I can see something interesting in the team, looks likely to play a big ball carrying dynamic set of forwards for most part, with solid, yet unspectacular backs, mostly focused on distribution to the wingers, and a kick chase game?
Personally, tactics aside, I'd go for this:
1. Jack McGrath
2. Rory Best (His scrummaging is hugely underrated, and he'll work really nicely in tandem with the props either side of him. Plus he's stepped up big time in the big games recently, was excellent IMO v Munster and England)
3. Tadgh Furlong
4. George Kruis (I wish it was Launch though)
5. Maro Itoje (Huge leap on this guy, and he's so mobile and good at the breakdown. His tackling technique is superb, and just think he offers a little less doggedness than AWJ but a lot more ability wise)
6. Peter O'Mahony (Can be the third lineout option, provides balance to the backrow, where I think we'd lose out if Stander was picked, especially with my choice at 8 being Billy)
7. Sam Warburton
8. Billy Vunipola ( Top Player, and will wreak havoc amongst NZ defense)
9. Murray if possible, if not then Webb over Youngs (Not got a load of depth in this area, and Muraay could be key for us)
10. Sexton
12. Henshaw (Might be contentious, but Im not such a big fan of Farrell as many others are, Henshaws defense is much better, Farrell is actually quite a poor tackler, misses a lot by going too high, and also Sexton is more than capable running a back line on his own)
13. Elliot Daly (This wont happen, but I'd love Daly, who's got a good pass, a good rugby brain, a good extra kicking option for the wider channels, and Pace to burn! More likely to see JD2 or Joseph for Gatland though)
11. George North (With this backline, I can see him sparking to life, he'll get much better front foot ball, and better quality passing from these guys than he gets from the 10/12/13 of the Welsh midfield, who couldnt pass along a can of fanta)
14. Liam Williams (Top winger, no real weaknesses and as elusive as they come, I really like this guy. Good under high ball too)
15. Stuart Hogg (The intensity and grit of Mike brown, only with pace, vision and a big boot to clear. We don't need another kicking option from the tee, Sexton will be fine here, and the aim is to score tries, it has to be, so no Halfpenny for me, even in the 23 with Farrell on the bench to replace Sexton where needed)
16. Jamie George (Big impact guy, fantastic in set pieces, and the brain and skills that could have had him starting, for sure. Ken Owens is good, but think George has a little more X Factor)
17. Mako Vunipola (Scrummaging is improved, and a devastating ball carrier and handling skills come the final 30 minutes)
18. Kyle Sinckler (We are light in this department unfortunately, and he's more dynamic in the loose, as well as probably giving away a lot less penalties than Dan Cole. Leading by a small margin with Cole on the field in the last 10 is a recipe for disaster)
19. AWJ ( Against my ulster roots, he'll bring more grunt and experience to the party to be able to raise the team, or to put his body on the line holding the AB's out)
20. Sean O'Brien (Covers whole back row, and has shown just how effective he can be v New Zealand)
21. Webb/ Youngs if Murray is absent
22. Farrell (No Brainer, covering 10/12, also if 13 is injured, can shift Henshaw to 13, and farrell into 12, leaving only back 3 cover needed for 23 shirt)
23. Anthony Watson (Tough call here, but he's got that spark again to provide something from nothing with his running ability, wouldnt say no to Jack Nowell though if more stability is wanted, or even Seymour)
