Welsh Probables v Possibles to take place on 30th May

First topic message reminder :

At the Liberty Stadium according to Twitter. Not seen it elsewhere yet.

Will be interesting to see who is available for selection and who they think are possibles

From a Dragon's point of view I'd like to see Amos, Rees, Lewis Evans, Cudd, Dixon and Tyler Morgan given a run.

Jordan Williams needs a run too ! Would like to see Gavlar too, shirts and skins, swit swoooo   

EDIT

Its yer

http://www.wru.co.uk/eng/news/30400.php

Knowsit17 wrote:

Scratch wrote:

IronMike wrote:

Scratch wrote:Great to see Brussow back, the guy that spoiled our party at RWC 2011  

Seem to remember Warburton getting the better of him in our game vs SA in the world cup

I recall a different story but you might be right, think he was also involved in the Lions defeat which may be what i am remembering. Anyway I always rated him and am assuming injury has kept him out for so long

Brussow really hit the scene during the Lions in 09 when he was on fire. In 2011 Warbs was shutting him out of just about every ruck. Hougaard's try under the posts and the crucial one-point margin it gave the Boks was really what did us that year.

I stand corrected, but no Warbs and no Tips so what do those sneaky SAFFAS do but pick a proper 7

Its ok Gats seems to have a master plan and is going to pick Bradley Davies in the backrow - oops god help us.

bath insist gavin henson fit and ready to play for Wales but won't release him or Paul James for may the 30th .in a way Im glad this is happening perhaps young Welsh players with ambition to play for Wales think twice about going to England to play . with the injuries and prob Owens suspension he had a good chance of touring but can't see it now

I couldn't see (sigh) anything in the Owens 'incident' - why the hell is it adjourned though ? Surely things like this should be dealt with soon as possible ?

munkian wrote:I couldn't see (sigh) anything in the Owens 'incident' - why the hell is it adjourned though ? Surely things like this should be dealt with soon as possible ?

              i ve not seen it to comment , agreed they should look into soon as possible .

I can never understand why all the club v country crap is churned out all the time, players, coaches players and us fans all know the score if the game is outside the IRB window then clubs have no legal right to release players unless they have a water tight contract.

It may deter future players from going or at least get their contracts sorted but at the end of the day its their job and money speaks volumes.

Gatland has never said he wouldn't pick players playing outside of Wales but maybe he should now consider that or at least plan without them for certain periods.

I might start a sports agency

It will be called

'Welsh rugby agent who will remember to negotiate a release for all Welsh games into your contract Ltd.co.uk"

This is a farce which the WRU have engineered themselves! They have strangled the Regions financially, even poached their players (Warburton) effectively encouraging star players to leave Wales. Their most damning action, or rather lack of action, has been that they have not had the gumption to provide these players will basic legal and contract advice to ensure that they continue to be available to the WRU!!!!!!!!!!

Roger Lewis and David Pickering should be ashamed of their criminally poor management of our beloved national game and must now do the decent thing and resign!

What had Dickering ever done whilst in the Union set up, what is he there for what is his job. When all others have been sacked or resigned there is always one common denominator who stays put HIM.

What has he got over people that seems to make him untouchable.

PROBABLES:
Liam Williams (Scarlets), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Jamie Roberts (Racing Metro), Jordan Williams (Scarlets), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Mike Phillips (Racing Metro), Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Alun Wyn Jones (Capt) (Ospreys), Luke Charteris (Perpignan), Josh Turnbull (Scarlets), Aaron Shingler (Scarlets), Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons).
Replacements: Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Aaron Jarvis (Ospreys), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Lewis Evans (Newport Gwent Dragons), Josh Navidi (Cardiff Blues), Rhodri Williams (Scarlets), Sam Davies (Ospreys), Dafydd Hewitt (Cardiff Blues).

