It's not all doom and gloom... some Wales fans see a 'funny' side to the Howley debacle
The reaction to the revelation that Rob Howley has returned to Wales from Japan has not been as negative as some may have expected.
Howley was sent home on Monday after being embroiled in allegations of breaking gambling guidelines and is set to be replaced by former flyhalf Stephen Jones.
Losing a coach that has been part of Warren Gatland’s set-up for 11 years less than a week before a World Cup where Wales have their best ever chance of winning looks nothing short of a catastrophe.
However, there are many fans looking at this positively and seeing the funny side in the situation. Jones was set to join the coaching staff after the World Cup as part of Wayne Pivac’s new staff and many fans see him as an improvement.
Former British and Irish Lion Howley did not help Wales earn a reputation of being the most attacking of teams. In the 2019 Six Nations, Wales scored the fewest tries in the championship – tied with Italy – despite winning the Grand Slam. Their strength lies in their defence and the influence that Shaun Edwards has.
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Therefore, the whole situation has been treated by some with a sense of humour on social media where it was suggested it won’t take long for Jones to take over from Howley.
Despite their success, Wales’ blunt attack has received some criticism in the past from other countries, and Wales fans are joining in now that Howley has gone. This has been the reaction:
Jones has four days to learn every one of Howley's attacking plays. What'll he do on the other three and a half?
— Jeff Ace (@JeffAce3) September 17, 2019
Gatland mastermind – Wales to have the most flair in attack thanks to Stephen Jones ?
— Gerwyn Thomas (@GerwynThomas1) September 17, 2019
Welsh backs hearing Stephen Jones will take over for the World Cup. pic.twitter.com/oC6s4THpFT
— Rhys Hafod (@Rhys_Hafod) September 17, 2019
If Howley takes his folder of super-duper complex, amazingly intricate cutting-edge backs moves with him though….he’ll still have loads of room for duty free. How much does one sheet of A4 weigh anyway?
— David Burke (@DavidMBurke) September 17, 2019
So…. Stephen Jones been taken out replace Howley…. does this actually mean we’re going to ATTACK now?? ?
— Steve Speirs (@SteveSpeirs4) September 17, 2019
Seeing as Ron Howley's attacking plans have yet to see the light of day, Jones doesn't have a lot to work with, other than "kick it and hope Biggar catches it", and the "go from side to side & back again" tactics.
— DeanKB (@Dean21564486) September 17, 2019
Stephen Jones for Rob Howley – best substitution of the 2019 Rugby World Cup! ?????????
— Leighton (@Leight76) September 17, 2019
I can’t wait until Stephen Jones takes over the Wales attack.
Howley is the only guy in the world who could ruin the All Blacks attack! #ITAvWAL #6Nations
— Phil Hughes (@filhughes) February 9, 2019
Stephen Jones has been handed Rob Howley’s book of attacking moves. pic.twitter.com/mQXBih0HYo
— Dave (@MrDaveLewis) September 17, 2019
I’m more shocked he’s actually called attack coach,threw me a bit there
— Chris Jenkins (@chrisjenks2108) September 17, 2019
Question for Gats: Over the last few years Wales is attack has been criticised, have you recently come to your senses and now blackmailed Rob Howley? If so Wales thanks you ?
— Carwyn J. Thomas (@CarwynJThomas) September 17, 2019
An overwhelming number of fans on Twitter are taking positives out of this move, highlighting the success that Jones has had with the Scarlets backline, many of whom are playing for Wales.
Then again, there are those that are suggesting that it is ridiculous to think that Jones will be able to revolutionise an attack in a matter of days that has been led by one person for 11 years.
Jones’ job will simply be to try and implement and continue what Howley has created. But in a situation as disastrous as this, sometimes the only thing to do is laugh.
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Comments on RugbyPass
I certainly don’t enjoy drinking beers at 8am in the morning watching rugby games in NZ.
1 Go to commentsThis looks like a damage limitation exercise for Wales, keeping back some of their more effective players for the last 20/25 minutes to try and counter England’s fresh legs so the Red Roses don’t rack up a big score.
1 Go to commentsVery unlikely the Bulls will beat Leinster in Dublin. It would be different in Pretoria.
1 Go to commentsI think it is a dangerous path to go down to ban a player for the same period that a player they injured takes to recover. Players would be afraid to tackle anyone. I once tackled my best friend at school in a practice match and sprained his ankle. I paid for it by having to play fly-half instead of full-back for the rest of that season’s fixtures.
5 Go to commentsJust such a genuine good bloke…and probably the best all round player in his generation. Good guys do come first sometimes and he handled the W.Cup loss with great attitude.
2 Go to commentsWord in France is that he’s on the radar of a few Top14 clubs.
2 Go to commentsGet blocking Travis, this guy has styles and he’s gonna make a swift impact…!
1 Go to commentsWhat remorse? She claimed that her dangerous tackle wasn’t worthy of a red! She should be compensating the injured player for loss of earnings at the minimum. Her ban should include the recovery time of the injured player as well as the paltry 3 match ban.
