2011 Selection

[bobbilycious]

As for Cripps, that comes as a surprise because he was in the same year group as Barrett and Sopoagaga.. oh well.
I think there actually is a problem with them getting selected,as in the NZRU probably wouldn't allow it. The duration of the tournament is totally irrelevant. I know for a fact that no NZ under 20 training squad members are allowed to make the NZ sevens team, this is how a 17 year old Beauden Barrett was able to make the team when guys like Gillies Kaka, Julian Savea and Charlie Ngatai couldn't. The NZRU have made a rule saying they aren't allowed, and the sevens circuit is miles less taxing than Super rugby so i can't see them allowing it. When was the last time an under 20 eligible player played super rugby?

I always got the impression Tietjens wouldn't select them because he hadn't had the opportunity to see them at the 7's camps because they were at the training camp for the U20s. I could be wrong, though. Although, in 2008 Poki, Maitland and Manu were in the Crusaders and then played for the U20 team. I guess we will find out.

 

[nickdnz]

I always got the impression Tietjens wouldn't select them because he hadn't had the opportunity to see them at the 7's camps because they were at the training camp for the U20s. I could be wrong, though. Although, in 2008 Poki, Maitland and Manu were in the Crusaders and then played for the U20 team. I guess we will find out.

Zac Guildford in the Hurricanes in 2007-2008.

 

[ranger]

I always got the impression Tietjens wouldn't select them because he hadn't had the opportunity to see them at the 7's camps because they were at the training camp for the U20s. I could be wrong, though. Although, in 2008 Poki, Maitland and Manu were in the Crusaders and then played for the U20 team. I guess we will find out.

There are only 3 or 4 training camps for the NZ under 20s in the whole year so its not a huge deal.. I know for a fact that Under 20 players straight aren't allowed to play sevens.

 

[Darwin]

It will be interesting to see how Bleyendaal goes.. He looks like the type of guy that will adjust sooner than later though, he has an amazing work ethic, some mates of mine from Christchuch boys said that he was very close to dux in his seventh form. Which is a phenominal effort given he was trying to pursue a rugby career at the same time.
Not sure on Tim Dow though, i havnt seen much of him this year but in previous years he hasn't impressed me in the tight. I read somewhere that he plays his club rugby at centre?.. when does David Hall get back from injury? he would be the best bet. Then perhaps Lawrence Corlett considering he was Crusaders development anyway years ago..

Dow has been playing well this year. When he started playing (7-8 years ago) he played very loosely, but he has improved his tight game over the last few years. Yeah he used to play his club rugby at centre (and occasionally on the wing), as he used to be the fastest player in his club - I'm not sure whether he has done this recently though.

It looks unlikely that Hall will be back during the NPC, but he will definitely be back by the start of the Super 15. I'm pretty sure the Highlanders will have him signed up, as he was their number 1 hooker (ahead of Rutledge) before he got injured - he will be a good backup to Rutledge next year. Jason MacDonald (who is also injured at the moment) will likely be the third choice hooker in the Highlanders region, however he may be enticed up to the Crusaders if there is a chance he could be their number 2 hooker (as he played well for them a couple of years ago).

 

[Seaton]

I shall have list my preferred 22 for the Sharks.
I shall also only include contracted players for that period

Sharks

1. Tenadi "Beast" Mtawarira
2. Bismarck du Plessis
3. Jannie du Plessis
4. Steven Sykes
5. Allistair Hargreaves
6. Keegan Daniel
7. Jean Deysel/ Willem Alberts (Deysel is an injury concern)
8. Ryan Kankowski

9. Charl McLeod (No other senior contracted scrum-halves- )
10. Patrick Lambie
11. Lwazi Mvovo
12. Jacque-Louis Potgeiter/Meyer Bosman
13. Stefan Terblanche
14. JP Pietersen
15. Louis Ludik

16. Craig Burden
17. Pat Cilliers
18. Ross Skeate
19. Willem Alberts (Jacques Botes should Deysel be unavailable)
20. ? (Ross Cronje)
21. Meyer Bosman/ Jacque Louis Potgeiter
22. Luzuko Vulindlu/ Jacques Botes (depending on the bench split)

So...
Going into the new S14 season the sharks need a scrum-half who doesn't think that getting tackled and trying to offload spectaculary is the point of rugby.
Jean Deysel got an injury that could see him return before or a few rounds into the start of the new season.
John Smit is yet to sign a new contract, if he did I would like him to provide cover on the bench, being brought on in tight games

Pending transfers...

