Darwin
AKA Dingo_Darwin
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With the AB's squad for the Rugby Championship (hereafter referred to as the RC) set to be named tomorrow, I thought I would predict what that squad will look like. With a training squad named last weekend there shouldn't be too many surprises in the 28-man squad - the biggest question to me is the positional make-up of the squad. I would expect either a 16/12 (with 5 props) or a 15/13 split - I'm leaning towards the later at this stage.
Props: Woodcock, B Franks, Faumuina, O Franks
Crockett's lack of versatility will count against him again if only take 4 props. If they do decide to take 5 props (and only 2 10's), Crockett will be the 5th prop.
Hookers: Mealamu, Hore
No comment needed.
Locks: Romano, Retallick, Whitelock, Williams
Assuming Williams is fit for the RC (or some part of the RC) I expect he will be named, but Craig Clarke may well come into the squad to cover Romano and Williams who are not fully fit at this stage. This would be fully deserved for Clarke, though he himself isn't 100% fit at this stage....
Loose forwards: Thomson, Vito, Cane, McCaw, Read
Probably the most debatable area here. Vito, Cane, McCaw, and Read are all certainties, but the 5th choice between Thomson and Messam is very tight. I think Messam has clearly had the better Super Rugby season, but the question remains: can he transfer this superb form onto the international stage? He certainly showed he is capable of doing this in the third Ireland test, but whether he is capable of this when the team is going backwards has yet to be seen. Thomson himself has had a very good Super Rugby season, and offers some attributes that the AB's selectors find very intriguing (in particular his aerial skills). He hasn't stood out at international level, but has generally acquitted himself well, and was one of best players in a tight battle in the 2nd Irish test. I'm picking they will stick with Thomson, but wouldn't be too surprised if they went for Messam.
Halfbacks: A Smith, Weepu
I wouldn't pick Weepu personally (I'd have Ellis, Kerr-Barlow, or Perenara - if he was fit - over him), but I think the AB's selectors will stick with him. However if Kerr-Barlow has a storming game in the final he could push his way past Weepu.
First-fives: Carter, Cruden, Barrett
I'm not sure whether there will be room for Barrett in a 28-man squad, but I've included him instead of a 5th prop, as it brings extra flexibility to the backline.
Midfield: Nonu, Bill-Williams, Ellison
Not a big fan for bringing SBW back for just two games, but it looks like it will happen. I don't expect Conrad Smith will be named, but he will come into the squad later when he returns to full fitness.
Wings/Fullbacks: Savea, Gear, Jane, B Smith, Dagg
I can't see any room for Guildford in this squad - his ability to play on the right wing is less valuable with Jane returning.
Props: Woodcock, B Franks, Faumuina, O Franks
Crockett's lack of versatility will count against him again if only take 4 props. If they do decide to take 5 props (and only 2 10's), Crockett will be the 5th prop.
Hookers: Mealamu, Hore
No comment needed.
Locks: Romano, Retallick, Whitelock, Williams
Assuming Williams is fit for the RC (or some part of the RC) I expect he will be named, but Craig Clarke may well come into the squad to cover Romano and Williams who are not fully fit at this stage. This would be fully deserved for Clarke, though he himself isn't 100% fit at this stage....
Loose forwards: Thomson, Vito, Cane, McCaw, Read
Probably the most debatable area here. Vito, Cane, McCaw, and Read are all certainties, but the 5th choice between Thomson and Messam is very tight. I think Messam has clearly had the better Super Rugby season, but the question remains: can he transfer this superb form onto the international stage? He certainly showed he is capable of doing this in the third Ireland test, but whether he is capable of this when the team is going backwards has yet to be seen. Thomson himself has had a very good Super Rugby season, and offers some attributes that the AB's selectors find very intriguing (in particular his aerial skills). He hasn't stood out at international level, but has generally acquitted himself well, and was one of best players in a tight battle in the 2nd Irish test. I'm picking they will stick with Thomson, but wouldn't be too surprised if they went for Messam.
Halfbacks: A Smith, Weepu
I wouldn't pick Weepu personally (I'd have Ellis, Kerr-Barlow, or Perenara - if he was fit - over him), but I think the AB's selectors will stick with him. However if Kerr-Barlow has a storming game in the final he could push his way past Weepu.
First-fives: Carter, Cruden, Barrett
I'm not sure whether there will be room for Barrett in a 28-man squad, but I've included him instead of a 5th prop, as it brings extra flexibility to the backline.
Midfield: Nonu, Bill-Williams, Ellison
Not a big fan for bringing SBW back for just two games, but it looks like it will happen. I don't expect Conrad Smith will be named, but he will come into the squad later when he returns to full fitness.
Wings/Fullbacks: Savea, Gear, Jane, B Smith, Dagg
I can't see any room for Guildford in this squad - his ability to play on the right wing is less valuable with Jane returning.
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