Saffa here, this might not be the top team for Wales. Having said that, Wales always give us a helluva physical challenge. We need that and the Welsh team will benefit from playing against our boys in preperation for your test series. May the best team win. I'm super excited
Nicley put, but as a Welsh fan we have slipped way behind, the top six sides have a style Identity and a large pool of top players, Wales have none of this,your right in one regard that games between SA were tight but the last match was. World cup warm up, S A put 50 on us, Wales had a makeshift side that day, at this level it won't work.
much respect to Wales, as a South African Wales used to be minnows, not anymore always wary of Wales, my family on my mothers side is welsh but as a born and raised South African, go boks. Good luck to both teams but i see SA smashing it.
I'm glad James Ratti has his opportunity off the bench he's been going pretty well at the Ospreys and can cover No8 and flanker at a push. Couldnt understand the Cory Hill call up, some strange decisions being made! . It's going to be a tough day for our forwards that SA Pack is monster Apparently Etsebeth has more caps than our entire pack
I didn’t hear that Etsebth stat but it would surprise me 😂 Yeah never understood the hill one either. I think he was just going back to his buddies that did well for him in the past 😬
Good analysis as ever Christian, we were waiting for your vid! Wales will need to keep the number of scrums (so handling errors as well) to a minimum. SA will see Costelow as a weak link: can you imagine their forwards running full pelt at him, OMG. Really disappointed there’s no Ben Thomas, maybe he cd start one of the AUS matches. Great news for Ratti, and why not Mackensie Martin in the starting 15? Botham called up late, then selected: don’t get it. Saturday is going to be a long afternoon…
I think Botham is the closest thing to that we have until reffel comes. Maybe that’s why he’s gone with greedy at 12 just to add that extra size and physicality to help Sam 🤷🏻♂️ Not really sure what’s gonna happen, but I don’t have a good feeling about it 😬 Really appreciate the kind message , thanks for always watching and commenting🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Just subscribed to your channel and have to say its refreshing to hear such good analysis of the team .A Welshman who knows the players unlike some other you tubers over the bridge that give their verdicts on Wales.Well done from an old Welshman who is so frustrated with the state of our game !
Ah thanks Paul. Very kind of you to say. Thanks for subscribing and I hope you enjoy the rest of the content. We’ve got a really good community in the comments so make sure you get involved 👍🏼🏴
This is a great match to blood some players ahead of tournaments like 6 Nations etc. To face that menace, skill, power, atmosphere I’ll be so character and confidence building. I’m looking forward to the game and love these situations - to play the best in the world will improve and lift your game. Great breakdown 👍🙏 respect Jako 🙏
Great comment, pal. You certainly made me feel like excited and a bit more positive for what could potentially come on Saturday. Thanks for watching 👍🏼
A couple of years ago, South Africa would not have considered this more of 'warm up'. Wales have fallen a long way. I have faith they will turn up during this game to give the Boks a wake up before the Irish challenge.
Me and the missus are going to the games in person tomorrow. Really excited first time seeing SA, Fiji and the Barbarians live. Always wanted to see Wales vs SA. Less excited about the inevitable hammering Wales are going to get though. I really really im wrong about that though. CYMRU AM BYTH! Thanks for all your hard work. Love your channel
Morgan being out is gutting given hes only just come back. Its going to be a very tough tour for us and its about squeezing out every bit of potential and giving the youngsters time to improve.
