Wales thread continued - 2017/18 season

[mikey_dragon]

First topic message reminder :

2017/2018 season results (full fixture list posted below).

Wales 21 - 29 Australia
Wales 13 - 6 Georgia
Wales 18 - 33 New Zealand
Wales 24 - 22 South Africa

Wales 2018 6N Squad:
Forwards: Rob Evans (Scarlets), Wyn Jones (Scarlets), Nicky Smith (Ospreys), Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Elliot Dee (Dragons), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Dillon Lewis (Cardiff Blues), Adam Beard (Ospreys), Bradley Davies (Ospreys), Seb Davies (Cardiff Blues), Cory Hill (Dragons), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys, capt), James Davies (Scarlets), Taulupe Faletau (Bath), Ellis Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Ross Moriarty (Gloucester), Josh Navidi (Cardiff Blues), Aaron Shingler (Scarlets), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys).

Backs: Aled Davies (Scarlets), Gareth Davies (Scarlets), Rhys Webb (Ospreys), Gareth Anscombe (Cardiff Blues), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Rhys Patchell (Scarlets), Rhys Priestland (Bath), Hadleigh Parkes (Scarlets), Owen Watkin (Ospreys), Owen Williams (Gloucester), Scott Williams (Scarlets), Josh Adams (Worcester Warriors), Hallam Amos (Dragons), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), Steff Evans (Scarlets), Leigh Halfpenny (Scarlets), George North (Northampton Saints), Liam Williams (Saracens).

Faletau, Biggar expected to be available later on in the tournament. Amos, L Williams perhaps a little sooner.

Call-ups to cover injuries, etc.
Tomos Williams (Cardiff Blues)

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


I thought we'd start with the Autumn series. Gatland the Great is set to return and shake things up after another disappointing season underneath the Howler and his pal McBryde. The fixtures for this series are as follows:

November 2017
Sat 11th Nov 17 17:15
Wales   v   Australia  
Sat 18th Nov 17 14:30
Wales   v   Georgia
Sat 25th Nov 17 17:15
Wales   v   New Zealand
December 2017
Sat 2nd Dec 17 14:30
Wales   v   South Africa

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well there's no time like now so why not. Last year was a bit disappointing, topped off with an unsuccessful tour to NZ (as expected). Whilst I'm hoping for better this season my expectations are low as we have Howler and some other amateurs in charge who got the job because they were mates with Gatland and others in the WRU.

AI's
Wales V Australia 05/11/2016
8 - 32
Wales V Argentina 12/11/2016
24 - 20
Wales V Japan 19/11/2016
33 - 30
Wales V South Africa 26/11/2016
27 - 13

6 Nations
Italy V Wales 05/02/2017
7 - 33
Wales V England 11/02/2017
16 - 21
Scotland V Wales 25/02/2017
29 - 13
Wales V Ireland 10/03/2017
22 - 9
France V Wales 18/03/2017
20 -18

Very tough AI series but a kind start in the 6N. So far this season Blues and Ospreys look good, but how many of their players will be starters for Wales? Cuthbert is starting to look like his old self and if this continues he could come back into the team. Tomos Williams looks like a good player and if he also continues in this vein then might he take advantage of Gareth Davies' supposed rustiness? It's still early days but going by what I've seen and the reports I've read I would like to see a new centre partnership and also perhaps see our old back 3 of North, Cuthbert and Halfpenny reinstated - although a lot could happen between now and November. With Faletau out I think we can all guess who the wildcards will be, but who does that leave to play at No.8 - possibly Warburton with Ellis Jenkins at 7? What changes (if any) would you like to see? Keep it sensible please.

