[quote author=bryndaloo link=topic=31054.msg802692#msg802692 date=1234342070]
[quote author=Rafa4PM link=topic=31054.msg802444#msg802444 date=1234288211]
[quote author=bryndaloo link=topic=31054.msg802335#msg802335 date=1234278794]
[quote author=Rafa4PM link=topic=31054.msg802328#msg802328 date=1234277433]
[quote author=bryndaloo link=topic=31054.msg802302#msg802302 date=1234275560]
Even in form Hook cannot control a test level game - he struggles at regional level. On form, Jones pisses all over Hook at controlling a game and playing level in general.
As for Hayes, he's technique is illegal in every scrum - if only referees would pick him up on it he would be penalised off the park.
Rafa4PM - I still think that Powell has a long way to go to to convince me he has the all-round game to permanently replace Jones at 8. We're lucky that in Jones (Dafydd on Sunday, Ryan normally) and Nugget we have two backrow players that up their workrate to compensate for Powell disinclination to compete at the breakdown. He's a great linebreaker and kick returner, but if you actually look at his game and not just when he's running with the ball in hand, he's got a long way to go. However, in Gatland and Edwards (and Young at Cardiff) we have the coaches who can help Andy improve this aspect of his game. If, and hopefully when, he makes these changes to his game (I admit that he's already better than he was last season) then I'll be more than happy to applaud him for it. He finally seems to have got his head sorted though which can only be good for Wales and Cardiff.
As for the PO'C / AWJ question I was just wondering who people thought would switch out of position, as there are differences between playing 4 & 5. Not doubting it would a phenomonal partnership should they click...
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I think you're on your own in that opinion, but time will tell i guess.
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I'm not though. On here maybe, but I'm not too concerned about that as this is primarily a soccer forum and ergo the people that post are primarily soccer fans.
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TBH i wasn't referring to likes of fans like me and you with that comment, i was mainly going on what the likes of Gatland, JD, Young and many other leading figures in Welsh rugby have said. You might be proven right (allthough i highly doubt it), but to not recognize the added dimensions that Powells performances have given us in the back row since taking over R. Jones old spot is a little blinkered at best.
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Where have I not recognised the added dimensions Powell has brought? It is in the part where I said he's a good line breaker and kick returner - something Wales had been missing. All I've ever said is that he needs to work on his breakdown commitment, something which on the other Rugby thread I gave you a video example of during the SA game which cost Wales 3 points.
I also said in other threads that his improved body position going into contact has helped enormously. We've agreed to disagree on this before as I'd prefer a back row of Nugget, R Jones and J Thomas (the latter as he *vastly* inproves the perfomance of our lineout) with Powell being an impact player coming off the bench.
As for Hayes, he binds on the arm *every time*. This is illegal. If you re-read my posts I never actually said that he was a poor scrummager (although he's not brilliant) I merely commented on his illegal technique - something which never gets picked by referees.
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Fair enough i just can't quite grasp that as you admit that he brings an added dimension to our back row and that he has improved in the areas that "you" think he is weak in, that you'd then want to revert to a starting back row that was clearly lacking in certain areas. I can see where you're coming from with regards to J Thomas adding more to the line out, but TBH we were still not winning anything like the amount of consistent ball in this area when he was in the pack, so i personally think that we lose more than we gain if we did choose to bench Powell. Once again though we'll have to agree to disagree.
With regards to Hayes i've always thought that when it comes to scrummaging (and back row play for that matter) to a certain extent its all about what you can get away with. Their are a number of players who are deemed to be amongst the best in the world (not that i am saying Hayes is) who have constantly broken the rules game in game out.
Out of interest have you heard about this new prospect in the front row who's playing for the Scarlets?
Craig Cross
Position: Prop
DOB: 12/08/1987
Height: 195cm
Weight: 139Kg
A lot of people who's opinions i respect are saying that he'll be challenging A Jones very soon.
