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Clock ticks for Six Nations pretenders

  • Gareth Lewis - ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Wales Sport presenter
  • 22 Jan 07, 12:54 PM

gareth_lewiswal_badge.gifCardiff - Interesting to see that the Doomsday clock, which signifies how close the world is to nuclear disaster, was moved to seven minutes to midnight last week, its "latest" time for nine years.

This could be a week when even the Six Nations is overshadowed if England's clubs go for the nuclear button and opt out of the Heineken Cup along with the French.

Tick tock, tick tock… we watch and wait. Meanwhile, turning back the hands of time is 34-year-old Colin Charvis.

The former captain is back in the for the first time under Gareth Jenkins and for the first time since the draw against Italy last year.

I don't know Colin that well, other than meeting him through work and nodding a greeting if we cross paths, but I can say he's a breath of fresh air in Welsh rugby.

Different, unorthodox, very much his own man, and this season proving he's a great player. If he gets on against Ireland and brings his Dragons form to the field he could make quite an impact.

Injuries are not such a big problem for Wales this season as they were last season with the notable long-term exceptions of Sonny Parker and Ian Evans. There won't be any excuses for underperforming.

and counting.


Comments  Post your comment

  • 1.
  • At 05:52 PM on 22 Jan 2007,
  • alan glavin wrote:

would you like to name your starting 15 for the ireland game, go on!

  • 2.
  • At 09:12 PM on 22 Jan 2007,
  • Rick wagoner wrote:

well, lots of comments.

is it just me, or is the welsh rugby team overated. Sonny Parker, James Hook, and particularly Steven Jones are really not that good

DOES ANYONE AGREE?

  • 3.
  • At 10:35 PM on 22 Jan 2007,
  • richard wrote:

Sorry james hook not really that good. Let me guess you dont watch any rugby except the six nations and some premiership matches? Steven Jones is probably the most consistent fly half in the northern hemisphere. Hardly ever anything flash at all, but can you tell me the last time he had a shocker?
I admit sonny parker is not world class, but when did anyone say he was?

  • 4.
  • At 10:51 AM on 23 Jan 2007,
  • James Morris wrote:

Rick, no I don't agree, in fact I think you are full of s***. I appreciate you are entitled to your opinion, but do you actually watch rugby? and do you know anything about the sport?
Admitedly Sonny Parker will never set the world alight, but he is consistent and does what is required of him. Stephen Jones is a fantastic player who, as Richard said, very rarely has a bad game.
James Hook meanwhile is a fantastic talent who is unfortunately wasted by the Ospreys. Considering his age the guy could be world class and that has been stated by a number of very good judges, including Dan Carter and Greaeme Henry follwing the Autumn internationals.

The beauty of the Welsh team is that they are a bunch of good players, that play very well as a team.

  • 5.
  • At 11:12 AM on 23 Jan 2007,
  • Aled wrote:

My startin line up would be
d jones
r thomas
a jones
i gough
a w jones
r jones
m williams
a popham
d peel
s jones
g thomas
j hook
t shanklin
k morgan
g henson

  • 6.
  • At 11:24 AM on 23 Jan 2007,
  • Rhodri Williams wrote:

If fit- probably gonna be for the later games

1. JONES
2. THOMAS
3. HORSMANN
4. COCKBAIN
5. SIDOLI (THIS PARTNESHIP NEEDS REUNITING)
6. R JONES (EVEN THOUGH PLAYING V WELL AT 8, THIS ENABLES POPHAM TO PLAY AS WELL AS HIM)

7 WILLIAMS
8. POPHAM
9. PEEL
10.JONES
11. WILLIAMS (MORGAN FOR IRELAND)
12. HOOK
13. SHANKLIN
14. JONES (THOMAS FOR IRELAND)
15. THOMAS (HENSON FOR IRELAND)

This team offers gd balance. Dont know how you too are missing Jones from the wing. I know hes injured but surely he should be in there. I also think Tandy deserves a shot behind Williams. Hes tey form 7 atm in Wales and should be ahead of Thomas

I like the look of Rhodri's side with one change, i would definetly include Gethin jenkins, hes starting to play well again and finding the form that made him the best loose head in the game, go on Mellon.

