Super Rugby form XV

[Darwin]

It's half way through the regular season, so I was interested in what people would consider their countries "form XV". I would have tried to do a form XV from all Super Rugby teams, but I've only seen a couple of games from some of the Australian and South African teams. I'm not a big fan of moving players from their regular positions to fit into these sort of teams, therefore my XV is comprised of the best players (in my opinion) that have played the majority of the season in the position in question e.g I haven't considered the likes of Ben Smith of Israel Dagg as a wing, as they have played the whole season at fullback, despite the fact they are more than capable of playing on the wing.

My NZ form XV:

1. Jamie MacIntosh - A standout for the Highlanders with his huge workrate, strong ball running, and leadership (Next in line.... Wyatt Crockett,who has probably been equally impressive for the Crusaders, but certainly has benefited from being in a strong Crusaders pack)
2. Kevin Mealamu - Strong all season for the Blues, seeming to really thrive with the leadership responsibilities (Next in line... Jason Rutledge, who has been consistent all season for the Highlanders)
3. Owen Franks - Exceptional for the Crusaders both at set piece and around the field (Next in line.... John Afoa, been an important part of a relatively consistent Blues pack)
4. Anthony Boric - No clear standout here, but Boric's consistency wins it for me. (Next in line... Brad Thorn / Jarred Hoeata. Thorn has had some strong games, but also some quite ones, while Hoeata has been strong for the Highlanders but his discipline still lets him down at times)
5. Sam Whitelock - Had a quiet start to the season, but had a couple of strong games before his injury, and there are not many other contenders (Next in line... Josh Bekhuis,who has kept Tom Donnelly restricted to the bench with his consistent performances)
6. Adam Thomson - Brillant all season for the Highlanders, arguably the form player of the whole tournament (Next in line.... daylight... not that the likes of Jerome Kaino, George Whitelock, and Jack Lam have been that bad, it's just that Thomson has been so spectacular)
7. Matt Todd - Has been a standout almost every week for the Crusaders, looking very much like a young Richie McCaw (Next in line... Scott Waldrom. Though Waldrom plays with a 6 on his back, he has played exclusively on the openside flank for the Chiefs [so I compare him to others playing openside flanker], and been a standout in a number of the Chiefs games)
8. Liam Messem - Been strong all year for the Chiefs, not only with his traditional strong ball running, but also with his strong defense and high workrate (Next in line.... Victor Vito,who has been a standout in a very disappointing Hurricanes pack)
9. Andy Ellis - I probably won't be popular for saying this, but Ellis has been outstanding for the Crusaders. Is undoubtedly helped by being behind a dominant pack, but there is no doubt he has made the most of it (Next in line....Jimmy Cowan/Albie Mathewson, Cowan has been strong behind the Highlanders pack, while Mathewson continues to be a dangerous runner at the base of the Blues rucks)
10. Dan Carter - No explanation needed (next in line... Stephen Brett, who has done a good job with the Blues, while there have been no standout from other franchises..)
11. Zac Guildford - Only played 4 games, but has been a standout in these games with his dangerous running and phenomenal workrate (next in line... Hosea Gear. Again hasn't played that much, but has looked good in limited gametime, while the other contenders (Rokocoko, Sivivatu, Piutau) haven't really stood out [though Rokocoko and Piuatu did play well in his last games], or have mixed very good games with poor games (Andre Taylor)...)
12. Sonny Bill-Williams - Poor first and last games, but apart from those two games he has been outstanding (next in line... Luke MacAlister, who looks to be getting back to his old form for the the Blues)
13. Jarred Payne - I'm sure this won't be a popular pick, but while Robbie Fruean had strong start to the season, I feel he has faded as the season has gone on, while Jarred Payne has been consistently good all season (next in line... Robbie Fruean)
14. Kade Poki - Been electric all season for the Highlanders (next in line... Sean Maitland. Top try scorer in the competition, who has finishing exceptionally well when given the chance)
15. Isia Toeava - Been the standout back in the competition in my mind (next in line... Ben Smith, who has been classy all season for the Highlanders. I can't remember him making a mistake all season, and has always looked dangerous with the ball in hand)

 

[Draggs]

Not bad, but BdP for hooker no doubt.
JP Pietersen is showing good form as well.

 

[TRF_Cymro]

Not bad, but BdP for hooker no doubt.
JP Pietersen is showing good form as well.