Yeah, it must be so devastating for him and we really could’ve used him as well. He’s so strong in attack and defence he would’ve helped us step up another gear from the six Nations
Hi Christian, I am very nervous of this summer tour with South Africa and Australia I hate being negetive but this is how I feel, I all ways go in positive and more often lately we come out in second place, this is going to take a year or two to sort this team out it is a new and developing team and Warren Gatland has got his hands full. i just want to wish our boy the best of luck against a very good South Africa team. as always Christian a good review on Welsh Rugby, catch you soon mate Take care
Hi mate, me too but I agree with you completely. This is gonna take more than a few bad games to get fixed. I do worry slightly that Gatland seems to be a bit all over the place with what he’s trying to do but we keep our fingers crossed and we support the boys no matter what mate. Enjoy the game, I’ll catch you on the next one🏴
Was really happy to see Ratti on the bench i didnt even realise he had been called up, Also Grady at 12 is a good move i think, his best game for Wales was vs Italy when he came on at 12 in the Six nations
Yeah, I think it was a really late call-up just as the team was about to be announced, chuffed for him though like you said he certainly deserves it, especially more than Cory Hill
I’ve been waiting for this video, Christian. We are in for a PUMPING on Saturday. 😢 I saw a stat today that Eben Etzebeth is on 119caps and the ENTIRE WELSH PACK is a combined 118 caps. The lack of experience and quality in the side is going to really show. Our backs are just as inexperienced. And our bench are a bunch of kids. I understand why he has picked this team and like you said, this is a nothing game, but I can’t see us being competitive in any aspect. I’m going to say we will lose by 50 points or more. 68-6 or something like that. Also…. RIP to Screech and Carter. I feel like they’re being sacrificed to the rugby Gods to win favour. They’re going to have their pants pulled down and get bullied by Eben and Mostert in 4K on live national TV. I would be feigning an injury during the warmup if I was them! Save myself the embarrassment 🤣 Loving the video as always, mate! Keep it up 💪🏼
Tickled me reading the comments about the second rows. It just seems a lack of violence in general through the team, I guess he was hamstrung why not being able to pick the English based players, but I’m slowly running out of confidence to Gatland is the right man to take us forward😬 Yeah, that Etzebeth stat is wild. it’s just further proof if we needed it that we in a bit of a mess at the moment and in a complete rebuild Hoping for the best, but expecting the worst mate. Let’s see what the boys can do on Saturday. Try to enjoy the game, pal. Have a beer for me 👍🏼
Would’ve loved to see Morgan morris and Nicky smith play on the weekend, can’t justify gatlands decision on picking mediocre players whilst telling the ones playing well that they need to improve.
Have to agree.... To be honest I think everyone ( Including the WRU) are a bit surprised that South Africa have put out such a strong side. Think were going to be on the wrong side of a 40 point hammering. Off topic mate appreciate the time and effort that goes into producing content but please pump some more out, your stuff is great to listen to on the morning walk to work!
Yeah, I agree. The issue is no matter what team South Africa put out they’re gonna be pretty strong so I think that is a misjudgement on the WRUs side as usual Ha thanks mate appreciate the support. I do tend to get out as much as I can, I just don’t want to make videos that aren’t interesting just for the sake of getting a video out, like some people do 😬 Working on a mini dock in the background though, so keep your eyes peeled in a few weeks🏴 Thank the support mate👍🏼
SA last game 8 months ago in final, think rassie wants to keep some momentum before Ireland (no disrespect to Wales)...so some match practice with core team is good, been a whole 6 nations for Ireland since the world cup.
Really don't get playing both of the centres on the wrong side- almost feels like Gatland is determined not to get the best out of Grady. My bar is pretty low at the moment, but I'm still looking forward to seeing how certain players get on including Plumtree and Eddie James when he comes on. I agreed with you on Morgan-Williams over Bevan, but listening to Gatland talk about the latter I think he could end up being a decent backuip option for Wales. Looking forward to seeing if he kicks on for Cardiff next year as well
Yeah, I think you will to be honest, mate. I think Scotland likes the look of his all round play. He’s like a younger version of Tomos Williams, I think. Plus gats loves the left foot kicker 😂 I’m not sure what I think of the centre partnership, but I’d be interested to see how it goes 😬
Wales need to get in a mindset of " win at all costs " because thats what every other nation is doing. Gats has to get off that old way of thinking,,,, the Bokks are back to back world champs because Rassie is damn mad man ,,,, he will experiment with anything at anytime thats the difference between these 2 coaching staffs ,,,, you have to be crazy to be a genius
I think it’s a really good point, I guess on Gatlands side he is experimenting with selection so I guess you could give him that. Where the criticism comes in is experimenting in a weird way by chucking in completely in experienced and unknown players in and leaving out others.
SA. We have our own problems going into the game , restrictions as well. Offering debuts to a few players, so far from certain this will be easy. Never is against Wales aside from your 2023 experimental side.
Yeah, you’re right about that. You guys certainly have a lot more strengthening depth than we do in Wales and when you look at that pack that you have it makes for scary reading if you’re a welsh fan😂 Good luck, Saturday👍🏼🏴🇿🇦
I've expressed my disgust at the way Gatland has carried on his second stint as well as frustration at the Union for being pathetically in his thrall - but maybe i should change tack. The guy is clearly mentally unwell. He's got a sub front row that I wouldn't fancy against Llandovery when he could have had Nicky Smith, Domachowski, Belcher and Rhys Henry. If he isn't mad he's unprofessional and needs someone to hold him to account immediately. There is absolutely no logic, no consistency but more than that, no chance of winning.
