6N 2018: Wales v Scotland, 3 February

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WALES v SCOTLAND
3 February 2018
KO: 14:15 GMT
Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Live on [ITV, RTE, SC4, FR2, DMAX / BBC (H)]

Referee: Pascal Gaüzère (France)
Assistant 1: Romain Poite (France)
Assistant 2: Matthew Carley (England)
TMO: David Grashoff (England)

A. Head to Head

122 Played 122
70 Won 49
3 Drawn 3
49 Lost 70
1,624 Points 1,263

B. Recent Form

9 March 2013
Murrayfield, Edinburgh
18–28 to Wales

15 March 2014
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
51–3 to Wales

15 February 2015
Murrayfield, Edinburgh
23–26 to Wales

13 February 2016
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
27–23 to Wales

25 February 2017
Murrayfield, Edinburgh
29–13 to Scotland

C. Teams

WALES 

Leigh Halfpenny (Scarlets); Josh Adams (Worcester), Scott Williams (Scarlets), Hadleigh Parkes (Scarlets), Steff Evans (Scarlets); Rhys Patchell (Scarlets), Gareth Davies (Scarlets); Rob Evans (Scarlets), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Cory Hill (Dragons), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys, capt), Aaron Shingler (Scarlets), Josh Navidi (Cardiff Blues), Ross Moriarty (Gloucester).

Replacements: Elliot Dee (Dragons), Wyn Jones (Scarlets), Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs), Bradley Davies (Ospreys), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Aled Davies (Scarlets), Gareth Anscombe (Cardiff Blues), Owen Watkin (Ospreys).

SCOTLAND

Stuart Hogg (Glasgow Warriors); Tommy Seymour (Glasgow Warriors), Chris Harris (Newcastle Falcons), Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors), Byron McGuigan (Sale Sharks); Finn Russell (Glasgow Warriors), Ali Price (Glasgow Warriors); Gordon Reid (London Irish), Stuart McInally (Edinburgh), Jon Welsh (Newcastle Falcons), Ben Toolis (Edinburgh), Jonny Gray, John Barclay (Scarlets, captain), Hamish Watson (Edinburgh), Cornell du Preez (Edinburgh).

Replacements: Scott Lawson (Newcastle Falcons), Jamie Bhatti (Glasgow Warriors), Murray McCallum (Edinburgh), Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh), Ryan Wilson (Glasgow Warriors), Greig Laidlaw (Clermont Auvergne), Pete Horne (Glasgow Warriors), Sean Maitland (Saracens).

eirebilly wrote:

TightHEAD wrote:Gatland doesn't like mixing it up does he.

Riding the on the coat tails of other peoples success once again.

Not sure how you get that? Who's coat tails was he riding on when he coached two very successful Lions tours?

Is it him alone as a coach that only picks the form players for International rugby? Who else would he have chosen, the first 15 from Borth?

Lions tours, Hmm 2013 doesn't really count as the Aussies were truly awful, should have been 3-0, 2017 was down to Ireland and England being well coached against SH opposition.

There is picking form players and there is picking a whole team playing well, The Scarlets coaching staff should get the plaudits (and WRU wages) if they do indeed beat the Scotch and do well this 6 nations.

Gatland is one lucky Pony.

TightHEAD wrote:

eirebilly wrote:

TightHEAD wrote:Gatland doesn't like mixing it up does he.

Riding the on the coat tails of other peoples success once again.

Not sure how you get that? Who's coat tails was he riding on when he coached two very successful Lions tours?

Is it him alone as a coach that only picks the form players for International rugby? Who else would he have chosen, the first 15 from Borth?

Lions tours, Hmm 2013 doesn't really count as the Aussies were truly awful, should have been 3-0, 2017 was down to Ireland and England being well coached against SH opposition.

There is picking form players and there is picking a whole team playing well, The Scarlets coaching staff should get the plaudits (and WRU wages) if they do indeed beat the Scotch and do well this 6 nations.

Gatland is one lucky Pony.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotch_whisky

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scottish_people


Again the difference explained for the resident mungos.

TightHEAD wrote:

eirebilly wrote:

TightHEAD wrote:Gatland doesn't like mixing it up does he.

Riding the on the coat tails of other peoples success once again.

Not sure how you get that? Who's coat tails was he riding on when he coached two very successful Lions tours?

Is it him alone as a coach that only picks the form players for International rugby? Who else would he have chosen, the first 15 from Borth?

Lions tours, Hmm 2013 doesn't really count as the Aussies were truly awful, should have been 3-0, 2017 was down to Ireland and England being well coached against SH opposition.

There is picking form players and there is picking a whole team playing well, The Scarlets coaching staff should get the plaudits (and WRU wages) if they do indeed beat the Scotch and do well this 6 nations.

