Weekly Round Up 14th Nov

By Zippy
November 15 2004

Round Up Of Welsh Rugby News from the week ending 14th November. For details of the news included a round up of Wales vs Romania game read on.

Wales 66 Romania 7

Wales beat Romania comfortably to give the team a boost before the big New Zealand game, here are my player ratings for the game:
15 G Thomas - 8 - Busy, involved in everything and this is what we need him to do against New Zealand.
14 R Williams - 7- Looked pacy and dangerous, great speed to stop Romania score, must start vs NZ.
13 T Shanklin - 9 - Class, picked the angles and showed great strength, I wouldn't start with him vs NZ but someone who will make an impact off the bench.
12 G Henson - 8 - He has it all, wherever he plays he will cause the opposition problems, the standard of his defence work has surprised me.
11 H Luscombe - 5 - Not really up to international rugby, tries hard but he is the coaches choice rather than deserving to be there.
10 S Jones - 8 - France has helped the attacking aspect of his game, didn't miss a kick and has claimed the 10 jersey for his own.
9 D Peel - 7 - Not the force of last week but made a few breaks, Cooper reminded us of the strength we have at 9.
1 G Jenkins - 8 - Big strong and I think he should start next week.
2 M Davies - 8 - Lineout functioned and not afraid to do the dirty work.
3 A Jones - 7 - Scrummaged well, not the fittest still and we could do with back up to push him, he could be a world force at 3.
4 G Llewellyn - 7 - Steady
5 L Charteris - 8 - Didn't do anything wrong, virtually guarantees line out ball and if he bulks up could be a real force in the loose, potential.
6 D Jones - 7 - Good flankers try, playing some good rugby, will probably hold on to the shirt next week ahead of Jonny Thomas.
7 C Charvis - 8 - Really carried the ball well, will have a score to settle with Jerry Collins next week.
8 M Owen - 8 - Big tackles and carries well, I'd have him at 8 every time.

Celtic League

Fri 12th
Edinburgh Rugby 15-31 Ospreys

Sat 13th
Cardiff Blues 24-19 Glasgow Rugby
Munster 25-14 Newport Dragons

Sun 14th
Llanelli Scarlets 24-22 Leinster

The Ospreys had a great away win up at Edinburgh to extend their lead at the top of the Celtic League, with the youngsters slotting well into the roles of their more experienced international coleagues they could have the league sown up by Xmas.

Cardiff beat Glasgow to remain undefeated at home in the Celtic League, with many players to return they could improve again towards the end of the season.

The Dragons lost to a second string Munster side and it ranks as a highly disappointing result and they lose valuable groung on the Ospreys.
Kevin Morgan still looks sharp and will be in Wales contention come the 6Nations.

The Scarlets got a much needed win in Wrexham against Leinster, lots of the young players played well and it has to be a case of out with the old in with the new.

Other News

Scott Quinnell announced he is to retire at the end of the season, he will then pursue his coaching career which has started promisingly.

Richard Mustoe has been banned for 12 weeks after the stamping incident in the Heineken Cup match against Munster.

Mark Jones is out for the season, he must be considering his future after yet another setback.

Nicky Robinson will be out for another 10 weeks as his mystery virus continues to stop his comeback.