By Lestyn (02/03/03)
April 26 2003

With all those changes after the debacle in Rome, Hansen has really mixed thing's up. But Several player's showed little improvement against England and surely it's time for Him to wield the axe yet again, or should He keep His patience this time?

Front Row
Iestyn Thomas and Jonathan Humphries had great game's against England, but Tight head is our main worry. Ben Evans has had an awful season at Swansea, and it's showed up in both six nations games. He struggled again last week and was replaced with Gethin Jenkins in the second half, His replacement mad a big impact in the short time He was on the field. But the Ponty youngster's arrival meant We had two natural loose heads on at the same time. Although both can adapt to play tight head as well, against a strong Scottish pack including Tom Smith they'll be found out. The only decent tight head available at the moment is Neath's Adam Jones who's been training with the squad anyway. I would have been tempted to go for Martyn Madden, but His scrummaging isn't up to it and He's just returned from Injury.

Second Row
This is definitely a very limiting aspect of our squad. Sidoli was world class last week, notably in the lineout and Steve Williams didn't put a foot wrong either, other than His sin-binning. Gareth Llewellyn is an experienced head, which always useful when You travel away from home, but We should stick with the two more athletic options.

Back Row
I wouldn't change blindside or open side, but I think We need a more natural number eight. Gavin Thomas played out of his skin last week, but I don't think He's strong enough to play eight. Simon Taylor will try and exploit any errors We need a solid and experienced and with Michael Owen right out of consideration, Ponty's Geraint Lewis is a must call-up. Lewis has always been able to pull of big performances when He need's to, like in the victory two years ago in Paris, Lewis has the ability to gain control over the back of the scrum, something we really need.

Half Backs
Cooper and Sweeney did very well considering their inexperience, but Sweeney's kicking game let us down at crucial times. I feel that a possible return to the ever consistent but recently injured Stephen Jones is good idea, with so much riding on this game. Sweeney should make the bench, as a replacement, but where does that leave Harris? Do You use His utility or pick specialist's? It's a big decision for Hansen.

Centres
We all know that the Scotland backline doesn't exactly ooze pace, that's why I feel that Mark Taylor should drop to the bench and let the faster Matthew Watkins come in at outside centre. Watkins broke through the English defence a few times in the short time He was on. Watkins form for Llanelli has been top notch, it's time He was given the chance to prove himself in international rugby. Leigh Davies is unlikely to feature for the national team in the short term, as He was quite visibly annoyed watching from the sub's bench. Their is the option of putting Harris into the inside with Shanklin outside him.

Wings
No problems here, even though Rhys Williams had a poor game against England there is no substitute for pace. Gareth Thomas continues to improve game after game. A fresh looking Kevin Morgan impressed, especially when leaving Cohen for dead, but He gives the team a lot more security.

Replacements
It was a poor judgement to completely drop Mefin Davies, so perhaps He should be given another chance, even if it is from off the bench. As much as I hate to include Charvis, We can't forget that He still has quality, either him or bring back Mike Owen. It's a big call between selecting Sweeney or Harris. He could include both of them and drop Taylor.

My Team for Scotland;

15.Kevin Morgan, 14.Rhys Williams, 13.Matthew Watkins, 12.Tom Shanklin, 11.Gareth Thomas, 10.Stephen Jones, 9.Gareth Cooper 8.Geraint Lewis, 7.Martyn Williams, 6.Dafydd Jones, 5.Steve Williams, 4.Robert Sidoli, 3.Adam Jones, 2.Jon Humphries, 1. Iestyn Thomas

Replacements: Mefin Davies, Adam Jones, Gareth Llewellyn, Colin Charvis, Dwayne Peel, Iestyn Harris/Ceri Sweeney, Mark Taylor

So there's my team, let's hear Yours on the message board