The Drama of the Welsh Rugby Back Row. Who Will Gatland Pick?

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

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[@damienowens242]

I'm glad you mentioned Faletue's world cup return. He was very impressive and sorely missed in the Argentina game. He's a definite starter for Wales. Great depth in the back row. If only it would filter down to the front 5.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah he was amazing considering how long he had been out for, he’s always been a fave of mine and if he’s fit he always starts for me. Yeah we really need a pair of props don’t we. Maybe and idea for a future video 😉😂

[@jukeseyable]

@@TheWelshSportsPodcastmartin needs time, doris for reland was critised at the start of his international career

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah he’s still so young. I think he will be the man for us in a few years

[@elliottball9898]

Great content. Love the insight and conversational style around these players. Hopefully we can find some balance in that back row as there's a tonne of quality but the hardest thing is getting all our best players in together without them being weak - literally - as a unit. Mackenzie Martin and Morse are both absolute units, hopefully they can start to get caps now behind the other lads because I see potential there.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Cheers Elliot. I’ve basically used the idea that you were talking about in one of my recent videos. So thank you for that 👍🏼 Yes, agreed there are so many good players now. The issue is going to be strike in the right balance but I’m sure we’ll get there. And I agree, as you said we need to nurture these young players through and we could cause some real issues for teams in the future

[@anthonyking5853]

Absolutely brilliant analysis 👍🏻

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Thank you so much mate🍻 Thanks for watching 👍🏼

[@sionjames89]

Great video mate. When you mentioned Rhys Davies I thought Teddy Williams could also be a shout there- he's really come on in the last 6 months and seems to be the right sort of athlete. Could argue he's a bit lightweight for second row but think he could thrive there

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah I think that’s a fair shout mate. I think the first game I seen him play for Cardiff was at 6 and I agree he’s come on a lot this season. Could argue we was unlucky to loose his squad spot after his Scotland performance. For me as a selfish Cardiff fan I’d like to see him stick second row but his best shot at getting in that Wales squad is probs at 6?

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah that’s fair. I just don’t think he’s got what it takes at the top 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@shaun30-3-mg9zs]

Hi Christian, good to see Toby Faletau back, but also Aaron Wainwright. A few others catch my eye, Mackenzie Martin ,Alex Mann ,Morgan Morris ,Harrison Keddie. good to see Jac Morgan back to fitness. Just my thoughts, Take care mate

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Thanks Shaun. Yeah there’s lots of good options coming through now. Lots of young guys too so it’s exciting Hope you’re keep well 👍🏼

[@garyt1119]

Refel and Morgan. One you can not not pick and one you can not leave out. The sort of problem we need. I have wondered how Basham would go at centre. He has the mobility strength and nouse.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Really good way to put it that is Gary. Slightly annoying they both play 7😬😬 A few people have said about Basham in the centre. I can’t see it myself. Has he played there before?

[@jukeseyable]

please no, back rows are not centers ever

[@davidvaughan4480]

@@jukeseyable Tiperic could have played centre

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Has Basham played in the centre in the past because in fairness a few people have mentioned this to me in other videos?

[@jukeseyable]

@@davidvaughan4480no, well not 13, absolutely not. potentially flankers could convert to 12, but 13. yes he had the finest hand of any openside, but that for me would only have had him as workman level. there is a world of difference giving the occasional nice pass in broken play, (and it would be broken play because if any openside is turning up in the 13 channel, it isnt off 1 st phase) to doing it consistently in the face of a set and in place defence. I could pass decently and kick as well in my time back in the day, and because of been fast enough I did get out there from time to time, (more often than a lot of 7s) when circumstances allow. but as an openside your list of things to do are normally long enough that you dont get the oppertunity.

[@robday3968]

We are blessed in the back row - there is no doubt. You could pick any combination of those players and they could do a job. In a way its a shame, because we are lacking so badly in other positions. In my personal opinion, I think you have to pick work ethic and commitment above all else, therefore you have to pick Reffell, Morgan and Wainwright. As you correctly said, Tshuniza has failed to impress, which is a shame because he has the size and apparent athleticism. As for Faletau, he is amazing, but I wouldn't want to see him get injured again. We need to convert this glut on back rowers into centres! what about Mann and Plumtree?

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Ha, yeah a few people have mentioned about Basham at centre. I’m not convinced myself and I think be have a few decent centres coming through. Maybe push Plumbtree up to second row? I take your point about Toby though. Would really hate to see him end his career on an injury 🥹

[@StopTheRot]

Well, luckily for us, 5 back row forwards can be picked in each team.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

I guess so

[@rhysjones9870]

I still really wanna see Morris at 8 in the summer, move Wainwright to 6 and switch betweem Morgan an Reffell at 7 but we are lucky we have so many options

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah that’s fair. Do you think Gats is finally gonna give him a shot?