POSSIBLES:
Dan Fish (Cardiff Blues), Kristian Phillips (Scarlets), Cory Allen (Cardiff Blues), Steven Shingler (Scarlets), Harry Robinson (Cardiff Blues), James Hook (Perpignan), Gareth Davies (Scarlets), Rob Evans (Scarlets), Matthew Rees (Capt) (Cardiff Blues), Rhodri Jones (Scarlets), Jake Ball (Scarlets), Ian Evans (Ospreys), Andrew Coombs (Newport Gwent Dragons), Ellis Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Dan Baker (Ospreys).
Replacements:? Kristian Dacey (Cardiff Blues), Owen Evans (Newport Gwent Dragons), Scott Andrews (Cardiff Blues), Macauley Cook (Cardiff Blues), James Davies (Scarlets), Lloyd Williams (Cardiff Blues), Matthew Morgan (Ospreys), Jonathan Spratt (Ospreys).

Don't see the point to this game,what happens if 3 or 4 of the probables get injured.

they could just as easily get injured in training

GavinDragon wrote:PROBABLES:
Liam Williams (Scarlets), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Jamie Roberts (Racing Metro), Jordan Williams (Scarlets), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Mike Phillips (Racing Metro), Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Alun Wyn Jones (Capt) (Ospreys), Luke Charteris (Perpignan), Josh Turnbull (Scarlets), Aaron Shingler (Scarlets), Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons).
Replacements: Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Aaron Jarvis (Ospreys), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Lewis Evans (Newport Gwent Dragons), Josh Navidi (Cardiff Blues), Rhodri Williams (Scarlets), Sam Davies (Ospreys), Dafydd Hewitt (Cardiff Blues).

POSSIBLES:
Dan Fish (Cardiff Blues), Kristian Phillips (Scarlets), Cory Allen (Cardiff Blues), Steven Shingler (Scarlets), Harry Robinson (Cardiff Blues), James Hook (Perpignan), Gareth Davies (Scarlets), Rob Evans (Scarlets), Matthew Rees (Capt) (Cardiff Blues), Rhodri Jones (Scarlets), Jake Ball (Scarlets), Ian Evans (Ospreys), Andrew Coombs (Newport Gwent Dragons), Ellis Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Dan Baker (Ospreys).
Replacements:? Kristian Dacey (Cardiff Blues), Owen Evans (Newport Gwent Dragons), Scott Andrews (Cardiff Blues), Macauley Cook (Cardiff Blues), James Davies (Scarlets), Lloyd Williams (Cardiff Blues), Matthew Morgan (Ospreys), Jonathan Spratt (Ospreys).

Hadn't realised Lewis Evans had been added to squad he wasn't in the original squad announcement but glad he is and would have started him ahead of both Shingler and Turnbull but least he's on the bench, then again would have started Navidi ahead of Turnbull.

Looking at the Probables thats not far off what good be a 1st XV Jordan Williams and Back row aside. Where is Lydiate injured maybe? Him aside it seems its only the English clubs that haven't released their Welsh players.

As for the possibles like the look of Ball and Evans as a 2nd row pairing and to see how Baker goes at 8 and Allen in the centre.

sickofwendy wrote:Don't see the point to this game,what happens if 3 or 4 of the probables get injured.

Could have got injured in training or if the Regions had done better in the Pro12 Semis and final, they are short of game time so needed something.

Fair point

That's a potent looking Probables XV.

Owen Williams and Paul James should be involved in the game though. The WRU routinely releases players it can spare to play for their regions or even non-Welsh clubs, particularly when it has no immediate need for the players concerned. Bath and Leicester have no need for any players currently so what's preventing PRL from extending the same courtesy?

That said, I never heard the outcome of Williams' hearing. Obviously if he's been found guilty then he shouldn't be involved. Anyone know more?

Unfortunately Owen Williams has been banned for 6 weeks and misses the tour

Blueschief wrote:Unfortunately Owen Williams has been banned for 6 weeks and misses the tour

Blues,

Not unfortunate it's his own stupid fault there no place in the game for it.

not seen the footage but six week ban is fair if he did make contact with the eyes . live and learn young Owen .

Bedford, you're right, my poor choice of words

You should NEVER go near the face, just no place in rugby for that.

What a plum  

so in theory what if the possibles win . would gatland drop a few of his main stars or just pick the team we all know he would pick if fit

Two rather strange sides picked. I know the ridiculous situation with English based players being banned from playing by the PRL (I supose Wales are in Englands group in the World Cup and England need all the help they can get) but many of the selections beggar belief!

