Wales vs France Six Nations 2016

by maestegmafia Thu 18 Feb 2016, 11:13 am

First topic message reminder :

Wales v France

Date: Friday, 26 February
Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Kick-off: 20:05 GMT

Coverage: Live on BBC One Wales & S4C, commentary on Radio 5 live sports extra, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru & BBC Sport website and BBC Sport app, plus live text commentary.

Wales team: Liam Williams (Scarlets), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), Jonathan Davies (ASM Clermont), Jamie Roberts (Harlequins), George North (Northampton ), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Gareth Davies (Scarlets); Rob Evans (Scarlets), Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Samson Lee (Scarlets); Bradley Davies (Wasps), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys); Dan Lydiate (Ospreys), Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues, CAPT), Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons).

Replacements: Ken Owens (Scarlets), Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs), Jake Ball (Scarlets), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Lloyd Williams (Cardiff Blues), Rhys Priestland (Bath), Gareth Anscombe (Cardiff Blues).

France Team: Maxime Medard; Virimi Vakatawa, Maxime Mermoz, Jonathan Danty, Djibril Camara; Jules Plisson, Maxime Machenaud; Jefferson Poirot, Guilhem Guirado (capt), Rabah Slimani, Alexandre Flanquart, Paul Jedrasiak, Antoine Burban, Damien Chouly, Wenceslas Lauret.

Replacements: Camille Chat, Uini Atonio, Vincent Pelo, Yoann Maestri, Loann Goujon, Sebastien Bezy, Francois Trinh Duc, Gael Fickou.

by ScarletSpiderman Tue 23 Feb 2016, 11:27 am

Sanjay
North
Foxy
Roberts
Cuthbert (aaaggghhh)
Biggar
Davies;

Evans
Baldwin
Lee
B Davies
AWJ
Lydiate
Warbs
Taulupe

(bench: Ken, Geth, Francis, Ballsack, Tips; Brynmor Jnr, Priest, Anscommbe)

by chris_501 Tue 23 Feb 2016, 11:28 am

Cuthbert? Arghhhhhhh!

by chris_501 Tue 23 Feb 2016, 11:30 am

Another one I don't get is why Priestland AND Anscombe on the bench? Anscombe was playing 10 for the Blues on the weekend?!?!

by munkian Tue 23 Feb 2016, 11:31 am

So, Amos has to move to Cardiff and continually under perform to get a game. Sounds familiar.

by Luckless Pedestrian Tue 23 Feb 2016, 11:55 am

munkian wrote:So, Amos has to move to Cardiff and continually under perform to get a game. Sounds familiar.

Yep. Maybe if he'd scored two tries on the weekend, instead of a measly one, he'd have had a look in.

by munkian Tue 23 Feb 2016, 12:01 pm

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:
munkian wrote:So, Amos has to move to Cardiff and continually under perform to get a game. Sounds familiar.

Yep. Maybe if he'd scored two tries on the weekend, instead of a measly one, he'd have had a look in.

Ah well, when one of the other regions takes our last NDC Im sure he'll get plenty of game time.

The mind boggles with Priest and Anscombe on the bench, neither are centre or wing cover.

by Blueschief Tue 23 Feb 2016, 12:28 pm

Presumably because Sanjay can cover wing and North cn cover centre Gats thinks he has the bench sorted. It's a bit odd.

by munkian Tue 23 Feb 2016, 12:33 pm

Especially as Amos can cover FB and wing.

by chris_501 Tue 23 Feb 2016, 12:37 pm

Such a backwards step. Luckily the selection shouldn't really make the difference between winning and losing.

by Blueschief Tue 23 Feb 2016, 12:38 pm

Agreed. Amos has a bright future, and he needs more international game time. Maybe he'll be on the bench v Italy. Let's hope so.

by PenfroPete Tue 23 Feb 2016, 12:44 pm

Charteris will be missed at maul time

by munkian Tue 23 Feb 2016, 12:45 pm

And the last thing Cuthbert needs is more international game time.

