Wales Rugby Team To Face Australia - 1st Test

[@samothemano]

I’m actually pretty excited with this team. More confident than I was earlier when I was expecting costelow and winnet to start. I’m stoked to see Tzuinsa at lock. Him and Jenkins could be immense together. I totally agree with your take regarding Cory Hill. He shouldn’t be anywhere near the squad. We really need a win in Saturday. Aus have 7 new caps in their 23. We are (for once) the vastly more experienced team and if we don’t beat this struggling wallabies team, who will we beat?? Great video as always bro. Let’s hope for a big performance in Saturday! 34-27 to wales

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

I’m feeling more confident mate, but that’s mainly due to the standard of the Australian team to be honest as you said😂 I think it will be a grind, but I think it will get a good win Saturday and I’m really looking forward to it Hopefully we see some more idea of an attacking structure this week to give us something moving forward 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@benstradling7615]

When Ben started at 10 for Cardiff in south Africa Cardiff went on to have one of their best wins all season so he can differentiate play there I was surprised to I thought we'd see him at 12 to take some of the pressure off Sam but healthy competition for the 10 shirt can only be a good thing .

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Totally agree with you mate and he did have a really good performance in that shark game. It’s just the fact that he’s gonna go back to Cardiff and not play 10 at all. That’s my only gripe

[@shaun30-3-mg9zs]

Hi Christian, lets hope we have a good game on Saturday, and I know that Australia are going to hit us hard, after the exit at the last world cup losing 40-6 to us this will be a nail biting game. I would like to see Liam Williams on the bench and bring him on for the last 20-25 mins of the game, Lets see how we get on this Saturday, Pob Lwc ! As always a great review, catch you soon Take care

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah, excited to see what this team can produce. I’m really hopeful that this is our first win in a long time because we desperately need one. Enjoy the game, mate, and I’ll catch you in the review 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@isitwasit8756]

The 10 debacle for wales continues .. agree with most you said about selection its head scratching to say the least...

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Hard to understand what the selection policy is at the moment 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@RRTNZ]

Wow ! Costelow allan! Efallai allen ni'n ennill ! Diolch yn fawr am dy analysis ar y tim newydd. Dwi’n teimlo dipyn bach gobeithiol ! Cymru am byth 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Diolch am gwylio. Yma o hyd

[@montybrewster7]

I think you're spot on with your confusion surrounding ben thomas at 10. I have no idea what gatland's thinking is there for all the reasons you mention. I'm confused with the entire makeup of the back line to be honest. It's great to see tshiunza get a start so i think that's going to be good to see how he goes. I don't expect us to get a result from this but i keep hoping we are going to see some sort of attacking invention. Here's hoping.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah I’m not mad that Ben is getting a shot at 10. It’s just if we develop him in that position over the next month he’s going to go back to Cardiff and not play there at all next year due to the competition at 10 so I’m not really sure, but I’m really just hopeful for a win 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@montybrewster7]

​@@TheWelshSportsPodcast My fear is the damage it could do to ben's international career. If he has a few poor games at 10, which if he's being asked to learn 10 at this level he'd be entitled to do, what is that going to do to his confidence & his opportunity to play 12? I had the same complaint when gatland started playing big george at 13. Slotting him in there in a crisis is one thing but if a player is not playing a position for their club what are the chances that they will be successful at international level? I’m not a sam costello fan but i do think ben has a lot to offer at 12 & don’t want him to suffer a knock in confidence playing under pressure at 10.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah, I think you’re right. Sam is a young player is developed into a quality inside centre and just as he nailed down his spot in the club and being one of the breakout please bring him into the international squad and move him out of position. Just doesn’t make too much sense to me 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@davidlee55]

Tight head is my only issue with the starting XV

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

I’m actually quite excited about Griffin tbh. This will be an interesting test to see where he’s at

[@clivesilver463]

