Warren Gatland has revealed what his big RWC squad selection discussion will be
Wales lock Cory Hill has emerged as a major World Cup injury concern just 24 hours before head coach Warren Gatland names his squad for the tournament. Gatland revealed after Wales’ 22-17 warm-up defeat against Ireland in Cardiff that Hill has suffered a fractured in his leg.
The 24 times-capped Dragons forward has not played since scoring a try during the Six Nations victory over England in February. He suffered an ankle problem during that game, and Gatland, who announces his 31-man World cup squad on Sunday, has delivered a fresh update.
“Our big discussion tonight is with Cory Hill,” Gatland said. “He has got a fracture in his leg. It is a very small fracture which could keep him out until game two or three (of the World Cup), so that will be a big discussion on whether we take him or not.”
It will be a huge blow for Wales if Hill does not go to Japan, especially given his performances last season, while he also captained Wales in two Tests against Argentina during their 2018 summer tour. Gatland said there are “probably half a dozen positions” up for debate when he sits down with his fellow coaches on Saturday evening.
“It was a good exercise,” added Gatland, reflecting on Wales’ first home loss since November 2017. “Some people put up their hand and made a good showing, and with others, we had a few questions answered. It was good from that point of view.
The 206-second attack that has turned Geography Six outcast Cory Hill into a household name https://t.co/uydA4DMEQY
— liam heagney (@heagneyl) February 24, 2019
“We will sit down tonight and it will take a few hours to finalise the squad. There are probably half a dozen positions that are really up for debate. Apart from that, we are quite comfortable with 24 or 25 players.”
Asked if he thought it would be the best Wales squad he takes to a World Cup, Gatland added: “I think so, yes. “I think it’s the best squad in terms of the depth we’ve got. If we do pick up a few injuries like we did in 2015, I think we would be able to cope so much better now.
“The expectation from ourselves is that we will be very disappointed if we don’t make the quarter-finals, and that’s step one. Then you take every game as it comes. I think we’ve massively over-achieved in what we’ve done in the last 12 years.
First international appearance. First try.
Da iawn @owen_lane. #WALvIRE pic.twitter.com/IJ2gVIgPGR
— Welsh Rugby Union ? (@WelshRugbyUnion) August 31, 2019
“We are not finished yet. If we are mentally and physically right, we’re capable of beating anyone in the world. I honestly believe we will go a long way at this World Cup.”
Ireland’s victory meant that Wales lost their number one world ranking to New Zealand, having reached the summit with a 13-6 victory over England two weeks ago. Ireland suffered a record 57-15 drubbing at England’s heads last Saturday, and head coach Joe Schmidt said: “I knew we were heavy-legged last week.
“I know we created a lot of angst for people outside the environment. We knew we would be a bit vulnerable, but it was still unacceptable to be that far off. So we restored a bit of self-confidence as much as anything this week.
“There will be more changes again, and next week (against Wales in Dublin) will be a whole different contest again.”
– Press Association
WATCH: Ireland legend Brian O’Driscoll tips England to win the World Cup in Japan
Comments on RugbyPass
Four Kiwis in that backline. A solid statement on the lack of invention, risk-taking and joy in the NH game; game of attrition and head- banging tedium. Longterm medical problems aplenty in the future!
1 Go to commentsGood article, I learnt quite a lot. A big sliding door moment was in the mid 00s when they rejected Steve Anderson's long term transformation and he wrote Ireland's strategy instead.
2 Go to commentsHi Dr Nick! I'm worried that I've started to enjoy watching England and have actually wanted them to win their last two games. What would you prescribe? On a more serious note, I've noticed that the standard of play in March is often better than early February. Do you think this is because of the weather or because the players have been together for longer?
10 Go to commentsMy question in all this brett is who is going to wear the consequences of these actions? Surely just getting the sack isn’t sufficient? A teenager working the till at woolies would probably get taken to court if they took $20 out of the till. You mean to tell me that someone can spend $2.6 million and get away with it? Where was it spent? What companies/people were the beneficiaries etc? How is it just being talked about as an ‘oopsie’ and we all just move on and not a matter of the court for gross negligence, fraud, take your pick…
18 Go to commentslove Manu too but England have relied on him coming back from injury for far too long and not sorted the position with someone else long term . It will be a blessing he has gone . Huge shame he was so injury prone . God speed Manu .
3 Go to commentsI agree with Ben Smith about Brett Cameron. The No. 6 position has to be a monster and a genuine lineout option, like Ollivon, Lawes (now Chessum), Du Toit, etc. The only player who fits that bill right now is Scott Barrett. A fit and fizzing Tuipolotu together with one of the young towers, Sam Darry or Josh Lord, would give Razor the freedom to play Barret at 6.
15 Go to commentsOutstanding article, Graham. Agree with all of it. And enjoy the style of writing too (particularly Grand Slap!).
2 Go to commentsI wouldn't pay a cent for that loafer. He just stands around, waiting for play to come his way. He won't make the Wallabies.
1 Go to commentsGood bit of te reo maori Nic. Or is that Niko or Nikora? On the theme of trees the Oaks v Totara. Game plan would be key. I have one but it would cost you.
10 Go to comments> Shaun Edwards’ You should not have to score 30 points to win a game, as exciting as it is. This statement was surprising to me. It is nonsensical .I guess it is a defence coach speaking. But head coach, defence and attacking coaches all work together. They are inseparable. You score more than the opposition to win. It only needs to be one score. You score whatever the game demands, whatever the opposition demand. You defend whatever it takes. The attack coach needs to be able to clock up 30pts if need be.
10 Go to commentsWho’d have thought, not having Farrell & Youngs kicking the ball at every possible opportunity and playing flat and allowing your centres to run and pass would pay off? No one could possibly have seen this coming. FML. It took a LONG time coming but at least that time has finally come. England need to find a backup to Lawrence. Freeman is the best candidate for me, I see no reason why he can't play 12. He's big, strong, fast and has great hands.
10 Go to commentsLove Manu but he's not the player he was and I imagine Bayonne have paid too much money for him.
3 Go to commentsNew Zealand have not beaten England since 2018 and even that was a pretty close shave.
1 Go to comments“a renewed focus on Scottish-qualified players” Scottish-qualified is another way of saying English. England has development more players for the Scotland national Rugby team in the last 4 years, than Scotland has.
2 Go to commentsThis sounds a lot like the old Welsh rugby proverb “Wales never lose. Other teams just score more points.”
5 Go to commentsFinally,at last, Borthwick has done what the whole of England have been crying out for. Ditch the kick chase and let the players have freedom to attack and run with the ball. It was great to see. Ford played really well and for the first time in ages was 5 yards closer to the gainline which then allowed a more attacking position . Pity it has taken 90 odd caps to do so. However, this has to continue and not be a false dawn . One issue. Marcus. With Ford having one really good game in 5 ,is he the answer long term . Smith puts bums on seats and is terrific to watch . How can you leave him out before he departs for France in disillusion . England are in danger of Simmons , Alex Goode , Cipriani , Mercer and now Smith being unable to get a selection ahead of “favourites” of the management regardless of form . Great to see England play so well .
2 Go to commentsCockerill was an abrasive player in the mould of a Georgian front rower who will have the respect of that pack. Looking forward to seeing what he can do with this exciting team, hopefully they can send a message to unions like Wales that money alone doesn't buy you wins.
2 Go to commentsI like the look of those July matches. Hopefully they'll get some good tests in November too.
2 Go to commentsThis is a poor article, essentially just trolling six nations teams
22 Go to commentsConnaught man? How you can write that without blushing.
6 Go to comments