Conrad Hoffman from Stormers. (SH/FH/FB )
Linoel Mapoe (Wing/Center)

 

[skittles]

Brumbies

1. Salesi Ma'afu
2. Stephen Moore
3. Ben Alexander
4. Mark Chisholm
5. Peter Kimlin
6. Rocky Elsom
7. Mitchell Chapman
8. Stephen Hoiles
9. Josh Valentine
10. Matt Toomua
11. Alifeleti Mafi
12. Matt Giteau
13. Tyrone Smith
14. Adam Ashley-Cooper
15. Pat McCabe

I think that more specialised players could be used in some positions, such as on the wing , but I wouldn't want to leave any of the players, especially in the backs, out of the side. I'd rather that backline with someone playing in a spot they're not quite perfect at than a lesser player who's more specialised in a position. Having Ashley-Cooper in there helps a lot, with him being class at so many different positions.

Not sure what's happening with any incoming players for next season; I only know that the Brumbies have lost a few players (Mortlock and Huxley to the Rebels, for example).

 

[Seaton]

I'll have a shot at the Lions team.

1. JC Janse van Rensburg
2. Martin Besuidenhout
3. Ross Geldenhuys
4. George Earl
5. Franco van de Merwe
6. Derick Minnie
7. Wikus van Heerden
8. Warren Whitely/ Cobus Grobelaar

9. Jano Vermaak
10. Elton Jantjies
11. Wandile Mjekevu/ Jannie Boshoff
12. Doppies La Grange
13. Waylon Murray
14. Micheal Killian
15. Jaco Taute

16. ?
17. Wayne Smart
18. Dawid Bulbring
19. Cobus Grobelaar/ Joshua Strauss
20. JP Joubert/ Chris Jonck
21. Herkie Kruger/ Burton Francis
22. Marius Delport

Lions are looking at several transfers as well, namely in front-row options

 

[Wally]

I'll have a crack at the Rebels

1. Laurie Weeks
2. Adam Freier
3. Greg Somerville
4. Adam Byrnes
5. Kevin O'Neill
6. Jarrod Saffy
7. Michael Lipman
8. Gareth Delve

9. Sam Cordingley
10. Danny Cipriani
11. Luke Rooney
12. Julian Huxley
13. Stirling Mortlock (C)
14. Cooper Vuna
15. Mark Gerrard

16. Heath Tessman
17. Nic Henderson / Rodney Blake
18. Hoani MacDonald
19. Tim Davidson
20. Richard Kingi
21. Lachie Mitchell / JP du Plessis
22. Peter Betham

 

[FlukeArtist]

Here is the Blues Team i'd like to see:

Tony Woodcock
Keven Mealamu
John Afoa
Ali Williams/ James King
Anthony Boric
Jerome Kaino
Daniel Braid
Peter Sai'ili
Alby Mathewson
Stephen Brett
Joe Rokocoko
Benson Stanley
Rene Ranger
Jarrod Payne
Isiah Toeava
(though Ranger, Payne and Toeava could switch places)

res:
Tom McCartney
Charlie Faumuina
James King/Moli
Dean Budd
Toby Morland
Luke McAlistair
Lachie Munro

 

[TyphoonsRugby]

Brett isnt playing for Blues this year is he?

 

[ranger]

Brett isnt playing for Blues this year is he?

Apparently he is committed to the Blues until after the world cup.

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

Brumbies

1. Salesi Ma'afu
2. Stephen Moore
3. Ben Alexander
4. Mark Chisholm
5. Peter Kimlin
6. Rocky Elsom
7. Mitchell Chapman
8. Stephen Hoiles
9. Josh Valentine
10. Matt Toomua
11. Alifeleti Mafi
12. Matt Giteau
13. Tyrone Smith
14. Adam Ashley-Cooper
15. Pat McCabe

I think that more specialised players could be used in some positions, such as on the wing , but I wouldn't want to leave any of the players, especially in the backs, out of the side. I'd rather that backline with someone playing in a spot they're not quite perfect at than a lesser player who's more specialised in a position. Having Ashley-Cooper in there helps a lot, with him being class at so many different positions.

Not sure what's happening with any incoming players for next season; I only know that the Brumbies have lost a few players (Mortlock and Huxley to the Rebels, for example).

No Lealiafano?

 

[ranger]

No Lealiafano?

I was thinking that too..

9)Valentine
10)Toomua
11)AAC
12)Giteau
13)Smtih
14)McCabe
15)Lealifano

Looks more like it.

 

[Wally]

I was thinking that too..

9)Valentine
10)Toomua
11)AAC
12)Giteau
13)Smtih
14)McCabe
15)Lealifano

Looks more like it.

Move Lealifano to wing and slot AAC at fullback and you have yourself a team.