WALES 2016 UNDER ARMOUR SERIES SQUAD
Prop Scott Andrews (Cardiff Blues) (12 Caps) Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs) (14 Caps) Rhys Gill (Cardiff Blues) (6 Caps) Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues) (126 Caps) Samson Lee (Scarlets) (28 Caps) Nicky Smith (Ospreys) (3 Caps)
Hooker Scott Baldwin (Ospreys) (24 Caps) Kristian Dacey (Cardiff Blues) (3 Caps) Ken Owens (Scarlets) (42 Caps)
Second Row Jake Ball (Scarlets) (20 Caps) Luke Charteris (Bath Rugby) (68 Caps) Bradley Davies (Ospreys) (56 Caps) Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys) (102 Caps) Rory Thornton (Ospreys) (UNCAPPED)
Back Row Dan Baker (Ospreys) (3 Caps) Taulupe Faletau* (Bath Rugby) (61 Caps) James King (Ospreys) (8 Caps) Dan Lydiate (Ospreys) (57 Caps) Ross Moriarty (Gloucester) (9 Caps) Justin Tipuric (Ospreys) (43 Caps) Sam Warburton (CAPT) (Cardiff Blues) (67 Caps)
Scrum Half Gareth Davies (Scarlets) (17 Caps) Rhys Webb (Ospreys) (22 Caps) Lloyd Williams (Cardiff Blues) (27 Caps)
Fly Half Gareth Anscombe (Cardiff Blues) (8 Caps) Dan Biggar (Ospreys) (48 Caps) Sam Davies (Ospreys) (UNCAPPED)
Centre Jonathan Davies (Scarlets) (56 Caps) Tyler Morgan (Newport Gwent Dragons) (3 Caps) Jamie Roberts* (Harlequins) (83 Caps) Scott Williams (Scarlets) (38 Caps)
Wing/Full Back Hallam Amos (Newport Gwent Dragons) (10 Caps) Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues) (42 Caps) Leigh Halfpenny (Toulon) (62 Caps) George North* (Northampton Saints) (62 Caps) Liam Williams (Scarlets) (35 Caps) * Denotes Senior Player Selection Policy wildcard selection.
Ospreys wing Keelan Giles, Cardiff Blues full-back Rhun Williams and Dragons pair Leon Brown and Harrison Keddie will train with the Wales squad.  

June summer tour
Tonga 6 - 24 Wales
Samoa 17 - 19 Wales

[TightHEAD]

Who plays vs SA?

[mikey_dragon]

Ladies, gents, and HERSH. Should we keep this thread going? Latest news is Ball and Faletua unavailable until March. Warburton and JD2 unavailable for the season. Injuries and form permitting our starting back-row could be Moriarty/Shingler, Tips, Navidi.

[Gwlad]

Ladies, gents, and HERSH. Should we keep this thread going? Latest news is Ball and Faletua unavailable until March. Warburton and JD2 unavailable for the season. Injuries and form permitting our starting back-row could be Moriarty/Shingler, Tips, Navidi.

Which is still an epic back row. In fact I dont mind our front line resting; we are bringing on some solid 2nd tier with a year out to Japan. Makes sense.

[Guest]

Ladies, gents, and HERSH. Should we keep this thread going? Latest news is Ball and Faletua unavailable until March. Warburton and JD2 unavailable for the season. Injuries and form permitting our starting back-row could be Moriarty/Shingler, Tips, Navidi.

Which is still an epic back row.

An ‘EPIC’ back row

Hyperbole

Wales don’t have anything epic mate

[Gwlad]

Ladies, gents, and HERSH. Should we keep this thread going? Latest news is Ball and Faletua unavailable until March. Warburton and JD2 unavailable for the season. Injuries and form permitting our starting back-row could be Moriarty/Shingler, Tips, Navidi.

Which is still an epic back row.

An ‘EPIC’ back row  

Hyperbole

Wales don’t have anything epic mate

If you knew anything you'd know Hyperbole is not intended to be taken seriously. Like you.

From now on you will be known as Hyperbole.

[mikey_dragon]

Can you like not let it spill over onto here?

[Gwlad]

Can you like not let it spill over onto here?

not sure Hyperbole is capable of not being an idiot.

[Guest]

Can you like not let it spill over onto here?

not sure Hyperbole is capable of not being an idiot.

The hypocrisy. I’m thinking it’ll be good to express my opinion about Welsh rugby. So do you reckon Wales will beat Italy in the 6Ns to avoid the wooden spoon? A must win game imo.

[Guest]

Ladies, gents, and HERSH. Should we keep this thread going? Latest news is Ball and Faletua unavailable until March. Warburton and JD2 unavailable for the season. Injuries and form permitting our starting back-row could be Moriarty/Shingler, Tips, Navidi.

Which is still an epic back row.