For the SA lot ye :lol: not NZ ... haha

 

[Larksea]

I agree completely, infact I thought I was going to have to argue Messam's case as the form #8 in NZ.

The ONLY change I would make is Jimmy Cowan at 9. I think he's the in his best form for a very long time and all with a bit of extra weight on his sholders considering the highlanders 10 has changed on almost a week to week basis. His clearance needs sowrk but his vision and play making has been great. Leonard deserves some praise as well because he's been in great form behind a tight 5 that is really struggleing for parity.

Elis has been in good form, maybe the best he's ever had but it has to be said that he's enjoying a free ride behind the most dominant forward pack in the whole competition and has had the best 10 in the world outside him for most of the games.

EDIT: I also totally agree with payne over Fruen who maybe looks like he needs a week off. And I also think Boric is currently the overall best lock in NZ.

 

[TRF_Ezequiel]

Well, I will put my form XV from the South African teams on here.

1. Brok Harris
A pleasant surprise this season in the Stormers front-row where they miss the quality of Liebenberg in the middle.
2. Bismarck du Plessis
Best hooker in the world together with Mealamu. Scored 4 tries so far and in defense he is also great so far
3. Jannie du Plessis
Bismarck's older brother has grown so much lately and is even first choice for the tight-head prop position in the Bok squad.
4. Rynhard Elstadt
Young gun who came out of no where to partner up with Bekker and surprise everybody. Despite his young age, he has shown so much quality already
5. Andries Bekker
The perfect replacement for Matfield in the Bok squad after the World Cup. Was voted player of the season last year in the Super14 and this year he is the true leader of the Stormers, despite not being the captain
6. Keegan Daniel
Who else? Brussow has only played 2 matches, Stegmann causes more penalties than the rest of the team all together. Burger has not shown his true qualities, also due to injuries. Daniel is part of a successful Sharks team without people really noticing him
7. Willem Alberts
Human wrecking ball who is the perfect option when Smith doesn't make the World Cup. Can, just like Daniel, also play at 8. Has shown despite his big body, he still has a little pace to outrun others.
8. Duane Vermeulen
Quality 8-man who has shown he can take his play to the next level. Was more important than Kankowski for his team, therefor he is my pick for this position however, it was a close call
9. Sarel Pretorius
First name I put on paper with this. What a remarkable season he has had so far. Scoring 3 tries against the Hurricanes, 2 against the Blues and always a threat in attack. Nobody will disagree with me on this one
10. Patrick Lambie
The fact that he missed 3 matches is the reason I pick him. In the matches he had to sit out due to a broken hand, it became clear how important and how good he really is. Where the Sharks missed out on bonus points against both the Crusaders and the Stormers due to bad kicking, it became clear... Lambie is our future fly-half! The one to watch
11. Bjorn Basson
Only Bull that deserves to be mentioned in this. Shows week after week what a good winger needs to do. Catching a kick off to score a try within a minute of the Reds try and also his ball handling and trademark up-and-under is something very dangerous in attack
12. Doppies La Grange
Captaining the side lately and together with Murray a perfect partnership in the backline.
13. Waylon Murray
Scoring tries is what gives a centre something extra. Jaque Fourie does this too, but with Murray I didn't expect it to go this well. This is also the reason I prefer him over Bosman and Terblanche in this form XV
14. JP Pietersen
Back from his injury and he has bulked up. What a blazing winger. Strong, fast, good hand-off, passes well. Together with Basson the answer to Habana's midlife-crisis with the RWC coming up
15. Jaco Taute
I wanted Aplon is the line-up and Basson and Pietersen are better wingers. To add up, Riaan Viljoen, Louis Ludik and Conrad Jantjes are not as good as Aplon in this. Aplon is a perfect player to have in your team. Always runs twice as much as any other backline player. Despite all that, I picked Jaco Taute. The monument boy, who went to school with Willem Alberts is one of the reasons the Lions manage to score this many tries nowadays. He deserves this spot

 

[Darwin]

I agree completely, infact I thought I was going to have to argue Messam's case as the form #8 in NZ.

The ONLY change I would make is Jimmy Cowan at 9. I think he's the in his best form for a very long time and all with a bit of extra weight on his sholders considering the highlanders 10 has changed on almost a week to week basis. His clearance needs sowrk but his vision and play making has been great. Leonard deserves some praise as well because he's been in great form behind a tight 5 that is really struggleing for parity.

