2011 Squad Predictions

[ranger]

Sure, I have no problem with Dagg as a 2nd choice fullback, but I do think Jane is better there than anyone. But I suppose it's better to have Jane in the team somewhere, than no where. What did you think of Toeava being played on the right wing, over Cory Jane during the EoYT? Think he's even an option there? I personally wasn't a big fan, but some people are now saying that is where he belongs.

Yeah i agree Jane is the best fullback. But then hes also the best 14.
And nah im not sold on Toeava on the wing at all. His defensive positioning was way off at times, he would need a full season on the wing to be considered but i doubt that will happen. I personally think his best chance of making the world cup squad is to prove himself as a capable first five and snag the backline utility spot

 

[nickdnz]

Yeah i agree Jane is the best fullback. But then hes also the best 14.
And nah im not sold on Toeava on the wing at all. His defensive positioning was way off at times, he would need a full season on the wing to be considered but i doubt that will happen. I personally think his best chance of making the world cup squad is to prove himself as a capable first five and snag the backline utility spot

I think that could work, but I don't know how much faith the selectors would put in Toeava at 1st 5/8th in a game of any importance. I think he'd have to have been groomed a bit more into it, instead of not playing first five at all for four years. I can see Luke McAlister trying to start at 5/8th for the Blues anyway, with Winstron Stanely playing 2nd 5/8th.

 

[ranger]

I think that could work, but I don't know how much faith the selectors would put in Toeava at 1st 5/8th in a game of any importance. I think he'd have to have been groomed a bit more into it, instead of not playing first five at all for four years. I can see Luke McAlister trying to start at 5/8th for the Blues anyway, with Winstron Stanely playing 2nd 5/8th.

He was a great first five once upon a time though.. I guess its just wishfull thinking that he could get back to that form so quickly though.
Benson Stanley would have the claim over Winston, but yeah that is how things could happen. The Blues could realistically play a different backline every week and still have a better lineup than their opposition, which is pretty impressive

 

[nickdnz]

He was a great first five once upon a time though.. I guess its just wishfull thinking that he could get back to that form so quickly though.
Benson Stanley would have the claim over Winston, but yeah that is how things could happen. The Blues could realistically play a different backline every week and still have a better lineup than their opposition, which is pretty impressive

Whoops, I meant Benson Stanley. It'd be great to have seen Toeava play a role at 1st 5/8th in the last few years, agreed. I'd just think it'd be amazing to see a guy with his level of athletic ability playing in the playmaker role, but I can't see either Lam or Henry taking that risk.

 

[jordiev]

15:rory lamont
14:max evans
13:sean lamont
12:joe ansbro
11:simone danielli ( i know he has never really produced for scotland but his record for ulster is to much to ignore)
10: i would personally preffeer duncan weir after his recent rise and his excelent vision and kicking game... but it will most likely be jackson or parks
9:cusiter or lawson im not a fan of blare myself
8:beattie(if he can recover his fitness and form if not vernon)
7:barclay
6:brown
5:gray will be a amazing player for scotland
4:kellock
3:murray
2:ford
1:jacobsen
probs nto everyones choice but i think it has a ncie balance

16:lawson
17:low
18:hines(just misses out on starting berth)
19:lawson
20arks/jackson (wichever is not selected)
21:de luca
22aterson

 

[dan the man]

My prediction for the AB's World Cup Squad:
(Not my picks, but my prediction of what the AB selectors will go for)

Props: T.Woodcock, B.Franks, O.Franks, J.Afoa

Hookers: K.Mealamu, A.Hore, H.Elliot

Locks: B.Thorn, S.Whitelock, Tom Donnelly, A.Boric

Loose Forwards: J.Kiano, K.Read, R.McCaw, Messam, Thompson

Halfbacks: P.Weepu, J.Cowan, A.Ellis

1st Five Eighths: D.Carter, C.Slade, L.McAlistar

Centre's: M.Nonu, C. Smith, SBW, I.Toeava

Wingers: C.Jane, H.Gear, R.Ranger

Fullbacks: M.Muliaina, I.Dagg

To be honest if i was selecting this would be pretty close to who i would pick... It's a toss up between Ellis and Mathewson but simply because Ellis will be playing inside Carter all year i think he'll get the nod, and I'd probably pick MacIntosh over Afoa.
I'd love to see Vito back in the Black Jersey but there's just such a log jam in the loose forwards.

I kind of wish that Chris Jack had've come back and played for someone like the Highlanders so he could be playing at least 60mins each week, cause i think with regular game time he'd also be a contender for AB selection

 

[Boet Faas]

Springbok RWC squad

I was wondering how my squad selection, based on current form, would pass scrutiny.

