posted Nov 7, 2008

comment by mick (U13141880)
howley said:
"I think the fact he played on a football surface six days before the game didn't help."
What's a football surface; I would have thought it would be much more even than another type of surfae, except for a putting green. Can a groundsman please explain,
Thank you.

comment by chateaudechasolais (U13184194)
(changing boots is also an option but takes a bit of getting used to so probably ruled out)

comment by Festa3 (U3878299)
Whilst I am not completely happy that a 16 stone rugby player could be injured by grass

comment by anthonygpowell (U1673739)
He is not the player he was and it proves that" west is not always best"

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posted Nov 7, 2008

No excuses. Our team doesn't hinge on one person. Shanklin has a great opportunity. Game on!!

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posted Nov 7, 2008

anthonygpowell
what on earth are you on about west is best ? henson isnt the player he once was? did you watch any of the welsh games in the last six nations? west is best? are you sure about that ? how many scarlets were in the grandslam winning team again sorry? west is best? with nigel davies as head coach ? now cmon lets talk a bit of sense! major blow for wales but shanklin to step in is great for us , good luck boys

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posted Nov 7, 2008

"Gavin decided to make that decision to make himself unavailable to play."

mentally unprepared by his own admission? WTF has he been doing all season if not preparing for this?

Sounds like the lad is all at sea to me... I've never heard these kind of lines from a rugby player. Maybe a credit to his honesty but c'mon sort yourself out man! Its Wales vs World Champions

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posted Nov 7, 2008

It sounds like he's dislocated his quiff again.
If it is a genuine reason fair enough but if it isn't i hope that Gatland will be as hard on him as Steve Hansen was, and maybe leave him off the lions squad sheet.

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posted Nov 7, 2008

I'm absolutely gutted that Henson isn't going to be playing tomorrow as I think that the Henson/Roberts combination is a very exciting one and given us a great chance to win the midfield battle. With all respect to Tom Shanklin, great servant though he has been, he does not have the all-round game Henson does, and its undeniable Wales play better when Gav's on the field.
But I can perfectly understand people's concern and frustration that he's not playing tomorrow. The Achilies and Ankle problems that he's had have basically decimated his kicking game, I've seen him kick out of hand only a handful of times in the past two years, and thats a big asset to lose. I just want to see the guy play consistently over the next few years and if he has to sit out the game against South Africa tomorrow in order to do that so be it.
The bit that worries me most is that Howley said he wasn't mentally prepared to play. Gatland could not have shown more faith in Henson, playing him at every opportunity and praising him even more so. I doubt it is, but we know he's got a questionable temprerment and I just hope he's not had one of his strop's or something because we'll miss him and any team needs a world class 12.

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posted Nov 7, 2008

Naturally every one in wales expects a big performance from him, so this is very, very dissapointing.. its make or break time for him in the next 18months.

The one small positive we can take from it is that at least he was honest.

Chances are very slim anyways you look at it.

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posted Nov 7, 2008

At least there will be less hair gel and perma tan in the dressing room.

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posted Nov 8, 2008

Come on Wales, do the right thing for everyone. This man may be talented but he only plays on his terms and is not a team player - as he proved so blatantly on the Lions tour last time out. I just can't believe that Gatland and Edwards are going to put up with this any longer. Dump him. Now.

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posted Nov 8, 2008

I cant believe how many people want him dropped! He changes the team hes so versatile and the perfect inside center. Hes a good kicker, you'd be happy as a scrum half to see him their when your deep in your own territory. Good hands and a good runner with ball in hand. Yes he may be a bit selfish he can back it up though and because of that he cuts through the defence and then theres a 2-on-1 which puts our points on the board.

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