Some good points made, I'll start with Costello, not impressed with him, but maybe his time is not now, Winett losing his place, is really moving over for Hathaway, a player Gats want to see if he cuts the mustard. Archie Griffin is another player given a chance at this level, I agree that it's experimental time but with injuries and departures it's kind have been forced, Gatland with these new caps and positional changes is trying to find it's identity, and a interesting comment by Tomkins is that He said Wales have been simplyfing their attack more in training, so how that pans out we'll see. There is no other way than to try these players Wales do not have the stocks of others, this is a team low on confidence but all it takes is one good win to set things going, a change in coach will do nothing, I know the boys will give it their all, good luck.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah you raise a fair point. I really like the look of Griffin. I think he could be a bit of a monster in a few years. We just need to know to him through correctly and get him a good scrimmaging coach 😬

[@matthewharries5895]

I believe the reason Gatland is going with Thomas at 10 is because he believe the regions are a lost cause. They aren’t developing players fast enough. That’s why he has got to play players out of position. I think Thomas will go well at 10. I think that about Grady at 12. He doesn’t have the defensive capability to play 13, leaves far too much space. So playing him at 12 is a good shout. He’s there because he’s a freak athlete and he can be used to score opportunity tries, when they present themselves. That’s what “warrenball” is. His defence will hopefully come on a lot in these next few games.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

I don’t doubt Thomas will play well. It’s just we’re developing him here for a month then back to regions where he’s more or less only going to play 12. Seams a waste 😬

[@matthewharries5895]

@@TheWelshSportsPodcast true but it’s all experience. If Thomas can step up and play well now then Gatland has another option at 10. Rather than relying on 1 or 2 options he’s got another option. I’m really encouraged by this team. I think Costellow has to start taking his chances to perform sooner or later

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah I think that’s fair. I would have like to see Costelow start in a winnable game but maybe coming off the bench might suit him later if the pressure is off. I hope so. I feel a win coming tomorrow 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@matthewharries5895]

@@TheWelshSportsPodcast it’s the most optimistic I’ve been about a Welsh team since the World Cup. But I’ve been wrong before😂

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

😂😂😂 Let’s hope not mate 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@howardjones1180]

My understanding is that Lewis and Carter are injured. Don’t think Hill would be in the 23 if Carter was fit (and agree he shouldn’t be there at all). Surprised not to see Domachowski on the bench. So glad to hear you talking up Carre. Unforgivable for Gatland to give up on that level of talent. Excited to see Thomas at 10, but very surprised he’s starting with that, and such a problem that he doesn’t have a 10 spot available to him at club level! Agree with you completely on Grady - get him games at 13. James, Llewelyn, and Hawkins (fingers crossed!) are the future 12s. Disappointed not to see Mackenzie Martin in the 23 - high hopes for that guy. Obviously would have wanted Eddie James on the bench instead of Tompkins. C’mon Wales!

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

That makes more sense. It’s just when I was reading this morning I couldn’t find any updates on injuries about them. At least that makes sense why you would be forced to have Hill in the team. I’m not mad at Thomas starting at 10, but as you said, he’s not going to be playing there at club level so what’s the point in developing him in that position?

[@levigriffiths8213]

Dont think Ben thomas is a long term option at 10 but could be handy for this game. Helps Bevan having Thomas and Grady outside him that club familiarity. Pretty harsh leaving Winnett out of the squad but by the looks of this one Gatland is desperate to get a win under his belt.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah, seems like Winnett is a casualty of a lack of attack out wide and maybe he’s hoping Hathaway will spark something. I’m hoping too to be honest 😂

[@worldallycat]

I like this side on paper. Maybe a swap with Watkins at 12 and grady 13 but I'll take it

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah fair, I’d defo swap them two though

[@fazeobama6606]

I want to see Thomas at 12 with grady at 13 personally with costelow at 10. never the less I'm excited to see what this team can produce there is definitely some potential there. really upset to see no regan grace he looks like a real star

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

That’s would me my 3 in the midfield. I would have stuck with Costelow for this one and try to get him some confidence

[@evanmillership6219]

Great video, thanks mate

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Thank you 👍🏼

[@markengelbrecht3390]

Wales can just get better...good luck with Aussie test...🇿🇦

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Thank you my friend 🙏🏼🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🇿🇦

[@garethdavies4515]

Where you say sending the message to the other players, gatland won’t worry he’s probably only here till the World Cup 👍

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️

[@callumraza5046]

Sorry to say but i think we may have a big win against Wales, especially now we got rid of Eddie as we were fairly decent under Rennie

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

It will be a good series I hope 👍🏼

[@timphillips9954]

Never met a humble Aussie.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

😂

[@MarcWilliams-nz4be]

Is will Roland’s injured?

