Wales side to face Ireland
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Topic: Wales side to face Ireland
Posted By: Fscarlet
Subject: Wales side to face Ireland
Date Posted: 20 February 2025 at 1:31pm
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15. Blair Murray (Scarlets – 5 caps) Replacements 16. Evan Lloyd (Cardiff Rugby – 7 caps) |
Replies:
Posted By: lofty evans
Date Posted: 20 February 2025 at 2:09pm
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Well besides the Scarlets backs this is the back line all of Wales have been craving for. Let's see. ------------- In 1972, Roy Bergiers scored that try and said "that was for you lofty" "All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us" |
Posted By: surfing-mtber
Date Posted: 20 February 2025 at 2:21pm
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Disappointed for Eddy James. ------------- Joshua24:15 |
Posted By: greypower1
Date Posted: 20 February 2025 at 2:23pm
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Very inexperienced back five total of 26 caps between them. Don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing. We'll soon find out. ------------- Keep the faith |
Posted By: GPR - Rochester
Date Posted: 20 February 2025 at 2:25pm
| Exciting backs selection provided Ben Thomas isn't carrying too many scars. The selection of WGJ I find baffling. For the Irish they have chosen to give 5 of their next generation talent a game - Osbourne, Clarkson, Boyle, McCarthy & Prendergast. |
Posted By: Fscarlet
Date Posted: 20 February 2025 at 2:26pm
Nothing to lose really, they go well & it's a master stroke. If it doesn't go well then it's almost like a "this is what we have at the moment."
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greypower1 wrote:Posted By: lofty evans
Date Posted: 20 February 2025 at 2:31pm
Same here , hasn't done anything wrong, just not the right flavour ice cream for some. Hopefully some R&R back at his spiritual home will rejuvenate him after being with Gatlands brain dead coaching. ------------- In 1972, Roy Bergiers scored that try and said "that was for you lofty" "All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us" |
Posted By: ndavies198
Date Posted: 20 February 2025 at 2:42pm
I assume it must be about making the most of positional changes during the game rather than any decision on his ability. There's already plenty of cover for the other positions within the starting 15 but only one cover for 13. If Llewellyn is replaced Ben Thomas stays at 12 and Roberts to 13. If Ben Thomas is replaced Llewellyn can go to 12 and Roberts to 13. If Blair needs to be replaced, then either Mee or Rogers to 15, Llewellyn to wing and Roberts 13. Wing replacement, same result.
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Posted By: Why
Date Posted: 20 February 2025 at 2:49pm
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I’m sorry can’t see what the fuss about Ben Thomas is like Tomos Williams talked up by Welsh press but both have failed to live up to hype. I hope I’m wrong and we can give Ireland a game would love to beat them but I can’t see it. We should be targeting Scotland game don’t tho they all they cracked up to be. ------------- She asks why i still can't answer. I guess its in the blood. |
Posted By: aber-fan
Date Posted: 20 February 2025 at 3:05pm
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I might have preferred Rogers at 15 and Murray on the wing, but I suppose there is so much kicking to the opposite wing to chase it might prove useful to have two tall blokes out wide... then again, the Irish are no mugs and might hoist a lot of high balls towards Murray at 15! IF they mess up, though, Murray is dangerous at running ball back. Good to see a 10 who plays at 10, and will bring experience... Anscombe our best bet ATM, even if I'm not a great admirer. Not sure about Ben Thomas at 12 but at least he's in his normal position, and has shown some good stuff for the Blues. Hope he has a good day. Llewellyn a baffling omission from the original squad. Smith at 1 for carrying and scrummaging a good call, as is Dee at 2 for lineout throwing. Baffled by WG John at 3 - he showed nothing at the Scarlets, with Thomas a much better bet IMO. Has he shown good form this season? The rest of the forwards make sense if we are looking to win the race to the breakdown, though Morgan and Reffell are not the bulkiest jackals. Bit surprised Wainwright isn't at 6 with Jac at 7. I don't give us much hope of a win. I do hope for a better performance with a few glimmers for the future. ------------- “You cannot reason a man out of what he never reasoned himself into.” (Jonathan Swift) |
Posted By: tigerburnie
Date Posted: 20 February 2025 at 3:10pm
| Tommy Reffell is by far the best jackeler in the English leagues, he won't let you down and Smith at loosehead has been a revelation at Tigers too, both top players. |
Posted By: Fscarlet
Date Posted: 20 February 2025 at 3:13pm
Smith isn't too shabby over the ball either...
