Wales wails
- 11 Feb 07, 09:22 AM
Edinburgh - My co-commentator Jonathan Davies finally got out of snowy Cardiff airport late on Friday night. Arrived in Edinburgh at 1am. On Saturday afternoon he must have wished he hadn't made it.
I don't think he, or most of the thousands of Welsh fans who are now drowning sorrows in various Edinburgh bars can really believe what has happened to their side.
Two games into the Six Nations - two defeats and no tries scored.
Please explain.
Is it simply, as Gareth Jenkins has said, because the set-pieces were poor? Certainly the line-out was mis-firing badly.
And what about Scotland?
Yes, they too showed a remarkable inability to cross the try-line. But how much encouragement is there for Scottish supporters from the rest of Scotland's game?
It seemed to me that the scrum was far more solid, the line-out slick and Phil Godman looked lively.
And how satisfying is it to have found a kicker in Chris Paterson who knocks over the kicks and keeps the scoreboard moving?
So many questions for you to answer while I go and track down one of our producers who wagered that Wales would win by 20 points.
He owes me a pint.
Stangely enough I can't find him.
Wales 27-18 England
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My from the Scottish view its great to get a win over Wales. I thought the pack played well as a unit, Lamont put himslef about and good displayes from Dewey & Godman. That said it hard to remember dominating a match like that and not getting over the try line. I think Hadden missed a trick by not sending on Webster the very second Williams left the field and Wales were down to 14. Also I'd have loved Chris Paterson to call a scrum rather line out when having the penality 5 yards from the line and Sidoli had no boots... but maybe thats unsporting.
Also can the 大象传媒 sort out the camera work, there's too much focus on close up and you lose the feel for field position
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I dont think Steve Jones, deserves the Captaincy, he just is'nt goodd enough.
Jenkins, made a big mistake by announcing Jones, as his 6 Nations Captain, when he took over, as he would look foolish, now, to change it.
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Both sides showed tremendous commitment - especially in defence. As a Welshman, I didn't think the match could be made worse but the TV coverage managed to make it close to unbearable. Does the guy who chooses the camera shot have any knowledge of rugby? You need the wider view to know where the play is taking place and what options might be available. You don't need endless close ups - sometimes when play is already under way elsewhere. The worst television coverage I can remember in my forty years of viewing.
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If your 大象传媒 staff can't be bothered to do a match report then don't do it rather than do the half-arsed-excuse-of-a report you offer us here It wasn't THE most exciting game in the world but it was better than the report you gave would have us believe.
"Captains Chris Paterson and Stephen Jones kicked all the points as Scotland earned a forgettable win over Wales."
Why not end it there, your very bored reporter is saying. Why not find another job?
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Wales currently have mediocrity in depth and players living off reputations they haven't yet earned. On this showing there should be early departures for two of GJ's coaching team, GJ himself should look at his narrow approach to selection and Czekaj, Adam Jones, and Ryan Jones should be carrying water bottles until their commitment improves. We must now pick our best team with Jenkins, Horsman, Gough, Shanklin Shane Williams/Brew all starting, and give the captaincy back to Martyn Williams - its affecting SJ's game the same way it affected Gareth Edwards and Rob Howley.
Oh, and agree with Rick, please sort out your camera work 大象传媒, its obviously not in the hands of someone who has a real feel for the needs of the armchair spectator - a bit like the Welsh team.
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I agree with Ben. S Jones was poor against Ireland and worse yesterday. His kicking out of had was dire, most if not all of his clearance kicks gave Scotland the opportunity just to come back at us. Italy now pose a threat!!
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wales were awfull, its that simple. i think that GJ should look at his selection. leaving gough out was his first big mistake, he's the hardest worker on the field. Also why didn't he get Czekaj off the field and bring on shanklin. Finally i think its time to start playing sweeny more, he has done nothing wrong when he plays for wales and he gets the backs running. i hope shane gets back soon.
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I can't disagree with any of the comments raised earlier. I would only add that I'm wondering if the coaching staff really know their players given the combinations they play. R. Sidoli and A. Wyn Jones are two very good players but they both need grafters like Gough and Cockbain to be paired with to make up for what their mobility leaves out. The back row all worked hard but Popham whilst great in the tight looked lost in midfield. I saw Martyn Williams at one time urging his team mates to "think" after seeing yet more possesion handed back to the Scots. I would suggest he made the same gesture to his coaching staff.
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Why did Jonathon Davies fly when the train seems like a perfectly good option?
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AGREE WITH MOST OF THE COMMENTS, SORRY CZEKAI NEEDS TO GO LOOKS GOOD FOR THE REGIONS BUT SPENT A LOT OF TIME LOOKING LIKE A FRIGHTENED KID AGAINST OPPOSITION, AND COMES ACROSS TO LATERALLY AND TOO QUICKLY FOR THE TACKLE MAKING IT EASY TO STEP INSIDE HIM. IF SHANE NOT FIT, THEN PUT SHANKS IN OR GIVE BREWEY A GO BIG AND STRONG AND GOT SKILLS,.