An ‘EPIC’ back row  

Hyperbole

Wales don’t have anything epic mate

If you knew anything you'd know Hyperbole is not intended to be taken seriously.

You mean, kind of like Wales?

But you were being serious when describing the Welsh back row as ‘epic’ and it wasn’t hyperbole?

The 7th ranked Wales has an EPIC back row. 6N teams will be shuddering in their boots I’m sure. Even Italy. Totally epic.

[mikey_dragon]

Can you like not let it spill over onto here?

not sure Hyperbole is capable of not being an idiot.

The hypocrisy. I’m thinking it’ll be good to express my opinion about Welsh rugby. So do you reckon Wales will beat Italy in the 6Ns to avoid the wooden spoon? A must win game imo.

Pretty delusional to think we’re going to fight to avoid the wooden spoon. Italy and France don’t have much of a chance against us. Scotland are improving but too soon to be predicting glory for them in my opinion - I think we’ll beat them at home.

[Gwlad]

Can you like not let it spill over onto here?

not sure Hyperbole is capable of not being an idiot.

The hypocrisy. I’m thinking it’ll be good to express my opinion about Welsh rugby. So do you reckon Wales will beat Italy in the 6Ns to avoid the wooden spoon? A must win game imo.

Pretty delusional to think we’re going to fight to avoid the wooden spoon. Italy and France don’t have much of a chance against us. Scotland are improving but too soon to be predicting glory for them in my opinion - I think we’ll beat them at home.

Mikey he doesnt have a clue...this is a guy who thinks Beauden Barrett had a poor year    must be why he was awarded World Player. He knows less about his own players than he does about Wales and its just his usual drivel.

I agree we'll beat Italy France, I reckon we will also beat Scotland who have never done well in Cardiff. Yes England and Ireland will be tough but we will see. Wales always progress during the tournament.

[No 7&1/2]

You've been constantly saying Barrett wd the reason nz lost the lions tour (even though they didnt). Make your mind up.

[SecretFly]

Didn't Barrett himself say he was a little surprised he got it this year?

[Guest]

Yup

Beauden’s little brother Jordie won the prestigious Taranaki Sports Person of the Year award for 2017 so Beaudy can’t even clean up in his province.

Beauden is a very good player but he did not play to the level expected of him this year. That’s the perception in NZ anyway.

I digress, let’s talk about wales

Scotland will beat wales

[mikey_dragon]

Scotland will beat wales

Score predictions? I think we got a few cobwebs out in the autumn and should be good. We’ll have your old boy Parkes more than likely line up as JD2 is out, I just hope it isn’t Scott Williams outside of him.

[Taylorman]

One for Gwlad...

'"I've never said I wanted to be an All Blacks coach," Gatland told Newstalk ZB. "But I think you need to come back and be involved in Super Rugby first, and that's what I would like to do. That would be the natural progression."

Something weve been saying for some time.

Like the natural progression comment...from Wales to Lions coach to Super rugby.... Gwlad

[Gwlad]

Yup

Beauden’s little brother Jordie won the prestigious Taranaki Sports Person of the Year award for 2017 so Beaudy can’t even clean up in his province.

Beauden is a very good player but he did not play to the level expected of him this year. That’s the perception in NZ anyway.

I digress, let’s talk about wales

Scotland will beat wales

Because fickle NZers turn on they own heroes given half a chance, done it to Gabs, did it to Barrett this year. Look what they did to Keith Murdoch.

Who'd want to be from NZ.

[aucklandlaurie]

Yup

Beauden’s little brother Jordie won the prestigious Taranaki Sports Person of the Year award for 2017 so Beaudy can’t even clean up in his province.

Beauden is a very good player but he did not play to the level expected of him this year. That’s the perception in NZ anyway.

I digress, let’s talk about wales

Scotland will beat wales

Because fickle NZers turn on they own heroes given half a chance, done it to Gabs, did it to Barrett this year. Look what they did to Keith Murdoch.

Who'd want to be from NZ.

 Who is Gabs?

[Gwlad]

Yup

Beauden’s little brother Jordie won the prestigious Taranaki Sports Person of the Year award for 2017 so Beaudy can’t even clean up in his province.

Beauden is a very good player but he did not play to the level expected of him this year. That’s the perception in NZ anyway.