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Posted By: surfing-mtber
Date Posted: 20 February 2025 at 4:29pm
I predict WGJ to exit early, Thomas to play 40 mins. ------------- Joshua24:15 |
Posted By: aber-fan
Date Posted: 20 February 2025 at 4:43pm
No doubting Reffell's jackaling - but the Irish back row are so beefy, he's liable to get knocked yards backwards before he can convince the ref that he had 'hands on the ball'. Smith can also do a job there, though. ------------- “You cannot reason a man out of what he never reasoned himself into.” (Jonathan Swift) |
Posted By: Eastern outpost
Date Posted: 20 February 2025 at 4:56pm
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Delighted for Ellis Mee and that Blair Murray doesn’t have to play two positions (refers to my error on a previous thread) plus that Tomi is on the other wing instead of Adams. Disappointed not to see Dan Edwards in the 23. Disappointed, too, for Eddy James. Share the consternation about tight head, although glad Henry has the chance of a little rest before being thrown into the fray. ------------- In a world where you can be anything – Be Kind. |
Posted By: roy munster
Date Posted: 20 February 2025 at 5:22pm
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Thats a bit more like it...an actual side with a few proper fly halves and a few exciting prospects....even if we lose hopefully some of these boys can develop for the future...Id ike to think set piece will go ok...Dee and thomas offer experience and john a real journeyman everyoone seems to doubt him a bit... Just hope the team feels no pressure as no one is expecting anything and just plays smart rugby, actually plays whats in front of them, not just some pre-rehearsed nonsense and actually enjoy the occasion. ------------- ROYMOND MUNTER MBE (FOR SERVICES TO THE COMBOVER) |
Posted By: Realwest
Date Posted: 20 February 2025 at 6:50pm
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Will Griff John couldn’t dominate the Carmarthen Quins scrum now he’s a starting International. Our Scrum will be dominated, as someone said earlier expect WGJ to be given the shepherds crook. I also echo that I don’t see much I’m the “best back in Wales” Ben Thomas can somebody please tell me what he actually does, I really don’t fancy him against Aki. I would have gone for 12. Eddie James 13. Max Llewellyn I’d like to see Tom Rogers to be used at 15 for both club and country I can’t see the obsession with playing him wing.
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Posted By: RR1972
Date Posted: 20 February 2025 at 7:23pm
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Posted By: Realwest
Date Posted: 20 February 2025 at 7:57pm
| Get WILL GRIFF JOHN kicking |
Posted By: scarletpimp
Date Posted: 20 February 2025 at 8:41pm
Yes it's stunning to see WGJ selected. I have-no idea of course how he has gone back at Sale, but he could'nt hold his place at Scarlets . He is now up against Porter, of call people, it put a lot of pressure on Henry Thomas, who may be needed sooner than later. I agree with Realwest, regarding Rogers playing FB. Maybe defence is can issue, because someone has the nightmare task of marking Lowe, whom seems to be getting better with age and Murray, physically or defensively, is not on the same level as Rogers ahd Mee. A word about Mee , can anyone on SF remember such a newcomer to top rugby with Scarlets being selected for the international team so rapidly. Albert Van D Berg , who knows a thing or two, told me that Mee would because Welsh international ( whether he thought it woukd be so quickly is another thing) and that he had a very high ceiling. I spoke to Ellis myself at the recent Crys 16 event and was impressed by his modest maturity. He also has a good sense if humour , because he laughed when I asked him if it was true that he was putting 150 people on the gate at Nottingham home games...most of them female students from Nottingham University, an unofficial fan club !  ------------- I stood yer on tanner bank |
Posted By: RR1972
Date Posted: 20 February 2025 at 9:07pm
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Posted By: ladram
Date Posted: 20 February 2025 at 9:20pm
Our brilliant coach Dwayne doesn't pick him at 15 so why should the Welsh coach I think he could be a brilliant 15
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Posted By: Tony Clifton
Date Posted: 20 February 2025 at 9:42pm
| Rogers and Mee would be at 15 for me over Murray. |
Posted By: SA14
Date Posted: 20 February 2025 at 10:40pm
| Were rock bottom the only way is up. How Joe Roberts is even in the squad is a mystery to me. |
Posted By: GPR - Rochester
Date Posted: 21 February 2025 at 7:02am
| I would like to see Rogers at 15 also but I guess the logic is that in attack his aerial ability is a stand out, same could be said of Mee. Stats probably show that they get more aerial opportunity to do damage on the wing. |
Posted By: crj89
Date Posted: 21 February 2025 at 9:29am
I thought he had his worst game in a very long time on Saturday, can only put it down to game time, hope he can show some of his form previous to his injury.