AGREE WITH STEVE MARSHALL RE SECOND ROWS, BUT SIMILAR APPLIES TO CENTRES BALL PLAYING CENTRE (NOT CONVINCED ABOUT HOOKIE HERE) NEEDS SOMEONE WHO CAN RUN STRAIGHT TO MAKE MOST OF TALENTS I.E SHANKS IDEALLY, OR PARKER, DAF JAMES, GAV EVANS, NATHAN BREW JAMIE ROBINSON (AM A BIG FAN BY THE WAY) GETS HIS BEST GAMES WITH A DIRECT RUNNER INSIDE HIM TO HELP HOLD UP DEFENCES TO GIVE HIM THE SPACE TO MAKE DECISIONS TO PASS OR ATTACK, ANY DOUBT WATCH SOME OF HIS BETTER PERFORMANCES AT REGIONAL LEVEL TO UNDERSTAND.
RESTORE BALANCE TO THE BACK ROW ALSO PLAY A NUMBER 6 AT 6 NOT POPHAM EITHER PLAY HIM AT EIGHT, BENCH (KEEP RYAN ON HIS TOES)OR NOT AT ALL HE'S A GREAT 8 BUT DOES NOT POSSESS THE NECESSARY SKILLS FOR THE 6 ROLE, WOULD BRING IN CARVIS OR SCOTT MORGAN (DAF JONES HURRY UP AND GET BACK TI YOUR BEST)
ANYWAY WE GET IT RIGT CORRECT THE BREAKDOWN ISSUE AND STOP PANICKING WITH THE DESPERATE NEED TO SCORE WHEN GOING FOWARD TRYING TO FORCE IT AND WE CAN GET BACK ON COURSE AND WIN THE REMAINING GAMES (THOUGH FRANCE LOOK TOUGH, WILL SEE MORE TODAY)
CHEERS BOYS REMEMBER
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Wales needed to have some punch and power in the front five and their lineout was a bit of a shambles. I do wish someone would explain to me why Scotland did not stick Murray or Kellock up against the English jumpers more often last week though. I don't quite understand why Jenkins did not pick Cockbain or Horsman in yesterday's game - is cockbain coming back from injury?
For Scotland, there was a subplot to yesterday's fixture. Nobody profited more from Matt Williams disastrous reign as scotland coach than wales. 2 years ago, the 1st half was such a catastrophe that it became the moment that the coach's fate was sealed. Although we could and should have scored some tries yesterday, it should be remembered that our 10 and 12 were making their first 6N starts and that with players like Webster and Blair to return, Hadden should start sharpening the edge in the backs. The forwards gave their best display in the tight since last year's wins against the French and england.
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One thing above all, bemused me on Saturday. There were some superb Welsh players on the pitch, players that are good enough to put on a world-class display.
But the positions they were playing, and the strategies (if there were any) that they were adopting, meant that there was zero cohesion, and zero chance of making any real attacks.
A strong welsh defence made it look like more of a rugby match than it actually was. In short, Scotland were good, and deserved the win, but were hardly world class. Just like Ireland last weekend, Wales made them look far better than they actually are. Wales need to forget the Six Nations, and just concentrate on getting the right players in the right positions, with a well rehearsed game plan. Then maybe we can at least play some rugby.
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If Wales can't win the ball from their own lineout ball then they don't deserve to win. It is such a fundamental area of the game and MUST be improved. As for the backs.......Czekaj is not an International player. He looks out of his depth. He was at fault for at least 2 of the tries against Ireland and has no physical presence. He was also woeful under the high ball and loses it more than recycling it going forward. I am not a Henson fan but he can do the basics i.e. tackle, recycle etc even if he is out of sorts at the moment.
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I agree with all that has been said about the camera work. Can you get the director of the broadcast to explain please?
The rugby? Well done to Scotland for the win, and well done to Wales for their defence, but what on earth has happened to the Welsh setpiece since Ruddock left? Is McBride up to it? Agree that S Jones is not playing well enough at 10, but Jenkins can't drop his captain.
France away, Italy away, then England at home - where will a win come?
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I disagree, s. Jones kicked very well. He did not play poorly, if the rest of the team had functioned properly, like the line out. It would have given S.Jones alot more time and he there for have kicked maybee better. I think maybe S. Jones should not be captain but i can't think of anyone that could be a better captain than him. Wales' forwards were shambolic against scotland,if we can sort out possesion through the forwards like against Ireland but better, wales will score tries from there hugely talented backs!!
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Must agree about the camera work. Not something you expect from the 大象传媒. Perhaps their a little rusty after so long away from the game!
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It is a bit rich for Jenkins to complain about the front five when he selcted them, choosing to leave out Jenkins, Horsman, Gough and Cockbain.Let alone the backline selction, being it seems dictated by petty parochalism. Hook is the form stand off ,Henson the best centre and Dafyyd James a far better winger than Cezjak.Jenkins is rapidly turning into a Welsh Andy Robinson.You only have to look at the result 2 years ago to realise how far they have come down since Ruddock's disgraceful departure.
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I was one who didn't want Gareth jenkins in the job, as feared he has brought all his Llanelli mates in. Nigel davis, Roland Phillips and Robin Mcbryde are no coaches.
The skills level and the committment was the worst in years I have seen. The good work developed by Scott Johnson, Steve Hansen and co has seemed to have gone down the drain. We looked nothing more than a club team.
As for the Players, Steve Jones must now go. Too slow and no leadership. He made the worst decision coming back from France where he played probably his best rugby. Hook must be given the N010 shirt with Shanklin and possibly Henson at 12, if he can get his head out of the papers and onto the field. Czekja looked to scared under the high ball and the set piece was non existant.