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Rested for this one after the birth of his child a few months back

[@DavidShort-q1d]

Very interesting and experimental selections by Warren for this test match against the wallabies. Agree about B.Thomas he should be playing at 12 not 10 [ but i dont think S.Costelow is ready for test match rugby TBH ] With M.Grady playing 13 Pack still looks veey weak to me except for a QUITE DESCENT Backrow Going to be very surprised if Wales actually win here to be honest Even with J.Schimdt also looking like his experimenting To me it still looks like Gatland is looking more to the Autumn series of matches to narrow down his selections Where he will have access to the likes of C.SHEEDY,GANSCOMBE,H.THOMAS J.MORGON.E.DEE ect And alot better idea of what the young Welsh talent can do As he will have looked at most if not all of them by then

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

I feel we got a pretty good opportunity to win here. More due to the calibre of the side that Australia are putting out but at this point I’ll take a win no matter who is against.

[@Jon-bk2yw]

With ben thomas selected at 10 could it be a signal that Wales are going to play a more expansive attacking game? . anyways all the best to you wales and Welsh supporters for the test,from a kiwi hopeing for a wales Victor y

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

I think it means he gonna kick a lot. He’s got a big boot so they might be thinking use that weapon 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Jon-bk2yw]

​@@TheWelshSportsPodcastthank you hopefully he keeps the wallabies pinned back deep in their own territory

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah I hope so. I’m feel positive for the win 😬

[@stephenthomas9531]

Why not. Can't be any worse than Costello. Will say that 10 & 12 isn't a big difference. Overall, not a bad team for me

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Just the Ben Thomas not playing 10 at Cardiff makes me wonder what the end goal is. I have no doubt he can do it he’s quality

[@spud7823]

Calm down, it's exciting to see young players get a chance, Rassie done the same with South Africa in his first WC. they were unfancied and thought to be no hopers, Gatland is treating the same path, he is stressing the young players to see if they have international quality, the scratch team against South Africa performed quite well, didn't get the rub of the green, this is a long term plan, the regions have lots of young talent coming through, we hit the bar in the six nation's, against Scotland and England with a young team, to rip up the plan now and get rid of a brilliant coach will be crazy, the U 20s are getting stronger and the pathways, people need to be patient and get a grip, there are autumn internationals on the horizon, and more opportunities again, but I think the next six nation's will where things will happen, with a aging Ireland and Scotland team, and England have to come to Cardiff, last time Wales had a whitewash, they went on to a grand slam, this team as echoes of that, rugby an change quickly, we need to wait a little longer.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

I though I was being calm 😂

[@spud7823]

The only gripe I got, Rhys Henry never went, he give Brock Harris a rough time, look a Future one.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah I’m a big fan of his. Certain looks more of a prospect than O’Connor to me

[@richardrees3225]

Dillion Lewis is injured, Ben Carter should be in unfortunately misses out. Ben Thomas at 10 is a good thing. Sam Costellow has been poor , Ben Thomas controls the game better and his kicking is so much better than Sam Costellows. 12 and 13 is definitely the wrong way round . Pretty happy with the squad tho. Let's see how it goes. When Sheddy is fit I think he comes in at 10 or even on the bench with Gareth Anscombe starting. Cory Hill doesn't deserve to be in the squad. 3rd division in Japan and in the squad is shocking . My worry there is no Wing/Fullback on the bench.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

I think Ben will be great at 10 just don’t get the long term plan with it 🤔 Didn’t know Lewis was injured. Great opportunity for Griffin though. I’m excited to see him develop over the next year or 2

[@pauledwards7340]

Wtf is going on with this coaching squad ? Cory Hill was one of the most overrated second rows ever to play for Wales .Agree on Mathias spot on ! Brilliant review again .

[@Omg-gf7li]

Totally agree about hill not good enough and not big enough

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Both very strange selections. I understand a coach has favourites but it’s to the detriment of the team

[@pauledwards7340]

Better props playing in the premiership !