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Posted By: Fscarlet
Date Posted: 21 February 2025 at 9:34am
| It's some back 3 that in terms of free running. |
Posted By: Scrletsfan32x
Date Posted: 21 February 2025 at 9:51am
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Posted By: Tov
Date Posted: 21 February 2025 at 10:20am
| Surprised by the comments regarding WGJ considering he was probably the choice of Adam Jones. My guess he has spotted the potential there, as he has with other props. |
Posted By: Dai Guevara
Date Posted: 21 February 2025 at 10:28am
| Is it my imagination or does Rogers rarely play the full 80 minutes?Perhaps coaches don't think he is physically resilient enough to put up with the heavier onslaught that he would receive at full back |
Posted By: townboy
Date Posted: 21 February 2025 at 11:10am
Your right there Dai I was told he has problems some times during games with his veins swelling in his legs
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Posted By: aber-fan
Date Posted: 21 February 2025 at 3:50pm
That could explain it - it's true that he seems to rarely last the full 80. As others have said - 'our' back 3 (Wales and Scarlets, here) will be brilliant in attack. My fear is that they won't get any ball to prove it! ------------- “You cannot reason a man out of what he never reasoned himself into.” (Jonathan Swift) |
Posted By: roy munster
Date Posted: 21 February 2025 at 5:08pm
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is ben thomas taking the kicks at goal? ------------- ROYMOND MUNTER MBE (FOR SERVICES TO THE COMBOVER) |
Posted By: Kentexile
Date Posted: 21 February 2025 at 9:41pm
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If the senior team can match the u20s! Excellent defensive display and a very strong scrum. |
Posted By: lofty evans
Date Posted: 21 February 2025 at 9:42pm
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Wales beat Ireland under 20s superb ...really enjoyed the game ------------- In 1972, Roy Bergiers scored that try and said "that was for you lofty" "All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us" |
Posted By: ap sior
Date Posted: 21 February 2025 at 9:47pm
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Only saw bits of the game, but there ws a real dogged fight in the U20's side. Well done lads. Da iawn bois.
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Posted By: aber-fan
Date Posted: 21 February 2025 at 9:51pm
Well, he could do... IIRC, his goal kicking has been decent this season. ------------- “You cannot reason a man out of what he never reasoned himself into.” (Jonathan Swift) |
Posted By: greypower1
Date Posted: 21 February 2025 at 9:52pm
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Huge effort from the young guns, guts and application of the gameplay. They've laid the challenge down to the seniors to match them. Well done also to the Rodney Parade support who were as noisy as ever. There is a future after all.😁 ------------- Keep the faith |
Posted By: Wil Chips
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 7:50am
| Basically an Adam Jones selected front row. |
Posted By: GPR - Rochester
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 8:31am
Despite my shock at WGJ I have to bow to superior knowledge. !!!!
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Posted By: Wil Chips
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 9:24am
It's a brave call to change the whole front 3...Adam is not going to die wondering clearly. He think WGJ is the best guy to manage Porter. Bon chance! |
Posted By: scarletpimp
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 11:28am
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Overall, today hoping for the best, but fearing the worst . I suppose anything but a cataclysmic thrashing, will be looked as a positive sign. We are drifting in the ocean looking to cling on to any piece of driftwood we can. Very sad state of affairs. To compounding my probable woe, there is a strong possibility that the English will give our Celtic cousins, north of the border, a real tuning ------------- I stood yer on tanner bank |
Posted By: Eastern outpost
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 11:58am
Scotland are missing Darcy Graham so could well be a tougher nut to crack than originally thought. ------------- In a world where you can be anything – Be Kind. |
Posted By: SA14
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 1:38pm
His kicking must be in single figures.