I am afraid that we look to be winning something -- The wooden spoon.
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As a fan of GJ I am sorry to say he is losing the plot. Czekaj is clearly not an international player that was proven against Ireland, Brew looked ok so why not keep him, more incredibly, where is Dafydd James, not one of GJ's infamous (at Stradey) we've fallen out so will not be picked brigade?
We are also deluding ourselves that we are a good side, clearly since the Grand Slam we have stood still or worse, and the others have moved on. Against Ireland the front five worked so why change it; the change is needed. sadly of the captain - Jones is out of form at international level, and the captaincy has made him worse - lets try Ceri or James Hook (not really a centre anyway)at outside half.
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What a poor performance, the only thing that was worse was the selection of the side. Two of our best players Gough & Shanklin left on the bench, an outside half at inside centre and an out of form captain at outside half. Then if you look at the forwards, could not win the ball. Is anyone suprised when you look at the numpty McBride coaching them. The only thing he ever brought to the table was "a bit of dog" a vital ingredient in a player but a coach, I rather have one with a brain cell
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as a very proud welshman, as i hope all welsh are, i was a bit confused after saturdays game. the week before we played some good rugby, and shouldnt have lost, against the 'favourites', and a game we 'should' have played to our potential, just didnt materialise. consistancy is the key word, if we want to be looked on a creditable opponant, rather than a training game, for the opposition. a win isnt far away. play like you know you can, and put some fire back into wearing the national shirt.
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What a poor performance, the only thing that was worse was the selection of the side. Two of our best players Gough & Shanklin left on the bench, an outside half at inside centre and an out of form captain at outside half. Then if you look at the forwards, could not win the ball. Is anyone suprised when you look at the numpty McBride coaching them. The only thing he ever brought to the table was "a bit of dog" a vital ingredient in a player but a coach, I'd rather have one with a brain cells
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Have to agree with a lot of the comments so far. How about bringing back Michael Owen as captain, playing him in the 2nd row alongside Cockbain. I know he is not playing at his best right now but he has tactical nous and has proved he can skipper a side at international level. A new coaching team wouldn't go amiss either.
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agree with James Trahar on the coaching.
also agree with earlier post ont he camera work yesterday. we want to see the field position- save the close ups for analysis!
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Have to agree with a lot of the comments so far. How about bringing back Michael Owen as captain, playing him in the 2nd row alongside Cockbain. I know he is not playing at his best right now but he has tactical nous and has proved he can skipper a side at international level. A new coaching team wouldn't go amiss either.
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Been saying for weeks Wales for the wooden spoon. Glad to see coming to fruition.......
For years Wales had one player keepng them in games (Jenkins) and now it's Jones (S) so don't knock the only person that gives you some respectability (in years to come no one will remember you can't run or pass).
Ps the England equivalent is Jonny, Ireland = O'Gara, Scotland = Patterson
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I think Wales can at least take positives out of the defence yesterday. I'm not saying it was perfect, but it seems like Roland Phillips is doing his job. McBryde and Davies however have some questions to answer. The set piece was woeful, and we haven't scored a try in 2 matches. We need world-class coaches with world-class ideas, not the entire Llanelli (bar Phillips) backroom staff!
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If you can't win your line outs, you aint going to win your game. Simple. Chris C, young kid ... look what Robinson did with Tait that didn't do him any favors did it. At the end of the day you can all say this player should play here that player there and coaching staff should be changed blah blah blah ... but there are only 15 ppl you can blame on the day. At the same time there are clearly mistakes in the team selection that needs to be sorted out, otherwise it's hello wooden spoon bye bye GJ.
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Richard wrote at 1:04pm on 11/02 that Roland Phillips is doing his job because our defence held firm. No disrespect to Scotland intended (who well deserved the win yesterday), but they're hardly the most creative team in the world. Against a team with more ideas in attack, our defence will be found out.
I am utterly dismayed with the current state of Welsh rugby. We have plenty of damn good players, many of whom showed what they can do two years ago.
The blame must lie squarely on the shoulders of the coaching team, who are, let's face it, ridiculously inexperienced at international level.
David Moffett parachuted in Mike Ruddock over Gareth Jenkins a few years ago and us Welsh fans went mad.
Now we see that he had a bloody good point...
Wales should be looking forward to giving teams like England and France a good game, but now I find myself even doubting that we could beat lowly Italy. If we get the spoon this year (and it's looking likely), then Jenkins MUST fall on his sword. If not, we might as well forfeit our place at the World Cup, because we will only be there to make up the numbers at this rate.