Yeah I agree. It’s getting harder and harder in fact down near impossible to defend him now. They seem to be no clear plan of what he’s doing except throwing in young players while leaving others out in the cold. I’m really hopeful that there’s some sort of grand plan and that it’s all gonna come good over the next year or two, but I’m certainly starting to doubt that now. Big score incoming 😬😬😬
@TheWelshSportsPodcast I sense that even long-standing, committed cult of Gatland members are slipping away quietly. It really is a case of the Emperor has no clothes for me. He was a man for a certain point in time that built a nest egg and a reputation off what for Wales was a golden generation. Bronze (not just the tans) for other nations maybe, but he had the tools and did the job maybe par, considering his record v NZ, Australia and in World Cups. Agree with you that a big beating is on the cards. But anyway, keep up the good work!
Gareth Thomas Dee Henry Thomas Daf Jenkins Will Rowlands Tshiunza Morgan Wainwright Tomos Edwards Dyer Grady Llewellyn Hathaway Winnett Lake Smith Botha Carter Fender Reffell Davies Lloyd Seems like a good 23 to me
I'M afraid that I expect Wales to lose the scary question is by how many, this side does not fill me with any expectation, I along with many have become disillusioned by the game in Wales, I've barely watched any regional rugby and I wish I could see some light, but I can't, Wales will always have my support and the players will give their all, these days it's a respectable losing score line.
Have to agree with you here I just dont see Wales troubling the Boks at all this weekend But the most troubling thing is a also dont see them troubling the Wallabies either .W.Gatland looks to be continuing his search for new talent And looks to be prepared to soak up alot of hurt so he can find his future stars /playersI can only hope he will have finalised his sear h by the Autumn Otherwise Wales could go a full year without a victory
Yeah agreed. I think if he hasn’t finalised his search by then questions are going to be asked of him and I think most of the welsh rugby public will run out of patience by that point
Will unfortunately miss the first half but will defo be catching the second. Really sucks that we're missing Morgan, Faletau and Reffel in the forwards but overall I'm taking a bit of an optimistic nihilist approach to this game: It's an overall meaningless match (forgive me for disrespecting the great Qatar Airways Cup!) that I have absolutely no expectation of us winning, however as you say 4 uncapped players and a handful of players with only a few so as you say let's just see if they can pull anything out against the best of the best. I definately think Gatland has mixed up the squad as a cover for if we do get absolutely smashed as we did by the saffas in the warm ups, but if we can stay within 20 I'll call it a success lol. Also, as a Cardiff fan - what is Gatland's issue with Thomas Young? He's been on fire for Cardiff but Gatland just won't pick him.
Yeah, I agree about Gatlin covering his tracks, he’s done it a few times recently in my opinion. Just shows how far we fallen though when both of us would accept losing by 20 points as somewhat of a success 😬😬😬 Not really sure about young to be honest I know he’s injured at the moment so that might be why he’s not in the squad but I think generally Gatlin doesn’t think he’s big enough for the position but he’s been fantastic for Cardiff and always good to hear from a fellow Cardiff fan 👍🏼👍🏼
You are right …it is nothing but a smorgasbord for the springboks……they will be licking their lips with every springbok wanting to score at least one try each….. The standard of rugby in the Welsh and Australian teams has dropped way below their usual level so they are better suited to play each other… Go bokke👍
What worries me is that this team is pretty awful and there isn't a huge amount you can do to improve it with all the players not available outside of the international window or injured. How Nicky Smith or Domachowski aren't there baffles me most to be honest and a 9-10 of Bevan and Costelow is just throwing in the towel before the whistle has even been blown. Gutted for Ben Thomas because he has been one of the few bright lights in Welsh rugby this year. I think I'd have preferred Giles over Liam Williams really too but I get it tactically wanting someone taller and good in the air in the back three, plus all that experience.
Yeah, I agree with everything you say, Jonathan. I have no idea how Matthias is deemed to be better than either of those players🤷🏻♂️ The whole thing is just a sad indictment of where we are as a rugby nation . Let’s just hope the boys surprises on the weekend🙏🏼🏴
I'm thinking more and more that Gatland should step aside but who would replace him is a different matter. I have a couple of people I'd like but who knows
Mark Jones for one. He's coached in lots of different leagues, lots of different levels, done attack, defence and kicking coaching. He's young and has had experience under great coaches like Razor and Toby Booth and I imagine the WRU could get him alot cheaper than Warren. I've always felt sorry for Mike Ruddock too although I don't think he's done much actual coaching in a long time and mostly just consultancy stuff
Mark Jones has done a great job with the osprey this year. I know he did the under 20s for a time and they were okay. It’s an interesting choice and it would be interesting to see him in that set up. I like the thought of Toby booth but I don’t think he would want the job to be honest😬 Funny you mention Ruddock, there might be a video In the works about him as we speak👀
Anything can happen in sport however this looks like a mismatch as this must be ome of the weakest teams Wales have picked in recent memory, the difference in the strength of the packs is huge it could be a fifty pointer for the boks if they put their foot down.