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Posted By: scarletabroad
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 1:46pm
| Think this might not be as easy as everyone thinks. Wales have nothing to loose Ireland are bang on favourites (rightly so) some key position players brought in to reinforce the area where we were dog poo 10!! One of the stats was 16 phases 1 metre gained. If we can keep that sort of possession with a proper 10 to manage the game there may be glimmers of hope |
Posted By: ap sior
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 2:23pm
| How was Conan allowed to pick that ball up in the ruck ??? Ball was still in ????? |
Posted By: lofty evans
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 2:24pm
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Conan strength ------------- In 1972, Roy Bergiers scored that try and said "that was for you lofty" "All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us" |
Posted By: lofty evans
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 2:32pm
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Scarlets secure Mee now ------------- In 1972, Roy Bergiers scored that try and said "that was for you lofty" "All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us" |
Posted By: Scarlet Admiral
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 2:33pm
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Did someone mention Italian tanks ? 3 scrum penalties now. Despite looking very nervous Ellis is doing ok
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Posted By: Why
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 2:49pm
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WGJ made more yards in 30 mins than he did in Scarlet career ------------- She asks why i still can't answer. I guess its in the blood. |
Posted By: Milli
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 2:57pm
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Best i have seen wales for some time. Llewellyn, playing very good. |
Posted By: Milli
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 2:59pm
| Arghhh it was on then |
Posted By: Milli
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 3:04pm
| Jesus! |
Posted By: Wil Chips
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 3:06pm
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What's going on here then. WGJ is Porter's angel of death. |
Posted By: Scrletsfan32x
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 3:08pm
| We look a completely different team now Gatland and Howley have gone. Well done to WGJ he has had a brilliant first half. |
Posted By: Kentexile
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 3:09pm
| Dominant scrum was key last night and we have Ireland struggling there again today. |
Posted By: lofty evans
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 3:15pm
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We haven't the players in Wales to compete. Just shows how trash Gatland is. Much much better..... ------------- In 1972, Roy Bergiers scored that try and said "that was for you lofty" "All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us" |
Posted By: skyblue
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 3:16pm
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Adam Jones has done a great job with Wales scrum. WGJ has got a new lease of life. I think that's surprised a lot of people. ------------- KRR |
Posted By: skyblue
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 3:17pm
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lofty. "We haven't the players in Wales to compete. Just shows how trash Gatland is." _____ He pulled the wool over peoples eyes for a long time. ------------- KRR |
Posted By: lofty evans
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 3:21pm
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Gibson Park is having a mare ------------- In 1972, Roy Bergiers scored that try and said "that was for you lofty" "All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us" |
Posted By: lofty evans
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 3:22pm
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Rogers in the corner ------------- In 1972, Roy Bergiers scored that try and said "that was for you lofty" "All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us" |
Posted By: lofty evans
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 3:24pm
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18 - 10 ------------- In 1972, Roy Bergiers scored that try and said "that was for you lofty" "All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us" |
Posted By: lofty evans
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 3:31pm
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Mee has been great ------------- In 1972, Roy Bergiers scored that try and said "that was for you lofty" "All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us" |
Posted By: lofty evans
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 3:50pm
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Blair Murray what a try saving tackle ------------- In 1972, Roy Bergiers scored that try and said "that was for you lofty" "All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us" |
Posted By: ap sior
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 4:09pm
| Tomos Williams lost us that ruck. Complete lack of concentration. He was wandering around behind the ruck ignoring the counter ruck. Awful play. |
Posted By: lofty evans
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 4:11pm
Don't know what the hell.he was doing. ------------- In 1972, Roy Bergiers scored that try and said "that was for you lofty" "All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us" |
Posted By: lofty evans
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 4:14pm
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Enjoyed that game Wales stepped up and played well Proper coach can change our fortunes ....the rubbish about Welsh players being average and not worthy........and the love affair for the dinosaur Gatland has been dispelled. ------------- In 1972, Roy Bergiers scored that try and said "that was for you lofty" "All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us" |
Posted By: surfing-mtber
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 4:17pm
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Well done Wales, Scarlets back three impressive, Mee is some player. Drop Tomos Williams. Prendergast absolute class, as was Gibson-Park, if we'd had him it could have been a win. By the way, well done WGJ. ------------- Joshua24:15 |
Posted By: Tony Clifton
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 4:18pm
| scarlets back three was superb. Get Mee on a long term contract now! Rogers has improved so much in the last two years. |
Posted By: Scrletsfan32x
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 4:28pm
| Can’t argue with the effort of the boys, we were in that game until the 70th minute but we showed heart and took the fight to Ireland. We have come a long way in a week. Get a DOR in a new coaching team and let’s get back up the rankings and winning games again. We had a very inexperienced backline bar Ansceombe and Williams and not one of them looked out of place. |
Posted By: aber-fan
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 4:29pm
True, though I think he may have just been knackered - the coaches (who did wonders otherwise) should have subbed Rhodri W on for the last 10 minutes. ------------- “You cannot reason a man out of what he never reasoned himself into.” (Jonathan Swift) |
Posted By: Eastern outpost
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 4:38pm
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Woolly-puller Gatland gets lesson from ex-Primary School teacher.