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This was thefirst Welsh test I had been to, and I for one would just like to say how much fun it was. The Welsh fans were great, it good spirits and everyone was having a real party. It was great to see parties of Scots and Welsh fans together having fun with each other. At the end of the match you would have been hard pushed to know which side had won as both sets of fans had huge grins on their faces. Thank you to all the Welsh fans- its was great! As for the 大象传媒 report on the 'national'(english in all but name) news, well since I was there and clearly the reporter wasn't I think I can in all good confidence denounce it as a pack of lies. There was not one person in that stadium who wasn't enthralled for the full 80 mins,not one that wasn't having a great time, and the match was far from forgettable - the defence on both sides was remarkable and there was plenty of passing and running going on, it was just that the defence's were too good on the day. I have had it with this english biased reporting - we pay the same fees and yet we have to sit through what amounted to a 'we're not worthy' tribute to JWilko (don't get me wrong, glad to see him back, but he is just a rugby player, a good one, but one of, thankfully ,many the world over) and then this rubbish reporting about the match in Edinburgh. And don't get me started on BMoore and JGuscott- they nearly had me hurling things at me telly last weekend. What about BO'Driscoll, CPaterson (who by the by has better kicking stats than JWIlko for the compo so far and is the best in Europe and I think still has the best stats in the world), RJones, etc? Why can't we have 'tributes' to them? Oh yes I forgot, they aren't english are they! And before all the english lot get on my case, that is how it looks and feels from up here and I am sure from Wales and Ireland too, whether it is meant or not (debatable) that is how it comes across, and that is enough of a reason for something to be done about it.
Good luck to Irish and Welsh and thanks again to Welsh fans for a great, great match - can't wait for two years time! Go Scotland!
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It is now obvious why the WRU went after Ruddock a few years back. Also his support team may be strong on playing experience, but weak on coaching (especally in the forwards. Maybe we could bring him back?
Jones at 10 is no threat the any defense, so he does not create any space for his centres. Jenkins should have put Phillips and Sweeney on at half time, Phillips acts as an extra forward and Sweeney us used to living off scraps.
Hook is a 10, not a 12, he needs to boss the game. Hensen despite his lack of form plays well with Hook and I would give them a chance against France (they did well against Australia)
Czekai needs another year at regional level - play him here against France and his confidence will be shot.
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I agree with many of the comments, particularly woeful camera work. But how can Wales continue with GJ, who is so blinkered in his approach to selection. Hook is the future stand off - play him now, Henson the best centre - a crime that he is nowhere to be seen.
Jenkins will take Wales backwards until he is replaced, along with his coaches.
Wales still have many class players, playing with pride and fire in their bellies, but Wales need to pick the best players and have better coaching than at present, if they are to realise their potential.
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There was, however, an unsettling incident at the Wales training ground last week.
The players found a strange, unidentified white powdery substance on the pitch.
During these time of heightened security awareness the police etc were called. The area was cordoned off and experts were sent in wearing the suitable protective clothing.
They were soon able to identify it as the try line!
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Superb win for Scotland. Remarkable commitment to defence and contact areas laid the foundations for a surprisingly simple success - I wonder what would have happened with a similar approach last week? Taylor once again proved he is world class and thankfully people now appear to be rocognising that, whilst he no longer makes the defence splitting breaks, he has a game based on high workrate and a nitty gritty approach to forward duties - one he appears to be very effective at. Whilst Godman did ok at ten i'm not entirely convinced he's the solution....let's throw caution to the wind and bring Paterson in from the wing (where he is slightly to lightweight) to demonstrate his footballing skills and allow space for Walker or Webster to put some tries on the board.
Were I Welsh i'd be seriously concerned - once again the optimism of a resurgence seems to have been sadly misplaced. I entirely agree that selection decisions aided the Scottish cause and that Jenkins' coat could be on a shaky peg. More worryingly where were the 'world class performers' yesterday? Ryan Jones simply didn't turn up, Dwayne Peel once again demonstrated that he is simply not up to Cusiter's (admittedly high) standards and Hook isn't up to it as a centre (he does have superb skills though and offers great hope for the future).
Finally, whilst i'm still not convinced by the personel on offer. it was good to hear a slightly more balanced coverage of this game than last weeks efforts.
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Its a bad day for Wales, fair play to Scotland for having the passion when they play for their country. dont players understand what putting on the jersey for your country means. a devasted swansea lad
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I agree with much of what has been said but I will add the following observations:
1. If you look at the 大象传媒 camerawork last season (particularly the Wales/Ireland match), you will find even more sub standard choice of shots. It is so frustrating when the director has little idea about rugby. Yesterday we had too many shots at extreme distance, too many unnecessary close ups, unwanted shots of the crowd and coaches, and some re-runs which were still running after the live play had restarted! 大象传媒 please put someone in charge who has knowledge of rugby and take away all the additional cameras which seem to be only there for the fringe items. This is not Coronation Street - it is a game of rugby.
2. What I noticed absent yesterday was the speed (and frequency) of pass we had under Ruddock. This is what distiguished us as a class apart in those games, for example against New Zealand. I hope the present coaching staff watch the old videos.
3. After watching Scotland for many years (decades) I have noticed that they always play very close to offside in everything. Yesterday the Scottish midfield defence was almost offside for the whole game. This is how they were able to close down our centres so easily. One way to combat this is to put short kicks just over the heads of the midfield line. If there is no cover behind the line will turn and the offensive backs can break through. There were many chances for Jones and Hook to do this yesterday but they almost never did it. The introduction of Shanklin was a revalation.
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Firstly, as a Welshman, I'm gutted. Peel and Popham did as well as they could but the whole thing was just lacking. Czekaj should not have been on the pitch given his performance against Ireland. We have some damn good players on the team but the coaching seems to be letting them down.
Hopefully with two weeks before the next match, they may be able to do something to rectify it so that the match against the French won't be such a massacre. I still think the French will take it though.
