Rugby Union 2012/13

[paul_e]

Whilst I understand that a lot of people are sceptical of such a heavy Welsh bias, this could actually be to the advantage of the Lions.

Already, half the squad understand the system and tactics that Gatland is looking for instead, as in previous years, trying to get 37 players up-to-speed in 3 weeks.

If the non-Welsh contingent can buy into it, we will be in business.

As for Wales' dreadful recent record against Australia, most have those defeats have been very narrow and I  think the addition of the likes of O'Driscoll, O'Connell and Sexton plus maybe Tuilagi off the bench are more than enough to make the crucial difference.

That's clearly the point.  The problem is that is it right for the manager of wales to get the job and select most of his welsh team regardless of fitness and form, or the availability of better options.

[SO Villa]

I'm not sure what your point is. Gatland was the only candidate for the job on the basis that Wales have been the dominant home union of recent years, last years' blip apart. The Welsh would have made up the largest chunk of the squad regardless of who the coach is.

Time will tell l guess.

[paul_e]

I'm not sure what your point is. Gatland was the only candidate for the job on the basis that Wales have been the dominant home union of recent years, last years' blip apart. The Welsh would have made up the largest chunk of the squad regardless of who the coach is.

Time will tell l guess.

On the basis of the previous 12months did Robshaw deserve to be sat at home whilst Warburton who'd been in terrible form until the England game got the captaincy?  Adam Jones will almost certainly start despite Dan Cole being in outstanding form for the last 18months, is that right?

All said, regardless of what happens in this lions tour I think there were 4-5 selections that were wrong, whether the lions win 3-0 or not those selections were still wrong.

However, I'm not that bothered by the lions this year because the players I want to see get international recognition are mostly in south america.

On that subject, Billy V got a 6 minute hattrick against the consur select side tonight.  The kid is so special, watching him a couple of years ago when he first broke through was a lot like seeing Benteke's early performances, everything you want was there, it was just giving it all time to come together.

Match report - here

[PaulWinch again]

Gatland was definitely wrong not to take Robshaw and Wood in the party. Good to see Billy have a good game.

[tomd2103]

I'm not sure what your point is. Gatland was the only candidate for the job on the basis that Wales have been the dominant home union of recent years, last years' blip apart. The Welsh would have made up the largest chunk of the squad regardless of who the coach is.

Time will tell l guess.

On the basis of the previous 12months did Robshaw deserve to be sat at home whilst Warburton who'd been in terrible form until the England game got the captaincy?  Adam Jones will almost certainly start despite Dan Cole being in outstanding form for the last 18months, is that right?

Yes it is right in both cases.  The only flankers that Robshaw maybe should have gone instead of are Croft and Lydiate.  As for Adam Jones, he is arguably one the best tight-heads in the world at the moment, so yes he should be ahead of Dan Cole. 

[PaulWinch again]

Healy looks fucked, Mako has come on and made a good impact.

[PaulWinch again]

Surprised and disappointed Billy and Foden aren't starting for England this weekend.

[paul_e]

Surprised and disappointed Billy and Foden aren't starting for England this weekend.

Billy V I understand, Morgan is quality and deserves his place, the 2 of them will fight over that shirt for a few years.

Foden I find strange given his form in the last 3months, much better player than Brown.

Strettle I can't work out at all, he's just not international quality, Yarde or May should've started.

I'm a bit surprised that he is still unwilling to play lawes and launchbury together.

Burns, 36 and JJ looks a fantastic 10,12,13 combo.  If the forwards get the power on we'll be devestating in the loose.

[Dave Summers]

Surprised and disappointed Billy and Foden aren't starting for England this weekend.

Billy V I understand, Morgan is quality and deserves his place, the 2 of them will fight over that shirt for a few years.

Foden I find strange given his form in the last 3months, much better player than Brown.

Strettle I can't work out at all, he's just not international quality, Yarde or May should've started.

I'm a bit surprised that he is still unwilling to play lawes and launchbury together.

Burns, 36 and JJ looks a fantastic 10,12,13 combo.  If the forwards get the power on we'll be devestating in the loose.

Very excited by this pick from Lancaster, much more than I am for the Lions on Saturday even though we have a decent representation of English players in the latest team.

I believe we missed Morgan more than anyone in the 6 Nations this year, missed his ball carrying and offloading immensely.  I think at this stage, it is right for Billy to come off the bench and wreak havoc in the later stages.

I also think Brown deserves a chance in his correct position, he has been stuffed to some extent by being plonked on the wing and I am interested to see what he brings to the party on Saturday.  We know what Foden and Goode can do, these two games should make Lancaster's mind up as to who is his long term 15.  As an aside, I think Foden has admitted that he is behind Brown at the moment.

In terms of Launchbury and Lawes, does it have anything to do with whether either of them can call a line out?.  I quite like Attwood though, we need a hard bastard in the 2nd row and he may just be it?

Interesting to see Wood in his best position at 6 and the back row as a whole looks better balanced.

Burns, 36 and JJ could be stunningly effective or maybe it will go the other way :-).  I guess that Manu will come back in but whether that is at inside or outside centre is open to question?

Strettle I just can't work out and maybe that is Lancaster's one blind spot?.  Certainly Yarde or May have more pace and finish better than he has ever done or ever will do.

All in all can't wait for BBC2 on Saturday evening.

[paul_e]

All in all can't wait for BBC2 on Saturday evening.

Very excited now, I'm really looking forward to seeing our midfield, I think we might bee a bit special in there.

[Dante Lavelli]

All in all can't wait for BBC2 on Saturday evening.

Very excited now, I'm really looking forward to seeing our midfield, I think we might bee a bit special in there.

what time?

[Dante Lavelli]

Ignore me.  Found it.

[paul_e]

Good start, really strong in defence, bashing them backwards.  Great first kick from Freddie.

[paul_e]

pure brilliance from Wade, cut them to ribbons and had the brains to look for support, very impressive.

[peter w]

absolutely stunning opening half hour from England. We are relentless. Wade and 12trees playing very well. Importantly, great kicking from Burns also.