The balloon has burst on the inflated idea that it was wrong to ditch Gatty. ------------- In a world where you can be anything – Be Kind. |
Posted By: Wil Chips
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 4:39pm
| Put in a good account of ourselves. Been a decent while since we did that. |
Posted By: aber-fan
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 4:40pm
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A brilliant game and very encouraging by Wales... it's clear that the old coaching regime had become stale, and Gatland should have gone in the summer. Well done to Sherratt and the others. Adam Jones? Sign him up as forwards coach for the next few years straight away! I didn't expect anything from WillGriff John, and there he goes winning a pen in the first scrum, and also showing some good skills in the loose. I think the overall scrum pen count was 4 to Wales and only 1 to Ireland. Maybe WillGriff is now a 'bolter' for the Lions! (only half joking) The Scarlets back three were excellent in nearly all they did - Rogers a superb try, and Mee within a hair's breadth of another. Murray dangerous in open field. Also, Roberts did very well when he came on. Of the selection, the only one I didn't see at all (maybe others did) was Reffell, who IMO is too small to be effective over the ball against these big teams like Ireland. I'd have had Jac at 7 and Wainwright at 6 - at least he has the size to do some carrying. So, a pity we lost but a hugely promising performance which should lift both the players and the supporters. I certainly feel lifted! One other point - apart from anything else, one thing that definitely contributed hugely to Ireland's win was the kicking game of their halves. Both Gibson-Park and Prendergast kick the ball way further than ours, so they were always getting a territorial advantage from that. I already thought Gibson-Park would be the Lions 9, but had been rather underwhelmed by Prendergast before today - but a top perfomance from him. He's definitely on the plane now - and maybe a starter. ------------- “You cannot reason a man out of what he never reasoned himself into.” (Jonathan Swift) |
Posted By: Why
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 4:52pm
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Decent 9 we win the game simple really ------------- She asks why i still can't answer. I guess its in the blood. |
Posted By: gaffer
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 5:10pm
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So much better; more confidence, more belief, more...rugby. Ireland are used to winning, have much greater depth and experience. It's no surprise they got away in the last twenty minutes. There are signs of hope - these players are not the greatest but they are a lot better than they have been allowed to show under Gatland/Howley. The WRU must change to allow progress. They HAVE to get the management decisions right in the next year (trouble is the CEO and Chair know nothing about rugby). Finally, there needs to be a statue to Falatau, somewhere - top class for 15 years. ------------- What's going on? |
Posted By: SA14
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 7:01pm
| Social media full of winkers still [beep]ging off gatland. I remember them jerking off when wales were winning and Gatland was in charge. Pathetic people. Very worrying how some are still obsessed with Gatland |
Posted By: Tov
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 7:04pm
| I'd love to see Costelow playing under Sherratt for Wales. |
Posted By: greypower1
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 8:38pm
Change the name on Gatland Gate to Falàtau or if that's too radical put one name on each half. ------------- Keep the faith |
Posted By: Rob Hunt
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 8:44pm
As I’ve posted previously I find it a disgrace that we have a gate named after a foreign coach. Were there no Welsh rugby figures more worthy of being honoured? Gareth Edwards? Obviously from way back we have the Gwyn Nichols gate.