Mind you, it's not all bad. At least the defence was good enough to stop the Scots from getting a try. It's just a shame that they made enough mistakes to get penalised for it, probably knowing full well what a good kicker Paterson is.
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Congratulations to Scotland for grafting away to a thoroughly deserved win.
As to why Wales never got to grips with the game, nor stepped up to the level they can play at, I have no answer. Were they sent out in a defensive frame of mind; to absorb the scots rush?
I wholeheartedly agree with previous posters about yet another poor TV presentation. Why would I want to get close enough to see a players acne when theres a game going on? Show the game mun!!!!! I actually switched the telly off for the last quarter as I couldn't follow the game properly. I switched the radio on instead.
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On that performance it has to be said Wales is overated. What have they done since the last world cup? One grand slam and everyone thinks there up there with NZ. Good effort by Scotland
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I think the game was a little dire to say the least. Welsh defence was very good and yet against a stronger attacking team we will leak tries like it is goin out of fashion.
Adam and Duncan J proved that they are not international scrummagers. Bring back Gethin and Chris. H. ASAP.
I cannot comment on the attcking play of our back as I didn't see any.
Agree with the comment about Czekay, he looked like a terrified bunny caught in the lights.
i think the wooden spoon beckons unless GJ pulls his finger out in selection.
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Under Ruddock we were exciting and full of flair and had no fear..... Under GJ we have lost it all. Dwayne Peel is the best scrumhalf in Wales, but at the moment confidence is short. Same for Stephen Jones.
Need answers on a few things.... Why take out Horsman and Jenkins from the scrum when they did not do too much wrong against Irish and are the stronger scrummagers?
Czekai??? A good prospect..... But at fault for 2 tries against the Irish... We have alot of great wingers in Wales.... Even Brew when he came on looked good and strong!!!!
Give him a chance..... Hopefully shane will be back soon......
Anyway its worrying that two years ago we were challenging the top teams in the world and running them close and winning the Grand Slam!!! Now the only thing we are looking to win is the "Wooden Spoon"!!!!!
The Coach needs to get the team together and by "team" i mean the coaching staff and sort it out... We can't win the 6 Nations but we need to get the guys going forward for the RWC..... Bring the flair back and the passion!!!!!
Well done to Scotland they came out with a game plan and executed it well!!!
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yes the game was bitterly dissapointing from a welsh point of view , considerably down hill from the ireland game . But there has to be a way of inspiring our team to be as good as they can ,all of the team have been choosen for their talent thats why they re there and not all the know it all s . all the stratogies in the world cant make play happen as practised , in the moment you react instinctively be it a good or a bad reaction . but jumping on to the players isnt fair , have you any idea how gutted they must feel . At the Ireland game welsh voices were quiet ,where were we to inspire ? yes the players are professionals and should perform no matter what but lets support them not slate them
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waste of power to watch this.
watched Ireland today also listened to a out of touch commentater what planet does he come from yes EB iam speaking about. all I can say the world CUP as already gone SOUTH
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the scots were indeed very close to offside throughout the match..but the welsh backs were standing so flat they were easy targets. the backs have to align themselves deeper so they can leave the opposition flankers and spoilers stranded - and standing deeper they can get more speed up moving forward.
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Can't disagree with much of this but Mole at 1.39pm - Cussiter showed he was better than Peel??? What game were you watching? Despite being behind an often dominant Scottish pack Cussiter was caught several times and failed to make any significant breaks or quick passes. Peel on the other hand managed to make Wales look 50 times better than they actually were, Peel is far and away the better s.h, no question about it.
Scotland thoroughly deserved the win but such outrageous nonsense needs to be pointed out. rant over
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Can't disagree with much of this but Mole at 1.39pm - Cussiter showed he was better than Peel??? What game were you watching? Despite being behind an often dominant Scottish pack Cussiter was caught several times and failed to make any significant breaks or quick passes. Peel on the other hand managed to make Wales look 50 times better than they actually were, Peel is far and away the better s.h, no question about it.
Scotland thoroughly deserved the win but such outrageous nonsense needs to be pointed out. rant over
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Well done Scotland, a well deserved win, Wales have no team spirt at the moment, when Ruddock was coaching Wales as so much flair and punch power they wanted to win an wanted play. Kevin Morgan stays at 15, Mark Jones should have been at 14 from the start, Czekai on the wing looks so un-stable, where is Rhys Williams? bring him back! Czekai should had been out after his proformance against Ireland. GJ has alot of work to do, why was shanklin on the bench? he should had been 13 with hook 12. Henson should be given another chance his boot is well needed when we re defending in our 22. NO FLAIR, NO PRIDE, but what do i know im not a coach.
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Two years ago the WRU brought it Mike Ruddock and a nation went poty.
GJ is a passionate Welshman of that I have no doubt but he's not an international coach. In the modern game the national coach has to be brutal. Stephen Jones is no Wales Capt his form has been effected. James Hook is an out and out no 10 and could be the best in the world with maturity he has it all, but Jonathen Davies was the best this countrys ever produced Barry John wouldn't have lived in the modern game that's being brutally honest.
