Wales

ThinkingGame says...

If caps can be awarded for these games I think it makes sense in one simple way: it gives the debutants a "duckbreaker" with no real pressure, so if in a tournament or tour they break into the squad, there isn't the "0 Caps" under their name. It might be a psychological bonus, it might not, but to have the option and not use it would be wasteful, especially now there's genuine competitiveness and privilege to getting in a Welsh test team, and a requirement to deliver immediately (as opposed to ten years ago when Steve Hansen was hanging round pubs in Swansea handing them out to anyone over 6' 3").

Interesting seeing Evans and Jones at lock, since one of them would be expected to have moved up in the pecking order after Bradley Davies' thuggery ended his season. Evans has also played a lot of quality rugby since October, and could be important for continuity against Australia. So he must be risking fatigue playing here.

Aside from that, looks a sizeable pack and a mix and match backline. I think that means this Wales side will be looking to win, ugly if necessary, with controlled kicking from 10 and 12. Should be a good clash against an exciting Barbarians lineup. Only one winner though. They've got Shane.

I'm also very much in favour of the idea of him playing the first half for the Baa-baas, and the second for his country that was mentioned on the other article. Special circumstances for a special player.

Lastly, hope the weather perks up a little, and the pitch is ready for this. If it's heavy or cuts up the result should swing in favour of the "settled" side.

Posted 12:21 01st June 2012

jontheref says...

tha_mai

You are correct, can't remember the number of times, this is 3rd or 4th time.

Up to individual RU.

When Russia played the Ospreys, it was a test match, between one nation and another team, so they could award caps.

Don't know if they did.

I agree they are cheap caps, but with a players having numerous caps, and never starting a game, I don't really see the problem.

I do feel for the old time "one cap " wonders, who played 80 minutes, maybe of hell, like on the England tour to NZ and Aus, and Wales to SA in 1998, to see someone else rack up 5 caps as sub, in less time!

Looks a good contest. On the plane to Greece, so will miss it.

Beck.

Yes, he or Jon Davies will start in Australia on the 9th June.

May see that in a bar in Greece!

Posted 15:18 31st May 2012

tha_mai says...

as per other thread, Wales are entitled to issue caps for whatever games they feel are appropriate, up to the individual RFU concerned.

Just my opinion, but these ones are particularly 'cheap' caps it is very much a Wales XV with so many of the 'real' test team watching on tv in Brisbane.

Happy to be corrected but i think this is the third time since 1996 Wales have done this; unsure if any other country has done so in that timeframe. The Barbarians players cannot be issued caps as they are a club not representing a country.

Anyway that's a side-issue - on with the game - and may the best team on the day win.

Posted 08:35 31st May 2012

pembs says...

Beck will be on the plane to oz so I think must be starting out there

Posted 06:36 31st May 2012

ShamanSheep says...

yeah Wales are awarding caps. Is Beck injured or something? What has Warren done to warrant a place above him?

Posted 20:48 30th May 2012

bluechief says...

I cant believe they haven't picked Beck. Same old rubbish playing Hook out of position.

Posted 16:53 30th May 2012

melkdave says...

I have to say its a simalar team to Englands a mix of 1st XV and experianced players with promising youngsters.It looks a good team lets just hope the Baebarains also respond with a good team,and the match is a cracker.Really looking forward to seeing how Robinson -Williams and Bigger do ,along with the new props and Hook at 12,which imo is his best position

Posted 16:01 30th May 2012