I think it would be a disaster to select a Bok squad based upon RWC experience. Div has said that he would like to make use of the same squad that won in 2007 as much as possible soon after taking over. But I think most of them are "has-beens" if you consider that it takes a long time to built enough experience into a team to be able to actually win a world cup. As soon as they do, they are already quite experienced and by the time another RWC is due, these players are a bit long in the teeth.

With that said, here is my selection:

1. Tendai Mtawarira
2. Bismark du Plessis
3. Guthro Steenkamp
4. Bakkies Botha
5. Andries Bekker
6. Francois Louw
7. Willem Alberts
8. Pierre Spies
9. Fourie du Preez
10. Morne Steyn/Peter Grant
11. Gerhard v.d. Heever
12. Jacques Fourie
13. Juan de Jongh
14.Odwa Ndugane
15. Frans Steyn

Replacements must be chosen to add strength or replace current strength without changing the gameplan:

Heinrich Brossouw
Schalk Burger
CJ v.d. Linde
Jannie du Plessis
Juan Smith
Francois Hougaard
Wynand Olivier
I am not too sure about my centre and wing combinations as I struggle to get a well performing No. 14. Any suggestions?

 

[TRF_Olyy]

I'm not sure you can pick Spies if you're going on form not reputation!
Botha over Matfield is a bit of a shout as well,
Who would you have as captain in that squad?
Certainly not a bad squad (from my limited knowledge on SA rugby)

 

[Boet Faas]

I'm not sure you can pick Spies if you're going on form not reputation!
Botha over Matfield is a bit of a shout as well,
Who would you have as captain in that squad?
Certainly not a bad squad (from my limited knowledge on SA rugby)

I chose Pierre specifically as he by far the best No. 8 in SA rugby at the moment. I agree that he has not hit top form as yet, but still performing quite well. With that said, I think he will outperform any No.8 when he hits top form

Bakkies ahead of Matfield was an easy pick. Matfield has only two good qualities, one being his length at line out time, which Bakkies also has. But when it comes to attacking/defencive options, Bakkies is the man.

As captain, very interseting question. To be honest, I dont know! I think Fourie du Preez could be a captain, though I'm not sure if he could handle a RWC squad? I dont think any of them has had prolonged experience acting as captain. Do you chose a player solely for his ability as a captain, or do you forge it into a player with potential? I dont know?

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

What I'd like to see and what I'd predict are, unfortunately 2 different squads.

Instead of typing out entire 30man squads, here's some players I think are going to make the cut but should firstly and should but won't lastly;

Will be there but shouldn't IMO:
Ricky Januarie, Zane Kirschner, Pierre Spies, John Smit, Bakkies Botha, Bryan Habana, Ruan Pienaar, Frans Steyn, CJ van der Linde

Should be there but probably won't:
Duane Vermeulen, Peter Grant, Dewald Duvenhage

That's accepting that Willem Alberts did enough now to be considered an automatic inclusion with Lambie being the new Frans Steyn/Ruan Pienaar utility back (10,12,15) in conjunction with Francois Hougaard (9,13, wing).

 

[DuncTheDoodle]

Ruan Pienaar has been awesome ofr Ulster in the Magners League, arguably the player of the tournement. He should definatly be in the Springboks squad. And Januarie has vision unlike any other scrum-half in world rugby, even if he is fat and slow.

My Wales squad for the warm-up games (To be cut down to 30 for the actual torunement) would be-

Props: Gethin Jenkins, Adam Jones, Paul James, Scott Andrews, Duncan Jones (John Yapp will be in, but he doesn't deserve it. I'd rather see Ryan Bevington.)

Hookers: Matthew Rees, Richard Hibbard, Ken Owens (Possibly T Rhys Thomas. Huw Bennett will no doubt be third choice over Ken.)

Locks: Alun Wyn Jones, Bradley Davies, Luke Charteris (Ryan Jones & Rob McCusker as extra cover)

Back Row: Ryan Jones, Sam Warburton, Danny Lydiate, Josh Turnbull, Martyn Williams, Rob McCusker, Toby Falateau (Justin Tipuric as cover, too)

Scrum-Half: Dwyane Peel, Richie Rees, Tavis Knoyle (On form, it's these three behind Rhys Webb, but it's probably best to leave him at home due to a total lack of experience. Phillips will go, but it won't be on form. May put him in the squad anyway, but we don't need 4 scrum-halves.)