Czekai is not an international and he never will be. You need to be an animal and as hard as nails to be a ball carrier in the modern game, Ryan Jones is to nice a guy, Alex popenham is an animal a no 8 and as hard as they come. Shane williams is good but has done nothing against world class oposition that's being brutal. D james is playing out of his skin for the scarlets I rest my case. So France up next here we go then. Horseman Jenkins and a hooker who can throw the ball in. Gough Cockbain D Jones popenham Williams Peel Hook Henson Shanklin Jones James G Thomas all at there absolute best and France will ...... themselves then Eng at Cardiff but someone has to be brutal Mike Ruddock where are you.
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wales were dire and scotland were only average. however anyone saying that steven jones doesnt deserve the captaincy i would like to point out the only player worth his salt on the wales side yesterday for the whole 80 minutes was stephen jones, maybe its too much pressure but for putting out perfomances he was steps ahead of the rest of the welsh team
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Not surprised to read the focus of Saturday's rugby was another England bog standard performance, the tedious manner of which seemed to influence all comments on Scotland v Wales. Is it surprising to find almost zero mention that Scotland totally dominated play yesterday? Nope. We had an off day against England (who had a rare on day) and are suddenly dreadful again. To read the comments of the yawn inducingly blinkered 大象传媒 team of Guscott, Inverdale et al is to suggest Scotland v Wales was a one dimensional kicking contest. Not the case for anyone who watched the game. As for another loudmouthed ex Wales international (is there any other type?) castigating Wales for being "dominated by such an average team", any chance of the 大象传媒 reporting a little more pro Scottish commentary? We played good rugby yesterday, utilising an outstanding backrow and an inventive stand off. A little credit wouldn't go amiss.
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So Scotland played "good rugby" against Wales? Jeez, I'd hate to be watching you on a bad day!! No faulting the commitment from the Scots but they just don't excite, a try tally of 5 for last season's 6 Nations (in which Scotland did so well!!) says a lot about their lack of fire power. The back division lacks pace and skill and the days of Rutherford, Renwick and Robertson have long since past into history.
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So Scotland played "good rugby" on Saturday? Heavens, I'd hate to have to watch Scotland on an off-day! This game was poor stuff for the neutral observer, plenty of effort much not much real entertainment. The problem for the teams is that neither has the quality in the backs to score tries - Scotland's try count in last season's 6 Nations was 5, and this was hailed a successful tournament for them, meanwhile the Welsh have yet to get over the try line in their two matches this time out. Nevermind, no doubt the Scottish press will be telling us what a fantastic win it was and how well Scotland will do from now on. Yawn.
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I'm really glad Scotloand managed to get a win under their belt. As for you Welsh fans, don't worry us Scots know what it feels like to be 2 & 0 in the 6 nations.
I have one point to make though. Why is MArcus Di Rollo still in the Scotland team?????? Yet again on Sat he showed that he brings nothing to the team. Dewey was a monster in the midfield & deserves more than that limp noodle di rollo playing outside him.
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1. Being almost offside is being onside.
2. Cockbain was in bed with flu, not dropped. (See his 大象传媒 blog).
3. Scotland must realise that spreading the ball wide is not an end in itself, it should be a means to an end. The Scottish midfield never commits defenders who simply keep drifting out. I sometimes wonder if things that are obvious from the North and South stands are missed by coaches on the sidelines.
4. It wasn't clear from where I was why the ref (can we please have a Kiwi, just once?) thought he had interfered when Dewey was through.
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I'm just getting a little fed up of all the negative comments which seem to be flying around. Firstly, the conditions were not great for flowing, exiting rugby, it was bitterly cold and wet and the game was always going to be a slog for the forwards. Secondly, all we are hearing is that Wales were so bad, has it not entered into anybodys head that they were bad because of the pressure they were put under by a very well drilled Scotland team? I find it ironic that because there were no tries peoples seem to assume that the game was boring, believe me, I was at the game, it was anything but boring. If this was an England game which ended with no tries but an England win all we would hear is that it was a great England victory grinding down gritty opposition. Sometimes games are like that, they arern't pretty but people have to take into account the conditions and how important a winning result was for both teams. Fortunatly Scotland came out tops on this occasion and well done to them.
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I'm just getting a little fed up of all the negative comments which seem to be flying around. Firstly, the conditions were not great for flowing, exiting rugby, it was bitterly cold and wet and the game was always going to be a slog for the forwards. Secondly, all we are hearing is that Wales were so bad, has it not entered into anybodys head that they were bad because of the pressure they were put under by a very well drilled Scotland team? I find it ironic that because there were no tries peoples seem to assume that the game was boring, believe me, I was at the game, it was anything but boring. If this was an England game which ended with no tries but an England win all we would hear is that it was a great England victory grinding down gritty opposition. Sometimes games are like that, they arern't pretty but people have to take into account the conditions and how important a winning result was for both teams. Fortunatly Scotland came out tops on this occasion and well done to them.
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Agree with the poster who lamented Wales' inability to speed thru the passes since Ruddock has gone.
Real lack of shape, angles and dynamism in the backs.
The first choice props (Jenkins and Horseman) must be played every game. If you cannot get your scrum right then the rest will fall apart - as it did. Sidoli is not international class, sorry.
Ryan Jones too slow of thought put Popham at 8, and keep RJ for impact. Charvis at 6. M.Williams as Capt - he is a thinker and Wales' best player and passionate.