5 Go to commentsArdie is a legend. Finished and klaar. Two things: “Yeah, yeah, I have had a few conversations with Razor just around feedback on my game and what I am doing well, what I need to improve on or work-ons. It’s kind of been minimal, mate, but it’s all that I need over here in terms of how to be better, how to get better and what I am doing well.” I hope he’s downplaying it - and that it’s not that “minimal”. The amount of communication and behind the scenes preparation the Bok coaches put into players - Rassie and co would be all over Ardie and being clear on what is expected of him. This stands out for me as something teams should really be looking at in terms of the boks success from a coaching point of view. And was surprised by the comment - “minimal”. In terms of the “debate” around Ireland and South Africa. Nice one Ardie. Indeed. There’s no debate.
2 Go to commentsThere’s a bit of depth there but realistically Australian players have a long way to go to now catch up. The game is moving on fast and Australia are falling behind. Australian sides still don’t priories the breakdown like they should, it’s a non-negotiable if you want to compete on the international stage. That goes for forwards and backs. The Australian team could have a back row that could make a difference but the problem is they don’t have a tight five that can do the business. Tupou is limited in defence, overweight and unfit and the locks are a long way from international standard. Frost is soft and Salakai-Loto is too small so that means they need a Valentini at 8 who has to do the hard graft so limits the effectiveness of the backrow. Schmidt really needs to get a hard working, tough tight 5 if he wants to get this team firing.
3 Go to commentsSorry Morgan you must have been the “go to for a quote” ex player this week. Its rnd 6 and there is plenty of time to cement a starting 15 and finishing 8 so I have no such concerns.
2 Go to commentsGreat read. I wish you had done this article on the ROAR.
2 Go to commentsThe current AB coaching team is basically the Crusaders so it smacks of wanting their familiar leaders around. This is not a good look for the future of the ABs or the younger players in Super working their way up the player ladder. Razor is touted as innovative, forward looking but his early moves look like insecurity and insular, provincial thinking. He is the AB's coach not the Golden Oldies.
10 Go to commentsSimple reason for wanting him back. Robertson wants him as captain. Otherwise he wouldn’t be bothering chasing him. Not enough reason to come back just to mentor.
10 Go to commentsI had not considered this topic like this at all, brilliant read. I had been looking at his record at the Waratahs and thought it odd the Crusaders appointed him, then couple that with all that experience and talent departing and boom. They’ve got some great talent developing though, and in all honesty I don’t think anyone would be over confident taking them on in a playoff match, no matter how poor the first half of their season was. I think they can pull a game out of their ass when it counts.
2 Go to commentsNot a bad list but not Porecki and not Donaldson. Not because they are Tahs, or Ex Tahs, they are just not good enough. Edmed should be ahead. Far more potential. Wilson should be 8 and Valentini 6. Wilson needs to be told by his father and his coach, stop bloody running in to brick wall defence. You’re not playing under the genius Thorn any more. He’s a fantastic angle runner. The young new 8 from the Brumbies looks really good too. The Lonegrans are just too small for international rugby as is Paisami, as is Hamish Stewart at 12. Both great at Super Rugby level. Stewart could have been a great 10 if not for Brad Thorn. Uru should be there and so should Tupou. Tupou just needs good Australian coaching which he hasn’t been getting. I don’t think Schmidt will excite him.
3 Go to commentsIf he wants to come back then he should. He will be a major asset to the younger locks and could easily be played as an impact player off the bench coming on in the last 30. He is fit, strong and capable and has all the experience to make up for any loss in physical prowess. He could also be brought back with a view to coaching within the structures one day. Duane Vermeulen played until he was 37 or 38. He is now a roaming coach within the South African coaching structures. He was valuable in the last world cup and has been a major influence on Jasper Wiese and other young players which has helped and accelerated their development and growth. Whitelock could do the exact same thing for NZ
10 Go to commentsBrett Excellent words… finally someone (other than DC) has noted that Hanigan is very hard and very good at doing what Backrow should do… his performance via the Drua sauna was quite daunting for those on the other side… very high tackle count… carries with good end result… constant threat to make a good 20-25 meters with those long legs… providing his mass effectively to crunching the Drua pack… Finally he is returning to quality form… way to much injury time over the last 2 years… smart-strong-competent in his skills… caught every lineout throw aimed at him and delivered clean pass to whoever was down below… and he worked hard for the whole 80 minutes… Ned has to be in the top 5 for backrow honors… He knows what is required as he has been there before…
20 Go to commentsI think Sam Whitelock should not touch a return with a bargepole. He went out on a high, playing in the RWC Final. He would be coming back into a team that will be weaker than last years, and might even be struggling to win games, especially against the Boks. Stay in France, enjoy another year with Pau, playing alongside his brother.
10 Go to commentsRyan Coxon has been very impressive considering he was signed by WF as injury cover whilst Uru has been a standout for QR, surprised neither of those mentioned
3 Go to comments