Fly-Half: James Hook, Stephen Jones, Dan Biggar (Starting to come into form again now)

Wingers: Shane Williams, Leigh Halfpenny, George North, Morgan Stoddart, Adam Hughes (Arguably the form back in Wales. I'd give him a go against the Baa-Baas, probably off the bench, but still try him out.)

Centres: Jamie Roberts, Jonathan Davies, Gavin Henson (Hook as well. Hughes is another option, as his favourite position is 13. Bishop could be in too if he can get back playing and in some form quickly)

Fullbacks: Lee Byrne, Rhys Priestland (Also as 3rd choice 10. Martyn Thomas is a possibility, as is Dan Fish, but I'd probably save the pair of them for just after the World Cup.)

 

[Draggs]

Wales 30 Man Squad:
Prop: Adam Jones, Gethin Jenkins, Paul James, Craig Mitchell
Hooker: Matthew Rees, Richard Hibbard, Ken Owens/T. Rhys Thomas
Second Row: Alun Wyn Jones, Bradley Davies, Luke Charteris
Back Row: Dan Lydiate, Sam Warburton, Ryan Jones, Martyn Williams, Gareth Delve, Rob McCusker (If he can regain his form from last year)

Scrum Half: Dwayne Peel, Mike Phillips, Richie Rees
Outside Half: James Hook, Stephen Jones, Rhys Priestland
Centre: Gavin Henson, Jamie Roberts, Jonathan Davies
Wing: Shane Williams, Leigh Halfpenny, George North, Morgan Stoddart
Fullback: Lee Byrne

Standby-
Prop: Duncan Jones, Ryan Bevington
Hooker: Owens/TRT
Second Row: Ian Evans, Ian Gough
Back Row: Justin Tipuric, Josh Turnbull, Toby Faletau
Scrum Half: Tavis Knoyle
Outside Half: Nicky Robinson, Jason Tovey
Centre: Andrew Bishop
Wing: Will Harries, Tom James, Chris CZekaj

 

[DorceOutSide]

irelands squad for the rugby world cup 2011.

15.fitzgerald
14.bowe
13.o'driscoll captain
12.d'arcy
11.earles
10.sexton/o'gara
9.o'leary/reddan
8.heaslip
7.o'brien
6.ferris
5.o'connell
4.o'callaghan
3.ross
2.flannery
1.healy

 

[dullonien]

Wales 30 Man Squad:
Prop: Adam Jones, Gethin Jenkins, Paul James, Craig Mitchell
Hooker: Matthew Rees, Richard Hibbard, Ken Owens/T. Rhys Thomas
Second Row: Alun Wyn Jones, Bradley Davies, Luke Charteris
Back Row: Dan Lydiate, Sam Warburton, Ryan Jones, Martyn Williams, Gareth Delve, Rob McCusker (If he can regain his form from last year)

Scrum Half: Dwayne Peel, Mike Phillips, Richie Rees
Outside Half: James Hook, Stephen Jones, Rhys Priestland
Centre: Gavin Henson, Jamie Roberts, Jonathan Davies
Wing: Shane Williams, Leigh Halfpenny, George North, Morgan Stoddart
Fullback: Lee Byrne

Standby-
Prop: Duncan Jones, Ryan Bevington
Hooker: Owens/TRT
Second Row: Ian Evans, Ian Gough
Back Row: Justin Tipuric, Josh Turnbull, Toby Faletau
Scrum Half: Tavis Knoyle
Outside Half: Nicky Robinson, Jason Tovey
Centre: Andrew Bishop
Wing: Will Harries, Tom James, Chris CZekaj

I'd go with something like that. I'm not sure about Charteris though, he aint been all that fit or in good form this season. Not sure who else has been though, Ian Evans is getting back slowly, but still hasn't really hit his pre-injury form, whilst Gough was been better lately, I feel he'd be a step backwards. I'm still tempted to pick Ian Evans over Charteris. He's the lineout master Charteris should be, but hasn't really been on the international stage, and he adds more dog than Charteris, something we still lack in the pack.

Unfortunately, I don't think we'll be seeing Delve at the WC, so Faletau needs to come in as a genuine 8 for me. I'd also have Turnbull over McCusker, he's shown better form this season (although he's been a little off sinse the 6 nations), and genuinly covers two position, whearas McCusker is an out and out 6, who's not really shown anything much when tried at 7, 8 or second row.