Peel, S.Jones (Hook to deputise), Henson, Shanklin, M.Jones, S.Williams, Morgan in the backs - with Alfie to come back.
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I was at the game - in summary
Scotland - good line out, scrum and defence and tactical decision making was better than it used to be
Wales - good defence, malfunctioning line out and poor scrum - they also lacked leadership across the team and that showed
Once again the Welsh fans are a wonderful group of people and it was a pleasure to be around them.....
I am proud the team bounced back - no one gave them a chance or expected them to win...
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I was at the game - in summary
Scotland - good line out, scrum and defence and tactical decision making was better than it used to be
Wales - good defence, malfunctioning line out and poor scrum - they also lacked leadership across the team and that showed
Once again the Welsh fans are a wonderful group of people and it was a pleasure to be around them.....
I am proud the team bounced back - no one gave them a chance or expected them to win...
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I was at the game - in summary
Scotland - good line out, scrum, defence and tactical decision making was better than it used to be (i.e. the cleared rather than running out from their back line)
Wales - good defence, malfunctioning line out and poor scrum - they also lacked leadership across the team and that showed
Once again the Welsh fans are a wonderful group of people and it was a pleasure to be around them.....
I am proud the team bounced back - no one gave them a chance or expected them to win...especially the TV "experts" who to a man have nothing but contempt for Scotland - if they ever mention them in between St Johnny worship...get some decent commentators Bill we miss you badly !
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The moment the game finished, I suspected how many commentators would write up the game - as boring and lifeless - and, blow me down, they did. I'm amazed at the number of people who write about this game, who seem unable to appreciate any aspect of it apart from whizzing the ball around the backs, with lovely miss moves and scissors leading to length of the field scores. You only have to read the 大象传媒 "report" to see what I mean.
What's great about rugby union is there are so many different aspects to it, and so many ways to win a game. It's not as though it was a poor game, it just wasn't a Super12 game. The forward play was gripping, if you like/understand that kind of thing. I was impressed with the Scottish effort both in the tight and the loose, especially as Martyn Williams was playing a blinder for Wales till he was taken off (Why him? He was about Wales' only source of ball).
Of course there were errors, especially in the backs, but it was pouring with rain and freezing cold. Any team should play to the conditions, and Scotland managed that better.
Honestly, I get the impression that there are people who call themselves rugby fans who've no idea about what makes up 90% of this code. Perhaps they should stick to waching 7-a-side games, or maybe they'd prefer netball - lots of passing, lots of goals and no boring work on the floor.
Oh and lastly, did anyone else notice that just as the whistle blew for, I think, Scotland's last penalty, Dewey, (Was it? I'm not quite anal enough to check) had gathered the ball that a Welsh hand had flipped out of the ruck and was through for what looked like a pretty certain score. What happened to advantage? Had Scotland infringed in some way after the original hand in the ruck offence?
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i dnt think czekaj is a bad player, jst been thrown in too soon for his liking. bru looked powerfull wen he came on against ireland so i would start him in his place. camera angles wer a bit iffy too.
referee denied two scottish tries, both for dewey for not playing advantage and standing in the way. is it jst me or recently referee's hav started blowing up quicker without waiting for any advantage?
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Jenkins selections don't seem very good at all. Stephen Jones didn't look good in the past two games at all. Hook didn't seem to be in sync at all in the 12 jersey. Why not play hook at 10? If not next game, why not against italy where it is a guarenteed win. Actually the way wales is playing i'm not sure of it really. But saying Henson is the best centre? Comon, he hasn't done anything since 2005 and the way hes playing for Ospreys i hope that he doesn't see any playing time in the Six Nations, and that is one of the only selections i do agree with Jenkins
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Jenkins selections don't seem very good at all. Stephen Jones didn't look good in the past two games at all. Hook didn't seem to be in sync at all in the 12 jersey. Why not play hook at 10? If not next game, why not against italy where it is a guarenteed win. Actually the way wales is playing i'm not sure of it really. But saying Henson is the best centre? Comon, he hasn't done anything since 2005 and the way hes playing for Ospreys i hope that he doesn't see any playing time in the Six Nations, and that is one of the only selections i do agree with Jenkins
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Jenkins selections don't seem very good at all. Stephen Jones didn't look good in the past two games at all. Hook didn't seem to be in sync at all in the 12 jersey. Why not play hook at 10? If not next game, why not against italy where it is a guarenteed win. Actually the way wales is playing i'm not sure of it really. But saying Henson is the best centre? Comon, he hasn't done anything since 2005 and the way hes playing for Ospreys i hope that he doesn't see any playing time in the Six Nations, and that is one of the only selections i do agree with Jenkins
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May I say how refreshing and informative (and moreover bang on the money) it was to read John Howell's post above (no.3) - we need more gentlemen like this on this interweb thing. I say we start a John Howells fan club !!
As for Wales, I was more disappointed (in attack) with Wales than I have been for years and years of watching the team. It is all the more frustrating knowking the fact that we could easily beat a Scotland who let's face it with 70% could not score a try. A great part of that must be to do with Rowland's defence but also the Scots only ever attacked down the 9/10 channel with Lamont and Dewey. In clonclusion however I am more upset with 2 matches no tries than I am with 2 matches no wins
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Obviously as people have noted the misfiring welsh setpiece was the main backbone of their problems. It is interesting that both Ireland and Scotland who have had pretty poor scrums (particularly front row wise) in the last few years seem to be more than holding their own. As the personnel of these teams has hardly changed in the front rows is this down to the change in the scrummaging laws. Perhaps a scrum expert could offer some opinions?
