Alun Wyn Jones to captain Wales

gearstick

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/welsh/7917686.stm

First off, ive no idea why wales have named their team so early. However i have heard Alun Wyn Jones being suggested as captain on this forum before so thought this would be interesting. Granted, this is largely a second string team but its obvious Ryan Jones hasnt been at his best recently, is it possible AW Jones will retain the captaincy?

nacho libre

"Wales have never lost against a northern hemisphere side when Henson has started and he partnered Shanklin to the Grand Slam in 2005 and 2008. "

Hopefully we'll change that!

toomevara

This means that POC is now effectively a shoe-in for the Lions capataincy....

Webbs

While I think that POC will be Lions captain, I dont think that the fact that R Jones has been rested has any baring on that fact.

Gatland would not pick him just because he is captain if he thinks it will be in Wales interest to have a risk free run up to the Ireland game.

I think it says more about Powells chances for the Ireland game that he is picked at No8 for Italy. I think the Welsh preferred back row will be 7 Willams, 6 Thomas and 8 Jones with Powell as impact player to bring on

Serenity Now!

toomevara wrote: »

This means that POC is now effectively a shoe-in for the Lions capataincy....

As well as being the first name on the teamsheet, O'Driscoll will be skipper.
Betchya.

premierstone

Serenity Now! wrote: »

As well as being the first name on the teamsheet, O'Driscoll will be skipper.
Betchya.

Think McGeechan has repeatedly stated his preference for a forward been the captain

Noopti

Good choice as captain.

But Gatland is taking a big risk with his team selection.

1. The fact he made 10 changes could really get the Italians fired up
2. If the championship comes down to points diff he could rue not fielding his most destructive first 15.

Not saying it is a weak team (forwards not great though), but they might not score as much as the first team and that could be a disaster come the end of the tournament.
Wales will still win, but I don't think he is showing the Italians enough respect tbh.

Webbs

Noopti wrote: »

Good choice as captain.

But Gatland is taking a big risk with his team selection.

1. The fact he made 10 changes could really get the Italians fired up
2. If the championship comes down to points diff he could rue not fielding his most destructive first 15.

Not saying it is a weak team (forwards not great though), but they might not score as much as the first team and that could be a disaster come the end of the tournament.
Wales will still win, but I don't think he is showing the Italians enough respect tbh.

I also think the 10 changes would be a mistake with too many trying to play themselves into the Ireland game and play as individuals not as a team - similar happened against canada in the autumn. Maybe 5 at a push 6 changes
would not be seen as a red rag to a bull for Italy.
I also wonder how much the championship means to Gatland now the GS has gone- if it comes down to beating Ireland but losing the champ on points difference I think he will be pleased enough with his work moving Wales forward (the welsh public may say different though)

Noopti

Italy will look at this game and see that Wales lost to France based on a dominant, forward orienated performance, and that they have now changed 10 players and also weakened their pack considerably.

Plus, Italy will see that Wales changed 10 players and might think "they don't see us as a threat".

They will be up for this big time. Although, still can't see them winning!

anonymous_joe

Noopti wrote: »

Italy will look at this game and see that Wales lost to France based on a dominant, forward orienated performance, and that they have now changed 10 players and also weakened their pack considerably.

Plus, Italy will see that Wales changed 10 players and might think "they don't see us as a threat".

They will be up for this big time. Although, still can't see them winning!

Italy just seem to have gone so far back since last year. It's got to be worrying them.

bleg

lions captain will probably be irish so. blair has not produced either.