Yeah, it’s gonna be an interesting one. Agreed, this is a really weak Welsh team, obviously not being able to play our English players is a big loss but it’s just a bit of an indictment as to where we are at the moment😬
Ur a very wise guy, boks have taken lots of stick from the English press, and this is our also many players cannot play team. But, the Welshman are a proud lot and the boks will be looking forward to first game since RWC.
@@TheWelshSportsPodcast Ox Nche Vs Thomas, Koch Vs Thomas, Lake Vs Marx, Screech & Carter Vs Etzebeth & Mostert, Smith Vs Botham, Plumtree Vs PSTD, Roos Vs Wainwright, Bevan Vs De Klerk, Esterhuizen Vs Grady, Watkin Vs Kriel, Mapimpi Vs Sanjay. The only decent fights are Costelow and Hendrik's, Dyer and Van Der Merwe and Winnett Vs Fassi. The bench gets worse! Lloyd Vs Bongi, Mathias Vs Malherbe!!! The Scarlets were last for Scrum Penalties won and only achieved 89% on their own ball 12th in the URC. For context Cardiff with Rhys Carre starting 13 games for them this season more than Doma had a 95% success rate 2nd in the URC! yet the narrative is Carre can't scrum. The ospreys were second for winning scrum penalties yet Smith doesn't even get into the squad! Mathias is 1st in penalties conceded in the URC 23 PENALTIES IN 14 GAMES he only averaged 50 mins on the pitch. 1.6 penalties a game in 50mins..... So we won't have a scrum we won't have a lineout with Etzebeth around. No set piece no chance... Sky bet have 51+ winning margin at 22-1
Wow that’s some top class analysis that mate. Maybe you can send that over the Gats 😂 You points about the players in and the ones left out is so right. I kind of feel bad for Mathias in a strange way, he’s clearly not ready for this standard and could in fact probably do with another year or two in the EDC or whatever it’s going to be cold. I really don’t see what Gatland seems to in him as you clearly indicated the stats don’t lie. It’s shocking
@@TheWelshSportsPodcast he likes he's mobile. I understand Gats philosophy about picking athletes. That's why a Morgan Morris won't get in because he's not an athlete like Martin or Wainwright. The next 8 off the ramp will be Tuipulotu. With props who gives one if they are an athlete? Rhys Henry does a job week in week out for Ospreys. Can scrum both sides and is dominant but he will never be in a Gats squad. I genuinely think if Nicky Smith converted to a tight head obviously he isn't because he's 31 but if he did he might have a better chance but at loose head he will always go for Mobility over anything else.
The question is this: At what point will the WRU sack Gatland? We will be whitewashed this summer. We will be the wooden spoon in the 6N. Is Gats then - at that point - worse than Pivac? I would say so. Italy have shown the difference a modern, world-class coach can make. My only hope is that Grady at 12 will make Costelow a little less shite than Tompkins does. The raw truth is that Gats really doesn’t seem to value pace. He seems to think that the gain line is only breached with size.
Yeah, I don’t know, mate. He’s definitely got a long leash and I think he certainly deserves a year or two but another year of failing and strange selection policy and I think people will get fed up within the next six months.
Very good take. I didn’t think Pivac was that bad. He was going through a transitional phase like Gatland is right now but people wanted his head within a year. Who would you have come in to replace Gatland? That’s the million dollar question. There’s not many coaches that would take on the role with the shambles that the WRU currently is.
Saffa here, this might not be the top team for Wales. Having said that, Wales always give us a helluva physical challenge. We need that and the Welsh team will benefit from playing against our boys in preperation for your test series. May the best team win. I'm super excited
Great to hear. Thanks for watching. I have a feeling your boys are going to run riot but we will see. All the best for Saturday 👍🏼
Nicley put, but as a Welsh fan we have slipped way behind, the top six sides have a style Identity and a large pool of top players, Wales have none of this,your right in one regard that games between SA were tight but the last match was. World cup warm up, S A put 50 on us, Wales had a makeshift side that day, at this level it won't work.
much respect to Wales, as a South African Wales used to be minnows, not anymore always wary of Wales, my family on my mothers side is welsh but as a born and raised South African, go boks. Good luck to both teams but i see SA smashing it.
I'm glad James Ratti has his opportunity off the bench he's been going pretty well at the Ospreys and can cover No8 and flanker at a push.
Couldnt understand the Cory Hill call up, some strange decisions being made! .
It's going to be a tough day for our forwards that SA Pack is monster
Apparently Etsebeth has more caps than our entire pack
I didn’t hear that Etsebth stat but it would surprise me 😂
Yeah never understood the hill one either. I think he was just going back to his buddies that did well for him in the past 😬
Thanks for the vid! All the best for both teams!
