Experience v Youth
So Gatland has named the team, the only shock as far as I'm concerned is that James Hook is on the bench, Hook is unlucky in the fact that he can play many positions, even though we all know that he prefers to play at outside half. The fact is that Rhys Priestland has done nothing wrong and therefore does not deserve to be dropped. As an Ospreys fan I think it all boils down to their preference to pick Dan Biggar at outside half, Hook wasn't given a fair crack (which I think is shocking considering he's a proven world class player) there which is ultimately why he'll be playing in France post world cup.
There can be no arguments about the rest of the selection in the backs, though Jonathan Davies has a lot to prove once more as Scott Williams is putting lots of pressure on his scarlet colleague.
It was clear that a fit Dan Lydiate would replace Ryan Jones in the back-row as his work rate around the breakdown and defensively will be key to nulifying O'Brien. I see the key battle as being the back row, and Faletau will have up his effort once more in order to combat the experience of Heaslip.
I believe that we will target the O'Gara chanel in order to make line break, but O'Gara will probably test Williams & Halfpenny under the high ball! So there's interesting contests all over the park.
I can't wait now , it's going the be nerve wrecking!
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Our Welsh rugby bloggers
Jamie Powell
I’m Jamie Powell, a Welsh rugby exile living in east Sussex. My parents are from Ebbw Vale so growing up there was only one team for me to support! I watch all the Wales games and also try and watch as many club games as possible. I have also started to go to London Welsh games.
Lauren Murphy
Exiled Wirraller and Ospreylian trapped in the capital; by day I sort out the lives of others but by weekend I report on all things rugby for the womenfolk of this fair hemisphere.
When I’m not aiding and abetting the hot flushes of the femmes of terraces around the land, I help report on the RaboDirect Pro12 for some of the more serious websites, so I’ll be here to bring you the lighter side of goings on.
Jon North
My name is Jonathan North and as head photographer for Welsh photographic agency ASI I get to see a lot of Welsh rugby from up close. Through my work I enjoy rugby at all levels from the local club game right through to the national side.
In my blog I try and share my experiences from pitchside and the opinions that form there. As well as that I also include my latest photographic work to accompany my tales from the touchline.
Simon Lister
I live in Birmingham, raised in Swansea, I’ve just turned 32. I live with my wife, I’m a Welsh rugby fan as well as a huge Swans and Ospreys fan. Myself and a group of friends go away to Edinburgh/Ireland every year for the away fixture in the Six nations.
I get more excited about the Six Nations than I do about Christmas. It’s going to be a very difficult campaign with expectation very high due to us making the semi-finals of the World Cup. We have very difficult away fixtures in Dublin & Twickenham. I manage to follow most regional games on the internet so I’m able to see who’s in form etc. I shall be in Dublin in February for the fixture. I’m looking forward to seeing the Welsh players back at their regions, hopefully they will maintain their high standards.
Kumari Tilakawardane
I'm a student from North Wales – where, believe it or not, we know as much about rugby as do those in the south! I am a former captain of the Gogledd Cymru Girls U18 Team as well as being a qualified coach and referee.
I fancy I could give Gatland a run for his money and I'm almost always convinced I'm right and the ref's wrong – something I have in common with most of Wales I think, particularly after recent events...
As a lock and Number 8 I am an ardent supporter of the pack. Not one to shy away from confrontation on the field, the same goes for my reporting. Currently located in London, living with the enemy, so to speak... I have to make my opinion heard down here. So, let me hear you... Come on Cymru!
Rene Merideth
American with Welsh heritage and a deep love of Welsh rugby in her blood. So much so I blog from Los Angeles where International games are on at 6am!
Seb Barrett
My name is Sebastian Barrett. I'm from Cardiff. Like most Welshmen, I view rugby as the be all and end all.
Paul Williams
34 years old, but I look 44. I work in advertising and if rugby OCD is a legitimate syndrome, then I have it.
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