I Pick My Welsh Rugby Team To Face Australia

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Get your official Wales Jersey from Amazon bellow - amzn.to/3wkNmo7

[@deniss2623]

Good selection, Christian, especially Ben Thomas.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Cheers Den 👍🏼🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@jonathoncollins6861]

Good work mate. Loving the videos coming out

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Cheers Jono. Thanks for always watching 🤙🏼

[@jonathoncollins6861]

@@TheWelshSportsPodcast No worries mate. You always put out good stuff. Wouldn't surprise me if Wales do unexpectedly well this summer and surprise people. Then go into the autumn and six nations and lose every game. The old Welsh rugby boom and bust on the way 😂

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah you’re right tbh. At least if we won in the summer it would take some of the pressure off the young guy. Then need a break 😂

[@westy8065]

Good selection biggest call is Ben Thomas who will take loads of pressure off Costellow!! Good choice

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah not sure if that’s what he’s going to go for, but that’s what I would do

[@mountainman9145]

Wallabies in a very similar situation to Wales - both teams rebuilding and coming off past losses. The games in Australia will make and break a few players on both teams. Its gonna be a fascinating series for these reasons. The coaches of both teams should cherish the opportunity to begin to build their new teams for the next world cup. I predict very close score lines with a penalty here or there deciding who wins.

[@Sourdust]

In other words, Australia 2-0 ;-) Seen this movie before once or twice...

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

I was really worried after that SA game but I’m staying positive and I think we’re going to pull somthing out. We really need a result

[@howardjones1180]

Really interesting to hear your views. I’d go with: Thomas, Lake, Lewis Carter, Jenkins Wainwright, Reffell, Martin Bevan, Costelow James, Grady Grace, Hathaway, Williams Domachowski, Lloyd, Griffin Tshiunza, Plumtree Hardy, Thomas Beetham/Winnett I’ve always viewed Wainwright as a 6 (even though he’s been admirably brilliant at 8), but we don’t have a lot of big players and I think we should make space for Martin. Gotta start Eddie James - he and Grady make for the most exciting potential centre partnership of any nation. I’d want to bring Thomas on for Costelow in the 50somethingth minute, to give him some time at 10. But I’d still rather we had Sam Davies in the squad! And Williams has to be at fullback - let’s use his experience properly, and see what the new boys Grace and Hathaway can do. I’m hopeful Gatland will have the balls to go beyond his usual picks - we need to if we’re going to excite Wales fans and give us all some hope.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

I agree with a lot of what you’re saying, and I can’t really argue with any of your points. My only worry would be to make wholesale changes again when we’re really looking to find a squad to settle on and all the chopping and changing has not served us very well so far

[@davidlee55]

Personally we lack vall carrier up front so i would move Doma ahead of Thomas if Tongan Thor comes off the bench then you have one of our best loose heads to match. Second row yeah agreed backrow Plumtree for me at 6 with Reffell and Wainwright. Backline Bevan, Costelow, Grady, Thomas, Watkin, Sanjay, Winnett. Bench Lloyd, Thomas, Griffin, Tshiunza, Martin, Botham, Davies, Beatham. With the likes of Thomas, Grady and Beatham as back options a 6/2 split is very easy to do. We need to boss the forward exchanges vs Aus so this would set us up well.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

I think what you’ve said is probably closest to what he’ll go to. I like Domo but Gareth Thomas is one of his and his tackling is world-class you have to say

[@alfieb30]

i do think your centre selection was spot on though

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

💪🏼💪🏼

[@sionjames89]

Think I'd have Plumtree at 6 with Tshiunza as a hybrid off the bench- just hasn't convinced me as a starter yet. Love the centre combo- would be so excited to see Thomas at 12

[@sionjames89]

Maybe Davies off the bench too- think Hardy and Bevan are both there for their box kicking, so Davies could offer something different

[@sionjames89]

Also (sorry) think I saw you walking down Roath Rec the other day- I would have said hello but got starstruck...

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

I agree with you about the 6 issue. I just wanna give Tshiunza a look and see if he can make an impact. He’s had a good year for the chiefs bar the injury Ahh mate you could have said hello. I would have been shook though if you did to be fair 😂😂😂

[@sionjames89]

@@TheWelshSportsPodcast I'd love to be proven wrong. In fairness I haven't seen him at all since he came back from injury so maybe there's something there.🤣🤣next time!