Thanks for watching 👍🏼🏴🇿🇦
Good analysis as ever Christian, we were waiting for your vid! Wales will need to keep the number of scrums (so handling errors as well) to a minimum. SA will see Costelow as a weak link: can you imagine their forwards running full pelt at him, OMG. Really disappointed there’s no Ben Thomas, maybe he cd start one of the AUS matches. Great news for Ratti, and why not Mackensie Martin in the starting 15? Botham called up late, then selected: don’t get it. Saturday is going to be a long afternoon…
I think Botham is the closest thing to that we have until reffel comes.
Maybe that’s why he’s gone with greedy at 12 just to add that extra size and physicality to help Sam 🤷🏻♂️
Not really sure what’s gonna happen, but I don’t have a good feeling about it 😬
Really appreciate the kind message , thanks for always watching and commenting🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Just subscribed to your channel and have to say its refreshing to hear such good analysis of the team .A Welshman who knows the players unlike some other you tubers over the bridge that give their verdicts on Wales.Well done from an old Welshman who is so frustrated with the state of our game !
Ah thanks Paul. Very kind of you to say. Thanks for subscribing and I hope you enjoy the rest of the content. We’ve got a really good community in the comments so make sure you get involved 👍🏼🏴
This is a great match to blood some players ahead of tournaments like 6 Nations etc. To face that menace, skill, power, atmosphere I’ll be so character and confidence building. I’m looking forward to the game and love these situations - to play the best in the world will improve and lift your game. Great breakdown 👍🙏 respect Jako 🙏
Great comment, pal. You certainly made me feel like excited and a bit more positive for what could potentially come on Saturday. Thanks for watching 👍🏼
A couple of years ago, South Africa would not have considered this more of 'warm up'. Wales have fallen a long way. I have faith they will turn up during this game to give the Boks a wake up before the Irish challenge.
You’re completely right and it just shows where we are on the international stage at the moment. I’m bracing myself for a drumming😂
Me and the missus are going to the games in person tomorrow. Really excited first time seeing SA, Fiji and the Barbarians live. Always wanted to see Wales vs SA. Less excited about the inevitable hammering Wales are going to get though. I really really im wrong about that though. CYMRU AM BYTH!
Thanks for all your hard work. Love your channel
Should be a good day out regardless. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that we pull something out for you. Enjoy the day mate 👍🏼
Never write off Wales against the Springboks. Wales always step up when they need to. SAFFA
Morgan being out is gutting given hes only just come back. Its going to be a very tough tour for us and its about squeezing out every bit of potential and giving the youngsters time to improve.
Yeah, it must be so devastating for him and we really could’ve used him as well. He’s so strong in attack and defence he would’ve helped us step up another gear from the six Nations
Morgan is like Loodt De Jager for South Africa. They are awesome players, but they are just always injured, which realy sucks
Great analysis!
Thank you, my friend. Very kind of you to say. Thanks for watching🙏🏼
Hi Christian, I am very nervous of this summer tour with South Africa and Australia I hate being negetive but this is how I feel, I all ways go in positive and more often lately we come out in second place, this is going to take a year or two to sort this team out it is a new and developing team and Warren Gatland has got his hands full. i just want to wish our boy the best of luck against a very good South Africa team. as always Christian a good review on Welsh Rugby, catch you soon mate Take care
Hi mate, me too but I agree with you completely. This is gonna take more than a few bad games to get fixed. I do worry slightly that Gatland seems to be a bit all over the place with what he’s trying to do but we keep our fingers crossed and we support the boys no matter what mate.
Enjoy the game, I’ll catch you on the next one🏴
Was really happy to see Ratti on the bench i didnt even realise he had been called up, Also Grady at 12 is a good move i think, his best game for Wales was vs Italy when he came on at 12 in the Six nations
Yeah, I think it was a really late call-up just as the team was about to be announced, chuffed for him though like you said he certainly deserves it, especially more than Cory Hill
I’ve been waiting for this video, Christian. We are in for a PUMPING on Saturday. 😢
I saw a stat today that Eben Etzebeth is on 119caps and the ENTIRE WELSH PACK is a combined 118 caps. The lack of experience and quality in the side is going to really show. Our backs are just as inexperienced. And our bench are a bunch of kids. I understand why he has picked this team and like you said, this is a nothing game, but I can’t see us being competitive in any aspect. I’m going to say we will lose by 50 points or more. 68-6 or something like that.
