Super Saturday, Game 1: Italy v Wales

 
ITALY v WALES
Saturday 21 March 2015
KO: 13:30 (local)/12:30 (UK/Ireland)
Stadio Olimpico, Rome

Referee: Chris Pollock (NZR)
AR1: JP Doyle (RFU)
AR2: Luke Pearce (RFU)
TMO: Simon McDowell (IRFU)

***********************

A. Teams

ITALY

Luke McClean (Sale Sharks); Leonardo Sarto (Zebre Rugby), Luca Morisi (Benetton Treviso), Andrea Masi (London Wasps), Giovambattista Venditti (Zebre Rugby); Kelly Haimona (Zebre Rugby), Edoardo Gori (Benetton Treviso); 1 Michele Rizzo (Leicester Tigers), Leonardo Ghiraldini (Leicester Tigers, capt), Martin Castrogiovanni (RT Toulon), George Biagi (Zebre Rugby), Joshua Furno (Newcastle Falcons), Francesco Minto (Benetton Treviso), Mauro Bergamasco (Zebre Rugby), Samuela VUNISA (Zebre Rugby)

Replacements: Andrea Manici (Zebre Rugby), Alberto De Marchi (Sale Sharks), Dario Chistolini (Zebre Rugby), Quintin Geldenhuys (Zebre Rugby), Robert Barbieri (Leicester Tigers), Guglielmo Palazzini (Zebre Rugby), Luciano Orquera (Zebre Rugby), Enrico Bacchin (Benetton Treviso).

WALES

Leigh Halfpenny (Toulon); George North (Northampton Saints), Jonathan Davies (ASM Clermont Auvergne), Jamie Roberts (Racing Metro), Liam Williams (Scarlets); Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Rhys Webb (Ospreys); Rob Evans (Scarlets), Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Aaron Jarvis (Ospreys), Luke Charteris (Racing Metro), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Dan Lydiate (Ospreys), Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues, capt), Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons).

Replacements: Ken Owens (Scarlets), Rhys Gill (Saracens), Scott Andrews (Cardiff Blues), Jake Ball (Scarlets), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Gareth Davies (Scarlets), Rhys Priestland (Scarlets), Scott Williams (Scarlets).

B. Head to Head

15 Played 15

2 Wins 12

12 Losses 2

1 Draws 1

19 Tries 49

12 Conversions 40

31 Penalties 45

4 Drop Goals 1

224 Points 463

Chris Pollock!!?

Watch out and prepare for some eccentric interpretations. This guy can give Wayne Barnes a run for his money for time spent with whistle in mouth.

funnyExiledScot wrote:Chris Pollock!!?

Watch out and prepare for some eccentric interpretations. This guy can give Wayne Barnes a run for his money for time spent with whistle in mouth.

He is world's worst referee. He seems to be under the misapprehension that the attacking team have a right to keep the ball. I think he is a secret rugby l**gue lover.

Exiledinborders wrote:

funnyExiledScot wrote:Chris Pollock!!?

Watch out and prepare for some eccentric interpretations. This guy can give Wayne Barnes a run for his money for time spent with whistle in mouth.

He is world's worst referee. He seems to be under the misapprehension that the attacking team have a right to keep the ball. I think he is a secret rugby l**gue lover.

That should come in handy for Wales chasing a big points diff.

Wales have had two 'unquestionably neutral' coaches this season (SH) - and would have had a third had not Walsh taken a sickie.....

SecretFly wrote:Wales have had two 'unquestionably neutral' coaches this season (SH) - and would have had a third had not Walsh taken a sickie.....

Surely your coaches shouldn't be neutral.

"Surely your coaches shouldn't be neutral" ????

I don't compute but I'll answer all the same;

No, perhaps not - but 6N ones should be

I say from here on in all 6N games should be reffed by SH (coaches???) refs!!!!     .

Schmidt on the f**king brain! Apologies for the mix up

SecretFly wrote:"Surely your coaches shouldn't be neutral" ????

I don't compute but I'll answer all the same;

No, perhaps not - but 6N ones should be

I say from here on in all 6N games should be reffed by SH (coaches???) refs!!!!     .