I digress, let’s talk about wales

Scotland will beat wales

Because fickle NZers turn on they own heroes given half a chance, done it to Gabs, did it to Barrett this year. Look what they did to Keith Murdoch.

Who'd want to be from NZ.

 Who is Gabs?

I knew the IQ was lower there too

Gats you dill.

[Taylorman]

Yup

Beauden’s little brother Jordie won the prestigious Taranaki Sports Person of the Year award for 2017 so Beaudy can’t even clean up in his province.

Beauden is a very good player but he did not play to the level expected of him this year. That’s the perception in NZ anyway.

I digress, let’s talk about wales

Scotland will beat wales

Because fickle NZers turn on they own heroes given half a chance, done it to Gabs, did it to Barrett this year. Look what they did to Keith Murdoch.

Who'd want to be from NZ.

As opposed to Wales?
You do know its now a record 30 straight wins dont you Gwlad?
That includes the greats of the 60s and 70s.

But let me get this right. For weeks youve been critical of the fact that a group of largely non NZers select the best player in the game for 2017 and that because we dont pick him as our own best player we are somehow turning on our own?

Ok, so you support a side that hasnt won in what? 64 years?
And those non NZers, none of whom will have won more than they lost vs NZ in their careers...

You think between you and them, that you are both in better positions as what? Largely Losers, to decide who our better players than we are?

Now, which part of that logic sees your thinking in a good light?

How about you work on trying to prevent that 30 being 100, that 64 being 1000.

Might be a better use of your time.

Just a thought.

[Gwlad]

Thanks for yet again making the point that NZ rugby fans are the most out of touch arrogant plums on the planet

[Guest]

Who'd want to be from NZ.

Given the chance, probably the welsh squad including the coach

[Gwlad]

Who'd want to be from NZ.

Given the chance, probably the welsh squad including the coach

I doubt it, they know what NZ fans and press are like.In Wales we back our own, in NZ you just ship em in, use em up and then stab them in the back.

You culturally appropriate irrelevant symbols, in Wales we respect our players.

[Guest]

Loser welsh mentality. We demand a lot but the rewards are great. By the sounds you are happy with ‘decent’ performances and moral victories, lol.

[aucklandlaurie]

Yup

Beauden’s little brother Jordie won the prestigious Taranaki Sports Person of the Year award for 2017 so Beaudy can’t even clean up in his province.

Beauden is a very good player but he did not play to the level expected of him this year. That’s the perception in NZ anyway.

I digress, let’s talk about wales

Scotland will beat wales

Because fickle NZers turn on they own heroes given half a chance, done it to Gabs, did it to Barrett this year. Look what they did to Keith Murdoch.

Who'd want to be from NZ.

 Who is Gabs?

I knew the IQ was lower there too

Gats you dill.

 You mean Gatty, or don't you know the name of your own coach?

 And you reckon I'm a dill....

[Gwlad]

Loser welsh mentality. We demand a lot but the rewards are great. By the sounds you are happy with ‘decent’ performances and moral victories, lol.

We demand a lot but the rewards are great. Yes, real Pacific Islanders agree and look what its done to PI rugby.

[Guest]

How boring is that tired old chestnut?

End of the day, wales are 7th, suck it up princess

SEVENTH

Scotland are better than your team, much better

Your team is better than Georgia at 12th although you wouldn’t think it after the last time you played them when your team had to go to grandma scrums

[Gwlad]

How boring is that tired old chestnut?

End of the day, wales are 7th, suck it up princess

SEVENTH

Scotland are better than your team, much better

Your team is better than Georgia at 12th although you wouldn’t think it after the last time you played them when your team had to go to grandma scrums

And Beauden is No 1 in the world but not amongst his own people. Shame on NZ for your disgraceful treatment, but then we know NZ treat rugby players like usable resources, take the best they have then crap on them. I don't know how you can stand yourselves. No wonder so may leave for Europe where they can earn a decent living and not be sucked into the meat grinder without their value being realized, largely because NZ rugby means mercenary rugby.

[Guest]

Blah blah bladdy blah.....

Are all welsh people as dim and dull as you gwlad?

Yeah, Beauden is #1, we’ll take that

What’s it like having grandmas for props? Who was that welsh prop with the frizzy permed mop a while ago, Williams or Jones or Williams or something like that. Does he rinse his hair purple?