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah that’s fair. I’ve not been sold either mate I just feel he’s got a little more experience that Plumbtree (granted not much) so I’m hoping he take a step up 🙏🏼

[@fazeobama6606]

for me morgan at six and tshiunza in the row. also can't wait to see some of these under 20s lads comeing through henesy and morse in particular! gotta have regan grave in there as well despite his change in sport he really has the x factor that I don't think dyer has to the same extent

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah, if Morgan was fit, then I would put him 6 too. Yeah, lots of youngsters coming through we just need time but it’s tough watching at the moment and I really hope we get a result in Australia.🙏🏼

[@fazeobama6606]

@TheWelshSportsPodcast oh yeah I forgot morgan was out injured sorry

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah such a shame. He would have made a real difference

[@jonathandavies6839]

Give Beetham a try...maybe at Full Back ... all the best from Costa Rica

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

I think we need to just let Cam cement his spot first then maybe give others a chance. Hope your keeping well mate👍🏼

[@paulhowells9650]

Unsure about Winnett ..his defence against SA was embarrassing .would have gone with Beetham at FB

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

That’s fair. I think there’s so much to come from both of them to be fair. Going to be an interesting battle between them over the next few years

[@gallois3]

Yeah, all good, and could challenge. barring injuries, of course

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Let’s hope so 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@garethdavies4515]

I agree with that 👍

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Great minds 👌🏼

[@matthewharries5895]

Agree with most of the team .Think Plumtree deserves to stay in the starting team. I honesty do not see costellow as being up to international level. So id say start Jacob beetham at 10. Looked far more comfortable than costellow did. Would probably stick with Grady at 12 and watkin at 13. Grady should be given a chance to learn how to play at 12 and see how he develops there. Maybe in time move him to 13 once he’s found his feet at international level. As long as he doesn’t start Tompkins I’ll be happy😂 Back 3 looks good and I’m excited to Hathaway get on the pitch. Nice video mate

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Cheers Matthew 👍🏼 Seams like they only see Costelow as there 10 atm so I’d stick with him. If Dan Edwards was in the squad then I might go for him. With you on Tompkins, I hope he’s nowhere near the team 😂

[@matthewharries5895]

@@TheWelshSportsPodcast I like Dan Edwards but I think he needs more time at ospreys to develop. Maybe next summer when the lions tour is going on he can get a run out for wales and have some freedom to play a little against softer opposition.

[@Sourdust]

Given Gats's traditional dislike for footballing 12s, I'm surprised Thomas is even in the squad; but I agree with starting him, especially given the Costelow situation. Hopefully he can do the job that Joe Hawkins was meant to do... Otherwise the team "picks itself" although that's not necessarily a positive any more. :-/

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah, the team mainly picks itself to be fair by one or two positions. I really do hope he goes with Thomas though what’s been going on so far isn’t working so why not Try something different?🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Sourdust]

@@TheWelshSportsPodcast Quite. But Gats only ever seems to "try something different" when his hand is forced. Stubbornness is probably his major weakness IMO. Observe how he's more or less said out loud that Dan Edwards can forget playing for Wales as he's "too small". The flipside of this is that when he IS forced to adapt, he often gets the best out of what he's given. This time it's taking longer but TBF the situation is pretty extreme.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah you make a good point in fairness. It’s really difficult to imagine we’re going to change much form the SA game but I think if anyone deserves a chance it’s Thomas

[@rhysjones9870]

Gatland really has limited the backrow options by not having a specialist 8, it really need to be Morris 8, Wainwright 6 and Reffell/Morgan 7, that backrow could compete with anyone

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

It just shows how much I’m gonna miss Toby🥹 I think Wainwright spot in that position though with his performances

[@DisAstra-qx9gq]

Morris isn't international quality.

[@rhysjones9870]

@@DisAstra-qx9gq on what evidence? Plumtree isnt, Mackenzie Martin isnt either yet they are both there

[@DisAstra-qx9gq]

@@rhysjones9870 Plumtree was developed in nz, the whole set up Is miles above what Wales have on offer. I'm not saying Plumtree is international quality but his basic skill level is above most of the Welsh set up. As for Martin, Wales need size, strength n power. He's 6ft 5 n 18n a half stone. Again I'm not saying he is international quality but he's a man mountain that will generate front foot ball. Exactly what Wales need. Morris, his stats look reasonable compared to other international back rowers but alot of international talent are man managed, so dnt play as many club games as Morris. He has some moments of quality but he's nowhere near the level of savea, roos, earl, dorris, conan, aldritt or even jac Morgan