Why, for instance, are there two tight head props on the bench for the Probables? Surely Samson should start for the Possibles to give Gethin a workout? Phil John or that other old dog, Duncan Jones could have also started to test Adam's resolve.

With the exeption of Cory Allen, Gareth Davies, Smiler and 2nd rows, the rest of the Possibles side (and the Probables bench) are; Journeymen, Kids or being played out of position.

It's a no win situation for the Welsh Management, if they win well, it's only to be expected against weak oposition. If they struggle or worse, it will weaken their confidence for the tour and (with the exception of those named above) none of the Possibles side are realistic options for starting against SA in a test match next month.

So the Possibles are really Impossibles?  Asked to play against Probables that are more Dead Certers in Gatland's eyes unless injured?  

.....Which brings us back to the Possibles who might on paper be Impossible - but, if they fought tough and 'fair', who might set up a chance for themselves to take the place of a Dead Certer?

I'm not sure this Possible and Probable grudge match is ever a good thing when you want a fully fit Dead Cert team ready to take on such a side as SA.  The Possibles know they're not Possibles at all but only given the tag to make them fight harder (mimic possible SA intensity).  They won't fall for that stunt... but they still might try to get on the plane by being extra physical...! - and Gatland might have the plane stuffed with players he never genuinely wanted

if you a second team there is no motivation like getting one over the 1st team . the possibles will be gunning for this . can't wait   vs     

Is it being televised?

rainbow, I believe it is. I acquired this info from the BBC:

Senior trial match: Probables v Possibles
Venue: Liberty Stadium, Swansea Date: Friday, 30 MayKick-off: 19:05 BST
Coverage: Live on Scrum V Live, BBC Two Wales and online; live Wales squad announcement from 22:00 BST online

The Saint wrote:rainbow, I believe it is. I acquired this info from the BBC:

Senior trial match: Probables v Possibles
Venue: Liberty Stadium, Swansea    Date: Friday, 30 MayKick-off: 19:05 BST
Coverage: Live on Scrum V Live, BBC Two Wales and online; live Wales squad announcement from 22:00 BST online

   A match to watch in bed thanks

does anyone know if you can watch this online? have no access to a tv, and for some reason iplayer wont let you watch bbc 2 wales live??

I'm not sure, but Scrum V is sometimes on I-player. If it isn't available live, you may have to wait a few hours.

welshy, it's on here;

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/25865163

It's very dispiriting (from a Pro12 point of view) to see a fairly meaningless trial match gets more folk into the Liberty than an Ospreys game. It's good to see such a large crowd in general of course.

PROBABLES:

Forwards:
Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Owen Evans (Dragons), Rhys Gill (Saracens), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys) (Captain), Luke Charteris (Perpignan), Jake Ball (Scarlets), Ryan Jones (Bristol), Aaron Shingler (Scarlets), Josh Navidi (Blues), Dan Lydiate (Racing Metro), Taulupe Faletau (Dragons).

Backs:

Rhodri Williams (Scarlets), Mike Phillips (Racing Metro), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Sam Davies (Ospreys), Jon Davies (Scarlets), Jamie Roberts (Racing Metro), Gavin Henson (Bath), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), George North (Northampton), Hallam Amos (Dragons), Liam Williams (Scarlets).

POSSIBLES:

Forwards:

Paul James (Bath), Phil Price (Dragons), Rob Evans (Scarlets), Matthew Rees (Blues), Kristian Dacey (Blues), Rhodri Jones (Scarlets), Scott Andrews (Blues), Aaron Jarvis (Ospreys), Bradley Davies (Blues), Andrew Coombs (Dragons), Ian Evans (Ospreys), Macauley Cook (Blues), Josh Turnbull (Scarlets), James Davies (Scarlets), Dan Baker (Ospreys).

Backs:

Gareth Davies (Scarlets), Lloyd Williams (Blues), James Hook (Perpignan), Matthew Morgan (Ospreys), Harry Robinson (Blues), Owen Williams (Leicester), Steven Shingler (Scarlets), Cory Allen (Blues), Jonathan Spratt (Ospreys), Tom Prydie (Dragons), Jordan Williams (Scarlets).

