posted Jan 11, 2009

15 - Lee Byrne
14 - leigh halfpenny
13 - sonny parker
12 - gavin henson
11 - shane williams
10 - stephen jones
9 - mike phillips
8 - andy powell(playing better than r.jones at) 8
7 - martyn williams
6 - ryan jones(needs to up his game to start at 8 but capt)
5 - alun wyn jones
4 - ian gough
3 - adam jones
2 - richard hibbard
1 - gethin jenkins

16 - m.rees
17 - duncan jones(if out of plaster)
18 - j.thomas
19 - daffydd jones
20 - dwayne peel
21 - james hook
22 - jamie roberts

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posted Jan 11, 2009

How does Leigh Halfpenny's goal kicking ability matter? They will definitely have both Stephen Jones and James Hook in the squad so Halfpenny's kicking won't exactly be needed. Unless both are completely failing with the boot, which really isn't likely. (Even then Gavin Henson would take them)

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posted Jan 12, 2009

finbarthedog

He has only been playing at the regional level for a couple of seasons which includes a lengthy injury lay-off. If you honestly think he hasn't improved then there is little point arguing with you as you have obviously made your mind up about him as your "blah blah blah" comment shows.
Against Leinster on Saturday he showed strong running, good in contact and awareness to set the ball up when he was tackled. He often broke the first tackle and made good yards.
You have a problem with him as a person and it seems that affects your judgement of him as a player.

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posted Jan 12, 2009

As an international winger Mark Jones is a fine straight-line runner, yes, he may be able to tackle but I would have thought that was a prerequisite for any rugby player international or grass roots local council pitch on a Saturday afternoon weather permitting.
Nevertheless, to say he is the hardest tackler in the side is stretching even the oned-ness a little too far.
He may have tackled well but then that is his task in the defensive mode for the national side. Perhaps he should look at his other task like say scoring some tries.
I know what you are going to say the GS was based on solid defence and I would pick anyone apart from Jones on the wing at present even Fussell. He is a professional rugby player and should take developmental issues to heart and try and improve his game , as for Popham IMHO he was not that good at Leeds and he is one of the only 8’s who again IMHO did not carry well for the national side or the Turks.

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posted Jan 12, 2009

Sorry a two eyed Turk now that is not something you see every day!!!!

Anyway, I saw this link and thought you could pass it on to Mr Jones when you see him tackling so hard.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/rules_and_equipment/4204010.stm

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posted Jan 12, 2009

No Ian Evans in the squad? Are you sure that we have enough'dog' cover with your selection?

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posted Jan 12, 2009

Got stick with Shane, Lee and Mark if they're fit. Leigh is playing with incredible authority and confidence and add the boot. I like Tom James and wonder if he'd play well at outside center with a bit of time. We are spoilt for choice in the backs barring more injuries. The lineout is the main concern.

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posted Jan 12, 2009

I'd like to see Dwayne Peel back at his best. Maybe he was neglected in the autumns, but still one of the best go forward scrum halves in the world

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posted Jan 13, 2009

15- byrne
14- halfpenny
13- roberts
12- Tom james
11- williams
10- jones
9- peel!!!!!!!!!!!
8- powell
7 -god
6- ryan jones
5- al wyn jones
4- jt
3- aj
2- hibbard
1- jenkins
wat a pack

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posted Jan 14, 2009

Have to pretty much agree with Sean D. At the moment Fussell and Tom James is a close call. FusseLL is very under-rated, probably because he's at the dragons. Would not include Stoddart as he hasn't a clue how to tackle, would prefer Shanklin there over Stoddart if Roberts is paired with Henson in the centre.

capitalrugby for your info Ian Evans is out inured and has been for weeks.

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