Schmidt on the f**king brain!  Apologies for the mix up

I would not go that far. I would say that refs should not be the ones that players are used to playing every week. So no AP refs for England and no Top14 for France but they do not anyway. The change is no Pro12 refs for Wales, Scotland, Ireland and Italy.

Not really good enough Exiled as all NH refs have 'considered' vested interests in the contest; and outcomes of the games they ref have repercussions for the games they don't ref.
So given this contest becomes more and more intense (if not better quality) year upon year, with a lot riding on the idea of 'fairness' - then I think it really is time SH refs did the whole lot.

SecretFly wrote:I say from here on in all 6N games should be reffed by SH (coaches???) refs!!!!     .

Schmidt on the f**king brain!  Apologies for the mix up

I don't know, that sounds kind of fun. Would NH coaches go ref the RC?

Why not  They'd never have them and kick up an almighty fuss - but 'fair' would be fair - force them. it would also tidy up the ideas of confusion between the two different interpretations of rugby in general.  I think in a modern world with frequent travel, there is no big obstacle to it if the mood was to have it.

GC - those pictures are laugh out loud (LOL the kids call it) funny.

Tattie Scones RRN wrote:GC - those pictures are laugh out loud (LOL the kids call it) funny.

Each to their own. Some might say the Welsh one is a little offensive.

I'd say many Italian 'ugly' or 'normal' Italian women would be offended by Italy's pic!

Indeed, Ms Loren is not universally loved as a beaut - and some have actually considered her 'unattractive'

Risca Rev wrote:

Tattie Scones RRN wrote:GC - those pictures are laugh out loud (LOL the kids call it) funny.

Each to their own. Some might say the Welsh one is a little offensive.

Fair enough. I've replaced it with the most beautiful thing in Wales.

Risca Rev wrote:

Tattie Scones RRN wrote:GC - those pictures are laugh out loud (LOL the kids call it) funny.

Each to their own. Some might say the Welsh one is a little offensive.

I'm sure GC was having a laugh - being from the north of Scotland Risca, I'm regularly referred to as a sheep love maker. Plus, being a frequenter of Morrisons in Newport (it's on my way home), the sheep is actually quite good looking in comparison to what you spot in the 'bargain basement' aisle.

Here's what I would go for, while acknowledging potential and actual  absentees. Apologies if the order is incorrect. Can't remember what numbers our locks and wingers are. Or which prop is written down first!:

£0.005 (see cover below)
North (I'd like to see Amos cover the back 3 for this one)
Scott Williams (JD2 on bench)
Dr Jim (see cover above)
Sanjay (see back 3 cover above)
Biggar (Priestland on bench, but I'm not a fan)
Webb (Phillips on bench to ruffle some feathers after 65 mins)

Faletau
Warbs (get Tips on for a good 20 mins if we're well ahead)
Lydiate
Charteris (Ball to cover)
AWJ (Ball to cover)
Jarvis (assuming Lee is out; Francis to bench?)
Baldwin (Owens to bench if Hibbard is injured)
Rob Evans (Gill on the bench?)

Griff,

Mines pretty similar:

Evans (if Jenkins out)
Baldwin
Jarvis
AWJ
Charteris
Lydiate
Faletau
Warburton

Webb
Biggar

North
Roberts (Sc Williams if injured)
JD
Li Williams

Halfpenny

Bench: Gill (if Jenkins out) Owens (if Hiibbard out) Francis Ball Tipuric Phillips Priestland Amos (If Roberts out)

Lots of 'ifs' at the moment. Lee has been the only one ruled out for certain, reports say Roberts likley to be fit other still being monitored.

Tattie Scones RRN wrote:

Risca Rev wrote:

Tattie Scones RRN wrote:GC - those pictures are laugh out loud (LOL the kids call it) funny.

Each to their own. Some might say the Welsh one is a little offensive.

I'm sure GC was having a laugh - being from the north of Scotland Risca, I'm regularly referred to as a sheep love maker. Plus, being a frequenter of Morrisons in Newport (it's on my way home), the sheep is actually quite good looking in comparison to what you spot in the 'bargain basement' aisle.

