Chris Lane has decided that Wales is in need of a bit of a shake up, and so proposes a couple of more left field ideas on how to get things going in the right direction ahead of the World Cup. Let us know what you think of his plans!
The Six Nations tournament will hardly have the southern hemisphere looking over their shoulders, games were tight, nervous, edgy affairs with the only thing on teams mind being a positive result somewhat neglecting performance.
Gatland, struggling to put an effective plan in place
Wales’ performances in the tournament have left fans disappointed and divided in opinion, there is a fine line between having a set of players that are just waiting to click and having a team that are just not as good as they think we are!
They say ‘A week is a long time in sport’… So surely 22 weeks before the World Cup gets underway in New Zealand gives us plenty of time to be honest and strip the squad apart in a plan that will allow us to compete come Wellington on September 11th
My idea is based around improving our attacking game so that teams have to work harder to defend us in matches. Players have been void of ideas in attack becoming lethargic and predictable, lateral play is being easily marshalled by defences making it hard to achieve the quick ball that supposedly makes us dangerous.
Wales are no longer the free flowing attacking force that rugby nations feared, now becoming a team dropping down the world standings and becoming a game “big” teams would target to win. The so called ‘Controlled Chaos’ theory that would trouble any defence has gone out of the window and we are seriously in danger of not getting out of the group.
No one would argue that we have players with class throughout our team and you would be pushed to drop your best players. I know realistically that would not happen so I am suggesting replacing players churning out mediocre performances with dynamic attacking players that will front up and test defences
There are players that Gatland is ignoring that can have a real impact on our attacking game and maybe save our world cup hopes or at least give other players a boost. A major factor for our poor performances in the Six Nations was the lack of competition in the squad. Players could string together average performances knowing there would be no one challenging for the shirt.
Could Gavin Henson make the World Cup squad?
My theory is based around stripping down our world cup squad and taking players who are fresh, attack minded and would give the coaches a headache they have been longing for!… Whether these players are in the starting line up, match day squad, or world cup party they should be on the plane come September
Our current squad is stuck in a rugby rut, it is down to Gatland to change it and this is one idea he should really consider as the players i will briefly profile will add attacking ability and go forward and build towards a match day squad to be feared by other teams. Rugby is a squad game in the professional era so why pack the bench full of players who will provide no impact and change the makeup or style of the team!?
Toby Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons)
The 20 year old Tongan born back row player is a dynamic young rugby player making a big impact for his region. With South Sea Islander traits Toby is a warrior on the pitch who gives no quarter on the rugby field, a player who carries the ball well from the base of the scrum with a great set of hands to link with play is a dynamic option with the ability to change games. A youthful option with only one fear, the fear of losing a game of rugby is the kind of enthusiasm and determination Gatland needs reinstalled in the squad.
Luke Charteris (Newport Gwent dragons)
A force in the lineout for his region and formerly Wales, with the ability to carry the ball in midfield makes Charteris a player with potential to provide Wales with possession. The lineout was a major issue in the Six Nations with Alyn Wyn Jones having an average tournament at best, Charteris is quicker, easier to get off the ground with great leadership abilities. Key to success for Wales is quick ball, sacrificing a few pounds in the scrum for some yards around the park may not be a bad thing with my opinion of our current second row partnership being too similar.
Gareth Delve (Melbourne Rebels)
A player who is furthest of Gatlands Radar is playing well in an in different super 15 side. Delve offers in both attack and defence with the Super 15 rugby style developing him as a player. Brilliant at his spell with Gloucester Rugby he was club captain and often carried the team through difficult games with hard yards and a real competitive edge.
Nicky Robinson (Gloucester Rugby)
Nicky after much advocating by myself is starting to catch the critics eyes so it must be time for Gatland to swallow some pride. The form fly half in the UK currently pulling the strings for Gloucester, unbeaten in 11 games he could have man of the match in all of them. A mark of consistency he should be steering Wales come World cup time with another kicking option on the field
George North (Scarlets)
A young lad already in the squad but my argument is he must start, be it over Halfpenny or Williams he brings an enthusiasm and confidence to try things that inspired Wales into looking like a half decent team at times.
Gavin Henson (Toulon)
As if i haven’t raised enough eye brows already…. Our lack of midfield creativity was worrying during the tournament, Henson is a big game player and a high profile name Wales should have in the squad. Big names need to step up, he has proven success with Wales and is a world class rugby player
Finally a suggestion that will make or break my blogging career
Brian Ashton (Attack coach)
I acknowledge it is too close to the world cup for Gatland to be changed but the team can be impacted by changes to coaching personal. Players must hold their hands up and accept responsibility for poor performances but it is the coach’s job to inspire them with ideas, confidence and new training techniques. The squad look like they have run out of ideas especially in attack so changes have to be made!
The world cup is a tournament you go there to win, Warren Gatland must really consider who he takes in his squad to achieve success in a one off tournament. For once i hope Wales get playing and coaching staff in on a temporary or consultancy basis to try and win this tournament.
Preliminary squad for World Cup:
Forwards: James; Jenkins; Rees; Owens; A Jones; Mitchell; Yapp; Charteris; AW Jones; B Davies; Warburton; Delve; Powell; Lydiate; Turnbull; Faleteu
Back: Phillips; Spice; Peel; Robinson; Priestland; Hook; J Davies; Roberts; Henson; Halfpenny; Williams; North; Byrne; Prydie,
If we make no changes and go in with the same personal and mind set Wales will not get out of the group, from that position Welsh rugby will be in turmoil because that is unacceptable.
Agree? Disagree? Let us know by using the comments below or our new Welsh rugby forum
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Interesting thoughts on Brian Ashton, Walse would have an English defence and attack coach if it came true………that wouldn’t have happened 10 years ago! Henson cannot go to NZ, he has barely played any rugby and that few games he did play, he was next to non-existent.
I’d happily take Ashton as an attack coach right now. Not only do I quite rate him but anything to get rid of howley!
With you on Faletau, Robinson and North definitely. Not 100% convinced on the others, but would not rule them out.
Can’t agree on Gavin Henson. Great talent, but has completely wasted it. I hope he puts some good games under his belt for Toulon, but that remains to be seen and will reserve full judgement until then. But he has done nothing in rugby for a long long time. When he was playing well he is admittedly a class player, but his obsession with the limelight is not necessarily something Wales need in the camp.
Brian Ashton a great shout. Wales have to get rid of Howley at some point soon and Ashton is a great attack coach and I think could really get something out that backline full of potential.
I just hope for Wales’ sake that something gets done as it’s a shame to see such a talented side underperform.