Should They Be Rested?
By Craig Muncey
January 25 2016
Welsh based players who are called up to represent Wales have it agreed that within a 13 day window prior to a test match, the decision on whether they play for their pro-clubs are down to the Welsh coaching staff discretion. This piece looks at some of the players who have been named in the squad for the upcoming matches who are striving for match fitness or have not played at all for a considerable period of time, and whether they should get in a game prior to an international test match or be risked on the big stage.
The background to me writing this piece came about last Friday night in O'Neills, where myself and a few of my friends for many years met up prior to the match against Calvisano, the topic of discussion was Sam Warburton and Gareth Anscombe's selection for the match and one of my friends viewpoints being that as they were selected tonight that it meant that absolutely no way would they play another match prior to Wales taking on Ireland, which a few of us agreed with. However, one of the other lads thought that was nonsense, one match against an Italian semi professional side was not enough to judge the fitness and performance of this pair (scoreline on the night suggests he may have a point) and they both needed to start this coming Saturday against Edinburgh Rugby, barring any injuries on the night.
The discussion got quite heated (in a friendly controlled kind of way), one group felt that the Welsh management woud not risk the pair, especially Warburton, seeing firstly he is the Welsh captain and one of the first if not first name on the team sheet, secondly, there are doubts over the fitness of fellow back rower, Dan Lydiate, a player that Warburton has played so often with, why would Gatland risk an injury to Warburton against Edinburgh one week before the start of a 6 Nations campaign with a very difficult match away to Joe Schmidt's Ireland? The debate went on even if on the terraces at Cardiff Arms Park within our group, and it did get me thinking, especially with Sam Warburton coming out after playing a full 80 minutes, stating he felt he needed more game time and he hoped to play Saturday for Cardiff Blues, so when should a player play and when shouldn't he?
Sam wants to play which as a Cardiff Blues fan is music to my ears, but is this something that Gatland will agree with? Will Lydiate play this weekend for Ospreys? He has missed a coupe of games so potentially we have the two regular flankers in the last few years, either injured or lacking match fitness... a risk even when taking into account the outstanding form and player we have in Justin Tipuric.
Gareth Anscombe only returned on Friday night, his first match since October, he played well in the 10 shirt, however, at the moment it would appear there is a strong possibility he could start against Ireland in the 15 shirt, Anscombe, has played only 80 minutes in 3 months, one of his rivals for the shirt, Liam Williams, has not played since October, but is earmarked to play on Saturday for Scarlets against Connach, one match enough to start for Wales? Hallam Amos another possibility for the 15 shirt, has only played last 2 matches, again out injured since September, will Amos play on Friday for Newport Gwent Dragons against Leinster?
In my view, Wales have some big decisions to make in the coming week, and if they do not release some of the players I have mentioned to play the next round of Pro 12 matches, the risk they could be taking making their next rugby game they play in being an international away to the reigning 6 Nations Champions. The players mentioned are top class athletes and may well be fit but there is a difference between being fit and being match fit and match tough, so rest them or take the rest of picking up an injury and being criticised for playing them. Gatland over to you.
What are your thoughts on this situation? Gethin Jenkins has struggled with an injury and came back Friday, not missed the large number of matches of the others mentioned but still, does he need another run out?
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Gareth Anscombe Sam Warburton both need game time and should play on Friday plus plus Dacey and Turnbull who are unlikely to feature against Ireland
Quote:robin58
I think those in need of match fitness because od lack of playing time should play on Saturday plus those unlikely to feature in the Wales squad for Ireland
Gareth Anscombe Sam Warburton both need game time and should play on Friday plus plus Dacey and Turnbull who are unlikely to feature against Ireland
Agreed, Geth, James, Lloyd and Cuthbert could well play a part against Ireland and have been playing regularly, rest them. Anscombe and Sam will both start (possibly) but really need game time. Plus we really need to beat Edinburgh!
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Soldier: This is the worst part. The calm before the battle
Fry: And then the battle is not so bad?
Soldier: Oh, right. I forgot about the battle
Better to understand a little than to misunderstand a lot
On a serious note, though, it's not good enough. It shows a disregard for Cardiff Blues verging on disrespect, in my humbles. I wonder if the players who really want to be competitive and have the best opportunity to win every match are happy with the 'Ghost of Sam'.
If it's Wales dictating this then I hope SW is pressurising them in order he can play a part in Cardiff Blues' efforts this season. If not, and SW is happy to play a bit-part, then a transfer elsewhere should be considered.
Wasn't Sam's fault he got injured. He plays when he can and I'm guessing that unlike you he was there tonight.
Quote:Caardiff Howard
Well, we've seen who's been rested, and, as usual, SW was missing for tonight's game. Again. Well, he has played one game for us this year so we should be very grateful.
On a serious note, though, it's not good enough. It shows a disregard for Cardiff Blues verging on disrespect, in my humbles. I wonder if the players who really want to be competitive and have the best opportunity to win every match are happy with the 'Ghost of Sam'.
If it's Wales dictating this then I hope SW is pressurising them in order he can play a part in Cardiff Blues' efforts this season. If not, and SW is happy to play a bit-part, then a transfer elsewhere should be considered.
Straight after the Calvisano game he was talking about playing against Edinburgh, so it wasn't his choice to rest!!! He has said a few times in the press that he is a Cardiff boy an wants to end his career at Cardiff. I think that in itself, at his relatively young age, a man at the top of his game, shows a lot of respect especially as the club is only now recovering from a massive freefall!!!
With a bit of luck injury wise he could play a big part for us at the end of the season!!
Quote:YupQuote:Caardiff Howard
Well, we've seen who's been rested, and, as usual, SW was missing for tonight's game. Again. Well, he has played one game for us this year so we should be very grateful.
On a serious note, though, it's not good enough. It shows a disregard for Cardiff Blues verging on disrespect, in my humbles. I wonder if the players who really want to be competitive and have the best opportunity to win every match are happy with the 'Ghost of Sam'.
If it's Wales dictating this then I hope SW is pressurising them in order he can play a part in Cardiff Blues' efforts this season. If not, and SW is happy to play a bit-part, then a transfer elsewhere should be considered.
Straight after the Calvisano game he was talking about playing against Edinburgh, so it wasn't his choice to rest!!! He has said a few times in the press that he is a Cardiff boy an wants to end his career at Cardiff. I think that in itself, at his relatively young age, a man at the top of his game, shows a lot of respect especially as the club is only now recovering from a massive freefall!!!
With a bit of luck injury wise he could play a big part for us at the end of the season!!
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