Good call on Ryan as well, much better at blind side than No.8

Dont know about Morgan, never been much of a fan, bit of a %^^& out if you ask me, but you lot probably seen a lot more of him than me, since i moved to cambridge.

  • 8.
  • At 12:19 PM on 23 Jan 2007,
  • ceri parker wrote:

1. Gethin Jenkins(Needs to replicate Grand slam form)
2. Rhys Thomas
3. Chris Horsman(can upset the irish pack) or Duncan Jones
4. Brent Cockbain
5. Rob Sidoli
6. Colin Charvis
7. Martyn Williams
8. Ryan Jones
9. Dwayne Peel
10. Stephen Jones(cant play like he did in autumn)
11. Kevin Morgan
12. James Hook
13. Tom Shanklin
14. Gareth Thomas
15. Gavin Henson

  • 9.
  • At 12:35 PM on 23 Jan 2007,
  • welsh boy in cambridge wrote:

just 2 more things from me, my english friends( i know i keep it quiet!) often tell me that Wales remind them of Arsenal, always trying to pass the ball into the goal, except trying to run evrything. I wish we would use Henson etc more to kick us out out of danger, he has one of the biggers kicks in rugby and yes he can make touch!!

i know this is not the welsh way, but needs must sometimes,

last thing is it me or am i the only one who cant comprehend why we are the only international side who:
1. cant win there own line out and,
2. dont compete with opposition lineout,

this could be our downfall.

if we could replicate the 1st half of rugby agaisnt scotland in 2005 in all of the matches, ill be a happy man.

anyone agree or not?

  • 10.
  • At 12:58 PM on 23 Jan 2007,
  • Matthew Pritchard wrote:

1. D. Jones
2. M. Rees
3. A. Jones
4. B. Cockbain
5. A.W. Jones
6. R. Jones
7. M. Williams
8. A. Popham

9. D. Peel
10. S. Jones
11. S. Williams
12. J. Hook
13. T. Shanklin
14. G. Thomas
15. K. Morgan

  • 11.
  • At 01:59 PM on 23 Jan 2007,
  • Dafydd James appreciation society wrote:

Why, oh why is Dafydd James not in the welsh squad?!!?! If you were to pick players on form then there really is no doubt that he deserves his place - ESPECIALLY now that Mark and Shane are out of the Ireland game. I cannot believe it. Ridiculous P.S. I am not related to Dafydd in anyway

  • 12.
  • At 03:54 PM on 23 Jan 2007,
  • R james wrote:

1. Duncan Jones
2. Rhys Thomas
3. Chris Horsman
4. Brent Cockbain
5. Gough
6. Popham
7. Martyn Williams
8. R. Jones
9. Peel
10. Stephen Jones
11. Kevin Morgan
12. James Hook
13. Thomas
14. Shanklin
15. Gavin Henson

Ive gone for fast but powerful loose forwards and chosen Jones as number 8 over popham as i believe he controls the ball better at the back of the scrum.
Iv watched gough play for dragons and he always gives a physical performance.
Thomas in the centre will prob never happen but id love to see it.

  • 13.
  • At 04:05 PM on 23 Jan 2007,
  • Gus wrote:

I have to say that I am flabberghasted to see the name of Kevin Morgan on so many people's team lists...All he did in the Autumn internationals was miss tackles, get knocked backwards and look shaky underneath the high ball.

It is good to see Henson playing with some of his old swagger, playing him at fullback will increase attacking options and add a bit of backline mettle.

My major concern is Stephen Jones. Consistency alone is no longer a good enough reason for holding back the talented Hook from his natural role.

  • 14.
  • At 05:15 PM on 23 Jan 2007,
  • Moon Monkey wrote:

I think we're going to struggle this year.

Front Rows not finding their form or unable to last 80 mins

Second row has always been shaky

Not being able to consistantly win our own line.

Peel has been woeful for 70% of the season

Shanklin has not played for ages

Henson thrown to the FB slot

Does not bode well.

If we lose to Ireland and then have 3 games on the road it could be a very long campaign for us.

Culminating in a demorised squad facing an England team with Wilkinson, Farrel et al.