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Posted By: Rob Hunt
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 8:48pm
On the same theme it’s probably a sign of Welsh subservience that the hospital in Llanelli is named after a minor Greek royal and the main bridge into Wales was named in honour of a German royal with no Welsh connection. Indeed the writing under the three feathers is Ich Dien further confirmation of the German heritage.
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Posted By: ladram
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 9:15pm
| Let's hope Dwayne watched the game and saw how dangerous our back three and starts playing rugby to attack not kick chase defend |
Posted By: Kentexile
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 9:22pm
This side we call it the Owain Glyndwr Bridge as no one actually said which Prince of Wales it was named after.
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Posted By: SA14
Date Posted: 22 February 2025 at 11:09pm
| Not sure if anyone else went to the game but I had a ticket and one thing I took away. The Irish supporters are obnoxious. Never heard such an arrogant lot of supporters. In the stadium and in the pubs. |
Posted By: RR1972
Date Posted: 23 February 2025 at 12:03am
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Posted By: turkishrebel
Date Posted: 23 February 2025 at 12:07am
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Irish fans have a very bad minority who are getting larger in number. Do actually prefer our noisy neighbours over the bridge ------------- Once a Scarlet, always a Scarlet! |
Posted By: GPR - Rochester
Date Posted: 23 February 2025 at 7:04am
Lets be honest SA14 you have been a pretty big cheer leader for Gatland especially during the past months when many were calling for him to go. I even recall you suggesting that nobody could improve the Welsh team's performance as the squad were "poo" your word. Care to revisit that comment?
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Posted By: aber-fan
Date Posted: 23 February 2025 at 7:17am
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A final thought on yesterday's games - I thought the ref for Wales v Ireland was excellent.Among many, many correct decisions, I did like the time the Irish asked for a pen when one of ours was deliberately pinned on the wrong side of a ruck. "You're holding him down" said the ref, and waved the request away. In contrast, I thought the ref in England v Scotland had a poor match. The England "try" never looked as if it touched the ground - and even the player who "scored" it said: "The ref gave it, so it must have touched the ground". Not exactly convincing. And as for the pen for lifting someone ever so slightly above the ground? Well... But he put his stamp on the game early. A Scottish player made a tackle and before he had a chance to regain his feet or roll away, there was Itoje with both knees on him to hold him down. Penalty? Yes, of course you can have one, said the ref. ------------- “You cannot reason a man out of what he never reasoned himself into.” (Jonathan Swift) |
Posted By: GPR - Rochester
Date Posted: 23 February 2025 at 7:20am
Excellent game fair play. Wil & I had every confidence in Adam Bomb Jones' front row selection & boy did it work . Think some of our Irish "friends" may have to re-think the conveyor belt they have been suggesting that some of the older stars could be replaced seamlessly - well Clarkson was given a going over for sure. Apparently Osbourne is also a Lion in waiting but all I saw was some dodgy kicking under pressure & a horrendous pass when Ringrose was over. For sure he fell over the line for his try created by Gibson-Park & Lowe no doubt that will be all they talk about. I thought we matched Ireland in every position except 9 & 10. I don't think its an exaggeration to suggest that if Gibson-Park & Prendergast ( this lad is on a stellar trajectory) had been playing in red the result would have been different. Faletau MOM for me closely followed by Mee who although looking very nervous gave a display of absolute quality fitting of a seasoned International. Cubby is in line for a statue at the Parc for bringing that lad to Wales. What a difference sensible selection and a simple gameplan aimed at attacking space can bring. It was clear from the off that the team were comfortable with their style & they were very quick to get into their attacking structures which is a credit to Sherratt. I thought the Scarlets back 3 were fantastic & looked seriously dangerous. Llewelyn attacked space and defended well. The only changes I would consider would be at half back. I would start Rhodri as I am struggling to see Tomos justifying all the hype. The 10 cupboard is bare so maybe start Jarrod with Edwards on the bench. The English based players will miss this next week of training so I think both Rhodri & Edwards will be given time in the saddle at training.
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Posted By: John
Date Posted: 23 February 2025 at 8:09am
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He went for a Cardiff connected/ originated midfield. He'll do it again in the next game. Did Rhodri even get on? One thing I really did like was the way the back three were given licence to interchange. Mee in particular popped up everywhere. We should carry that on when they get back to us in a few weeks time.
Re Prendergast, the Munster forum thinks differently. He can't tackle apparently. |
Posted By: Why
Date Posted: 23 February 2025 at 9:03am
Half back is a huge worry for Wales quicker ball from the breakdown was needed unfortunately you don’t get that with Williams at 9. He also seems to get to the breakdown too slowly. ------------- She asks why i still can't answer. I guess its in the blood. |
Posted By: Mr Ian
Date Posted: 23 February 2025 at 9:16am
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Cant be a strong Wales without a strong Scarlets..it s a fact!! After this afternoon we will know if Wales has stil hope to not take wooden spoon
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Posted By: ap sior
Date Posted: 23 February 2025 at 9:58am
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May be a small point, and some may say I’m nit picking, but bear in mind Aki’s influence when he came on. Ringrose got his YC on 34 minutes, yet Aki replaced him on 51 minutes. My maths tells me that is 17 minutes. Thought that it was 20 minute red ? Can someone clarify this point?
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Posted By: Eastern outpost
Date Posted: 23 February 2025 at 10:07am
I don’t like the 20 minute red. The red is a deterrent for how people tackle. At 20 mins, instead of it being a proper one, it’s become a shandy type sanction instead of a fully-fledged pint of strongish stuff. ------------- In a world where you can be anything – Be Kind. |
Posted By: GPR - Rochester
Date Posted: 23 February 2025 at 10:10am
Agreed Gareth & more to the point I think it was a straight red. Zero mitigation, he came from 5 metres away so had plenty of time to drop his shoulder/head. Of course he is not a dirty player I hear everyone say in Leinster - the rule is not only meant for so called "dirty" players; its to protect every player. Thought the ref had a good game. Most of Ireland must be in shock this morning realising that perhaps they are not quite as good as they think they are especially when a game is refereed according to the rules. I must admit to a wry chuckle seeing the incredulity on Porter's face when another scrum penalty went against him & Clarkson - comedy gold.
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Posted By: ap sior
Date Posted: 23 February 2025 at 10:14am
Thanks, you are correct, 1st half lasted 43 minutes.
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Posted By: ap sior
Date Posted: 23 February 2025 at 10:16am
I also think that the 20 minute red favours the stronger teams as they are usually better able to control that 20 minute period. In his pitch side comments post match, Ken made the point that red cards for foul play is there to protect players and make them lower/improve their tackle techniques. Ref was good, but bottled that decision, it was clear that there was no mitigation. Ringrose rushed in recklessly, as someone pointed out, in that movement, Ben Thomas was Henshaw’s man.
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Posted By: SA14
Date Posted: 23 February 2025 at 10:41am
Yes, revisited and I think if I may sum it up in an emoji. Glad to be proved wrong GPR. As for his cheer leader, I said numerous times he was poo his second time round but I’m stunned that people forget the success he brought in his first stint in charge. It’s those people I have an issue with who act as if he was never a good coach. Also as usual on social media those armchair supporters [beep]ging off the Welsh team all of a sudden. When I say social media I don’t mean the forum btw.
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Posted By: GPR - Rochester
Date Posted: 23 February 2025 at 10:53am
Perfectly summed up.  . We cannot, nor should try, to minimise Gatland's achievements. It was a huge mistake to go back though as it was evidently clear that his coaching ability post Wales was too old school even for a team like South Africa who are blessed with countless big uncompromising forwards. There is a reason why Rassie is trying to evolve their game.It was so clear yesterday when Wales looked to attack wide that Ireland found that hugely stressful to defend against - if Jac had found a better pass inside to Tomos 1st half, if Mee's excellent offload in contact in the 2nd half, if Mee's great attempt at 18-24 had been an inch or two closer. Plenty of big opportunities din't quite go our way. If we had tried to truck it up off 9 through our forwards - the Gatland way - Ireland would have soaked it up no bother. Sherratt has set the blueprint; any self respecting candidate for DOR will realise how Wales need to play & therefore what sort of head coach is needed going forward.
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Posted By: Wil Chips
Date Posted: 23 February 2025 at 10:58am
Thank the lord you chose geography and not maths 😎 |