 

[northharbour]

The Blues

1) Tony Woodcock
2) Kevin Mealamu
3) John Afoa
4) Ali Williams (James King if Williams is not fit)
5) Anthony Boric
6) Jerome Kaino
7) Daniel Braid
8) Matt Luamanu
9) Alby Mathewson
10) Stephen Brett
11) Joe Rokocoko
12) Luke Mcalister
13) Rene Ranger
14) Jarred Payne
15) Isaia Toeava

16) Tom Mcartney
17) Tavita Mailau
18) James King (Filo Poulo)
19) Luke Braid
20) Chris Smylie
21) Mike Harris
22) Nafi Tuitavake

 

[Tomsey]

Brumbies

1. Salesi Ma'afu
2. Stephen Moore
3. Ben Alexander
4. Mark Chisholm
5. Peter Kimlin
6. Rocky Elsom
7. Mitchell Chapman
8. Stephen Hoiles
9. Josh Valentine
10. Matt Toomua
11. Alifeleti Mafi
12. Matt Giteau
13. Tyrone Smith
14. Adam Ashley-Cooper
15. Pat McCabe

Julian Salvi is back for the Brumbies this year I think and I'd probably swap AAC and McCabe

On a completely different note I wonder what the Rebels will look like this year? There is a mix in their squad of really old players and really young players. I'll have a go though...

1. Greg Somerville
2. Adam Freier
3. Laurie Weeks
4. Adam Byrnes
5. Kevin O'Neill
6. Jarrod Saffy
7. Michael Lipman
8. Gareth Delve
9. Sam Cordingley
10. Danny Cipriani
11. Cooper Vuna
12. Stirling Mortlock
13. Lachlan Mitchell
14. Peter Betham
15. Julian Huxley

16. Heath Tessman
17. Nic Henderson
18. Alister Campbell
19.Tom Chamberlain
20. Richard Kingi
21. James Hilgendorf
22. Mark Gerrard


The Rebels have great outside back depth with Gerrard, Vuna, Betham, Rooney, Huxley, Mitchell and du Plessis all possibilities for wing/full back spots with no room for Rooney or du Plessis in my 22. However they lack an inside centre in any form. I've put Mortlock there as he is the only real option, other than Hilgendorf playing as a kind of second five eighth. Morklock has played 12 for the Wallabies and it may even suit him better now he is old and slow. Pretty good front row with no room for Rodney "Rodzilla" Blake. I'd expect Kingi to take over from Cordingley pretty quickly but his experience will probably be required with Cipriani at 10.

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

I'll have a shot at the Lions team.

1. JC Janse van Rensburg
2. Martin Besuidenhout
3. Ross Geldenhuys
4. George Earl
5. Franco van de Merwe
6. Derick Minnie
7. Wikus van Heerden
8. Warren Whitely/ Cobus Grobelaar

9. Jano Vermaak
10. Elton Jantjies
11. Wandile Mjekevu/ Jannie Boshoff
12. Doppies La Grange
13. Waylon Murray
14. Micheal Killian
15. Jaco Taute

16. ?
17. Wayne Smart
18. Dawid Bulbring
19. Cobus Grobelaar/ Joshua Strauss
20. JP Joubert/ Chris Jonck
21. Herkie Kruger/ Burton Francis
22. Marius Delport

Lions are looking at several transfers as well, namely in front-row options

Where in the world is Kevin Buys?

As for the rest of the squad I think its pretty accurate, although i would brin in Deon van Rensburg and Johan Snyman for Killian and Bulbring with Killian or Walter Venter moving to the 22 jersey on the bench.

Yes, it will be interesting to see who they sign. Do you think resigning guys they lost like Ernst Joubert, Heinke van der Merwe, Ettienne Reynecke, Willem Alberts, Anton van Zyl etc in the forwards is an option?

Also, to complete the SA teams, I'll have a stab at the Bulls:

Blue Bulls 2011

1. Guthro Steenkamp
2. Gary Botha
3. Werner Kruger
4. Bakkies Botha
5. Victor Matfield
6. Dewald Potgieter
7. Deon Stegman
8. Pierre Spies

9. Fourie du Preez
10. Morne Steyn
11. Bjorn Basson (Francois Hougaard)
12. Wynand Olivier
13. Stefan Watermeyer (Francois Hougaard / Jaco Pretorius)
14. Gerhard van der Heever
15. Zane Kirschner

16. Jaco Engels (Assumin Bees Roux is getting life in jail)
17. Derrick Kuun
18. Danie Rossouw
19. Gerrit-Jan van Velze
20. Francois Hougaard (Justin Jinka / Ruan Snyman)
21. Francois Brummer
22. Jaco van der Westhuizen


Funny how Springboks Chiliboy Ralepele and Flip van der Merwe don't make the XXII, LOL. Also, players like Juandre Kruger and Bandise Maku are pretty classy back-up. Only lacking an experienced back up for Morne Steyn and a world class 15. Zane Kirschner and v/d Westhuizen ain't it.