Also…. RIP to Screech and Carter. I feel like they’re being sacrificed to the rugby Gods to win favour. They’re going to have their pants pulled down and get bullied by Eben and Mostert in 4K on live national TV. I would be feigning an injury during the warmup if I was them! Save myself the embarrassment 🤣
Loving the video as always, mate! Keep it up 💪🏼
Tickled me reading the comments about the second rows. It just seems a lack of violence in general through the team, I guess he was hamstrung why not being able to pick the English based players, but I’m slowly running out of confidence to Gatland is the right man to take us forward😬
Yeah, that Etzebeth stat is wild. it’s just further proof if we needed it that we in a bit of a mess at the moment and in a complete rebuild
Hoping for the best, but expecting the worst mate. Let’s see what the boys can do on Saturday. Try to enjoy the game, pal. Have a beer for me 👍🏼
Would’ve loved to see Morgan morris and Nicky smith play on the weekend, can’t justify gatlands decision on picking mediocre players whilst telling the ones playing well that they need to improve.
It is interesting that Smith has been first choice pretty much for Toby booth but Gatland sees Thomas as his man. Interesting
Have to agree.... To be honest I think everyone ( Including the WRU) are a bit surprised that South Africa have put out such a strong side. Think were going to be on the wrong side of a 40 point hammering. Off topic mate appreciate the time and effort that goes into producing content but please pump some more out, your stuff is great to listen to on the morning walk to work!
Yeah, I agree. The issue is no matter what team South Africa put out they’re gonna be pretty strong so I think that is a misjudgement on the WRUs side as usual
Ha thanks mate appreciate the support. I do tend to get out as much as I can, I just don’t want to make videos that aren’t interesting just for the sake of getting a video out, like some people do 😬 Working on a mini dock in the background though, so keep your eyes peeled in a few weeks🏴
Thank the support mate👍🏼
SA last game 8 months ago in final, think rassie wants to keep some momentum before Ireland (no disrespect to Wales)...so some match practice with core team is good, been a whole 6 nations for Ireland since the world cup.
Ben Tomas had had a knock and hasn't been fit enough to train with the squad fingers crossed it's nothing too serious and he'll travel to Australia
Thanks for clearing that up, mate. Much appreciated 👌🏼
Really don't get playing both of the centres on the wrong side- almost feels like Gatland is determined not to get the best out of Grady. My bar is pretty low at the moment, but I'm still looking forward to seeing how certain players get on including Plumtree and Eddie James when he comes on. I agreed with you on Morgan-Williams over Bevan, but listening to Gatland talk about the latter I think he could end up being a decent backuip option for Wales. Looking forward to seeing if he kicks on for Cardiff next year as well
Yeah, I think you will to be honest, mate. I think Scotland likes the look of his all round play. He’s like a younger version of Tomos Williams, I think. Plus gats loves the left foot kicker 😂
I’m not sure what I think of the centre partnership, but I’d be interested to see how it goes 😬
Wales need to get in a mindset of " win at all costs " because thats what every other nation is doing.
Gats has to get off that old way of thinking,,,, the Bokks are back to back world champs because Rassie is damn mad man ,,,, he will experiment with anything at anytime thats the difference between these 2 coaching staffs ,,,, you have to be crazy to be a genius
I think it’s a really good point, I guess on Gatlands side he is experimenting with selection so I guess you could give him that. Where the criticism comes in is experimenting in a weird way by chucking in completely in experienced and unknown players in and leaving out others.
SA. We have our own problems going into the game , restrictions as well. Offering debuts to a few players, so far from certain this will be easy. Never is against Wales aside from your 2023 experimental side.
Yeah, you’re right about that. You guys certainly have a lot more strengthening depth than we do in Wales and when you look at that pack that you have it makes for scary reading if you’re a welsh fan😂
Good luck, Saturday👍🏼🏴🇿🇦
I've expressed my disgust at the way Gatland has carried on his second stint as well as frustration at the Union for being pathetically in his thrall - but maybe i should change tack. The guy is clearly mentally unwell.
He's got a sub front row that I wouldn't fancy against Llandovery when he could have had Nicky Smith, Domachowski, Belcher and Rhys Henry. If he isn't mad he's unprofessional and needs someone to hold him to account immediately.
There is absolutely no logic, no consistency but more than that, no chance of winning.
Yeah I agree. It’s getting harder and harder in fact down near impossible to defend him now. They seem to be no clear plan of what he’s doing except throwing in young players while leaving others out in the cold.
I’m really hopeful that there’s some sort of grand plan and that it’s all gonna come good over the next year or two, but I’m certainly starting to doubt that now.
Big score incoming
😬😬😬
@TheWelshSportsPodcast I sense that even long-standing, committed cult of Gatland members are slipping away quietly. It really is a case of the Emperor has no clothes for me.
He was a man for a certain point in time that built a nest egg and a reputation off what for Wales was a golden generation. Bronze (not just the tans) for other nations maybe, but he had the tools and did the job maybe par, considering his record v NZ, Australia and in World Cups.