I hope I am wrong

  • 15.
  • At 06:58 PM on 23 Jan 2007,
  • Rhyds wrote:

This would be the team i would pick for the ireland match:
1. Duncs
2. Mathew Rees
3. Adam Jones
4. Cockbain
5. A W Jones
6. Popham
7. G Thomas
8. Ryan Jones

9. Peel
10. Stephen
11. Chris Cejkai
12. Hook
13. Shanklin
14. G Thomas
15. Henson

The back row offers a great balance, after watching the scarlets, i am amazed by the amount of ground gavin thomas covers, which all great open side need to do, Martyn Williams is slowly entering his selby date now. With popam at 6 and ryan jones at 8 offers a lot of power and strenght and also agression. Id rather play ryan Jones at 8 as i see him gainig more yards than popham.

With shane horgan out, is a great bonus for us as he is a very strgon and powerful runer when he has the chance so i see an opurtynity for chris cejkai gettin a strat as he will exploit the irish weakness they now have.

  • 16.
  • At 11:53 PM on 23 Jan 2007,
  • Christopher wrote:

My team for Wales vs Ireland

1. Duncan Jones
2. Rhys Thomas
3. Adam Jones
4. Ian Gough
5. Alun Wyn Jones
6. Colin Charvis
7. Martyn Williams
8. Ryan Jones

9. Dwayne Peel
10. Stephen Jones

11. Chris Czekaj
12. James Hook
13. Tom Shanklin
14. Gareth Thomas
15) Kevin Morgan

16) Duncan Jones - cover for prop
17) Matthew Rees - cover for hooker
18) Scott Morgan - cover for back-row and lock
19) Alix Popham - cover for back-row
20) Michael Phillips - cover for scrumhalf
21) Gavin Henson - cover for fly half, centre & fullback
22) Gavin Evans - cover for centre and wing

  • 17.
  • At 07:49 AM on 24 Jan 2007,
  • Bigpoppablue wrote:

For me the key to beating Ireland will be to go at them where there venerable, and that's their front row. We should pick a destructive a scrumaging unit as possible. With a bit of luck it will put the Irish back row under a bit of pressure. I feel we also need to pick a big and a abrasive back row to try and nullify a major strength of the Irish game. No excuses being made, but we will sorely miss the electric pace of M Jones and the elusive running of Shano. My 15 would be as follows

1. G Jenkins
2. R Thomas
3. C Horseman
4. B Cockbain
5. A W Jones
6. R Jones
7. M Willians
8. Popham/Delve
9. D Peel
10. S Jones
11. G Thomas
12. J Hook
13. T Shanklin14. Chris Czekaj
14. C Czekaj (even as a Blue I wish it was A Brew in there)
15. K Morgan

  • 18.
  • At 10:06 AM on 24 Jan 2007,
  • Monkey wrote:

My team for the Ireland game
1. G Jenkins
2. R Thomas
3. D Jones
4. A W.Jones
5. B Cockbain
6. R Jones
7. M Williams
8. A Popham

9. D Peel
10. J Hook
11. C Czekaj
12. G Henson
13. T Shanklin
14. G Thomas
15. K Morgan

I think Hook is playing better this season at 10 than Jones. Would prefer to see Shane Williams at 11, but injury his forced me to change that.

  • 19.
  • At 11:53 AM on 24 Jan 2007,
  • Barrie Richards wrote:

Been looking at the teams selected above and I cant see Gareth Jenkins picking Colin Charvis in his squad if he doesnt intend to use him.
I believe given his experience, ability to turnover opposition ball(Amongst other strengths)im sure he is likely to play a big part in most games.

Playing either Jones or Popham at 6 restricts their fundamental strength of offensive play. It needs to be determined what Charvis brings to the game is worth more than an extra ball carrier in Popham or Jones. (Although Charvis is also good with ball in hand).

Im not sure if he is quick enough around the park to play an open side flanker role at international level these days. Maybe 20-30mins as impact player?

If we have aspirations of winning the 6N we need our best players involved - he is defo one of them.

Well done Gareth Jenkins....but where is Dafydd James ???