The Scots were so poor as an attacking force that the game could have been salvaged with anything like a cutting edge behind the scrum. Since winning the grand slam wales never ever seem to vary the tactics. They just drift laterally accross the field. How vital is Shane Williams who sometimes pops up around the scrum half position and offers different angles of attack. Desperately needed a bit of invention like that on Saturday.
Kicking from hand is still attocious generally in the 6 nations. Do teams not forget that if they do that against Nz it immediately signals try?
My team would be:
15 D James (ok not great pace, but solid and offers intelligent angles of running. Nobody is as bad a kicker as Kevin Morgan)
14 M Jones (did quite well against scotland one horror moment aside.
13 Shanklin (needs more games but still a class act)
12 Luscombe (if fit)(looks good in the centre. Particularly against France. Unfortunate like Shanklin with injury and the fact he's been played on the wing)
11 S Williams (if fit)(cutting edge we've lacked)
10 S Jones (Hook still learning Needs a big game though as the pressure is mounting. Give captaincy to Dun Jones)
9 Peel (offers flair)
8 R Jones (still quality and needs to be used more as a lineout option)
7 M Williams (mr relaible. If we had 15 Martyn Williams we'd be ok)
6 M Owen (lack of speed, but great hands and a more creative backrower)
5 A Wyn Jones (played well since introduction in the Autumn. Question mark as to whether he has the height for international second row)
4 Cockbain (adds a more competive edge in the loose. Too competitve sometimes)
3 C Horsman (for scrumaging)
2 R Thomas (still better than Rees. Lack of alternatives. Young Shervington at the ospreys looks like a useful thrower but he's not ready. Hooker is a major problem position in Wales and has been since the days of Alan Phillips)
1 D Jones (playing better than Jenkins despite last Saturday. Did well despite defeats in Argentina last year)
Bench: Phillips, Henson, Gough, G Jenkins, Sweeney, M Davies, Hook
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In reply to Trevor Ledger (post 46) multiple question marks don't win arguments, facts do. Popham came round from the side at every ruck he got to Cusiter....fair play to him - if he wasn't getting pulled up no need to stop - but this doesn't make Cusiter in any way accountable on the couple of occasions it happened. Peels contribution to the game: one half break and a slightly embarrassing attempt at a tackle on Dewey. Cusiter's contribution: numerous threatening runs, fantastic cover defence and at least three priceless turnovers. I realise that the Welsh will never acknowledge it but Peel was lucky on the Lions tour that SCW listened to the hype instead of looking at the facts and Saturday simply reinstated the fact that Cusiter is the better all round player of the two.
Additionally I do agree with the calls to bring back Michael Owen - he would bring some real bite back to the pack.
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I agree with most of the negative comments about the Welsh loss.
Pherhaps the rules should be changed to discourage panalties ??
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Please! Michael Owen!!!!
What a load of S**t. I was glad to see him dropped. He cant even run through a winger. He doesnt come close to popham, willams, jones or thomas.
get the basics right and let the three quarters do their job. Our centre partnership is hidious. Henson and Shanklin are not to be left out against france or we will lose. Hook and robinson wont have a chance against jouzion, fritz or traille. Lets get some solidity back and play some forward running rugby.
My team:
1 Jenkins
2 Rees
3 Horseman
4 Gough
5 Cockbain
6 Thomas
7 Williams
8 jones
9 Peel
10 jones
11 Williams
12 Henson
13 Shanklin
14 jones
15 byrne
Cockbain needs to be in there because he adds so much more agression to the pack - Thomas over popham because we dont need 2 scroungers like will and thomas is better in open play - jones for 10 as hook is out of his league at the moment and he cant play outside jones which is what is making jones look bad - henson at 12 because he works well with shanks and jones - shane speeks for himself and now morgan is out byrne is the next best due to his strength.
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What's all this negativity boys? Let's face it, we had an off day. Scotland are a very average team who played above themselves. Simple as that. 75% possession and they couldn't even score a single try. Now tell me, is that the mark of a good team?
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Always great entertainment reading the Welsh/Scots fan commentating on their games.
And yet......After all the big build up to the game as a "feast of entertaining rugby" and paragraph upon paragraph on the ability of the Celtic nations to "throw the ball around" and their intent to "dazzel us with running Rugby" as opposed to the "boring" england (the same one that learnt Scotland good and proper on the preceeding weekend) all we saw were two poor teams playing poorly. Nuff said.
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Bracchi (no. 71), if I was you i'd be feeling very negative. Scotland could (and with the bounce of the ball very probably would)have scored at least three tries against your boys. A thirty point margin would certainly have been a far fairer reflection on the game. Perhaps Scotland are not a 'very average team', but more a consistently underrated team. The longer the Welsh continue the delusion that their team have something to offer and are not simply overrated - as individuals and as a team - the better.
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I agree totally with rick (comment 1) it would have been great to see Sidoli try and drive with no boots and also I think that the cameras should zoom out a bit - enough to see all the players and there positions on the pitch but not too far - so we can still see the players numbers and faces.
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