[aucklandlaurie]

How boring is that tired old chestnut?

End of the day, wales are 7th, suck it up princess

SEVENTH

Scotland are better than your team, much better

Your team is better than Georgia at 12th although you wouldn’t think it after the last time you played them when your team had to go to grandma scrums

And Beauden is No 1 in the world but not amongst his own people. Shame on NZ for your disgraceful treatment, but then we know NZ treat rugby players like usable resources, take the best they have then crap on them. I don't know how you can stand yourselves. No wonder so may leave for Europe where they can earn a decent living and not be sucked into the meat grinder without their value being realized, largely because NZ rugby means mercenary rugby.

 Then again Wales are never going to be in the position, its very rare for a Welshman to be even nominated.

[eirebilly]

I do not see the Welsh being in line for the wooden spoon with Italy myself. Wales may have a poor history against SH side but their record against NH sides is very good.

I do think they will beat the French (should have done last year but some really odd referee decisions).
I think they will beat Italy as well, Italy seem to be in a perpetual building phase.
Scotland will be tight as Scotland are really finding some good momentum recently but can also implode.
Ireland will be tough but Gatland seems to have the edge on Schmidt, always seems to know Schmidt's game plan and has countered it on several occasions.
I cant see any team beating England myself, they are the NH benchmark at the moment but are also a team that can put in the odd dire performance.

That said, losing 3 key members of their squad in :

Warburton, 2 times Lions captain and one of the best 7's around
Faletau, On form I rate him as the best #8 in the world
JD2, the best 13 in the NH if and up there with the best in the world

Losing those players will have an impact but I think that Wales do have enough cover for them but not many sides could cover the loss of 3 absolutely important players as these.

I feel it will be a direct competition for 2nd place between Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

[Gwlad]

I do not see the Welsh being in line for the wooden spoon with Italy myself. Wales may have a poor history against SH side but their record against NH sides is very good.

I do think they will beat the French (should have done last year but some really odd referee decisions).
I think they will beat Italy as well, Italy seem to be in a perpetual building phase.
Scotland will be tight as Scotland are really finding some good momentum recently but can also implode.
Ireland will be tough but Gatland seems to have the edge on Schmidt, always seems to know Schmidt's game plan and has countered it on several occasions.
I cant see any team beating England myself, they are the NH benchmark at the moment but are also a team that can put in the odd dire performance.

That said, losing 3 key members of their squad in :

Warburton, 2 times Lions captain and one of the best 7's around
Faletau, On form I rate him as the best #8 in the world
JD2, the best 13 in the NH if and up there with the best in the world

Losing those players will have an impact but I think that Wales do have enough cover for them but not many sides could cover the loss of 3 absolutely important players as these.

I feel it will be a direct competition for 2nd place between Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

See there you go, someone who knows something about NH rugby. But don't try and educate these buffoons. They deserve no Rispict. Ignorance and arrogance such a dangerous and yet alarmingly common Kiwi characteristic for such a backwater. I suppose when you know nothing about the only thing your country has to offer and are tone deaf to what the world thinks of the best rugby player, it is to be expected.

[Taylorman]

Thanks for yet again making the point that NZ rugby fans are the most out of touch arrogant plums on the planet

No probs Gwlad. 30 straight? Geez. Id be a nutbar like you if that were my side. enjoy the 6N, but...dont expect much from it. As history up,there goes, Mel Gibson and his clan are coming to get ya!

Or something like that.

[Gwlad]

Blah blah bladdy blah.....

Are all welsh people as dim and dull as you gwlad?

Yeah, Beauden is #1, we’ll take that

What’s it like having grandmas for props? Who was that welsh prop with the frizzy permed mop a while ago, Williams or Jones or Williams or something like that. Does he rinse his hair purple?

Oh so he's NO 1 now....FINALLY HE GETS IT. You know for a dimwit you're much dimmer than I thought possible.

Thanks for conceding at last maybe we can move on to your next screw up.

[Gwlad]

Thanks for yet again making the point that NZ rugby fans are the most out of touch arrogant plums on the planet

No probs Gwlad. 30 straight? Geez. Id be a nutbar like you if that were my side.  enjoy the 6N, but...dont expect much from it. As history up,there goes, Mel Gibson and his clan are coming to get ya!