I don't like it per se, but I wouldn't have expected George to move it and I know he isn't the sort to mean anything by it.

I assume you mean Morrisons off Corpa Road. Yeah there's some classy women down there. My ex lives near by, so maybe you saw her

Griff wrote:Here's what I would go for, while acknowledging potential and actual  absentees. Apologies if the order is incorrect. Can't remember what numbers our locks and wingers are. Or which prop is written down first!:

£0.005 (see cover below)
North (I'd like to see Amos cover the back 3 for this one)
Scott Williams (JD2 on bench)
Dr Jim (see cover above)
Sanjay (see back 3 cover above)
Biggar (Priestland on bench, but I'm not a fan)
Webb (Phillips on bench to ruffle some feathers after 65 mins)

Faletau
Warbs (get Tips on for a good 20 mins if we're well ahead)
Lydiate
Charteris (Ball to cover)
AWJ (Ball to cover)
Jarvis (assuming Lee is out; Francis to bench?)
Baldwin (Owens to bench if Hibbard is injured)
Rob Evans (Gill on the bench?)

I would agree with that on the whole. Think I would start Tipuric this week though, if we are somewhat serious about chasing the points difference.

I would certainly think about getting Tipuiric on as early as possible if the scoreboard dictates.

I don't think we can just go straight for the tries from the off, we need to build a lead take any kickable points on offer so the score keeps tricking over and that will hopefully make their heads drop then we can push on.

Just for the record, I thought the sheep picture was funny, I have no issues what so ever with being called a sheep sh*gger, or a taff, or whatever I am not all that precious, I just think most people on this forum need to seriously lighten up.

LordDowlais wrote:Just for the record, I thought the sheep picture was funny, I have no issues what so ever with being called a sheep sh*gger, or a taff, or whatever I am not all that precious, I just think most people on this forum need to seriously lighten up.

Now that's a spark of genius.  I totally concur.

No Italians here?????

My God, who are the Welsh going to throw their grenades at this week????

Okay...for one time only........ I'll play an Italian.  And that of course means that we're going to stuff you Welsh when we get you on our home turf.  The French game was just a lame duck ploy and yis all fell for it!!!  
We're going to bamboozle you with slick willy rugby and score three tries in the first half - alone!!!!!

SecretFly wrote:slick willy rugby

Errrmm, ummmmm, I do not know what rugby you like to play, but you can count me out.

We need to first tidy our set piece at the scrum because Italy have a very under rated front 5. Reports from press said France were inferior in the scrum all game but actually Italy got the good of France quite a few times and lost it twice on their own scrum). That is the only are I think they could target us though because they were abysmal last week. We need an open and expansive game and move the ball a bit.
I'd go for:
15. Leigh Halfpenny
14. George North
13. Jonathan Davies
12. Scott Williams - nothing against Roberts because he is our best back in the team (I think) but he's probably knackered and can't be 100% after his knock. Williams deserves the shot because he is form is outstanding of late.
11. Liam Williams
10. Dan Biggar
9. Rhys Webb

8. Toby Falateu
7. Justin Tipuric - I just think he will help the forwards play a more expansive game. Nothing against Lydiate but if Charteris is playing and defending well he kind of take Lydiates main job away from him
6. Sam Warburton
5. Alyn Wyn - I don't understand where he gets his energy from, the amount of work he gets through week in week out is unbelievable.
4. Luke Charteris
3. Tommas Francis - im sure would give us an attacking option in the scrum where as Jarvis could come under pressure
2. Scott Baldwin - he has been one of my favorite players these last two games. His defensive work has been sublime
1. Rob Evans

16. Ken Owens (even if Hibbard was fit), 17. Rhys Gill, 18. Aaron Jarvis, 19. Jake Ball, 20. Dan Lydiate, 21. Gareth Davies, 22. Gareth Anscombe, 23. Jamie Roberts (if fit)

Im assuming Gethin Jenkins will be out and obviously Samson is

I'm hoping to see Anscombe on the bench instead of priestland , jake ball to keep his bench place and as much as I admire Jamie Roberts there was an early overlap in the Irish game but Roberts decided to make contract with defender rather then pass the ball out wide . so Scott Williams to start for me but that will never happen unless injured .

