WALES TEAM: THE VERDICT
IT isn’t quite akin to the crew members of the Titanic being asked to take out another passenger liner the week after they arrived back from their unscheduled stop to take on ice off Newfoundland.
But let’s just say it wasn’t completely expected that Rob Howley would say ‘same again’ to all 23 Wales players involved in the misadventure at Murrayfield a week last Saturday.
Just to refresh memories, Wales conceded 20 unanswered points after the break 11 days ago; they won just 37 percent of possession in the second half and fell to their worst defeat in Scotland in 24 years.
The assumption had been that maybe the odd change was called for.
But when Howley came up with his line-up to face Ireland, those who had featured in the Edinburgh debacle were picked en bloc — all 23 of them, with the head coach saying: “We felt it was important that the same group of players had the opportunity to perform on Friday, so we named an unchanged squad.”
No-one can accuse the man of caving in to public opinion.
There was more from Howley: “Friday night is an opportunity for us. There is a lot of experience in the group and you don’t become a bad team overnight.”
The worry is that Wales haven’t been a particularly good team for quite a while now, and those running the show haven’t fully recognised as much.
Their decision to stick rather than twist will perplex many. Here, MARK ORDERS looks at some of the big decisons and an attempt to work out what has gone on and whether they are right or wrong.
Not switching Leigh Halfpenny and Liam Williams
There had been suggestions that Howley could improve his side’s attacking game by overseeing this relatively-painless alteration in the back three. So, what wasn’t to like about Williams being moved to his preferred slot at No. 15?
Well, selection is subjective and Wales’ coach simply believes the Scarlet is better out wide.
He said in the autumn: “Liam is probably a left wing who can play full-back, while I think Leigh can play both.”
Halfpenny may not have scored a Test try from No.15 in more than four years, but Howley also values his solidity and ability to read play. Playing on the wing, Williams has also scored tries in three successive games out wide.
But Wales have been hopelessly shy of creativity and there is an argument things could have been improved on that score.
The North question
George North was so all at sea last time out he came close to eclipsing the efforts of Christopher Columbus circa 1492.
His defence was porous and he offered little in attack.
But he obviously still has some credit in reserve with the coaches.
Would Tom James, Steff Evans or Keelan Giles have done any worse than North managed against the Scots?
Perhaps the question should be tweaked: Could they have done any worse than the big man managed against the Scots?
Yet North survives, with Wales content to give him just a warning.
He needs to heed it.
Retaining Dan Biggar
The biggest call. Wales have lacked creativity and traditionally they have looked to their No.10 to provide lashings of the stuff.
In Sam Davies they have an option whose ability to conjure space is not in doubt, but Howley appears to believe that creativity isn’t everything: that in Test rugby there are other dimensions that are as important or even more vital to a team.
Biggar will never be an amalgam of Phil Bennett, Barry John, Jonathan Davies and Cliff Morgan, but when there is a battle to be won – and there will be on Friday evening – he has form for stepping forward and delivering.
Sticking with Ball
Another call presumably made on the strength of an outstanding effort against England.
Luke Charteris’ work in defence, and particularly in respect of his ability to kill opposition driving mauls, would have convinced many to start him for the game with the Irish.
But against England, Jake Ball came up with a career-best effort in Test rugby, one that the selectors haven’t forgotten about.
Perhaps their memories don’t
extend back far enough to recall the greatest individual defensive show in the history of the Six Nations – statistically, at least – which Charteris produced against Ireland in Cardiff two years ago: 31 tackles the big man made that day, almost as many as entire teams get to make in some matches.
Whatever, Ball it is.
No room as a starter for Faletau
A Wales supporter woken after a two-year sleep would doubtless waste little time if asked to name the first name on the national side’s teamsheet.
“Taulupe Faletau,” the response would be.
That’s because the former Newport Gwent Dragon hit heights of consistency and excellence that elevated him to the ranks of world class. But he can’t find a way back into Howley’s team.
In fairness, it isn’t an easy call. The back row has gone well during this Six Nations and there is an argument that it ain’t broke, then don’t reach for the nearest tool box.
Sam Warburton, Ross Moriarty and Justin Tipuric have all been outstanding at various points.
Interestingly, a website poll wanted the triumvirate to stay in place.
Howley evidently agrees, but is Faletau too good to be just a bench player?