Wales 'A' team not needed, says Allan Lewis - NO NO NO - Your missing the point again...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/31138172

Is this a way of the WRU backing out on Lewis' comment a few years back now to bring back the A Side.

The A side is about developing new talent yes. But it is also about developing international standard and keeping that standard for the group of players who are on the fringe of the first XV or even in that squad but not getting the game time. The U20s is all very well to develop YOUNG talent, but what happens when they pass the age grade. Do they have to sit out of international games until either they are seen good enough to get a first XV shirt or just go "rusty" whilst waiting. Just look at the recent Saxons v Wolfhounds, there was plenty of seasoned first XV (past/present) in those sides who no longer qualify for U20s, yet needed this level to re-challenge/redevelop their skills to re-challenge for their perspective first XV.

Wales needs the A side back, and the NH needs resurrect the "A Side" 6 Nations...

Two or three games a year at most...and most of those games used as virtual recuperation warm-ups for returning First teamers.....

Hmmm...............  I'm not so sure an A side IS relevant anymore and maybe for once Wales are actually doing it right in not having one.

The Saxons v Wolfhound game a little while ago was a useless little exercise in preparing anything that could be described as a pod or selection of players ready to step-up.

It's coached by a coach who isn't the natiuonal coach, so there is little fluidity in practices and that Saxons game was really a glorified puff-out for some players who needed some gametime to get their lungs up to speed...only it asked people (criminally so) to pay money to see it happening.

I see your point and waiting for the point to be made that the clubs lose too many players now, so this would be worse with an A side comp.

My point though, is that you get U20 developing, then they hit 21yrs and if not already picked up by the first XV (and lets face it, not many will be straight away), then they lose the experience and face time without international competition. I personally think there needs to be an A side comp to keep building on their experience to avoid them "getting rusty". Countries like Wales complain when we lose strength in depth, but how are we supposed to build it.. Regions ? Well that hasn't worked brilliantly, especially when the Regions have their own agendas.

As for the coaching. They have to have their own coach, of course, as during the 6 Nations, how can you ask the national coach (or his deputies) to work with the A side. BUT, there is no reason why the national coach cannot be involved in the "meetings", etc. There should be a steering committee where all coaches from the age grades and A team (if brought back) get together and discuss joint strategy to allow progression through the teams (as I'd hope it works now). It works in so many businesses ..

I just don't think, not having an A side is the right approach.

I think if there were more A teams (and hence more games) the standard would be better.

lostinwales wrote:I think if there were more A teams (and hence more games) the standard would be better.

Agreed, part of the reason that the games have been of such a poor standard is that the teams come together for 7-10 days, play one game then its see you later till next year.

A month together alongside the 6 nations would go very well IMO

No9 wrote:http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/31138172

Is this a way of the WRU backing out on Lewis' comment a few years back now to bring back the A Side.

It's in the new RSA mun;

"Additional elements of the new agreement include:

Return of the Wales A team with a possible fixture each year on the weekend prior to the Six Nations kick off
The Regional support for the importance of the sevens game is also recognised with the terms of the RSA guaranteeing that up to three players from each Region will be available for Wales sevens selection.
Range of protocols which focus on Welsh qualified players who are based in Wales at any of the four Regions.
All Regional squad players will take part in training camps at the WRU National Centre of Excellence each year as part of the collaborative partnership represented in the RSA.
A national database of relevant player information will be managed by the WRU with specific protocols to ensure individual Regions only have access to their own player information"

http://www.prorugbywales.com/2014/08/28/new-rugby-services-agreement-announced/

No one else has an A team so why bother funding one if they have no one to play against?

Saxons, Wolfhounds?

BamBam wrote:Saxons, Wolfhounds?

Exactly my point, that's it. The whole thing has died out in the last decade.

maestegmafia wrote:

BamBam wrote:Saxons, Wolfhounds?

Exactly my point, that's it. The whole thing has died out in the last decade.

Scotland A played the Saxons last year, I'm sure. I would think that even if Italy and France didn't out out teams, the home nations would / could.

That's 2 more games against decent opposition than they would otherwise play

Regardless of the quality of the attacking play in the Saxons-Wolfhounds game, no one can say it wasn't a physical contest with the likes of SOB, Henderson, Garvey, Ewers etc involved, guys who are either at or looking to move up to Test level

We need an A team. But the games will be pointless without some sort of euro tournament and no churchhill cup.

I do think we need that level between full international and regional rugby. The Pro12 should stop in between the international windows and this break should be used for The 6 Nations for the best players, an A 6 Nations for the up and coming players and a regional A Cup for the players in the Prem who are too old for the U-20's and worth a look at in a more professional environment.

A teams (2nds) are a natural progression to full honours

Don't think Wales need an A team as much as a country like France and England because the player pool is much smaller.

From the U20s the Welsh guys just get drafted into the main Wales squad - hasn't harmed Wales at all.

The Welsh U20s lose every year to England (sometimes get destroyed) yet have compared favourably in the last few years in the full internationals.

It's because your youngsters are developing and gaining experience quicker due to your smaller player pool. It's a Welsh strength.

It's why Wales will have a very experienced and settled side against England tonight.

I have always banged the drum for the A side to return and still think if done properly then it could be a very good stepping stone.

If its done then the A side should follow the same style and the senior side are playing that way if any of them had to step in at short notice they are use to the system to a degree.

Lewis did say we were going to get a few A game then again he said we wouldn't get anymore Friday night games but have two over the next two years, just proves what a slimy lying type he is

Careful Bedford! It's a crime to talk bad about money in this new age of Greed Dynamics Rugby International.

You're sounding too openfields of a sunny day in the country. Get urban! Get Ruthless. Get even! Get rich!

SecretFly wrote:Careful Bedford!  It's a crime to talk bad about money in this new age of Greed Dynamics Rugby International.

You're sounding too openfields of a sunny day in the country.  Get urban!  Get Ruthless.  Get even!  Get rich!

Fly,

I wouldn't mind if they just came out and be honest about it all.