Or something like that.

Apart from a rugby team that no doubt will one day be exposed as being high as a Russian olympic team, what else does NZ really have anyway. Sheep. Imported Pacific Islanders and culturally appropriated symbolism. Pretty sad place really.

[No 7&1/2]

Are you insinuating nz are drugs cheats gwlad?

[Guest]

Thanks for yet again making the point that NZ rugby fans are the most out of touch arrogant plums on the planet

No probs Gwlad. 30 straight? Geez. Id be a nutbar like you if that were my side.  enjoy the 6N, but...dont expect much from it. As history up,there goes, Mel Gibson and his clan are coming to get ya!

Or something like that.

Apart from a rugby team that no doubt will one day be exposed as being high as a Russian olympic team, what else does NZ really have anyway. Sheep. Imported Pacific Islanders and culturally appropriated symbolism. Pretty sad place really.

Lived in England, awesome place. Went to Scotland and Ireland and loved it. Didn’t bother going to wales because let’s face it, absolutely nothing going on but coal mines, grass, rain, molested sheep and steroids.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/galleries/The-worlds-best-countries-in-pictures/1/

[RDW]

You have to go a long way back on this thread to find any kind of decent rugby chat - the petty bickering is just becoming an embarrassment and it is the usual suspects. There are several posters involved and all have had bans in the past - unless some rugby chat can break out from all this dross then more will follow

[Cardiff Dave]

Thanks for yet again making the point that NZ rugby fans are the most out of touch arrogant plums on the planet

No probs Gwlad. 30 straight? Geez. Id be a nutbar like you if that were my side.  enjoy the 6N, but...dont expect much from it. As history up,there goes, Mel Gibson and his clan are coming to get ya!

Or something like that.

Apart from a rugby team that no doubt will one day be exposed as being high as a Russian olympic team, what else does NZ really have anyway. Sheep. Imported Pacific Islanders and culturally appropriated symbolism. Pretty sad place really.

Lived in England, awesome place. Went to Scotland and Ireland and loved it. Didn’t bother going to wales because let’s face it, absolutely nothing going on but coal mines, grass, rain, molested sheep and steroids.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/galleries/The-worlds-best-countries-in-pictures/1/

What "coal mines"? Thought we didn't have any, no more.
Apart from that though....

[lostinwales]

Wales - the land of the long grey cloud.

[mikey_dragon]

You have to go a long way back on this thread to find any kind of decent rugby chat - the petty bickering is just becoming an embarrassment and it is the usual suspects. There are several posters involved and all have had bans in the past - unless some rugby chat can break out from all this dross then more will follow

You might wanna have a word with some kiwi's in private. This thread was rugby chat but they chose to follow a poster here and act like kids. If it's spilling over onto multiple threads then I think it's a problem....

[mikey_dragon]

I do not see the Welsh being in line for the wooden spoon with Italy myself. Wales may have a poor history against SH side but their record against NH sides is very good.

I do think they will beat the French (should have done last year but some really odd referee decisions).
I think they will beat Italy as well, Italy seem to be in a perpetual building phase.
Scotland will be tight as Scotland are really finding some good momentum recently but can also implode.
Ireland will be tough but Gatland seems to have the edge on Schmidt, always seems to know Schmidt's game plan and has countered it on several occasions.
I cant see any team beating England myself, they are the NH benchmark at the moment but are also a team that can put in the odd dire performance.

That said, losing 3 key members of their squad in :

Warburton, 2 times Lions captain and one of the best 7's around
Faletau, On form I rate him as the best #8 in the world
JD2, the best 13 in the NH if and up there with the best in the world

Losing those players will have an impact but I think that Wales do have enough cover for them but not many sides could cover the loss of 3 absolutely important players as these.

I feel it will be a direct competition for 2nd place between Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

Seems about right to me. England to win, no slam. Scotland, Ireland and Wales battle for next place. France and Italy can fight over the spoon, bloody awful teams the both of them.