Elis has been in good form, maybe the best he's ever had but it has to be said that he's enjoying a free ride behind the most dominant forward pack in the whole competition and has had the best 10 in the world outside him for most of the games.

EDIT: I also totally agree with payne over Fruen who maybe looks like he needs a week off.

Yeah judging Ellis is difficult, what sealed it for me was the impact he made off the bench for the Crusaders against the Chiefs. Fotuali'i had been behind the same Crusaders pack and had a solid game, but Ellis looked to be at a different level when he came on... Despite his form, I personally wouldn't pick Ellis for the AB's (as I think he struggles at test level), but it's hard to argue he's not in good form. I also agree Cowan has been in some of his best form of his career.

On Fruean: I'd expect he will get the week off against the Highlanders, with Adam Whitelock probably starting at centre.

 

[Draggs]

For the SA lot ye :lol: not NZ ... haha

I... err...

 

[cyRil]

Was wondering to see, when viewing the thread ***le, if you'd pick Payne over Freuan. Was pleased to see that you did!

 

[TNT88]

For Australia i'd go:

1. Ben Alexander
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau
3. Sekope Kepu
4. Mark Chisholm
5. Sam Wykes
6. Ita Vaea
7. Beau Robinson
8. Ben McCalman
9. Luke Burgess
10. Quade Cooper
11. Digby Ioane
12. James O'Connor
13. Stirling Mortlock
14. Drew Mitchell
15. Kurtley Beale

 

[Hulk Hogan]

For Australia i'd go:

1. Ben Alexander
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau
3. Sekope Kepu
4. Mark Chisholm
5. Sam Wykes
6. Ita Vaea
7. Beau Robinson
8. Ben McCalman
9. Luke Burgess
10. Quade Cooper
11. Digby Ioane
12. James O'Connor
13. Stirling Mortlock
14. Drew Mitchell
15. Kurtley Beale

You're kidding right?

1. Ben Daley
2. James Hanson/Tatafu Polota-nau
3. Sekope Kepu
4. James Horwill
5. Mark Chisholm
6. Scott higginbotham
7. Beau Robinson
8. Ben McCalman

9. Will Genia
10. Quade Coope
11. Digby Ioane
12. James O'connor
13. Anthony Faingaa
14. Drew Mitchell
15. Kurtley Beale.

 

[TNT88]

You're kidding right?

1. Ben Daley
2. James Hanson/Tatafu Polota-nau
3. Sekope Kepu
4. James Horwill
5. Mark Chisholm
6. Scott higginbotham
7. Beau Robinson
8. Ben McCalman

9. Will Genia
10. Quade Coope
11. Digby Ioane
12. James O'connor
13. Anthony Faingaa
14. Drew Mitchell
15. Kurtley Beale.

Well you have agreed with me on most positions so i don't see where the drama is.

Daley/Alexander: Tough call, in the first half of the season Daley would have been my pick, after a few more games i think Alexander is playing just as well. Could go either way IMO.

Horwill/Wykes: Wykes has been playing like a backrower, outplaying Sharpe in many games. Horwill has had a good consistent season, but if i'm picking this team on pure form i'd have to go for Wykes.

Higginbotham/Vaea: I couldn't decide between these two, so i checked the stats.

Tries: 2/1
Try Assists: 2/0
Runs: 34/63
Tackle Bust: 9/13
Offloads: 1/8
Tackles(missed): 47(4)/50(11)
Pilfers: 1/1
Linebreaks: 3/3
Line Out Takes: 26/8

Still neck and neck. Not sure if you can split them. Depends what your looking for.


Faingaa/Mortlock: Yea, maybe. I guess i was trying to be fair to the Rebels.


I've tried to be as objective as possible when selecting. Sorry if there we'rent enough Reds

 

[Hulk Hogan]

I've tried to be as objective as possible when selecting. Sorry if there we'rent enough Reds

The Obvious team is
1. Ben Daley
2. James Hanson
3. James Slipper
4. James Horwill
5. Rob Simmons
6. Radike Samo
7. Beau Robinson
8. Scott Higginbotham

9. Will Genia
10. Quade Cooper
11. Digby Ioane
12. Mike Harris
13. Anthony Faingaa
14. Rod Davies
15. Luke Morahan

But I get in trouble if I don't include other members of teams

 

[nickdnz]

I may do mine in a few hours, but has anyone else been really impressed with Ashley Johnson from the Cheetahs?