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

🤷🏻‍♂️

[@cro649]

The Nick Tompkins interview was quite funny this week. Going back to the old way? It didn't work against the southern hemisphere then and it won't now. You're not Jamie Roberts, Nick. But neither is Grady. We don't have those types of players anymore. I'd rather Neil Jenkins justify his job and work with Costellow to get his confidence back. You can then try Ben Thomas at 12. Watkin would be 13. And then Grady, Dyer, Grace and Hathaway can battle for the wing positions.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah, I’m not really sure what’s going on to be honest. Just all seems a but scattergun at the moment and we really don’t know what he’s trying to do when he’s trying to go other than blooding youngsters I’m still hopefully for a W though 😬🙏🏼

[@cro649]

@TheWelshSportsPodcast Yeah have to hope for a win. That Welsh bench in terms of the front row is absolutely awful. It's barely Welsh premiership standard. Harri O'Connor is one of the worst props I have seen at that level scrummaging and that was relatively recent. Beggars belief how Domachowski and Dillon Lewis can't get in the 23. When you add the fact Nicky Smith and Rhys Henry have been ignored you really have to question if a welsh cap means anything anymore. I'm questioning Gatlands mental competency as much as I was Joe Biden's.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah, when you put it like that. Some of the props that have been left out for these youngsters doesn’t really make much sense to me. Hopefully, he’s more with it than sleepy Joe, but that remains to be seen😂

[@cro649]

@@TheWelshSportsPodcast Maybe they could do a job swap and be more successful than the other? 🤣 I don't think Biden's selection policy would be any less erratic... maybe even Morgan Morris would get a shot?

[@robday3968]

Honest to god, if your going to play a centre at 10, against the Wallabies, what message does this give to Costello, and/or any other genuine fly halves out there? Unfortunately I think Gatland has lost the plot now.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah I agree. I would have stuck with Costelow too. Get a win and some confidence under his belt 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@deanjones6149]

It doesn't bode well to have such inexperience at 9, 10 and 12, throw a debutante on the wing too 🤔

[@Jon-bk2yw]

looks like a tactical move to possibly go back to the traditional Welsh running style of rugby?

[@danieledwards6974]

Costello is not up to test level rugby, whether he has confidence or not. Gats is experimenting as what we have at 10 is pretty shocking at the moment

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

I don’t think Wales are going back to any sort of running style. I think Thomas has a really good boot an Gats is going to ask him to kick the leather off it. Hopefully I’m wrong but whatever gets us a win I’ll take 😂

[@cavangibbs]

Our bench looks very weak the props gotta be the worst in the international arena

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

No idea why he’s sticking with them. We have a couple of better options about

[@cavangibbs]

@TheWelshSportsPodcast would have been nice to have nicky smith and tom botha come on in the second half

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah agreed

[@jeffwatts4264]

He needs to settle the scrum area , we have no platform , i dont think ive seen the same front row play together twice in a row for years now , you cant judge any other part of the team when the scrum is going backwards in every scrum,

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah, I’m hoping Griffin is an improvement or we can develop him over the next couple of years because he’s a big unit

[@ghotio1927]

Gatland is a bit of a joke taking only one 10 and then picking a 12 at 10 ...... wtf ?

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah it’s a strange one. The proof will be in the pitch Saturday I guess 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@jamesgill9223]

I’m very happy that costelow is off the man is such a bad player

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

I think he will come good on a year or 2 mate. He just been handed the keys to a broken down car. I think we will see a decent player emerge over the next few year. I hope anyway 😂

[@jamesgill9223]

@@TheWelshSportsPodcast I would love Jarrod Evans to be honest that kid is very talented, harlequins don’t sign nobody’s

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

Yeah agreed. I’m a massive fan of his. I think he’s the better version of what Costelow could be

[@scottdawson1607]

I can't really comment on the Welsh squad,but sorry I rate Joe Schmidt a lot higher than I do Warren Gatland, and before you judge me, I am a Kiwi as are both Warren and Joe so I can comment on them.

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

To be honest at this point I rate Schmidt higher that Gats these days 😂

[@Omg-gf7li]

If you're a kiwi, then mind your own business

[@TheWelshSportsPodcast]

I’m hoping so. We’re desperate at this point 😂

[@scottdawson1607]

@@Omg-gf7li I am free to have an opinion about anything so f off