Yes, it was Wales's worst ever calendar year, but there are some positives. There is talent in Wales and this team has had to start from scratch in many regards. To be honest, not conceding 50 against that SA team (and given the dominance they had statistically) was no easy feat. Yes, it's very cold comfort, but the dogged nature in which the boys in red fought to the end was a true test of character. Once again, props to Jac Morgan who's made over 50 tackles collectively across two weekends. A little review of the action here
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1rVugFfNwbtZhMl5OaIo3X?si=d3f0e1fd5d214d0b

What's everybody's thoughts on an Anglo-Welsh league? Essentially the 4 regions joining the Gallagher Prem. Bigger attendances I think more people would want to watch the top English clubs on Welsh soil (Cardiff Vs Quins was a casing point) English fans seem to travel well. Less travel furthest regions would travel is Newcastle/Sale. Financially better off than flying to South Africa for 2 weeks, flying to Italy, Ireland and Scotland. Easier for fans to travel and cheaper for fans could do away trips in a day. I personally think it would be more competitive with relegation a possibility? Potentially more money with sponsorships. I suppose cons would be relegation to champ, loss of experience playing SA teams and Irish teams. But in my opinion I think it would be better than the URC. I'd love the away trips to Bath, Bristol London etc.

What's people's thoughts?

Having dreaded tonight’s match against the springboks I have to say, I don’t think it was as bad as it could have been. The team are young, inexperienced and not even in the same stratosphere as the boks, but there is some hope.

Yes the rfu is a mess, yes our best players have retired, yes the youth development system in wales hasn’t maintained an excellent consistent pipeline of world beaters. But, all those points aside, the young lads on that field today put their guts into it.

We have got a long way to go, but if that squad of lads stick at it and build up their confidence and strength, we will be a force again. Not against the South African cyborgs or the much improved Australia for a while, but we shouldn’t be embarrassed by the Scot’s, Italians and English next spring.

Well done wales for putting up a fight.

It seems obvious that our system from grass roots is badly out of kilter with what’s required to build a world class national rugby team.

What’s preventing us from adopting a fully inclusive system as the Irish have done, in turn only emulating NZ, that ensures all coaches meet the same standards, teach the same way, bring forward kids coached to the same high standards?

Unite around one system with shared goal of producing world class national team or rugby in this country will be confined to the history books.

Obviously next week we’re in for a prison-shaming from the Boks, but after that, where is Welsh rugby going?

The Regions are struggling. The game at grass roots and in schools has been neglected by the WRU for a long time. The relatively prosperous time from 2008-2019 was a time to invest in the game but that didn’t happen.

In my opinion the WRU needs to deal with the roots first. And invest in the Regions properly. I can’t see the National team being a success for a while, regardless of the coaching team. Gatland has to go. He wasn’t the long term answer to the disaster of Pivac’s reign. You can’t lose 11 (soon to be 12) on the bounce and not have to worry about your job.

I’d could tolerate a shite national team if there was any evidence of progress and health in the domestic game. Unfortunately the WRU will likely keep Gatland, not reform itself and not invest lower down the pyramid and we’re going to have to put up with this dross for another decade.

I know there has been a lot of chat about Gats but what about the supporting staff? because the one six nations warbuton was in the coaching box was the jam slam, so my idea as a potential back room staff for Gats from ex welsh Players:

Kicking- Leigh halfpenny Defence- Alyn Wyn Jones Breakdown-Warburton Set piece- Adam Jones Attack- Shane Williams & Dan Biggar

Have I missed anything ?

We've just had a really generous donation to our charity shop - Ethical Boutique - in St. Davids shopping centre, Cardiff. I think some of the kit belonged to Archie Griffin because of the initials on the shorts. Also a lot have GHW (Someone suggested Gabriel Hamer-Webb which seems likely).

We have Cardiff Rugby, WRU, Bath and Northampton Saints kit. Does anyone know if having the player initials makes it worth more and roughly how much they'd be worth? I've got shorts, various tops and jackets all sorts and even holdalls with initials but no idea how to price them yet. A few photos in the link - https://imgur.com/a/rC5P3pe

What do people think about Wales having an A team again? Like England have there A team and Ireland have their Wolfhounds? We seem to be lacking experienced internationals at the minute. And getting players playing in A team games against tier 2 or tier 1 A teams would surely be a benefit??

What's people's thoughts?

It's pretty common currency amongst most Reddit level pundits to deride the current crop of Welsh players, claiming they're not good enough. I disagree, we have a number of players who would be highly regarded if they played for other teams. Jac, Tomos and Max spring readily to mind. Put them in a top three team and people would be creaming themselves. Any others?

It was a weekend characterised by upsets in some parts. Wales is struggling, to say the least. We did a review, if anyone would like to listen
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5632tEHr7XhFHRcmYJdH4V?si=9d1c2fa0583c454d

Saw this on Instagram. Cheika would be my pick, only on a one year deal at Tigers. Don’t know how I feel about ROG even being suggested as a potential Wales coach

Given the transitional period Wales is in, I’ve been thinking about the good times Wales has had since I’ve been watching since early 2000s. Ranked in teams which I favour. I’d love to have a rugby video game where can play these. Feel like I’m missing some people out but pretty happy with how these have come out. Any noticeable admissions you’d throw in?

Despite the narrow losses in earlier rounds, Scarlets are having a solid season so far. Did anyone else have a moment of the URC in round 5? We've done a little review here, if anyone cares to listen. Please do give a follow and a share if you like the content.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6M7zACtT34u9qXQOVE5MGS?si=977b23be3e1e498c

It feels like we have so many options atm we just need a pair to claim their spots and build the next Roberts & Fox partnership.

I’m going to assume that Anscombe starts 10.

Will we see Thomas as a ball playing 12? Not sure I can see Gats going with a creative option.

Gats has traditionally liked a giant backline, so will he put Max Llewellyn in with Eddie James? Or Mason Grady? Or all three and have Grady on with wing?

-Mason Grady (6ft5 and 18st5) -Max Llewellyn (6ft5 16st12 and looks to have bulked up) -Eddie James (6ft4 and 17st5)

I would personally like to see Grady at 13 and either Llewellyn/James at 12.

Good to see a full Cardiff Arms for the derby with Scarlets. Good contest, too. We did a review of the round's action here

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7AWAVmVFPdc9LIZDPx9RYs?si=c1b1094f45af4c46

Heartbreaking losses for Scarlets and Dragons, denied late in their respective games. Cardiff still look solid but poor defence cost them badly. We've summed up the round briefly in this week's episode. Who was your teams of the round?
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3y6lHbhUsKBI2IdanVAMEM?si=6ede8117cc354475

Cardiff and Ospreys are actually looking pretty good so far. We'll know more about where Cardiff stands after this week's match against Warriors. Looking forward to it. We've done a quick review of the round's action, too, for anyone who'd like a summary.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5mUmQb2GP4w6CA98NdaVQg?si=5c4411d8ab674489