LordDowlais wrote:

SecretFly wrote:slick willy rugby

Errrmm, ummmmm, I do not know what rugby you like to play, but you can count me out.

You sure? Welsh are old hands at it. They have the copyright. Don't be coy, Lord. I can see the blushes from here.

SecretFly wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:

SecretFly wrote:slick willy rugby

Errrmm, ummmmm, I do not know what rugby you like to play, but you can count me out.

You sure?  Welsh are old hands at it.  They have the copyright.  Don't be coy, Lord.  I can see the blushes from here.

My hands are old, but my willy is far from slick.

Oh Jesus!  Keep to the vague metaphor Lord, please!!!  Children are listening.....

Let me rephrase that - just forget I said anything.  Retake:

Just for the record, I thought the sheep picture was funny, I have no issues what so ever with being called a sheep sh*gger, or a taff, or whatever I am not all that precious, I just think most people on this forum need to seriously lighten up.

Now that's a spark of genius.  I totally concur.

No Italians here?????

easy, I'm here. I just needed a couple of days more to recover from arguably our worst performance ever, so terrible at the point I'm tempted to consider it as an extraordinary bad day.
Now we are, finally, the clear underdog for this last one, with Wales needing to thrash us and that's the way they'll play in Rome next saturday. Hence, we have some chances to ruin the weekend to the ordes of gingers who will invade Rome

SecretFly wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:Just for the record, I thought the sheep picture was funny, I have no issues what so ever with being called a sheep sh*gger, or a taff, or whatever I am not all that precious, I just think most people on this forum need to seriously lighten up.

Now that's a spark of genius.  I totally concur.

No Italians here?????

My God, who are the Welsh going to throw their grenades at this week????

Okay...for one time only........ I'll play an Italian.  And that of course means that we're going to stuff you Welsh when we get you on our home turf.  The French game was just a lame duck ploy and yis all fell for it!!!  
We're going to bamboozle you with slick willy rugby and score three tries in the first half - alone!!!!!

we will even kick our points for the first and last time..

Griff wrote:Here's what I would go for, while acknowledging potential and actual  absentees. Apologies if the order is incorrect. Can't remember what numbers our locks and wingers are. Or which prop is written down first!:

£0.005 (see cover below)
North (I'd like to see Amos cover the back 3 for this one)
Scott Williams (JD2 on bench)
Dr Jim (see cover above)
Sanjay (see back 3 cover above)
Biggar (Priestland on bench, but I'm not a fan)
Webb (Phillips on bench to ruffle some feathers after 65 mins)

Faletau
Warbs (get Tips on for a good 20 mins if we're well ahead)
Lydiate
Charteris (Ball to cover)
AWJ (Ball to cover)
Jarvis (assuming Lee is out; Francis to bench?)
Baldwin (Owens to bench if Hibbard is injured)
Rob Evans (Gill on the bench?)

Is that 9 replacements?

Amos, JD2, Priestland, Phillips, Tipuric, Ball, Francis, Hooker, Gill

Welsh team announced

Evans
Baldwin
Jarvies
AWJ
Charteris
Lydiate
Faletau
Warburton

Webb
Biggar

Li Williams
Roberts
JD
North

Halfpenny

Bench: Gill Owen Andrews Ball Tipuric G Davies Priestland Sc Williams

Given the injuries no surprise but the bench is a bit of a surprise and a disappointment to me.

I would have put Francis on the bench ahead of Andrews and get him capped and pleasantly surprised to see Davies in ahead of Phillips.