Also, only time will tell whether they keep Francois Hougaard at 11 or move him to the bench to cover for FdP. They have played him at 13 previously and one would think signing Basson would mean that they plan to move Hougaard.

 

[ranger]

Julian Salvi is back for the Brumbies this year I think and I'd probably swap AAC and McCabe

On a completely different note I wonder what the Rebels will look like this year? There is a mix in their squad of really old players and really young players. I'll have a go though...

1. Greg Somerville
2. Adam Freier
3. Laurie Weeks
4. Adam Byrnes
5. Kevin O'Neill
6. Jarrod Saffy
7. Michael Lipman
8. Gareth Delve
9. Sam Cordingley
10. Danny Cipriani
11. Cooper Vuna
12. Stirling Mortlock
13. Lachlan Mitchell
14. Peter Betham
15. Julian Huxley

16. Heath Tessman
17. Nic Henderson
18. Alister Campbell
19.Tom Chamberlain
20. Richard Kingi
21. James Hilgendorf
22. Mark Gerrard


The Rebels have great outside back depth with Gerrard, Vuna, Betham, Rooney, Huxley, Mitchell and du Plessis all possibilities for wing/full back spots with no room for Rooney or du Plessis in my 22. However they lack an inside centre in any form. I've put Mortlock there as he is the only real option, other than Hilgendorf playing as a kind of second five eighth. Morklock has played 12 for the Wallabies and it may even suit him better now he is old and slow. Pretty good front row with no room for Rodney "Rodzilla" Blake. I'd expect Kingi to take over from Cordingley pretty quickly but his experience will probably be required with Cipriani at 10.

Their allround midfield isn't too great when you consider how old Mortlock is. is he really going to stay healthy the whole compeition? I also thought that Cipriani signed on the proviso that he got to play 15? I like Hilgendorf at 10 better anyway. Heath Tessman may struggle to make the 22 now aswell seen as they have signed up Ged Robinson.
There are a few too many questions behind this Rebel team to be confident about their season..

 

[Seaton]

Where in the world is Kevin Buys?

As for the rest of the squad I think its pretty accurate, although i would brin in Deon van Rensburg and Johan Snyman for Killian and Bulbring with Killian or Walter Venter moving to the 22 jersey on the bench.

Yes, it will be interesting to see who they sign. Do you think resigning guys they lost like Ernst Joubert, Heinke van der Merwe, Ettienne Reynecke, Willem Alberts, Anton van Zyl etc in the forwards is an option?

Also, to complete the SA teams, I'll have a stab at the Bulls:

Blue Bulls 2011

Funny how Springboks Chiliboy Ralepele and Flip van der Merwe don't make the XXII, LOL. Also, players like Juandre Kruger and Bandise Maku are pretty classy back-up. Only lacking an experienced back up for Morne Steyn and a world class 15. Zane Kirschner and v/d Westhuizen ain't it.

Must say that there has been far too many changes in the Lions team previously for me to follow without contracting a head-ache, I mainly remember the loosies and backs. As for the tight-five, apart from Bezudinhout I just looked at the match line-ups from the past few games, remembered which ones had the biggest impact and the slotted them in.
Also I chose players that Mitchell is familair with, as with naming Grobelaar (sp.) as a 'back-up' to Whitely.

I think bringing back former Lions is not the way forward for them, they need fresh faces, and for lock cover they could easily nick a Bull reserve or two.

As for the Bulls, I think it would be safer for them to have Flip on the bench as opposed to Gerritz, he seems far too light to act, even after Rossouw, as lock cover. I really am surprised that the Bulls don't select CJ Stander over him, he, imo, is a better player who has had a bigger impact in all the games he has played compared to Gerritz

 

[Tomsey]

Their allround midfield isn't too great when you consider how old Mortlock is. is he really going to stay healthy the whole compeition? I also thought that Cipriani signed on the proviso that he got to play 15? I like Hilgendorf at 10 better anyway. Heath Tessman may struggle to make the 22 now aswell seen as they have signed up Ged Robinson.
There are a few too many questions behind this Rebel team to be confident about their season..

I remember hearing that about Cipriani too. However that was before Macqueen had to options of playing Huxley, Gerrard, Rooney or Mitchell there. They are all better full back options than Cipriani in my opinion so I can't see him getting a run there when he is untried against that kind of competition. That being as it is it was either 10 or bench, seeing as though he is such a high profile recruit I assumed they go with him in the 15.
As for Robinson, your probably right. I made the squad from the Rebels player profiles on their website and he's not up there yet so I forgot about him...