[@rhysjones9870]

@@TheWelshSportsPodcast Nope i think he will bring Faletau back in and Morris will continue to be the best uncapped player in Wales 😅

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

I agree mate. Bit of a shame really. He should give him at least a spot in the squad to have a look at him

[@worldallycat]

I've been watching the Welsh regions and from what I can see the ospreys have exactly what Wales have been lacking. Players who can get over the gain line and actually compete physically. Morris and Ratti. Kieran Williams, Watkin, a 10 with some authority and presence in Williams.,Nicky smith too. I think the majority of the side should be the ospreys with a few outstanding players from the other regions.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah it’s hard to argue with you especially when you consider their strong set piece aswel. Hopefully they have a big game tonight and represent Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@RRTNZ]

Shwmae but, Jac Morgan mewn chwech yn bendant, a Tommy Turnover am Saith . Am rhif wyth, Wainwright... Dim problem.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Rydw I yn hapys gyda hynnu os Toby ddim yn fit 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@nre1553]

Why no James Ratti?

[@cro649]

And why no Morgan Morris?

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

I did mention Morgan morris 🤷🏻‍♂️ As for Ratti, I just see him as a solid regional player and that’s it. Just my opinion

[@cro649]

@TheWelshSportsPodcast Did you? I know I was tired but I must have drifted off. Nothing to do with you putting me to sleep 😆. I'll watch the 8s again! 😳

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

😂 wow harsh. Nah joking. He was after the 8s when I talked about players that could get call ups

[@davidlee55]

I dont think Faletau will come back and hoping for someone who we haven't seen in 6 months and has injury issues isnt something we can do. Reffell is a world class 7 but he doesn't fit in this Wales team. We need players who can carry the ball and get gainline. Reffell works well at Leicester but he has Jasper Weise, Julio Montoya and Leinbenberg who do the carrying work. Tshiunza hit rucks and clears out and retain ball better than any other welsh player. You watch for Exeter he will often be the guy securing the ball before they score and usually single handed that generates quick ball and more players on his feet. He has been coached so well at Exeter. You look at the stats for the six nations ruck arrivals Daf was top of the chart. I do think Gats will end up putting him in the second row but once he has filled out more. Alex Mann yes will again fill out as he ages but he's Wales version of Peter O'mahony and I love it. The future is bright and looking at squad depth say we take Alex Mann, Taine Plumtree, Jac Morgan, Tommy Reffell, Aaron Wainwright and Big Mac to 2027 its a good backrow squad. Gats wants athletes that's why he picks these players because they will only get better with experience players who are good but due high iq rugby brains aren't going to have the ceilings these players do.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Really interning read, thanks David. I agree about Reffell but I just leave him out. His presence at breakdown is just so important any team. As for Tshiunza you make a really interesting point I don’t get to watch much premiership. I generally just watch the highlights so I guess I am missing stuff like that, but I really like that observation and that’s something I’ll look out for And I love the Mann/O’Mahony comp. Because that’s a player that we’ve actually missed over the last few years, and I definitely think he will develop into a real top quality player he just needs time. But you are right as I pointed out in the video. We have a lot of young guys who have gained experience now and heading into the World Cup will have even more of it. The future is bright 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Thanks again, really enjoyed reading your comment👍🏼

[@davidlee55]

@@TheWelshSportsPodcast Yes completely agree that Reffell probably is the best jacklar in Europe. It's the balance of it all. Tshiunza gets a hard time because he's a big physical unit and everyone's like why isn't he like Etzebeth? He's just not the same kind of player. Mann is probably one of my favourite players almost solely down to his attitude. Anyone who is willing to get into a scrap I'm all for it some of the Welsh players need that kind of edge. Great content look forward to see more. Good luck if you do front row and second row. As again I think we have a couple of players who most would consider un-droppable at the moment who again are good in a system but don't work in this current system.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah, agreed about him being the best in. Yeah, I guess you’re right about Christ. I guess because he was so highly touted and he is such an an athletic specimen. We just expect the absolute best from him 🤷🏻‍♂️ Yeah, so glad you like Mann. He is quickly becoming one of my favourite players, just with his doggedness, tenacity and his chop tackles. Thanks mate, really appreciate it. Love talking to people in the comments, everyone is generally well informed. Yeah, I might look at the Tight heads next. But that’s going to take some research and time I think, because I’m a winger by trade, so the front row is a dark place for me😂

[@davidlee55]