I love how Gatland said Amos wasn't fast enough for a test winger yet James got caught by a particularly unquick Scottish center Rolling Eyes

by Luckless Pedestrian Tue 23 Feb 2016, 12:53 pm

Can any Blues fans tell me how Cuthbert played on the weekend?

by RubyGuby Tue 23 Feb 2016, 12:55 pm

Cuthbert is a bit more intelligent that TJ (it doesn't take much) and he would have stepped inside given the chance - TJ just runs a straight line. I'm ok'ish with that one but still think we are missing a trick with having Anscombe and Priestland on the bench. The coaching team are seeing something I'm not or they want to protect Amos a little more as he's just come back. Would have liked a wild card replacing one of them - Maybe Matthew Morgan or another flyer thumbsup

We need to grind this one out by winning penalties through French indiscipline, get 9-12 points ahead and try to stop any French momentum. It'll be a tough one but our first opportunity since 1927 to beath them 5 times on the trot and that would be some achievement.

by munkian Tue 23 Feb 2016, 12:58 pm

Yeah I think the game will be won by the forwards and defense - I just disagree with his selection policy.

by Dontheman2 Tue 23 Feb 2016, 1:13 pm

Cuthbert did win the Slam for us in 2012. Only try in 16-9 v France. Happy days are here again. Get the Blims on!

by rumpelstiltskindoh Tue 23 Feb 2016, 1:20 pm

Sorry. Re-posted the squad owing to temporary drop in IQ and ability to read. I blame the Tory Government.

by **RiscaGame** Tue 23 Feb 2016, 1:21 pm

I was going to say have we gone back to 2013 with Cuthbert, but 12 will do as will The Blims.

I'll await cement's full interview, but he has already trotted out the performed well in training line.

by True Raven Tue 23 Feb 2016, 1:26 pm

Luckless pedestrian, I thought Cuthbert had a decent game considering the awful conditions Saturday afternoon. Wasn't really a game where the wingers would shine but he made a lovely break from his own 22 using his strength to get out of the tackle and then set patchell up.

by Luckless Pedestrian Tue 23 Feb 2016, 1:48 pm

Thanks.

by GavCanDance Tue 23 Feb 2016, 1:54 pm

Chopper's back!!! Yahoo

by RubyGuby Tue 23 Feb 2016, 2:25 pm

GavCanDance wrote:Chopper's back!!!

Lets hope he starts using both arms to chop Hug

by GavCanDance Tue 23 Feb 2016, 2:51 pm

RubyGuby wrote:
GavCanDance wrote:Chopper's back!!!

Lets hope he starts using both arms to chop

Hehe – indeed! Or that we get a ref who knows the difference! That was NEVER a yellow at the weekend… angel

by Luckless Pedestrian Tue 23 Feb 2016, 2:59 pm

Wayne Barnes is the referee for this.

by munkian Tue 23 Feb 2016, 3:01 pm

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:Wayne Barnes is the referee for this.

Booo-yey ? Erm

by Luckless Pedestrian Tue 23 Feb 2016, 3:07 pm

Just thought people might like to know. I think he's a good referee. Thank feck it's not John Lacey, anyway.

by munkian Tue 23 Feb 2016, 3:13 pm

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:Just thought people might like to know. I think he's a good referee. Thank feck it's not John Lacey, anyway.

I just meant I dont know if its a good or bad thing ?

Did he ref us v Ireland last 6 Nations ?

by Dontheman2 Tue 23 Feb 2016, 3:16 pm

Well said LP

by Luckless Pedestrian Tue 23 Feb 2016, 3:18 pm

munkian wrote:
Luckless Pedestrian wrote:Just thought people might like to know. I think he's a good referee. Thank feck it's not John Lacey, anyway.

I just meant I dont know if its a good or bad thing ?

Did he ref us v Ireland last 6 Nations ?

He did.

by RubyGuby Tue 23 Feb 2016, 3:19 pm

He will ping French indiscipline and I think this is a key area for us to exploit as they are a little disorganised and play on the edge or sometimes over it. How that 2nd row didn't get a ban for hitting Sexton off the ball I don't know thumbsup

by maestegmafia Tue 23 Feb 2016, 3:21 pm

munkian wrote:And the last thing Cuthbert needs is more international game time.

I love how Gatland said Amos wasn't fast enough for a test winger yet James got caught by a particularly unquick Scottish center

Taylor?

He also plays wing, he's quick.

by GavCanDance Tue 23 Feb 2016, 3:24 pm

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:Wayne Barnes is the referee for this.

