Gareth Rhys Owen and Josh Navidi discuss Wales' team selection for Portugal, predicting changes and comparing Biggar and Anscombe at 10. They also talk about the development of a young rugby player and preview the game against Portugal.
Wales rugby team has made 13 changes to their lineup for the match against Portugal, with only two players retaining their starting positions, indicating a significant restructuring of the team.
In comparison to Dan Biggar, Garth Anscombe at 10 tends to take the ball closer to the defensive line, creating confusion for the opposition and opening up opportunities for his teammates, highlighting the strategic differences between the two players.
Deep dives
Wales Rugby Team News
The podcast provides a live reaction to the team news of the Wales rugby team ahead of their match against Portugal. The team selection includes 13 changes from the previous match, with only Telupi Falatau and Luis Risamid starting again. The podcast hosts discuss the reasons behind these changes and analyze the key players in the lineup, such as Anskam at 10 and Thomas Williams making his 50th appearance. They also comment on the inclusion of young and inexperienced players in the squad, highlighting their potential and the pressure they face. Overall, the hosts show excitement and anticipation for the upcoming match.
Playing Style and Tactics
In discussing the team news, the podcast hosts compare the playing style of Garth Anskam, who is starting at 10, to Dan Bigger. They point out that Anskam tends to take the ball closer to the defensive line, creating opportunities for teammates and causing confusion for the opposition. They also discuss the importance of a strong set-piece and controlling the lineout, particularly with young players like Dava Jenkins and Chris Chunza in the lineup. The hosts highlight the need for mature decision-making and steady performance from the newcomers.
Other Observations and Speculations
In the podcast, the hosts make a few additional comments and speculations. They mention the absence of certain players, like Henry Thomas, and wonder when he will have a chance to play. They also discuss the fitness and potential injuries among the team members. The hosts view the overall team selection as expected, with few surprises. They express excitement for the upcoming match against Portugal and mention their plans for future episodes, such as a full preview of the game and interviews with players and coaches.