Gatland is one lucky Pony.

And you are a one trick pony, bore off you mess.

It seems to be a continued myth for moriarty (watch him.explode through tackles all tournament now!). He is very much a 6 for me and his tackling is top rate. A specialist ball carrier he isn't.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotch_whisky

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scottish_people


Again the difference explained for the resident mungos.

I only put that one in there for you

Hmmm, Gwlad and TightHEAD coming out the with same lines....... = same people???

TightHEAD wrote:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotch_whisky

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scottish_people


Again the difference explained for the resident mungos.

I only put that one in there for you

Nope,  I'm far too polite and well informed compared to Gwlad.


I really think Wales/Scarlets will do well this 6 nations, but I cannot accept that has anything to do with Gatland or his coaching staff, the injuries have done the welsh team/public a favor, I was there during the Autumn internationals and it was desperate, the crowd wanted to be entertained yet the gameplan was lacking any entertainment.

TightHEAD wrote:

eirebilly wrote:

TightHEAD wrote:Gatland doesn't like mixing it up does he.

Riding the on the coat tails of other peoples success once again.

Not sure how you get that? Who's coat tails was he riding on when he coached two very successful Lions tours?

Is it him alone as a coach that only picks the form players for International rugby? Who else would he have chosen, the first 15 from Borth?

Lions tours, Hmm 2013 doesn't really count as the Aussies were truly awful, should have been 3-0, 2017 was down to Ireland and England being well coached against SH opposition.

There is picking form players and there is picking a whole team playing well, The Scarlets coaching staff should get the plaudits (and WRU wages) if they do indeed beat the Scotch and do well this 6 nations.

Gatland is one lucky Pony.

I am sorry but it does take a very good coach to amalgamate different countries playing styles and get it to gel as Gatland has done. 2013 should not be counted? You cant just change the goalposts to suit your arguments. Fact is, Gatland is probably the most successful Lions coach to date.

At International level, the coach has to also amalgamate the styles of different teams into one functioning unit. Scarlets have a heavy showing in the Welsh team but they are not the whole team.

Dislike Gatland all you will but you really should take the facts into account. Fact is, he is a successful club, international and Lions coach. Not many coaches have done what he has done.

Or maybe he is just lucky?

Right place, right time.



How many people can fall off a ladder and come back fitter and stronger!

Are you really in Usk, TightHEAD? Just down the road from me. In fact, I was there yesterday!

Gatland's a funny one isn't he?  Sometime he's really stubborn and players who are clearly in form sometimes take what seems like years to force their way into the side. And Gatland will seem to begrudgingly give them a shot.  Others, like this new winger from Worcester, or players previously like Tom Prydie, are called up and thrown in with barely a 'hello' and a handshake.  Maybe it's when the public and media are calling for a player's inclusion that he doesn't like to be seen to be bowing to pressure?  On this occasion perhaps he's got in before the public pressure has a chance to build up. But with other players there's sometimes a bit of a 'finally, he's picked him' thing going on.

The Oracle wrote:Gatland's a funny one isn't he?  Sometime he's really stubborn and players who are clearly in form sometimes take what seems like years to force their way into the side.  And Gatland will seem to begrudgingly give them a shot.  Others, like this new winger from Worcester, or players previously like Tom Prydie, are called up and thrown in with barely a 'hello' and a handshake.  Maybe it's when the public and media are calling for a player's inclusion that he doesn't like to be seen to be bowing to pressure?  On this occasion perhaps he's got in before the public pressure has a chance to build up. But with other players there's sometimes a bit of a 'finally, he's picked him' thing going on.

To be fair if Biggar, North etc were fit he would have picked them and it wouldn't have been an attacking all Scarlets backline!

It's amazing how injuries can change things - if this works and Wales go on to have a good 6N then we may have seen the last of Warrenball.

RDW_Scotland wrote:

The Oracle wrote:Gatland's a funny one isn't he?  Sometime he's really stubborn and players who are clearly in form sometimes take what seems like years to force their way into the side.  And Gatland will seem to begrudgingly give them a shot.  Others, like this new winger from Worcester, or players previously like Tom Prydie, are called up and thrown in with barely a 'hello' and a handshake.  Maybe it's when the public and media are calling for a player's inclusion that he doesn't like to be seen to be bowing to pressure?  On this occasion perhaps he's got in before the public pressure has a chance to build up. But with other players there's sometimes a bit of a 'finally, he's picked him' thing going on.

To be fair if Biggar, North etc were fit he would have picked them and it wouldn't have been an attacking all Scarlets backline!

It's amazing how injuries can change things - if this works and Wales go on to have a good 6N then we may have seen the last of Warrenball.

