Off Topic Ospreys, Wales & BIL

Neath train to Cardiff on Saturday morning …

 

I can see Taff !

 

https://www.business-live.co.uk/enterprise/challenging-funding-outlook-faced-welsh-26144883

 

I used to hate speaking and dealing with Phillips - one of the least helpful guys I have ever had the misfortune to come across.

 

I hope they sing it as well, all the way through the game

 

Well I expected Ireland to win but also expected better from Wales, certainly in the first half. We had a good few chances and great field position and managed to bugger it up nearly every time.

There's been a disparity for some years in regards to ball handling skill, game management and basic discipline. I would love to see how we would perform with Farrell coaching Wales, just for comparison. I suspect though that the Irish players mindset is just more professional and focused. We have some great players but it's just not happening.

p.s. I can't remember hearing Delilah, surprised at that.

 

Have to say, I admire Scotland's ambition to play flowing rugby and a deserved win.

Wales younger players played well and maybe it's time to start more of them with the experience on the bench.

 

In some respects, the difference on the technical and ball handling skills can be explained by the respective ‘pathways’ of both countries: the IRU supports and finances the Professional teams, in Wales the WRU has, in my opinion - and experience - been nowhere near as supportive and helpful of the Professional teams ie the Regions.

As for Delilah, I read somewhere that the BBC muted the sound - not sure if that is correct as I wasn’t watching as I was watching the Swans

 

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-u...-rings-loud-proud-wales-fans-refuse-silenced/

 

Brutal and needs to be said. Although I doubt the WRU are capable of feeling shame. Will things actually change or is it just going to be a PR damage limitation exercise?

Enjoyed the ITA v FRA game. Really impressed with Italy's ambition and they stuck to it. So close! After seeing them play it makes me think Wales could be favourites for the Spoon now. Hopefully Gats can turn it around.

 

Based on Saturday, Wales could lose every game ….

Personally, I’d drop North and play Kieran Williams with Hawkins against the Jocks.

Cuthbert should be selected to mark Duhan - size against size.

Duhan would run through Dyer aka Lomu.

In the second row I’d pair Rhys Davies (for his dog) with Dafydd Jenkins, whilst in the back row I’d have Christ at blindside, with Faletau and Tips.

In the front row, there’s a case for changing both props - harsh on Thomas, but Wyn Jones is more mobile, whilst Dillon Lewis offers more than Francis around the park.

 

Six Nations 2023: Gatland omits veteran Wales trio against Scotland

A good move IMO. It had to be done sooner or later.