As I'm sure most of you know Jamie Roberts has been picked to start against Italy, despite a 'touch and go' fitness concern over his knee, and Scott Williams/Ashley Beck waiting in the wings.
A part of me is wishing that Jamie will get pulled at the last minute. Not maliciously, and not owing any disrespect to the Italians, but I feel that if he's not 100% this gives Scott the chance to start so Jamie is definitely fit for France. (I suppose Jamie's concern is if he's not fit enough to play this week, and Scott puts in a top notch performance, maybe Jamie isn't first choice anymore...) I would also have liked to have seen Ashley Beck get a chance - if only from the bench, and this would allow JD2 to be a bit fresher for France.
For what it's worth, I don't think Jamie Roberts has been playing badly. I did notice him not being at full pace against Ireland (noticeably so) but against all opposition he carried well. It's just that England did well to meet him behind the gainline so his carries weren't so destructive in attack. I don't think that was his fault - more the team's and Priestland's for not being able to operate a different kind of attack other than 'Bosh it up from 12'.
Jamie Roberts - to play or not to play
posted on 8/3/12
He is the catalyst for many of the good things wales do. Like Rougerie for France. Taking the ball to the line and into contact releasing the support runners. That said wales have been much more effective than france thus far.
In that Roberts does not get the plaudits he deserves as its normally someone else crossing the white wash.
So ye gecko. i agree. if he's a doubt, no reason to risk him against a brutish Italian side. Picking up injuries during an Italian encounter is par for the course for all the 6 nations teams. It's a real concern.
posted on 9/3/12
Gecko, you mention JD2 being fresher for France, are you suggesting Wales should play Williams and Beck and leave both Roberts and Davies out or is this a typo?
Beck has been playing well and would not grumble if he had of been given a run out. Hook playing IC would have been another option too.
posted on 9/3/12
Ah I re read, bring Beck on for JD2 during the game too keep him fresh for week after, got you.
posted on 9/3/12
I don't think Gatland or Roberts would want to risk it if he wasn't 100% fit. Before the team announcement I was expecting Scotty Williams to be starting if Roberts was a worry but if the camp think he is fit enough to start then brilliant. I think Gatland will be planning on giving Scott at least 20 minutes, think how dangerous he will be with fresh legs at home to a tiring Italian side.
Canny Wait!!!
posted on 9/3/12
I'm not 100% sure Captain. I don't think he was wholly fit for the Ireland game.
I hope that if he's not even 99% they would give Scott Williams the chance to start - besides the injury concern to Roberts, Williams more than deserves the extra gametime.
And yup, I was thinking this could be a good opportunity (provided the game is somewhat comfortable looking) for blooding Beck. And also JD2 has played every minute so far, and I'm sure the extra 20/30 minutes at the end of this game wouldn't hurt his condition for next week's game, it is 20-30 minutes less time when he could get injured...