@@TheWelshSportsPodcast Just work on the premise no one knows what goes on and everyone thinks none of the Welsh tight heads are good and we need to recruit South Africans.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

😂 I think that’s a completely fair analysis 😂

[@Sam-li8yg]

It's unfortunate that our three best backrowers are Reffell, Morgan and Wainwright. The balance is off if we have those three starting and we probably need some more size in one of the positions. I think the best options for the future (post Faletau) are 6.Tshiunza/Plumtree 7.Morgan/Reffell 8.Wainwright or 6.Morgan 7.Reffell 8.Mackenzie Martin.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah fair point. Maybe Mackenzie Martin in a couple of years time. Still not convinced on Tshiunza though. Need to see more impact from him to get selected regularly

[@jukeseyable]

@@TheWelshSportsPodcastagreed, tshiuna looks like he is away with the faries when he plays, physically he could do a job. but i'm not sure that he is bright or aware enough, in fact I'm been polite, he isnt bright or aware enough

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

😂 Yeah fair enough. He almost seems a little bit behind play like you said. He is young though, so with his athleticism they will always be scope to improve🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@jukeseyable]

@@TheWelshSportsPodcastCan you improve a brain though to the same degree. I am small for openside, but im also a bit of a geek, always did well in school, and have a 1st degree, so could always leverage analysis and judgement over strength. size can only take you so far, especially if you waste it with doing the wrong thing. This is what made warburton great, for me along with hooper the finest traditional opensides of their generation. Brilliant split second decision making. God tier for me the pair of them. cant ignore Tupiric either, a bit less dog, but better in attack, with a gliding running style that you normally see in outside backs. I could lean towards these 3 been more than just generational tallents, but there is some tough competition for that title.Dare I say it, better than Mcaw. Morgan clearly has it in the top few inches. But for me a massive loss is Navidi. for me he was at the top table for blind sides. I can think of some peers, but none better. im 50 now, and cant recall a better Welsh blindside. Emyr lewis and lydiat were good at what they did, but their skill set was narrower, and frankly I think navidy matched their carrying and tackling prowes respectivly . But did more across a wider role thn they did, at a higher level. criminally under rated for me. the equal of falatau, just with a much shorter career

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

I think you raise a really interesting point. I think you do certainly learn as you get older and more experienced, but there is a limit similar to you can get bigger in size but only a certain amount. Your point about split-second decision, making makes me think of Reffell at the breakdown. Just knowing when the right time to go for it is and having the ability to get there. That’s why I think he’s world-class. I would find it hard to argue with you over Navidi (I am in Cardiff though)😂 he really did bring a physical edge. That is something we kind of lack now and I do agree, he was underrated but i still don’t think he’s an equal to Toby 😬

[@slychord_]

I reckon Basham could put in a shift at 8 due to his carrying presence. Me personally, I haven't seen enough consistency in Wainwright's carrying in that Jersey.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yes, Basham could definitely play eight. The only problem with putting him there is then the back row lacks any size, obviously depending who you pick on the flank Agreed about Wainwrights carrying. But I do think that’s an area he is improving in

[@davidvaughan4480]

Cant drop Refell cant not pick Morgan cant drop Wainwright 7,6,8 simple really but we are so blessed in the back row

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

I wouldn’t be mad at that. But, I do love Toby. I still think he’s got that game breaking ability

[@howardjones1180]

Can’t disagree, but I do have concerns about the line out with Reffell and Morgan together in the back row. Sod’s Law that Wales would get (arguably) our two best players in the same position!

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

I know so gutting 😬 I do take your point about the line out though. I guess Waino or Toby at 8 are still good options?

[@adrianmeredith7619]

Absolutely agree, they are our best options.

[@adrianmeredith7619]

Morgan back at captain but fly half is our real problem.

[@iestynjones523]

C.Tshuniza could play lock or n6 has the physical ability to play 5 I think. Would mind seeing him in that role. Number 6- Wainwright overall better player, A. Mann lacks physical atm but good defensively. plumtree better skilled with ball in hands, injury problems though. Number 7- Unfortunately I think Morgan and Reffell are gonna have to fight for n7. Prefer Morgan for his captaincy and overall game. (Also have younger Harri deaves small who could come in future) N8- Faletau best player in position worry about injury and age, Basham great aggression charge at defences like Ben earl but too hotheaded sometimes needs calmness added to his game. Future 8 M. Martin or morse. Think fitness is what both these players need as well as more game time.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Wouldn’t mind seeing Christ have a run there. Not sure he big enough to play there all the time. I really hope he tries Reffell and Morgan 7&6 just to see how it goes. I like the Basham/Earl comp actually similar athleticism. Lots of young guys coming though though which is promising 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏉