Team v Japan

Gate12 - There just seems to be this fear or something that stops him being picked more. Maybe it's his versatility, maybe it's case of they're trying SO hard to make his development perfect that they're scared of playing him too early. I have a mate whose son played with him all through school, and I've followed his career closely. Everything points to him being a star. Nothing has ever really come out that suggests otherwise. By the time he gets in the Welsh team though, he'll have lost all that glorious exuberance of youth and be another jaded Welsh rugby 'star'!

Other countries, more successful countries, are happy to throw in younger players, what makes us think that we're doing it a better way?

Totally agree RBP. You can only be the coming man for so long!!!!!! This game would have been ideal. I would have started him at 7 with instructions to target the defensive breakdown & get into the wide channels whenever possible. The boy has got what it takes but its asking a lot to expect him to come in against the two best sides in the World & make a difference from the off. 

I would have also had Deaves on the bench in place of Plumtree or Thomas.

So we're looking at trying to out-muscle Japan, one of the precious few teams we could attempt that against, and then we'll get smashed by NZ and SA. But I guess we should hold that 12th ranking place which is arguably THE most important thing.

But if you don’t try them you will never know, I don’t see the point in picking a player like Beard when you have Fender or Davies in the squad. Same with picking Deaves in squad and then going with effectively three 6’s in back row. Then putting two other 6’s on bench, Freddie Thomas is a six not a lock. There is clearly one game plan if that doesn’t work we’re knackered. 

As for Ben Thomas it’s totally baffling.