Agree with you that a big beating is on the cards. But anyway, keep up the good work!
Gareth Thomas
Dee
Henry Thomas
Daf Jenkins
Will Rowlands
Tshiunza
Morgan
Wainwright
Tomos
Edwards
Dyer
Grady
Llewellyn
Hathaway
Winnett
Lake
Smith
Botha
Carter
Fender
Reffell
Davies
Lloyd
Seems like a good 23 to me
I'M afraid that I expect Wales to lose the scary question is by how many, this side does not fill me with any expectation, I along with many have become disillusioned by the game in Wales, I've barely watched any regional rugby and I wish I could see some light, but I can't, Wales will always have my support and the players will give their all, these days it's a respectable losing score line.
Yeah it’s fallen along way hasn’t it Clive. All we can do is watch and hope for a good display 😬
Have to agree with you here I just dont see Wales troubling the Boks at all this weekend But the most troubling thing is a also dont see them troubling the Wallabies either .W.Gatland looks to be continuing his search for new talent And looks to be prepared to soak up alot of hurt so he can find his future stars /playersI can only hope he will have finalised his sear h by the Autumn Otherwise Wales could go a full year without a victory
Yeah agreed. I think if he hasn’t finalised his search by then questions are going to be asked of him and I think most of the welsh rugby public will run out of patience by that point
Will unfortunately miss the first half but will defo be catching the second.
Really sucks that we're missing Morgan, Faletau and Reffel in the forwards but overall I'm taking a bit of an optimistic nihilist approach to this game: It's an overall meaningless match (forgive me for disrespecting the great Qatar Airways Cup!) that I have absolutely no expectation of us winning, however as you say 4 uncapped players and a handful of players with only a few so as you say let's just see if they can pull anything out against the best of the best. I definately think Gatland has mixed up the squad as a cover for if we do get absolutely smashed as we did by the saffas in the warm ups, but if we can stay within 20 I'll call it a success lol.
Also, as a Cardiff fan - what is Gatland's issue with Thomas Young? He's been on fire for Cardiff but Gatland just won't pick him.
Yeah, I agree about Gatlin covering his tracks, he’s done it a few times recently in my opinion. Just shows how far we fallen though when both of us would accept losing by 20 points as somewhat of a success 😬😬😬
Not really sure about young to be honest I know he’s injured at the moment so that might be why he’s not in the squad but I think generally Gatlin doesn’t think he’s big enough for the position but he’s been fantastic for Cardiff and always good to hear from a fellow Cardiff fan 👍🏼👍🏼
We all know the real test is Wales vs Australia 😂
This is just a taste test
Keen for July 7th
If you have anything left after sat
You are right …it is nothing but a smorgasbord for the springboks……they will be licking their lips with every springbok wanting to score at least one try each…..
The standard of rugby in the Welsh and Australian teams has dropped way below their usual level so they are better suited to play each other…
Go bokke👍
Can you help me ,as a SA Are wales npt supposed to be at full strength,the fact theirs 😅a Sa And Scottish final.
Because it’s out of the test window, they can only pick players that are based in one of the regions.
Which at the moment isn’t that many😂
What worries me is that this team is pretty awful and there isn't a huge amount you can do to improve it with all the players not available outside of the international window or injured.
How Nicky Smith or Domachowski aren't there baffles me most to be honest and a 9-10 of Bevan and Costelow is just throwing in the towel before the whistle has even been blown.
Gutted for Ben Thomas because he has been one of the few bright lights in Welsh rugby this year.
I think I'd have preferred Giles over Liam Williams really too but I get it tactically wanting someone taller and good in the air in the back three, plus all that experience.
Yeah, I agree with everything you say, Jonathan. I have no idea how Matthias is deemed to be better than either of those players🤷🏻♂️
The whole thing is just a sad indictment of where we are as a rugby nation . Let’s just hope the boys surprises on the weekend🙏🏼🏴
I'm thinking more and more that Gatland should step aside but who would replace him is a different matter. I have a couple of people I'd like but who knows
Who are you thinking because I myself have no idea?
Mark Jones for one. He's coached in lots of different leagues, lots of different levels, done attack, defence and kicking coaching. He's young and has had experience under great coaches like Razor and Toby Booth and I imagine the WRU could get him alot cheaper than Warren.
I've always felt sorry for Mike Ruddock too although I don't think he's done much actual coaching in a long time and mostly just consultancy stuff
Mark Jones has done a great job with the osprey this year. I know he did the under 20s for a time and they were okay. It’s an interesting choice and it would be interesting to see him in that set up.
