Wales Rugby team stands strong chance against England
A new age has started for Wales, as it will be fielding a team shorn of stars like Gethin Jenkins, Ryan Jones, Lee Byrne, Martyn Williams, Adam Jones and Jon Thomas, over the Millennium Stadium on Friday night in Cardiff. Some of exclusions are due to Coach’s
preference, others as a result of injury and few others because of suspension. It is generally reckoned that Cardiff’s Richie Rees was suspended irrationally for 8 weeks, after a collision with Dylan Hartley’s eye area in a peevish match between Cardiff Blues
and Northampton Saints.
The team line up for Friday has been finalized as:
Paul James (Ospreys) Matthew Rees (Scarlets) Craig Mitchell (Ospreys) Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys) Bradley Davies (Blues) Dan Lydiate (Dragons) Sam Warburton (Blues) Andy Powell (Wasps) Mike Phillips (Ospreys) Stephen Jones (Scarlets) Shane Williams (Ospreys) Jamie Roberts (Blues) Jonathan Davies (Scarlets) Morgan Stoddart (Scarlets) James Hook (Ospreys)
The bench is cloaked under ambiguity, but it is clear that John Yapp will be replaced with prop Richard Hibbard at the position of hooker. Ryan Jones, the former captain might be taking the bench spot as a utility back row player. Jones will be playing at
lock if called upon or at number 8 as well. These developments will be resulting into exclusion of flanker Jon Thomas, who has been doing the same as Ryan Jones. Josh Turnbull is also expected to be playing in this match; the unfamiliar face has been giving
extravagant performances for Scarlets as number seven.
At scrum half either it will the experienced Dwayne Peel or the feisty Knoyle. Peel might be preferred due to his experience, while Knoyle is a young blood and might be a given a chance this Six Nations considering this tournament as his growth for World
Cup. Another outstanding Welsh player this season was Rhys Priestland, who has been filling in for Stephen Jones at Scarlets. Priestland has booted many goals this season and has improved considerately. Unlike Jones Priestland has the ability to run with the
ball with valor and technique. He is also expected to be at the Welsh bench.
There is a big question mark on Wales’ rugby that whether Warren Gatland will opt a new pair of legs for scrum, or include experienced back in the bench line up. The Welsh squad will be walking in the ground with real tight line up and experienced forwards.
Crowd won’t be expecting Paul James to take a backwards step because he does not own a Jenkin’d engine, but he is defensively sound and can do scrimmage neatly. Mathew Rees has also improved in past few seasons and has proved to be the best hooker in British
Rugby.
Alun Wyn Jones and Bradley Davies, the Welsh back row are a frightening amalgamation. The powerhouse of Davies combined with athleticism of Jones has rang alarm in Forward’s hearts before they come forward.
Shane Williams has made a comeback to a great relief of Wales, on the wing. Halfpenny has injured himself and is replaced by Morgan Stoddard in number fourteen jersey.
On the other hand the English team that will be facing the wrath of Welsh solid side is as follows:
Sheridan Hartley Cole Deacon Palmer Wood Easter Haskell Youngs Flood Cueto Hape Tindall Ashton Foden
As anticipated, this match is going to be one h**l of a war zone. It is a Game On.
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