But there were definite signs of change in the AIs. The same Warrenballers were offloading and keeping the ball 'alive' much more. They were not amazing at it as it was all a bit new to them (as part of the Wales set up). But you could definitely see it. The opening against South Africa for example showed loads of variation in attack. I think a disallowed try which would have out us 3 tries up in 15 mins took the wind out of our sails and we collapsed somehow. But the rugby was cracking. I've said it before but I think Gats has taken a lot away from the NZ Lions tour in terms of moving away from Warrenball, although I'm sure there will still be elements there.

Again the difference explained for the resident mungos

Off course there is also the 'other' Scotch - McEwans Best Scotch

McEwan’s Best Scotch
With the smoothness of mild and the taste of bitter, this traditional dark ale is a firm favourite with those who like an easy-going pint that still has character.

Curiously, although called ‘McEwan’s Best Scotch’, it is not usually found in Scotland. But it is hugely popular in the North East where it sells more than 4 million pints.

http://www.mcewans.co.uk/our-beers/best-scotch/

I do wonder if the back row selection might be our undoing. Navidi's the third-best openside at the Blues, if he's an openside at all.

Navidi goes missing far too often for me, but he is a talented player, but get a hair cut man.

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:I do wonder if the back row selection might be our undoing. Navidi's the third-best openside at the Blues, if he's an openside at all.

Any positives in the team for you, Luckless?

I didn't think he'd go for Patchell, so I was pleasantly surprised with that. But having said that, Patchell wouldn't be starting if Biggar was fit. It's a similar story with a few of these apparently brave calls. Maybe I'm too cynical!

I think Navidi is probably the best back rower at Cardiff. I think you are confusing him somebody else, who is constantly injured, and never seems to play for Cardiff. Navidi deserves this chance.

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:Maybe I'm too cynical!

What you ?????

Nooooo.......

LordDowlais wrote:I think Navidi is probably the best back rower at Cardiff. I think you are confusing him somebody else, who is constantly injured, and never seems to play for Cardiff.

Ah, the twice Lions captain you mean. Yeah, Navidi's clearly better than him.

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:I think Navidi is probably the best back rower at Cardiff. I think you are confusing him somebody else, who is constantly injured, and never seems to play for Cardiff.

Ah, the twice Lions captain you mean. Yeah, Navidi's clearly better than him.

He is when he plays for Cardiff. How can you judge Sam Warburton against Navidi when he hardly ever plays ?

How can you?

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:How can you?

Because Navidi is ever present. He hardly ever misses a game, so I can judge him, I can say he plays better, because he plays, Sam Warburton is forever injured and has only played a handful of games for Cardiff, if that. Sam Warburton is not even the best open side at Cardiff, never mind back rower.

I know you have a real problem with how little Warburton plays for the Blues, Dowlais, but let's say they got to the PRO14 playoffs (I know, but bear with me) and Warburton was fit and available: are you telling me they'd pick Navidi at openside ahead of him?

Navidi and Watson are similar players - not overly big by international standards but massively physical and all action. I think Watson's the better breakdown operator though and he more experience at this level.

Will be a good battle!

Warburton has only played a handful of games for the Blues? Try 106!

How long has Moriarty been back fit?

carpet baboon wrote:How long has Moriarty been back fit?

I think roughly a minute before he was picked!

Can people please stop talking about Denton. Hands like cold jubblies, the speed of a tectonic plate shifting and not test class generally. Give me Wilson any day of the week.

The Oracle wrote:

carpet baboon wrote:How long has Moriarty been back fit?

A thin roughly a minute before he was picked!

According to Gatland we have to get ready for his explosive ball carrying. Hmmm

Sadly don't frequent these boards nearly as much as I used to, but good to see the drunken bar fight vibe still going strong in the build up to these games!

Well Gatland has surprised a few of us with that selection... Wales are going for a bit of impact off the bench which will be the case unless Aled Davies gets on the pitch. I didn't expect Hill to be in so pleased for him, real work horse of a guy. We lack carrying options and I don't think Moriarty is that explosive a carrier.

What’s Francis like as a carrier? In my head he’s about as good as Adam Jones was - i.e. terrible! Could be wrong though. Memory is foggy on this one. But hoping his scrummaging will be good off the bench in an area others have said we might be able to target (choosing words oh so carefully for fear of offending ).

I’m not so down on Aled Davies. Is he really that bad? Anyone else got a view as I think we know Mikey’s now! We had a glut of decent 9s not so long ago. Have we drafted anyone else onto the squad at 9 now as we’ll need 3 for the tournament?

Happy for Hill too, however I’ve been hearing that AWJ and Brad Davies have been going well in Ospreys’ mini revival. Thought he would have got the spot for the combo with his club partner. However, good to have a potential first choice on the bench to come on to maybe strengthen rather than weaken (if we consider Hill to be weaker?).