  • 20.
  • At 12:39 PM on 24 Jan 2007,
  • Barry John wrote:

After looking at all the sides and comments me and the boys chose Rhodri Williams's team as the best team for the Ireland game! CONGRADS

  • 21.
  • At 02:24 PM on 24 Jan 2007,
  • Vince wrote:

It doesnt matter, England are going to cream Wales anway so watch out!

  • 22.
  • At 03:07 AM on 25 Jan 2007,
  • wrote:

Here's my team for the Ireland game. With sincere apologies to Barry John and Rhodri Williams, this team is far and away better than anything listed above:

1. Horan
2. Flannery
3. Hayes
4. O’Connell
5. O’Kelly
6. Neil Best
7. Wallace
8. Leamy
9. Stringer
10. O’Gara
11. Hickie
12. D’Arcy
13. O’Driscoll
14. Trimble
15. Murphy

I'm sure you'll all agree that's the strongest of the lists.

Question: .

  • 23.
  • At 09:50 AM on 25 Jan 2007,
  • Allan Evans wrote:

It would appear that Gareth Jenkins has already made up his mind that Henson will be in the match 22 and maybe even in the team at full back. Despite the fact that he may have another mediocre game this weekend! Personally, I don't think he should be considered as there are better, more consistent players available, even with the current injury situation. Morgan is clearly the best Full Back, with Thomas a close second, but the Wing choice is very limited. The fact remains that Henson is clearly not up to International standard and hasn't been for some time - if he ever was!
I am also disappointed that Dafydd James is not in the squad. If ever there was a man in form - he certainly is.


  • 24.
  • At 11:32 AM on 25 Jan 2007,
  • Mike Williams wrote:

TOM SHANKLIN OUT OF OPENER IN SIX NATIONS WITH A PULLED HAMSTRING.

  • 25.
  • At 11:41 AM on 25 Jan 2007,
  • Robert wrote:

Team to play Ireland
1.Jenkins
2.Thomas
3.Horsmann
4.Cockbain
5.Alun Wyn Jones(cant believe nobodys included him)
6.Jones
7.Charvis(Williams hasn't played)
8.Popham
9.Peel
10.Jones(showed his class since autumn)
11.Czekaj
12.Hook
13.Shanklin
14.Thomas
15.Morgan

We need to exploite the weaknesses in the irish front row a la Munster. We also need to match the phisycality of the irish back row.

  • 26.
  • At 12:50 PM on 25 Jan 2007,
  • Marc Oak wrote:

Side providing everyones fit

1. G. Jenkins
2. R. Thomas
3. D. Jones
4. I. Gough (form has been outstanding)
5. R. Sidoli
6. R. Jones
7. M. Williams (G. Thomas when he retires but his turnover work is irreplacable)
8. A. Popham

9. D. Peel
10. J. Hook (S. Jones V Ireland)
11. S. Williams
12. G. Henson ( J. Hook V Ireland)
13. T. Shanklin (G. Thomas V Ireland)
14. M. Jones
15. G. Thomas ( G. Henson V Ireland)

Hook I think is playing at a higher level than Jones and although captain should be dropped for a better player. Hook has the talent and the application to be the very best and I already would rate him above O' Gara/Flood

  • 27.
  • At 01:21 PM on 25 Jan 2007,
  • Dave Griffiths wrote:

I know everyone is entitled to their opinion (though not always welcome to express them!!) but has anyone thought how refreshing it is that we have so much depth of talent fighting for the key positions in the Welsh team for a change. For so long we have had 1 world class player at certain positions and their under-studies have been little more than good club players. we are now in the enviable position of having 2 of 3 top class players competing for key positions. I have watched James Hook all season he is (sorry to disappoint you richard) world class. Now before i get shot down in flames, my idea of world class is Consistency, Vision and being a team player. These can be part of a players attributes without him being the man of the match every time he plays. Outstanding teamwork and vision seems to work for New Zealand without having any glory boys in the squad. Nuff said. P.S if we beat Ireland then there's no-one else in our way 2007 Grand Slam Champions!!?