I have no probs with Mr. Barnes. A few years ago I felt that he was a little whistle-happy, but can't say I've noticed that in recent games. I don't think France will get away with the crap they were pulling against Ireland, this Friday.

by munkian Tue 23 Feb 2016, 3:25 pm

GavCanDance wrote:
Luckless Pedestrian wrote:Wayne Barnes is the referee for this.

I have no probs with Mr. Barnes. A few years ago I felt that he was a little whistle-happy, but can't say I've noticed that in recent games. I don't think France will get away with the crap they were pulling against Ireland, this Friday.

Might actually get a fair contest at the breakdown too.

by Luckless Pedestrian Tue 23 Feb 2016, 3:30 pm

RubyGuby wrote:He will ping French indiscipline and I think this is a key area for us to exploit as they are a little disorganised and play on the edge or sometimes over it. How that 2nd row didn't get a ban for hitting Sexton off the ball I don't know

He'll ping Welsh indiscipline too.

by GavCanDance Tue 23 Feb 2016, 3:47 pm

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:
RubyGuby wrote:He will ping French indiscipline and I think this is a key area for us to exploit as they are a little disorganised and play on the edge or sometimes over it. How that 2nd row didn't get a ban for hitting Sexton off the ball I don't know

He'll ping Welsh indiscipline too.

Wales vs France Six Nations 2016 - Page 2 File-d13

by BigTrevsbigmac Tue 23 Feb 2016, 4:12 pm

chris_501 wrote:Cuthbert? Arghhhhhhh!

Now now your talking about a British Irish Lion Shocked

by offload Tue 23 Feb 2016, 6:49 pm

Boring, boring, boring........

We may win but don't expect a line break. I have a sneaky feeling that rather than create space and side step the defense Gatland will confuse the oposition by changing tactics. He may get his big backline to run straight into the nearest blue shirt until eventually they give way. Might work...

We have the worst wing in the NH back in the team, an average club scrum half on the bench and Anscome and Priestland to come on and make an "impact" Shocked

I tried to listen to Howley being interviewed today and couldn't hear him properly as I was interrupted by my own snoring!

by **RiscaGame** Tue 23 Feb 2016, 7:31 pm

Speaking of Howley;

"Amos not had much game time".

To which Cement Head's solution is to have him on tackle bag duty for Team Wales (24th man). It's clever, I must admit.

by Fanster Tue 23 Feb 2016, 8:43 pm

I have to say, I find myself disagreeing with a lot of people on here, and think Gatland might just be pulling something out of the hat...

Firstly want to say I am very happy with Barnes, he's one of the best around on his current form (weird to talk about refs form, but it is a thing).

Right, so Cuthbert...

I think this is quite canny, Cuthbert has generally been good against France, and when trying to make a point in a Welsh shirt. Despite James form for Cardiff I don't think the step up is in his reach, both games saw me screaming at him to chase a kick once in a while, which Cuthbert will definately do, and against Boneval, Medard and Vakatawa who aren't 3 world class players under a high ball we might get some purchase.

Not blaming James for being Caught by Taylor who is quick, however just being nudged into touch easily isn't what you want from an international class winger! I'm willing to bet my mortgage Cuthbert stays in play there, if not scores, and these are sometimes the tiny differences in int games!

Anscombe and RP on bench...

Well the wings have cover in Williams, FB is covered by Anscombe, both centre positions are covered by North, I don't see a huge issue with this tbh, I'd rather this than rush Amos back before he's ready, which would mean dropping Anscombe, who could potentially cover centre too, he has the skillset.

by maestegmafia Tue 23 Feb 2016, 9:05 pm

I have a feeling that many fans are underestimating this French team.

by offload Tue 23 Feb 2016, 9:51 pm

Fanster wrote:I have to say, I find myself disagreeing with a lot of people on here, and think Gatland might just be pulling something out of the hat...

Firstly want to say I am very happy with Barnes, he's one of the best around on his current form (weird to talk about refs form, but it is a thing).

Right, so Cuthbert...

I think this is quite canny, Cuthbert has generally been good against France, and when trying to make a point in a Welsh shirt. Despite James form for Cardiff I don't think the step up is in his reach, both games saw me screaming at him to chase a kick once in a while, which Cuthbert will definately do, and against Boneval, Medard and Vakatawa who aren't 3 world class players under a high ball we might get some purchase.

