posted Nov 17, 2008

If Wales are to have a chance against NZ, they've got to have a pack (and more importantly) a back row that can compete with NZ at the breakdown for all 80 minutes. NZ have never really been sparkling in the backs, "they do the ordinary things extraordinarily well" to quote many a TV pundit. No team is going to run rings round NZ by playing fancy pretty rugby, so anyone who expects a free-flowing game from both sides is a fool. Warren Gatland won't mind a messy win, so I'd have an experienced back-line, and a young front 5 with a dynamic back row who will take it to NZ in the loose.
Go Wales!

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posted Nov 17, 2008

I'd have Jamie Roberts at centre. His physical presence would be useful. I wouldn't have Hook at 12. Jones at ten for me then bring Hook off the bench.

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posted Nov 17, 2008

Rees over Hibbard, Yes i did pick it that way, n i stand by that decision, he has played more big games than Hibbard and starts regular unlike Hibbard who is understudy to Bennett who wud be starting if fit with Rees on bench.

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posted Nov 17, 2008

Yeah right m8, try 20+ margin at least! you welsh might be able to sing but a lesson in the art of rugby shall be forthcoming without any doubt!

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posted Nov 18, 2008

Pick who they want...in fact field 30 players Wales will still be on the end of a 20 point drubbing.

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posted Nov 18, 2008

Problem is RetiredRog in the unlikely event that Wales do win you won't be around to take your medicine because cowards like you just keep off these boards when their team loses.

You are one of these supporters who get all brave and cocky when their team is doing well but disappear when they lose.

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posted Nov 18, 2008

15. Lee Byrne
14. Leigh Halfpenny
13. Tom Shanklin
12. Jamie Roberts
11. Shane Williams
10. Stephen Jones
9. Dwayne Peel
8. Andy Powell
7. Martyn Williams
6. Dafydd Jones
5. Alun Wyn-Jones
4. Ian Gough
3. Gethin Jenkins
2. Matthew Rees
1. Adam Jones

REPLACEMENTS

16. Richard Hibbard
17. John Yapp
18. Luke Charteris
19. Ryan Jones
20. Gareth Cooper
21. James Hook (If Fit)/Dan Biggar
22. Mark Jones

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posted Nov 18, 2008

Wales can pick who they want and the team basically picks itself but if I was Mr Gatland then I would think about having around 80 landmines - one every metre across the Welsh 22 backed up by some fairly heavy howitzers on the corner flags and maybe some heavy machine guns mounted on the crossbar.....

May still not be enough.

Looking forward to it....best place in the world to watch rugby bar none and a pleasure to visit !

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posted Nov 18, 2008

1. Jenkins
2. Rees (G. Williams, but oddly not in squad)
3. A.Jones
4. A.W.Jones
5. Evans
6. D.Jones
7. M.Williams
8. Powell
9. Peel (C)
10. S.Jones (whether Hook's fit or not)
11. S.Williams
12. Roberts
13. Shanklin (I'd love to see T.James trialled here, but not against NZ!)
14.Halfpenny
15. Byrne

Yapp
Hibbard
Gough
R.Jones
Cooper
Hook/Biggar (N.Robinson if he'd been in the squad)
Bishop

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posted Nov 18, 2008

Wasn't France beaten by 17 points by Wales in Cardiff last tiome out, on the same ground that the ABs lost? Now, there's a thought?

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