The Rugby Thread

[dtaai-maai]

In the full spirit of equal opportunities perhaps they should insist on a percentage of women being included in the squad

Too late, Wales have already implemented this policy...

[pharvey]

In the full spirit of equal opportunities perhaps they should insist on a percentage of women being included in the squad

Too late, Wales have already implemented this policy...

We shall see you cheeky barsteward, we shall see!!

Welsh squad named today: -

Wales' 31-man World Cup squad

Props: Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs), Paul James (Ospreys), Aaron Jarvis (Ospreys), Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Samson Lee (Scarlets).

Hookers: Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Ken Owens (Scarlets).

Locks: Jake Ball (Scarlets), Luke Charteris (Racing 92), Dominic Day (Bath), Bradley Davies (Wasps), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys).

Back-rows: Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons), James King (Ospreys), Dan Lydiate (Ospreys), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues, capt).

Scrum-halves: Gareth Davies (Scarlets), Rhys Webb (Ospreys), Lloyd Williams (Cardiff Blues).

Fly-halves: Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Matthew Morgan (Bristol), Rhys Priestland (Bath).

Centres: Cory Allen (Cardiff Blues), Jamie Roberts (Harlequins), Scott Williams (Scarlets).

Wings: Hallam Amos (Newport Gwent Dragons), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), George North (Northampton Saints).

Full-backs: Leigh Halfpenny (Toulon), Liam Williams (Scarlets).

A couple of faces missing due to injury, but good to see Samson Lee has recovered sufficiently to make the squad. Not convinced with regards to Priestland's (rather have seen Hook) or Cuthbert's current international form though.

[pharvey]

Pretty much the final round of warm-up games before the RWC this weekend. God's Own to name their side to play the Pasta Munchers later today, but rumour has it that it'll be very much a 2nd string team with many of the players not even in the World Cup squad.... what is the point??!!

Saturday, September 05

England vs Ireland
Japan vs Georgia
Wales vs Italy
France vs Scotland
USA vs Australia

Sunday, September 06

Fiji vs Canada

[PeteC]

Just a reminder of the link where all the tables are. The Guinness Pro 12 has started. Pete

http://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/pro12/table

[pharvey]

^ to be honest I prefer the dedicated rugby sites such as www.planetrugby.com or - http://www.rugbyworld.com/ and for the RWC http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/

As for today, the rumours were unfounded and Wales have put out a fairly strong side (although do include fringe players). Both Ireland and England have also put out strong teams for this afternoon's match at "Twickers"..... Should be some good rugby

[pharvey]

The Guinness Pro 12 has started. Pete

The problem being the amount of players missing from the sides due to the RWC and the effect it's going to have on the tournament. The Ospreys were absolutely hammered by Ulster last night.....

[PeteC]

^ Yes. Someplace I read Ulster was down 8 men and Ospreys 12 because of the RWC.

[PeteC]

This proves what you were saying Pharvey...."play now for what reason?..."

World Cup 2015: Leigh Halfpenny and Rhys Webb worry for Wales

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/rugby-union/34165330

[pharvey]

^ Absolute disaster Pete.

Hardly important to play, crucial players for Wales and why oh why was Halfpenny (amongst others) still on the field 70 mins into the game??!!

These injuries truly stuff our chances in the RWC - stupidity by the couching and management quite frankly.

As to the match itself, Wales were a disaster, the ref not much better and we lose two star players - definitely not a good day at the office!! A couple of standout players in Dan Biggar (also not taken off the field ) and a late substitution Ross Moriarty.... who's not even in the squad.
Yet another nightmare for Cuthbert (gave away 2 tries and cost Wales another) - a truly great player on his day, but he's well off form and in the squad at the expense of more deserving players.

Italy on the other hand looked good - that man Parisse is simply superb and raises the whole team (if not the bl**dy country). What will they do when he retires??

Satan's Squad vs The Little People...

Certainly can't take it away from the Lillywhites, a much improved display all-round, but especially in the line-out IMHO. The Paddies though just looked all out of sorts - not sure what happened there! Beelzibub's Bums will take a lot from this game (and deservedly so), but I don't believe those from the Emerald Isle will be overly concerned.

At the end of the day, it's God's Own who've had the sh!tty weekend.....

[pharvey]

Something of a one-sided affair in the PRO 12.. again

Cardiff Blues 61 vs 13 Zebre (and Cardiff MISSED 9 kicks at goal (19 pts) )

[arcadianagain]

Just been announced on Sky TV that Leigh Halfpenny is OUT of the World Cup.

[pharvey]

Just been announced on Sky TV that Leigh Halfpenny is OUT of the World Cup.

Idiotic management (why keep him on for so long)..... We're also in the "Pool of Death" due to these guys. You have to give Gatland a great deal of credit as to how far he's brought the team, but then again - he's made some major c0ck ups IMHO.

[dtaai-maai]

I'm tempted to be facetious, but this is a huge personal blow for a splendid footballer.
Halfpenny (what a wonderful name!) out of the World Cup may well mean Wales out of the World Cup - he's probably worth 9 or more points a game to Wales.

[pharvey]

Halfpenny (what a wonderful name!) out of the World Cup may well mean Wales out of the World Cup - he's probably worth 9 or more points a game to Wales.

Precisely - which is why it is so bl**dy annoying that he was playing so late in the game (or even at all). We have Biggar to take over the kicking, but he certainly doesn't have the same range or % of Halfpenny.

[EDIT] Reports are saying that he'll be out for up to 6 months, so certainly not a minor injury....

[JimmyGreaves]

'The Paddies though just looked all out of sorts - not sure what happened there!'

They are not showing their hand PH and also did not go at it 100%, thanks be to God or we could be where Wales are now (Players down) Quite a few weeks yet till they meet France so plenty of time to get up-to 100% and clear the voice for a few songs :-)

Ps - Australia/Wales still to qualify I hope