Not blaming James for being Caught by Taylor who is quick, however just being nudged into touch easily isn't what you want from an international class winger! I'm willing to bet my mortgage Cuthbert stays in play there, if not scores, and these are sometimes the tiny differences in int games!

Anscombe and RP on bench...

Well the wings have cover in Williams, FB is covered by Anscombe, both centre positions are covered by North, I don't see a huge issue with this tbh, I'd rather this than rush Amos back before he's ready, which would mean dropping Anscombe, who could potentially cover centre too, he has the skillset.

I applaud the positive outlook, but I hope your mortgage is modest.

by Dontheman2 Tue 23 Feb 2016, 10:03 pm

Thanks Fanster. Breath of fresh air after Offloads dour pessimism. I know I know if you haven't got something to say about the rugby keep it shut! So come on Wales! Cymru an byth!

by bedfordwelsh Wed 24 Feb 2016, 5:27 am

I am glad he's picked Cuthbert (would have scored that run in James had) over James who I don't rate but I would have picked Amos over them both.

Like most have said and something that has been the case for past two games is that the bench just doesn't seem balanced at all. Am guessing that if a wing gets injured then Williams goes there and Anscombe comes on to XV, if Williams himself gets injured Anscombe comes on again or if a centre gets injured North moves in and then again Williams moves out to wing Anscombe comes in at XV.

Charteris will be a big loss but Davies is in great form for Wasps and is a little bit more aggressive so a good replacement, again though with Ball on the bench how much gametime has he had - hardly any of late.

by **RiscaGame** Wed 24 Feb 2016, 7:12 am

Mike Phillips has been good against France. We should call him back in too. Both he and Cuthbert last played well at the same time too. You can't say the French guys aren't world class under the high ball without acknowledging our wingers aren't either.

I'm not sure how anybody can mention Amos' lack of game time or rushing him back either, when he has played more than Anscombe (I believe).

by Seagultaf Wed 24 Feb 2016, 7:32 am

chris_501 wrote:Another one I don't get is why Priestland AND Anscombe on the bench? Anscombe was playing 10 for the Blues on the weekend?!?!

Anscombe is an useful utility back, he has not excelled as yet for his club at either 10 or 15. Before he discovered we was Welsh he was playing all his rugby at 15, although at junior grade he was a 10. Only time will tell whether he will make a test starter, he is strong, confident, a good distributor and kicks well. In the absence of any centres he is probably the best bet at present for bench cover.

by maestegmafia Wed 24 Feb 2016, 7:34 am

RiscaGame wrote:I'm not sure how anybody can mention Amos' lack of game time or rushing him back either, when he has played more than Anscombe (I believe).

They e played about the same amount of time but Anscombe is a few years older and more experienced at both playing at a high level and at getting prepared after recovering from injuries.

I don't think the two players scenarios are as comparable as you think.

Amos will get his chance, he won't get wasted. No need to rush him

by RubyGuby Wed 24 Feb 2016, 10:09 am

I still haven't seen anything from Anscombe to convince me he's got what it takes at this level. If he hadn't been parachuted in from the Holy Land that is NZ I would have him on a par with Steve Shingler and Jason Tovey. I just haven't seen ANYTHING to suggest he's an international player or for that matter an influential club player. IMO Patchell does it all at The Blues - Just my view lads and balanced and concise as always thumbsup

Any thoughts?

by munkian Wed 24 Feb 2016, 10:13 am

maestegmafia wrote:
RiscaGame wrote:I'm not sure how anybody can mention Amos' lack of game time or rushing him back either, when he has played more than Anscombe (I believe).

They e played about the same amount of time but Anscombe is a few years older and more experienced at both playing at a high level and at getting prepared after recovering from injuries.

I don't think the two players scenarios are as comparable as you think.

Amos will get his chance, he won't get wasted. No need to rush him

Should let him play for Dragons then - could really use him against Glasgae

by RubyGuby Wed 24 Feb 2016, 10:21 am

RE: Amos - Its just a thought as IMO he had become a first choice during the RWC. Maybe he is being saved for the England game in a few weeks when he should be back to match fitness. thumbsup

by munkian Wed 24 Feb 2016, 10:26 am

RubyGuby wrote:RE: Amos - Its just a thought as IMO he had become a first choice during the RWC. Maybe he is being saved for the England game in a few weeks when he should be back to match fitness.

By having no matches ?

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