the top three 7s in the world. The transition of coaches and regimes at the Blues might be the reason for his and a number of other poorer form.

At least he is not coming back straight to International rugby after a long injury lay off like last summer. He has game time, he and the Welsh coaches will know what he has been doing wrong as well as the few things he has done right.

I dont think even with poor form anyone would consider Warburtons inclusion as a weakness, plus thankfully we have Tipuric, so even if he doesnt hit form we have a fantastically talented replacement.

Look, people are all entitled to their votes, but lets not be precious here, when I wrote my post there were more votes than articles, this to me proves that there are people on here just doing things to antagonise people, take your vote by all means, but at least tell us why ? Of the eight people who voted that Wales will lose, only one,Hersh, has told us why, and he is the resident wummer, although I do find his tongue in cheek humour quite funny on here.

LordDowlais wrote:Look, people are all entitled to their votes, but lets not be precious here, when I wrote my post there were more votes than articles, this to me proves that there are people on here just doing things to antagonise people, take your vote by all means, but at least tell us why ? Of the eight people who voted that Wales will lose, only one,Hersh, has told us why, and he is the resident wummer, although I do find his tongue in cheek humour quite funny on here.

Is it possible that HERSH made more than one vote.

What was his reason for Wales being likely to lose by such a margin to Argentina?



I have him on ignore, it gives some peace and tranquility to the forum.

Very strange behaviour on here. The only way it's possible for anyone to believe that Argentina might win is if they are a WUM or multiple account poster? Jesus take your tin foil hats off.

I went for Argentina by 5 - 10 points (my guess is six points - two penalties which isn't exactly a hammering) and I did it for three reasons:

1) The Argies are usually a bit undercooked in the Autumn but have just come off the 4N where they have been playing better opposition so should be ready for this
2) Injuries to Jones, Jones and Lydiate coupled with poor form from you captian and fly half
3) Where's the fun in going with the favourite every time? The fun in these things its in trying to predict an upset and is why I'm quite happy with the 9/2 I got on Argentina

maestegmafia wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:Look, people are all entitled to their votes, but lets not be precious here, when I wrote my post there were more votes than articles, this to me proves that there are people on here just doing things to antagonise people, take your vote by all means, but at least tell us why ? Of the eight people who voted that Wales will lose, only one,Hersh, has told us why, and he is the resident wummer, although I do find his tongue in cheek humour quite funny on here.

Is it possible that HERSH made more than one vote.

What was his reason for Wales being likely to lose by such a margin to Argentina?



I have him on ignore, it gives some peace and tranquility to the forum.

How can I have more than one vote, your not still implying that I have more than one account Mae?

I voted for Arg as I have watched them a number of times and it always amazes me that they seem to have a endless pool of players that wear the shirt with such pride that no matter who they're playing they never give up, Wales usually start slow in the AI's and I can't help but think that Arg might catch them cold this year.

Also for someone who has me on ignore you don’t half reply to my posts on a regular basis!

I can’t see how burying your head in the sand helps just because there is someone whose opinion differs to that of your own?

This is a discussion board after all is it not?

You need to grow a pair Mae.

maes

I voted for Argentina. But i suppose you will call me alot worst than a bell end right?

The only reason i voted for Argentina is that they have been playing against the top 3 teams in the IRB world rankins. And they will be battle harden for it.

With this being Wales first game in the Ais, they cannot afford to lose. But they will have to be at their very best IMO. Good Luck.

Hersh, let's not get personal please.

But its ok for others to call me a Troll/Wum//Bell End/Multiple Poster on a regular basis?

What happened to respecting a fellow 606ers views and opinions?

Gentlemen, why does a poster have to give reasons for his vote?

Some posters are just not up for a ribbing becuase they vote a certain team will lose.

Each individual who posts here has freedom of choice, and then every poster that votes against the "deemed" popular vote is a wind up merchant.

If a poll is set up, the poll is an indication of what people think, those who debate the point with motivation then has a constructive conversation and some will come to an agreement and other won't

It is called debate, some don't want to others do.

Toadfish:

Good logic.

The problem with these poles for selection is the players in multiple positions are marked down such as P James, if you add up the votes for him to play he would be in the team it is only because of Adam being out Gethin is unchallenged. It is also the case with R Jones 16% voted him at 8 and the same percentage voted Shingler at 6 (as I did), if Lydiate was fit it would be a close call for the 8 position.

majesticimperialman wrote:Maes,

I voted for Argentina, but I suppose you will call me alot worst than a bell end right?