  • 28.
  • At 01:57 PM on 25 Jan 2007,
  • Mike wrote:

My team selection for Wales v Ireland would be:

1. Duncan Jones
2. Rhys Thomas
3. Chris Horseman
4. Brett Cockbain
5. Ian Gough
6. Colin Charvis
7. Martin Williams
8. Ryan Jones

9. Dwayne Peel
10. Stephen Jones
11. Kevin Morgan
12. James Hook
13. Gareth Thomas
14. Dafydd James
15. Gavin Henson

I think the front row would give the Irish front row all kinds of trouble.

The second rows are hard donkeys and Gough is playing very well.

The back row has strength, experience and great at breakdowns!! and athletic.

Half backs - enough said

Centres - I would play Hook in between Jones and thomas (tonnes of experience).

Back three - Dafydd James - never has a bad game, Kevin Morgan makes up for lack of size by great natural skill and running lines, Gavin - do we have another fit full back?? He has got a huge boot which could come good.

  • 29.
  • At 02:09 PM on 25 Jan 2007,
  • wrote:

P.S if we beat Ireland then there's no-one else in our way 2007 Grand Slam Champions!!?

I'd tend to agree, and that's why I'm concerned about our visit to Cardiff.

If we get past the choirboys we're on to France and England in front of 82,000 in Dublin and by God we're looking forward to that!

So hopefully we get back some of the success we've hard in Cardiff in recent years, it's time Ireland had a Grand Slam!

- sportcrazy

  • 30.
  • At 06:35 PM on 25 Jan 2007,
  • John Donovan wrote:

Glad the Six nations is about to start.The form national team is Ireland after the autumn internationals. Regional rugby has been so in and out depending which competition you watch there is little to show how the Welsh team will play. The Irish game will set the bench mark and some players really must start to show what they can really do at international level. Also we must start playing players in their real positions. Not much longer to experiment if we are to have a tried and tested team to compete in the world cup. We still look a little undecided. Lets get going with a good game on the Sunday against the Irish.

  • 31.
  • At 06:36 PM on 25 Jan 2007,
  • John Donovan wrote:

Glad the Six nations is about to start.The form national team is Ireland after the autumn internationals. Regional rugby has been so in and out depending which competition you watch there is little to show how the Welsh team will play. The Irish game will set the bench mark and some players really must start to show what they can really do at international level. Also we must start playing players in their real positions. Not much longer to experiment if we are to have a tried and tested team to compete in the world cup. We still look a little undecided. Lets get going with a good game on the Sunday against the Irish.

  • 32.
  • At 09:04 AM on 26 Jan 2007,
  • Barrie Richards wrote:

Its obvious that 'vince' hasnt been watching International Rugby Union in the last 24 months.......Another ignorant english supporter im affraid - stick to soccer fella !!

  • 33.
  • At 12:33 PM on 26 Jan 2007,
  • Lloyd wrote:

No no no, Charvis? You serious? Sure he has 2 or 3 good games in about 274 but no, why? Tut tut tut

  • 34.
  • At 06:22 PM on 26 Jan 2007,
  • Johnny boy wrote:

I am dying to watch this match as i feel that if Wales "turn up", with home advantage they are sure to win. As an Irish supporter who has watched more rubbish rugby than any man could bear, thinking every year, that the turn around was just around the corner, I think that if we can beat Wales then we are in with a shout at the title. (I don't think we are sufficiently head and shoulders above the rest for a grand slam.)
My point is that isn't it great that our two nations are in this position of favourites? Ireland will surely blow it, but we will not win the wooden spoon, which for me, is progress.
I just hope that the Irish team aren't expecting an easy match in Cardiff because Wales have a team spirit combined to ability that mirrors the Irish revival. They (you) are not to be underestimated.
Looking forward to Sunday week.

  • 35.
  • At 06:33 PM on 26 Jan 2007,
  • WAles wrote:

1.g jenks
2.r thom
3.d jones
4 cockbain
5 a w jones
6 r jones
7 m williams
8 a popham
9 d peel
10 s jones
11 c czejak
12 g henson
13 t shanklin
14 g thomas
15 k morgan
i now hook iz a legend buh no place in my team! daf james should be in the team on form best wing in wales at the mo.

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