[Gwlad]

You have to go a long way back on this thread to find any kind of decent rugby chat - the petty bickering is just becoming an embarrassment and it is the usual suspects. There are several posters involved and all have had bans in the past - unless some rugby chat can break out from all this dross then more will follow

You might wanna have a word with some kiwi's in private. This thread was rugby chat but they chose to follow a poster here and act like kids. If it's spilling over onto multiple threads then I think it's a problem....

Too true and MODS I reported this guy - EBOP - to you some time ago but he is allowed to trot around spewing his racism without censure and follows me around from thread to thread.

[Gwlad]

I do not see the Welsh being in line for the wooden spoon with Italy myself. Wales may have a poor history against SH side but their record against NH sides is very good.

I do think they will beat the French (should have done last year but some really odd referee decisions).
I think they will beat Italy as well, Italy seem to be in a perpetual building phase.
Scotland will be tight as Scotland are really finding some good momentum recently but can also implode.
Ireland will be tough but Gatland seems to have the edge on Schmidt, always seems to know Schmidt's game plan and has countered it on several occasions.
I cant see any team beating England myself, they are the NH benchmark at the moment but are also a team that can put in the odd dire performance.

That said, losing 3 key members of their squad in :

Warburton, 2 times Lions captain and one of the best 7's around
Faletau, On form I rate him as the best #8 in the world
JD2, the best 13 in the NH if and up there with the best in the world

Losing those players will have an impact but I think that Wales do have enough cover for them but not many sides could cover the loss of 3 absolutely important players as these.

I feel it will be a direct competition for 2nd place between Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

Seems about right to me. England to win, no slam. Scotland, Ireland and Wales battle for next place. France and Italy can fight over the spoon, bloody awful teams the both of them.

Clearly the big game we all want to see the syear is the Calcutta Cup, can't remember the last Tim ei thought that, maybe in the days of F Calder!

[Taylorman]

You have to go a long way back on this thread to find any kind of decent rugby chat - the petty bickering is just becoming an embarrassment and it is the usual suspects. There are several posters involved and all have had bans in the past - unless some rugby chat can break out from all this dross then more will follow

You might wanna have a word with some kiwi's in private. This thread was rugby chat but they chose to follow a poster here and act like kids. If it's spilling over onto multiple threads then I think it's a problem....

Too true and MODS I reported this guy - EBOP - to you some time ago but he is allowed to trot around spewing his racism without censure and follows me around from thread to thread.  

Obviously this is not clear to you Gwlad, so I'll assist. The said usual suspects referred to here is predominantly yourself- Gwlad, myself and Ebop. There may be a couple of 'fringe' others but I'm not so blind as to say 'Too true, blah blah...' so I will take the direction as it is meant and not palm the blame on to anyone else. I accept full responsibility for my part in this and apologise to the forum accordingly.

I will also no longer respond to your childish posts from this point on, and expect you to stay clear of mine.

[Gwlad]

Your childish ones? But of course.

[RDW]

You have to go a long way back on this thread to find any kind of decent rugby chat - the petty bickering is just becoming an embarrassment and it is the usual suspects. There are several posters involved and all have had bans in the past - unless some rugby chat can break out from all this dross then more will follow

You might wanna have a word with some kiwi's in private. This thread was rugby chat but they chose to follow a poster here and act like kids. If it's spilling over onto multiple threads then I think it's a problem....

Too true and MODS I reported this guy - EBOP - to you some time ago but he is allowed to trot around spewing his racism without censure and follows me around from thread to thread.  

Obviously this is not clear to you Gwlad, so I'll assist. The said usual suspects referred to here is predominantly yourself- Gwlad, myself and Ebop. There may be a couple of 'fringe' others but I'm not so blind as to say 'Too true, blah blah...' so I will take the direction as it is meant and not palm the blame on to anyone else. I accept full responsibility for my part in this and apologise to the forum accordingly.

I will also no longer respond to your childish posts from this point on, and expect you to stay clear of mine.

Thanks Taylorman

[maestegmafia]

A good weekend for the regions in Europe considering how many injuries to welsh players we have at the moment.

Opportunities arising for other young stars to shine. We might see a fresh looking welsh squad this winter.

[RDW]

How could the Ospreys be so bad all season yet beat Northampton twice?? Or are Northampton just more of a basket case just now too?

[No 7&1/2]

Northampton are dreadful. They've just sacked their coach before the weekend.

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