The only reason i voted for Argentina is that they have been playing against the top 3 teams in the IRB world rankings. And they will be battle hardened for it.

With this being Wales' first game in the A.I's, they cannot afford to lose, but they will have to be at their very best IMO. Good Luck.

I haven't called or threatened to call anyone anything Madge...! Don't tar me with a brush intended elsewhere.

Great to hear your opinion, as I posted a number of times above, as did most other Welsh posters that they would very much like to hear the non anonymous opinions of others.

You raised some good reasons to back your vote. That is exactly what we are all looking for.

Argentina have a good chance of beating Wales just look at Bath being beaten by London Welsh with Bath rejects.

maestegmafia wrote:

majesticimperialman wrote:Maes,

I voted for Argentina, but I suppose you will call me alot worst than a bell end right?

The only reason i voted for Argentina is that they have been playing against the top 3 teams in the IRB world rankings. And they will be battle hardened for it.

With this being Wales' first game in the A.I's, they cannot afford to lose, but they will have to be at their very best IMO. Good Luck.

I haven't called or threatened to call anyone anything Madge...! Don't tar me with a brush intended elsewhere.

Great to hear your opinion, as I posted a number of times above, as did most other Welsh posters that they would very much like to hear the non anonymous opinions of others.

You raised some good reasons to back your vote. That is exactly what we are all looking for.

Here, here, all I want is for somebody to give a honest opinion, not just have people on here hiding behind their laptop and just voting because they do not like a certain country, if people think Wales will lose, then fair enough, but at least tell us why they think that way so that we can have some kind of a decent disscusion on here.

bedfordwelsh wrote:Maes,

With Jones out I expect to see a backrow of Shingler Faletau and Warburton.

Like it or not, Sam has been named as captain and if he's fit then I cant see them leaving him out of the first game.

I would not rule out a back row of :-

Tuperic
Faletau
Warburton

Warburton will start because as you have correctly stated, he is the captain, but he and Tips could start either side of the scrum.

TBH I'd have Tips and Warbs in the side with Shingler on the bench. If Warbs is having a quiet one, have Tips move to 7 and bring on Shingler.

Its a good area for discussion isnt it...!

I would think they would go for either of the two above. Most likely in my opinion is Shingler, Warburton and Faletau but the alternative would be Tipuric, Warburton and Faletau.

The form pick from the squad would be Shingler, Tipuric and McCusker.

Should Argentina win by 7 points, as is winning the largest vote on the poll, that would be a massive success for Argentina.

Here is a brief look at their last 12 months. Firstly the last time they came to Cardiff they conceded three tries and nearly thirty points. 28-15 to Wales, pre RWC 2011.

In the South American cup they have thrashed Brazil, Chile and Uruguay, at home they have drawn with the Springboks beaten Italy and France, their last win.

Since then they were thrashed by France at home, convincingly beaten in SA, narrowly beaten in Australia, humped fifty points by the All Blacks and finally beaten by the Aussies at home.

Including the three South American wins their last twelve months is 5 wins 6 losses last win was June 16th over France.

I think it'll be a tight game. I went for Argentina by 6-10. Think I might get decent odds on that too. F wales win, I think they'll win 2 and lose 2.. Personally I don't think they'll beat the Aussies or NZ. I think losing Adam Jones is huge as is losing Danny Lydiate and also his cover in R Jones. Fly half will be interesting. I think Priestland will play, but he's clearly not on form and if Biggar plays against Samoa, he could force his way in. Other than that, the back-line picks itself. Wales do tend to go for the tried and tested, rather than form, which has been their Achilles heal in the past.
On Wales bearing Argentina in their last game. Didn't Argentina only have a couple of days together before the match?

I still cant buy into the Warburton at 6 posts just to get him into the side. If he isn't on good enough form to get in at 7 then why move him.

I voted for Argentina and I will not give an explanation for this.
I am totally against having to explain, it seems a shame, is worthy of an authoritarian regime have to justify the vote.

Argie fan wrote:I voted for Argentina and I will not give an explanation for this.
I am totally against having to explain, it seems a shame, is worthy of an authoritarian regime have to justify the vote.

That's a shame, as the sole Argue Fan on here your opinion is probably the one we would be most interested in.

Argue fan???? get it right Mae.

I'm with you Argie fan, Wales usually start slow in the AI's and there 1st game will be against a battle hardened Argie team, 'Hang on I don't have to justify why I believe Wales will lose this game!'