BEDS- see you 4pm on Friday, La Botticella just off Piazza Navona. My shirt will have my name on the back. In departures, waiting for our flight to Turin

Ok mate will do

Just PM'd you BEDS

LondonTiger wrote:

Griff wrote:Here's what I would go for, while acknowledging potential and actual  absentees. Apologies if the order is incorrect. Can't remember what numbers our locks and wingers are. Or which prop is written down first!:

£0.005 (see cover below)
North (I'd like to see Amos cover the back 3 for this one)
Scott Williams (JD2 on bench)
Dr Jim (see cover above)
Sanjay (see back 3 cover above)
Biggar (Priestland on bench, but I'm not a fan)
Webb (Phillips on bench to ruffle some feathers after 65 mins)

Faletau
Warbs (get Tips on for a good 20 mins if we're well ahead)
Lydiate
Charteris (Ball to cover)
AWJ (Ball to cover)
Jarvis (assuming Lee is out; Francis to bench?)
Baldwin (Owens to bench if Hibbard is injured)
Rob Evans (Gill on the bench?)

Is that 9 replacements?

Amos, JD2, Priestland, Phillips, Tipuric, Ball, Francis, Hooker, Gill

Well spotted! One too many. I guess it was the back 3 they decided not to cover then...

bedfordwelsh wrote:Welsh team announced

Evans
Baldwin
Jarvies
AWJ
Charteris
Lydiate
Faletau
Warburton

Webb
Biggar

Li Williams
Roberts
JD
North

Halfpenny

Bench:  Gill Owen Andrews Ball Tipuric G Davies Priestland Sc Williams

Given the injuries no surprise but the bench is a bit of a surprise and a disappointment to me.

I would have put Francis on the bench ahead of Andrews and get him capped and pleasantly surprised to see Davies in ahead of Phillips.

Didn't realise G Davies was back from injury. Would have put him on the bench too. If he's playing like he was before injury he could be a real live wire threat in this game. Give him a good 30 mins or so I reckon. Quality scrum half.

Bit disappointed Francis doesn't even get on the bench, but that's counteracted by seeing Gareth Davies on the bench! Excited to see him get 20/30 minutes. Apart from that, pretty much as expected. Everyone deserves to keep their place after that performance really and with Owens back, there is a nice three way fight developing for the #2 shirt. Good to see.

He's had a few runs for the Scarlets I think, not sure how he has gone but good to get him back into the fold, could this spell then end for Spikey? Webb and Davies going into the WC would be my choice if both on form and injury free etc, Phillips as 3rd choice if we take one.

Davies in for Phillips is positive.

JDizzle wrote:Bit disappointed Francis doesn't even get on the bench, but that's counteracted by seeing Gareth Davies on the bench! Excited to see him get 20/30 minutes. Apart from that, pretty much as expected. Everyone deserves to keep their place after that performance really and with Owens back, there is a nice three way fight developing for the #2 shirt. Good to see.

JD,

That would have been my only change to if for nothing else other than to get him capped and tie him to us, there still now nothing stopping England coming in and capping him.

As for the No2 berth we also have Dacey and Dee having really good seasons so things looking good there.

where you guys will gather up after the game to celebrate the famous italian win?

Well me personally I will be in Italy so will hopefully fined a bar that's showing both games and then just enjoy the whole day and then win or lose I will suffer like feck on Sunday =

Good strong team, I have said it numerous times but I'd be starting Scott Williams, and currently that'd be at the expense of Roberts (who has been excellent in some respects and extremely poor at noticing space/distributing which had previously improved) as JD2 has come back firing the last couple of games.

I'd have had Francis on the bench instead of Andrews and Roberts on the bench to bring on around 60minutes to cause some damage. I guess its just being done the other way, bludgeon, then the rapier.

Davies over Phillips

Now lets just get an alternative to Priestland and we're on our way!

ps. Anybody know how long Nicky Smith (ospreys LH) is out for now? I really like the look of him.

I think Nicky smith is recovered or nearly recovered.

Anyone know the full story on Phillips omission?

Is it just so they can have a look at Gareth Davies now that he is fit???

Roberts is the defencsive organiser though so he has to start and then if need be and if we have the game won bring Williams on.

With that front row, it will be get the ball in, then get it back out as quick as possible, which will make for a great open game, also, thank god the Italians have no decent goal kickers, the penalties we will concede at scrum time will not hamper us as much as it would against other sides.

bedfordwelsh wrote:Well me personally I will be in Italy so will hopefully fined a bar that's showing both games and then just enjoy the whole day and then win or lose I will suffer like feck on Sunday =

yeah me too, I'll be in Rome to kick my ass off