Wales v All Blacks Match thread, Poll, and Previews

[maestegmafia]

First topic message reminder :

So this week saw the fans calls for players unused the week before who are in form this season answered and we lost to Samoa, we also lost more players to injury.

So what next...?

Wales offered little in impetus yet again. Few of the form players made a difference against Samoa. Wales have to make a massive improvement in every aspect of their game for next weeks match vs the ABs but what are your suggestions...???

Wales team:
Leigh Halfpenny; Alex Cuthbert, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, George North; Rhys Priestland, Mike Phillips; Paul James, Matthew Rees, Aaron Jarvis, Bradley Davies, Luke Charteris, Ryan Jones, Sam Warburton (captain), Toby Faletau

Replacements:
Ken Owens, Gethin Jenkins, Scott Andrews, Aaron Shingler, Justin Tipuric, Tavis Knoyle, James Hook, Scott Williams


New Zealand team:
Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Julian Savea, Daniel Carter, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw, Liam Messam, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock.

Replacements: Dane Coles, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Brodie Retallick, Victor Vito, Piri Weepu, Aaron Cruden, Ben Smith.

[samuraidragon]

Charteris was a done deal from the start because he stayed in France for the 1st AI match instead. Gethin is a benchwarmer at Toulon so hardly going to be missed, and MP is in bad odour at Bayonne and may be on his way out.

Hook, on the other hand, is one of the key players at Perp. No way would they release him for a match more than they had to.

[glamorganalun]

Looks like the WRU have been making deals behind closed doors

"Paul James (Bath) and James Hook (Perpignan) have returned to their respective clubs, but Luke Charteris (Perpignan), Gethin Jenkins (Toulon) and Mike Phillips (Bayonne) have all remained with Wales."

We all knew about Charteris trading the first game for the last but the other two says a lot, in other words they are not important to their teams. I wonder how many French clubs will chase our current 10 or Howley as a coach new year?

[RubyGuby]

I'm happy to differ with you guys, I believe his move to Edinburgh will ensure he has the lowest profile possible in a poor team, this IMO will do nothing for his development

[bedfordwelsh]

Jenkins being available is good news what with James going back to Bath and Bevington not really convinced me.

[gregortree]

25% backed a Wales win. Patriotism has a go at Reality... and loses.

[Smirnoffpriest]

I got the feeling rees was told he wasnt wanted by the blues (and wales as well) and that l williams would always b prefered. As such he needed to find a new club whod give him a chance.

[wales606]

I got the feeling rees was told he wasnt wanted by the blues (and wales as well) and that l williams would always b prefered. As such he needed to find a new club whod give him a chance.

He was offered a "reduced contract" with the Blues and rightfully told PT to go ruck himself

[glamorganalun]

I'm happy to differ with you guys, I believe his move to Edinburgh will ensure he has the lowest profile possible in a poor team, this IMO will do nothing for his development

Rees had a good game at Cardiff helping Ed win also he was on the winning side against the Ospreys, when he played for the BaaBaas against Wales he totally outplayed Williams but according to Blues supporters Williams is poor (he is part of the Wales squad).

[Liam]

I always felt Rees was unlucky. He was starting and playing well for Wales until he got injured. Has never been on the coaches radar since then despite playing better than most Welsh SH.

Shame Webb hasn't been able to reproduce last season's form but anyone ahead should be ahead of williams who's just completely off the boil as is Preistland.

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