Comments on: Rugby World Cup 2015: Wales team to play Australia

By: Felix Morgan (@felixjmorgan)

Felix Morgan (@felixjmorgan) — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 10:43:21 +0000

He should have been dropped before the World Cup, we relied on him for far too long and now our other options lack experience.

You either die a hero or live long enough to become a villain.

By: Dazza

Dazza — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 10:06:02 +0000

I think the key for me here is Cuthbert on the wing against Mitchell, and North in the centre. Against a team with less attacking potency I would say it would be fine, as it has been in the past. But Cuthbert is not a great defender on the wing, and Mitchell will look to exploit that. Foley and Giteau will be looking to catch North out and put Kuridrani threw that hole.

If it’s tight up front, which it should be, it could be the back lines that win the game, and despite having some real class in the Welsh back line, I just think that Aus have too much nous in their attacking style for Wales.

By: Staggy

Staggy — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 17:27:42 +0000

Not disagreeing Brighty – maybe I’m mellowing?

By: Staggy

Staggy — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 17:25:05 +0000

But the beeb also said that although they had been injury doubts that Gatland was picking from a full squad. That may be Gatland smoke and mirrors though!

By: Geat

Geat — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 15:47:29 +0000

I was at the Wales v France game where North lined up at 13. He was dangerous going forwards but missed over half his tackles (something like 6). He may have improved since then, of course.

By: Brighty

Brighty — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 15:10:01 +0000

You’re probably right but it’s tough for me to see him go as he is such a legend. I keep hoping that the next game is the one he returns to the heights he has hit but. Sigh. Perhaps his time has come. Welsh Legend status secured though.

By: Anarky

Anarky — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 14:59:52 +0000

This is the lineup i’d heard about except i’d been told Hook was at 13. Small mercies he isn’t. North in at 13 is the only option we have really, if he’d played Tyler Morgan in this game against the aussie back line it would be a murder! He just isn’t ready for that yet.

Unfortunately it means we have to keep Cuthbert.

What we lose with Melons breakdown work we hopefully gain with the Tips/Warbs combo and a lower scrum penalty count. We don’t need domination, stability would be more than acceptable.

By: Staggy

Staggy — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 14:01:17 +0000

As a now impartial spectator, Jenkins going is long overdue. He has struggled in the scrum and the aussies are looking very powerful in that department. I seem to remember someone telling me when T Youngs wasn’t picked for the Lions that it was no good having a front row forward, that however good in the loose couldn’t hold there own in the scrum. This sums up Jenkins now. The Aussie replacements are good scrummagers too so he would be coming on and immediately getting pinged. In a tight game, which this might be, that could be crucial.

Tipuric is in to counter the Aussie break down threat even if they are missing Hooper.

Cuthbert just lucky no one else is fit. Looks totally shorn of confidence to me. Personally think North will be fine in the centre. He’s a good rugby player and has looked good there before.

Don’t know enough about Anscombe at FB to comment.

I think that you can win this game, but afraid that my money has gone on the aussies as they just seem to have upped their game at the right time and aren’t carrying as many injuries.

By: James W

James W — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 12:34:04 +0000

Lydiate and Davies both injuries according to beeb. Eyesocket and nose respectively.

By: Prophet Enoch

Prophet Enoch — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 11:56:21 +0000

Yep Brighty. Running angles etc from the Aussies could be a real problem.

Cementhead has gone for experience and the guys he always picks rather than Tyler Morgan (who I’d rather see at No13 than North).

I think that Tips and SW will compensate for the loss of Jenkins who has been crucified by every front row in this tournament to date. If he was fit I’d have him on the bench because Jarvis ain’t much a tighthead and doubt he’ll be much use of a loosehead either.

By: Kick Gilbert

Kick Gilbert — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 11:50:31 +0000

Also, chap sits behind me at work says Samson Lee looks like Ram Man. It’s uncanny. Just be careful when you google…

By: Kick Gilbert

Kick Gilbert — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 11:40:06 +0000

Why so much shock at the Lydiate v Tips call? It shows an area where we are blessed with options for once. How many teams would give their red rose for one world class 7, let alone two… So accepting Tips and Warbs are a prospect many would love to see replicate from the England game in 2013, this could be just the time to do it. Even on the bench, Moriarty is an exciting prospect; he combines the ball carrying power of a good 8 with the handling skills of a good 7.

Agreed, Jenkins is most likely out at the risk of penalty count. Like Marler, he seems to have gained a reputation of not hitting the scrum flat and square, so either gets driven down (penalty for collapsing scrum) or driven up. His work in the lose is immense, but I think we have that covered with this selection, so why take the added risk?

I expect to see a kicking game first half for LW, North and Biggar to run onto, and up the middle, ball in hand second half.

Biggest worry for me is that I actually feel we could win this. Optimism has not been familiar to me so far this tournament…