Live from the Liberty Stadium on BBC 2 Wales Scrum V 18:55 (Kick off delayed until 19:10).  Also on BBC Sport website (UK only) http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/welsh/

Just a heads up, the kick off has been delayed by ten minutes to allow the sell out crowd to get into the stadium. This will be an interesting, but rather odd match to watch. Odd, because it'll be weird not really supporting anyone in particular as such. I wonder if the players will wear their club socks like the Baabaas do?

Good start by the Probables. Oh and they're not wearing club socks.

Jordan Williams with the first try

I thought it would be nice if the players wore their club socks, but then I realised that probably wouldn't be allowed.

Scrum V is live on the BBC website Welsh Rugby Union section but it is available within the UK only.

And Biggar's in with the Probables second try.

Cari I'm going to merge your thread in the other section with this one if thats ok   

Yeah thanks Notch, I don't mind if you deleted it. I realised after that the actual thread is here as should be...   I'm going to use the excuse that I've got a cold...

Ken Owens looks like he's hurt his leg...they should take him off really if he has injured himself.

This could be humiliating, would be a different matter with full strength possibles/probables, but there are too many injuries and players away with their clubs

Well I suppose we have to remember this is just a glorified trial (training) match isn't it? I can't see the players pushing themselves too much, and yes there are some key people missing.

Cari wrote:PROBABLES:

Forwards:
Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Owen Evans (Dragons), Rhys Gill (Saracens), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys) (Captain), Luke Charteris (Perpignan), Jake Ball (Scarlets), Ryan Jones (Bristol), Aaron Shingler (Scarlets), Josh Navidi (Blues), Dan Lydiate (Racing Metro), Taulupe Faletau (Dragons).

Backs:

Rhodri Williams (Scarlets), Mike Phillips (Racing Metro), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Sam Davies (Ospreys), Jon Davies (Scarlets), Jamie Roberts (Racing Metro), Gavin Henson (Bath), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), George North (Northampton), Hallam Amos (Dragons), Liam Williams (Scarlets).

POSSIBLES:

Forwards:

Paul James (Bath), Phil Price (Dragons), Rob Evans (Scarlets), Matthew Rees (Blues), Kristian Dacey (Blues), Rhodri Jones (Scarlets), Scott Andrews (Blues), Aaron Jarvis (Ospreys), Bradley Davies (Blues), Andrew Coombs (Dragons), Ian Evans (Ospreys), Macauley Cook (Blues), Josh Turnbull (Scarlets), James Davies (Scarlets), Dan Baker (Ospreys).

Backs:

Gareth Davies (Scarlets), Lloyd Williams (Blues), James Hook (Perpignan), Matthew Morgan (Ospreys), Harry Robinson (Blues), Owen Williams (Leicester), Steven Shingler (Scarlets), Cory Allen (Blues), Jonathan Spratt (Ospreys), Tom Prydie (Dragons), Jordan Williams (Scarlets).

Live from the Liberty Stadium on BBC 2 Wales Scrum V 18:55 (Kick off delayed until 19:10).  Also on BBC Sport website (UK only) http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/welsh/

Wherever that squad came from. it's a right mess (I assume the Beeb). Amos/Ryan Jones are injured, as is Prydie. Henson isn't involved (and no other English based players?). Lewis Evans is now.

I think my post is inaccurate there Risca. It was published a fortnight ago. I couldn't find one stating tonight's players. I did ask for it to be deleted.

Ken Owens off now. Good idea. Baldwin on.

A bit of handbags? Really?   Ah, it's all panto...

Ken Owens has damaged his right knee. He's got ice on it.

Ellis Jenkins has made a couple of good turnovers. Hook is tackling well but I bet he still won't get picked.

The initial squad was announced a couple of weeks ago so disruptions have had time to creep in as they usually do during the interval between naming the squad and the actual starting sides.

I'm sure it's been posted here somewhere already but tonight's lineups should be here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/27580812

Thanks Knowsit.   

It's 15-0 after 22 minutes. Possibles not really making much progress.

Cari wrote:I think my post is inaccurate there Risca.  It was published a fortnight ago.  I couldn't find one stating tonight's players.  I did ask for it to be deleted.

Yeah sorry, I already merged it with this thread before I saw it. Still no harm done by it anyway!