I like the thought of Toby booth but I don’t think he would want the job to be honest😬
Funny you mention Ruddock, there might be a video In the works about him as we speak👀
Like Grady as a power 12
It’s gonna be interesting to see how he goes, I’m looking forward to it
Anything can happen in sport however this looks like a mismatch as this must be ome of the weakest teams Wales have picked in recent memory, the difference in the strength of the packs is huge it could be a fifty pointer for the boks if they put their foot down.
Yeah, it’s gonna be an interesting one. Agreed, this is a really weak Welsh team, obviously not being able to play our English players is a big loss but it’s just a bit of an indictment as to where we are at the moment😬
Costelow ar ddeg..... dyn ni wedi ein tynghedu. Bydda i'n gwylio'r gem, gyda Cymry arall yn y dafarn, ond mae arna i ofn.
Ie mae na ofn an score criced i fi
Ur a very wise guy, boks have taken lots of stick from the English press, and this is our also many players cannot play team. But, the Welshman are a proud lot and the boks will be looking forward to first game since RWC.
@@TheWelshSportsPodcast Cytuno ! Fel damwain car .... dw i'n methu edrych i ffwrdd !
33-1 for a 46-50 winning margin for SA. Just saying.....
I’m really hoping it doesn’t get that bad Dave 🙏🏼
@@TheWelshSportsPodcast Ox Nche Vs Thomas, Koch Vs Thomas, Lake Vs Marx, Screech & Carter Vs Etzebeth & Mostert, Smith Vs Botham, Plumtree Vs PSTD, Roos Vs Wainwright, Bevan Vs De Klerk, Esterhuizen Vs Grady, Watkin Vs Kriel, Mapimpi Vs Sanjay. The only decent fights are Costelow and Hendrik's, Dyer and Van Der Merwe and Winnett Vs Fassi. The bench gets worse! Lloyd Vs Bongi, Mathias Vs Malherbe!!! The Scarlets were last for Scrum Penalties won and only achieved 89% on their own ball 12th in the URC. For context Cardiff with Rhys Carre starting 13 games for them this season more than Doma had a 95% success rate 2nd in the URC! yet the narrative is Carre can't scrum. The ospreys were second for winning scrum penalties yet Smith doesn't even get into the squad! Mathias is 1st in penalties conceded in the URC 23 PENALTIES IN 14 GAMES he only averaged 50 mins on the pitch. 1.6 penalties a game in 50mins..... So we won't have a scrum we won't have a lineout with Etzebeth around. No set piece no chance... Sky bet have 51+ winning margin at 22-1
Wow that’s some top class analysis that mate. Maybe you can send that over the Gats 😂
You points about the players in and the ones left out is so right. I kind of feel bad for Mathias in a strange way, he’s clearly not ready for this standard and could in fact probably do with another year or two in the EDC or whatever it’s going to be cold. I really don’t see what Gatland seems to in him as you clearly indicated the stats don’t lie. It’s shocking
@@TheWelshSportsPodcast he likes he's mobile. I understand Gats philosophy about picking athletes. That's why a Morgan Morris won't get in because he's not an athlete like Martin or Wainwright. The next 8 off the ramp will be Tuipulotu. With props who gives one if they are an athlete? Rhys Henry does a job week in week out for Ospreys. Can scrum both sides and is dominant but he will never be in a Gats squad. I genuinely think if Nicky Smith converted to a tight head obviously he isn't because he's 31 but if he did he might have a better chance but at loose head he will always go for Mobility over anything else.
Pretty confident the Ospreys would beat this team.
😂😂😂👏🏼
Hit the nail, ospreys beat 4 SA teams loaded, hoping Gatland has looked at the replays.
That a real good point to be fair 👆🏼
@@spud7823 loaded with what, most Boks play overseas and Ospreys did not beat the Bulls.
The question is this:
At what point will the WRU sack Gatland?
We will be whitewashed this summer. We will be the wooden spoon in the 6N. Is Gats then - at that point - worse than Pivac? I would say so.
Italy have shown the difference a modern, world-class coach can make.
My only hope is that Grady at 12 will make Costelow a little less shite than Tompkins does.
The raw truth is that Gats really doesn’t seem to value pace. He seems to think that the gain line is only breached with size.
Yeah, I don’t know, mate. He’s definitely got a long leash and I think he certainly deserves a year or two but another year of failing and strange selection policy and I think people will get fed up within the next six months.
Gatland is a world class coach. I think he just needs time. Hard to find someone with his record.
Very good take. I didn’t think Pivac was that bad. He was going through a transitional phase like Gatland is right now but people wanted his head within a year.
Who would you have come in to replace Gatland? That’s the million dollar question. There’s not many coaches that would take on the role with the shambles that the WRU currently is.