Agree completely. His running game is what has made him and that didn't even look that good/ got shut out pretty well against Uruguay. Ahh didn't actually know this, just assumed with the talk Anscombe would be a straight swap for this game. In which case it shall be interesting. Anscombe is a better 10 but if you're playing Biggar as well, having Anscombe at 15 is a pretty good team. He'll do his job well.
Do you follow Welsh rugby Rego? Why would Anscombe come straight in to play 10 when Priestland is there in front of him. Have to disagree with you're statement that Anscombe is a better 10 than 15, he did so well at the back for the Chiefs. People were saying he was an outside look for an All Black spot, but looks pressured with not as much time and space at 10. Ace goal kicker but that's about it. [MENTION=2932]Hurricane[/MENTION] I think Anscombe would be good, he's a calm player and as said above has the time and space at fullback. Lastly, surely Wales are going to play their top team against Fiji. If they win they are in the quarters, it's not a match you want to stuff up. They should be looking to get out to a good 15-20 point lead and can then pull there main guys off in the last 20.
Even if Wales win, if England beat Australia then Wales could very well still need something out of their game with Australia to go through. If Wales picks their best team here and has to do so again against us then if they reach the final their best team would have had to play six tough test in a row. This is why it is crucial that we beat England so we can give players a rest against Wales. If we have to pick our best team for both England and Wales then we will have to pick our best team for 5 games in a row. It's doable but it is very rare in international rugby that you even have to play your best team 3 games in a row. The Rugby Championship always has two weeks and then a break.
Only within the 6 nations/ the international team. I remember many years back some Auckland fan (NM11 - was a member here) saying how he'd be an AB etc. I absolutely shut him down and disagreed, I guess I was right but would have never picked him to represent Wales. Like I say haven't seen him play in recent times but always preferred him at 10. Doesn't quite have the explosiveness or tactical kicking from the back to make him a better 15 imo. Somewhat "solid" on defence though. He's a player that gets the job done, nothing more, nothing less. I look forward to see how he goes. Biggar shits on him though. Even with his dance moves EDIT: Regarding him coming straight in - having not been up with the news in the past 24 or so hours just figured that it was a given for some reason the way Cane/ you were posting. My apologies.
Fiji are too good a side to be throwing out a B team at. Like I said pull the main guys off after 60 minutes when the game is in the bag, it's the best option. Wales can't and shouldn't worry about what will happen between England and Australia they just have to make sure they get the 5 points against Fiji. Wales have 9 day turnaround after Fiji before they face Australia, that is long effort for a professional to recover provided he isn't seriously injured.
[MENTION=2357]Rego[/MENTION] I agree about, never thought he had the true class to be an All Black was just pointing out that people were talking about it. Also agree that due to his lack of class he is just a nice solid performer as you have said. Consistent though which is great if you have x factor players around you (not that I would say Wales do eg. North overrated).
I wouldn't say North is overrated as such. He's still very young but not quite the player he once was a year or so ago. Agree with your other points. I honestly don't think Fiji should be "too" much of a problem for Wales. They'll get the win, will they get the 4 tries? well that's a little debatable.
It's unfortunate for Wales that they play before the England game. Would give them a much clearer picture on what they have to do otherwise.
So true. Like I said all they can worry about is getting the 4 points firstly and then 5 is they can manage it, putting themselves in the best position possible. Australia/England has got to be (60/40) IMO.
Agree completely (on the 60/40 thing) said it before which English fans disliked but after that Welsh game it's so true. Australia are better than Wales imo but I doubt England will go napping again. It's going to be a bloody amazing game. I actually think the performance from the Aus backs will end up telling the full story. Expecting good performances from Folau, AAC and Giteau.
Wales have just released their line-up. Have replaced the two Williams for two Morgans and brought Cuthbert onto the wing. I actually expected North to be at centre but have no idea who Morgan is so he may be decent. Happy to see they have selected a strong line-up, great stuff Gats! No Anscombe though...
To give it another perspective, half the City of London won't be on a 3 day corporate-funded bender and might actually make the country some money.
Wonder what wales will do if they get the bonus point win versus Fiji and England lose to Aus? Play Aus at full strength to try and win and thus avoid SA & NZ or rest some players knowing they are going through?
South Africa should still top the pool putting away the Scots. But yes it will be very interesting if that happens (which is what I expect to happen) to see what both Australia and Wales do for their last match against each other. Early call, both teams for go for it and try to top the pool!