I thought Priestland made a big difference when he moved to 10 in the second half against Ulster. Jones was having a decent game, but Priestland's ability to take on the deffence really made some room for those outside him, as well as resulting in a couple of breaks for himself. He genuinely deserves a start in the warm-up games imo, becuase he's the right mix between Jones and Hook that we've been looking for. He isn't so unpredictable that not even his team mates know what he's gonna do, and he doesn't make the blundering errors that Hook tends to make, but at the same time he offers more threat than Jones whilst retaining decent defence (not up to Jones' standard there though), good distribution and positonal kicking. As I've said before, Robinson offers a similar game, but I doubt Gatland's gonna pick him either! Tovey showed against Treviso that he posseses the kicking and passing skills to really unlock defenses, his place kicking is terrible though! As with Priestland though, if Hook or Halfpenny are in the starting lineup then they can take that duty, so that's not critical.

 

[Draggs]

It is a tough call with Charteris, but I'll take him over Ian Evans.
I would hope Delve is in the squad, he is in fantastic form right now, and a better 8 than Ryan. I am honestly not sure whether McCusker and Turnbull are 6 or 7's. McCusker seems to be off-form since his injury, while Turnbull has been off since the Six Nations.

I don't think Rhys is a fantastic outside half, but he is performing better than Wellies and worth a shot against the Barbarians. I still think Hook is our best 10 and will be first choice in NZ.

 

[LittleGuy]

My prediction for the Canadian team, could be some changes with injuries and as always with having many semi-pro and amateur players availablility. I think my starting 15 and bench will certainly make the team except possibly for my #16 as Canada is very thin at Hooker, reserves are very much up to the coaches selections but I think I have listed players that will either make it or recieve large consideration. A large portion of the team either currently or has recently played in the RFU championship, Magners League or French D2, with Cudmore from the Top 14, Adam Kleeberger also played in the ITM cup in NZ last year. Ander Monro played in the Italian leagues previously. the 7's circuit is where a couple of players are plying their trade, a few are with the North Wales Academy team currently and many play in the CRC domestically.

1. Kevin Tkachuk
2. Pat Riordan
3. Jason Marshall
4. Josh Jackson
5. Jamie Cudmore
6. Chauncey O'Toole
7. Adam Kleeberger
8. Aaron Carpenter
9. Ed Fairhurst (availability an issue)
10. Ander Monro
11. James Pritchard(usually plays at fullback, but Canada has depth in that position and he has played wing before)
12. Phillip Mackenzie
13. DTH Van De Merwe(Canada has used him at Centre before)
14. Ciaran Hearn(can also play fullback)
15. Matt Evans

Bench
16. Ryan Hamilton(Canada is thin at Hooker this could be wrong)
17. Tom Dolezel
18. Tyler Hotson
19. Sean Michael-Stephen
20. Jamie Mackenzie
21. Ryan Smith
22. Justin Mensah-Coker

R. Dan Pletch
R. Andrew Tiedemann
R. Luke Tait
R. Jebb Sinclair
R. Phil Mack
R. Nathan Hirayama
R. Stan McKeen
R. Taylor Paris

Also very much in the mix for selection. Conor Braid, Luke Cudmore, Brian Erichsen, Sean Duke, Sean White, Nanyak Dala

 

[DuncTheDoodle]

Is Matt Evans back from injury yet? he played one game for Dragons and hasn't played since due to injury.

 

[Feicarsinn]

I'll give this a bash. I'm posting the squad I'd like to see, rather than the one I expect:

Props: Ross, Hagan, Court, Healy
Hooker: Best, Cronin, Varley
Second Row: O'Connell, Cullen, Tuohy, O'Callaghan
Backrow: Wally, O'Brien, Heaslip, Ferris, Jennings, Ryan
Scrum Half: Reddan, Boss, Stringer
Out half: Sexton, O'Gara
Centre: O'Driscoll, D'arcy, McFadden
Wing: Earls, Fitzgerald, Bowe, Horgan
Fullback: Kearney, Murphy

Okay, so that's actually 31, but I genuinely cannot decide who I don't want to take. It would probably be one of Murphy or Horgan, with the former being the most likely due to yet another injury and the ability of Earls and Fitzgerald to cover fullback. No places for:

Tom O'Leary
Paddy Wallace
Jerry Flannery, primarily because he hasn't played in 2 years.
Devin Toner
Denis Leamy
Rhys Ruddock
John Hayes
Tony Buckle
Mick O'Driscoll
The rest of the useless brigade....

 

[TRF_Cymro]

9. Ed Fairhurst (availability an issue)

Stop the press ... whats the problem with Ed and his availability issue?

 

[TRF_Olyy]

IRB are trying to pass a rule saying it's an unfair advantage for Canada to play him