Oh Christ, just waiting for the guffawing and p*ss taking when Wyn Jones inevitably comes onto the pitch at the same time as Alun Wyn Jones!

Surely Wyn Jones is known as Jones and ALun Wyn Jones is know as Wyn Jones. Jiffy is fecked!

TightHEAD wrote:Surely Wyn Jones is known as Jones and ALun Wyn Jones is know as Wyn Jones.  Jiffy is fecked!

They’re both Jones (surname).

The Oracle wrote:

TightHEAD wrote:Surely Wyn Jones is known as Jones and ALun Wyn Jones is know as Wyn Jones.  Jiffy is fecked!

They’re both Jones (surname).

Tis a Welsh regiment, man! Though there are some foreigners from England in it , mind. I am Jones from Bwlchgwyn, he is Jones from Builth Wells, and there are four more Joneses in C Company! Confusing, isn't it, Dutchy?

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:

The Oracle wrote:

TightHEAD wrote:Surely Wyn Jones is known as Jones and ALun Wyn Jones is know as Wyn Jones.  Jiffy is fecked!

They’re both Jones (surname).

Tis a Welsh regiment, man! Though there are some foreigners from England in it , mind. I am Jones from Bwlchgwyn, he is Jones from Builth Wells, and there are four more Joneses in C Company! Confusing, isn't it, Dutchy?

Yes John was a popular name back in the day in Wales and they had plenty of offspring, and when the English forced us to take patronymic surnames (edit: forced us to make patronymic surnames hereditary, rather) there were thus many Joneses! Similar to Mc and Mac in Scotland, I believe.

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:I didn't think he'd go for Patchell, so I was pleasantly surprised with that. But having said that, Patchell wouldn't be starting if Biggar was fit. It's a similar story with a few of these apparently brave calls. Maybe I'm too cynical!

Could be a blessing in disguise

I've always felt that coaches are always in a good place with large scale injuries forcing new players to be tried.

If the new guys play out of their skin (as Darryl Marfo did for Scotland in the autumn), then the coach will be able to say that they were always waiting in the wings and their player development programme is working well. If they sink, then the coach will be able to blame injuries for the team suffering. Personally, I never felt (having watched him in the league for years) that Navidi was a test class player but there is no doubt whatsoever that he was one of Wales' best players in the AIs. Similarly, I always felt that Patchell was more talented than Biggar and couldn't understand why he was never selected.

Scotland team announced at 11:30

To quote my dad, "is there any way that Niko could start for us?"

The Oracle wrote:I’m not so down on Aled Davies. Is he really that bad? Anyone else got a view as I think we know Mikey’s now!

I don't rate him at all. Jonny Evans at the Scarlets has more about him, and I'm not saying that because he used to play for the Dragons.

For me victory hinges on either Dunbar or Taylor being fit. Horne is great impact but he's not the defensive marshall that the others are.

the team I hope for:

1. Bhatti
2. McInally
3. Welsh
4. Gilchrist
5. Gray
6. Barcs (C)
7. The Mish
8. Wilson

9. Price
10. Russell
11. Seymour
12. Taylor
13. Jones
14. Maitland
15. Hogg

16. Lawson
17. Reid
18. McCallum
19. Toolis
20. CDP
21. Laidlaw
22. Horne
23. Kinghorn

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:

3. Welsh

FFS!

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:For me victory hinges on either Dunbar or Taylor being fit. Horne is great impact but he's not the defensive marshall that the others are.

the team I hope for:

1. Bhatti
2. McInally
3. Welsh
4. Gilchrist
5. Gray
6. Barcs (C)
7. The Mish
8. Wilson

9. Price
10. Russell
11. Seymour
12. Taylor
13. Jones
14. Maitland
15. Hogg

16. Lawson
17. Reid
18. McCallum
19. Toolis
20. CDP
21. Laidlaw
22. Horne
23. Kinghorn

That'll do pig, that'll do.

The Oracle wrote:

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:

3. Welsh

FFS!

Shingler-gate all over again

I'd say this game is the pick of the first round matches.

Defensively Scotland will need to be at the top of their game as I think it's been far too easily breached in the last year.

Has all the potential to be a high scoring match though. Both Scarlets and Glasgow have been playing some exciting rugby.


I think Scotland have the better backline if Taylor or Dunbar are fit but it's up front I'd give the edge to Wales.


Have to say it's 60-40 to Wales - Wales record vs Scotland is good, they are at home. I like that Scotland have become a more exciting team to watch but need to work on their grittiness.


Scotland haven't shown an ability as of yet to win on the road except for vs Italy.

I think Scotland would send out a real message if they do win but it's a big if.