[@rhysjones9870]

@@DisAstra-qx9gq Yet he is still 10 times the player of the other 2, Martins size is irrelevant if he cant even make 1 meter per carry and Pluntrees skills are useless if he is gonna concede 5 penalties a game or possibly get carded every match, its just dumb selection which has always been Gatlands weak point constantly picking out of form players, If he hasnt done it in previous years we would have won so much more but its cleae for everyone to see now he isnt half the coach people thought without Edwards around who was responsible for the majority of his success from Wasps and Wales

[@secondhalfcomeback]

Tshiunza not physical enough - sorry but I like Lydiate type player on the blindside

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

To be totally honest so do I. The issue is the only player really in Wales that similar is Alex Mann and he’s not in the squad so I wasn’t really sure who to put there 😬

[@MrKent1111]

I think he’s perfect. He’s an absolute beast just needs a run of games in my opinion.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

I’m hoping with a few games he will grow into the role 🙏🏼

[@MrKent1111]

@@TheWelshSportsPodcast 💯 mate big bulky aggressive 6 with reffell at 7, good bit of balance there I think.

[@randyschwaggins]

LRZ is the first name on my tea...oh no...ffs...😂😂😂

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

😂

[@StopTheRot]

Thomas Lake Lewis Daf J. B Car Tshiunza Reffell Wainwright Bevan Beetham Thomas Grady Dyer. Hathaway Liam W Winnett is good, but so are loads of players that don’t make their nation’s XV.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

I wouldn’t be unhappy if that was the team next week to be fair 👌🏼

[@shaun30-3-mg9zs]

Hi Christian, I do agree with your selection, may be Taine Plumtree and Ben Carter on the bench. And Play Calum Sheedy apart from that I like your choice. Lets see how it turns out Catch you soon Take care

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Cheers Shaun. Hopefully the boys pull something out the bag 👌🏼🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@DavidShort-q1d]

I do think we are both thinking on the same wavelength here As you have picked what would have been my starting xv and substitutes I also think we will see a completely different squad come the Autumn With the likes of G.Anscombe and C.Sheedy ,T.Williams N.Smith plus the injured J.Morgon ,E.Dee .H.Thomas ect Back in the squad Of the newcomers I think only C.WINNETT ,M.GRADY and B.Thomas along with T.Rogers are going to survive [barring injury ] tothe Autumnn Gatland though has been known to throw a few surprises though So we will see

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Great minds👌🏼😂 Yeah, I certainly think this is a bit of an audition, but there’s definitely some players in this team that have the chance to stay a claim and nail down a spot. Let’s just hope we get a result out in Australia 😬🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@deanpitman7255]

Hathaway starts.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Maybe I just think he will go with more experience that’s all

[@deanpitman7255]

@@TheWelshSportsPodcast Told you so! I coached him since he was 9, i know what he is capable of.

[@alfieb30]

Would like to see Mackenzie Martin in the 23

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

I just wanna see what Plumbtree can do. I think he’s got impact off the bench

[@alfieb30]

@@TheWelshSportsPodcast agreed but i think martin is the future and would be lethal of the bench with how explosive he is

[@cro649]

​@alfieb30 what makes you say this?

[@alfieb30]

@cro649 I think Martin is just better than plumbtree

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

I like big Mack and think he has a bit future I just think he’s got a few work ons before he’s consistently getting in the team that’s all

[@jaynelouise1969]

Dan Edwards should definitely be in the squad, never rated Costelow, and haven't seen any evidence to change my mind, Dyer has a great work rate, but he's like a headless chicken in defence, Wales' best 10 is playing for Harlequins, because Gatland "bizarrely" doesn't rate him, Jared Evans, scrap this nonsensical 25 cap rule, then get Joe Hawkins back, heour future 12...

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Jarrod Evans would be my pic. I think we need to leave Edwards a bit longer to develop having said that I am surprised he’s not in the squad at all Evans would be my pic. I think we need to leave Edwards a bit longer to develop having said that I am surprised he’s not in the squad at all. 🤔

[@coreymorris2692]

Apart from tshiunza that’s the team I would pick

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

You’d go for Plumbtree?

[@coreymorris2692]

@@TheWelshSportsPodcast yeah definitely, every time tshiunza has started at 6 he’s looked lost at international level.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah that’s fair. I just fancied a little more experience in the team. Wouldn’t be mad if Plumbtree started though