 

[TRF_Ezequiel]

Not really. I thought he was amazing in last season's Currie Cup but so far in the Super 15 season he disappoints me.

 

[Darwin]

Not really. I thought he was amazing in last season's Currie Cup but so far in the Super 15 season he disappoints me.

He hasn't impressed me either in the (admittedly few) games I've seen him play this year. He looked great with the ball in hand, but his ball handling was poor, his defense weak, and his work-rate poor... he reminded me a lot of a poor mans Sione Lauaki!

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

Ezequiel, I agree 100% with your form team for SA. I might just swap out Harris and bring in Mtawarira since Harris plays at tighthead but still. Tough calls in the centres and fullback but I think you're spot on. Pity there's not enough space for Aplon, Ludik and Ndungane.

As for a SXv form team overall:

1 Jamie McIntosh
2 Bismarck du Plessis
3 Sekope Kepu
4 Mark Chisholm
5 Andries Bekker
6 Adam Thomson
7 Matt Todd
8 Willem Alberts
9 Sarel Pretorius
10 Quade Cooper
11 Drew Mitchell
12 SBW
13 Jared Payne
14 Kade Poki
15 Isaia Toeava

Sad to see only 1 SA in my backline but I guess that pretty much sums up the SA franchizes seasons so far (or the NZ/AUS backs are just so much better LOL).

Somehow I also feel there aren't enough Crusaders in here but I feel these individuals are more important o their teams and have been key players and in hot form.

Keven Mealamu
Tendai Mtawarira
Sam Whitelock
Liam Messam
Luke Burgess
Daniel Carter
James O'Connor

And no, not overly impressed with Ashley Johnson. He was in better shape last year and only had 1 decent game so far this year.

 

[TRF_Ezequiel]

Hey, I just wanted to prevent from picking a complete Sharks frontrow

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

Hey, I just wanted to prevent from picking a complete Sharks frontrow

LOL, I hear you but it wouldn't be far off. With Steenkamp injured and the 3 first choice Sharks front rowers in god form...

Brok is also in good form but I'd still pick Jannie over him. Apart from those 4 only Coenie Oosthuizen and WP Nel are consideratins for me (apart from our overseas props) but they've been blown up at the scrum a lot lately and whether deservedly or not that puts them out of contention IMO.

A form Springbok squad wouldn't include these Boks who have become expected inclusions (at least in PDivvy's mind):

CJ van der Linde Overrated and can't scrum
John Smit Had a decent game here and there but not an option for an entire 80 and would be a wasted spot
Chiliboy Ralepele Just hasn't had game time so his inclusion simply cannot be justified even though I think he does have talent
Bakkies Botha A liability and one player who we can afford to leave at home with plenty of options for his position
Victor Matfield but Bekker, Franco vander Merwe and Wilhelm Steenkamp have all contributed more IMO as line-out locks
Pierre Spies Simply a show pony
Fourie du Preez O,O Had a bad first game, three good ones but hasn't gotten better after that. In fact, the opposite might be true. Pretorius might not be my choice ahead of him for a RWC and so too Duvenhage but both have been in better form and Pienaar is also there for consideration. Even Hougaard looked more hungry. Maybe he's just biding his time. Maybe I'm just clutching at straws LOL.
Ricky Januarie Unless his sole role would eb as food taster I can't see any justification for his inclusion
Morne Steyn Has looked uninterested and lazy. Lambie miles ahead and so too Grant but I would only play Grant if there is a big boot in midfield or at the back (Steyn and Viljoen spring to mind though others would do)
Brian Habana I wouldn't even have him in the Stormers run-on side TBH and the other franchizes have so much quality (Basson, Pietersen, Ndugane, Aplon, Mvovo and Van der Heever all ahead at this stage IMO)
Zane Kirschner Surely we have better 15's (Ndugane, Taute, Aplon, Ludik, Viljoen and if experience is the criteria there is Ndugane is your man and Steyn is allright at 15 though I'd prefer him midfield)
Conrad Jantjes Ditto

 

[TRF_Ezequiel]

No need to convince each other I see

The problem at scrumhalf is that someone as inexperienced as Pretorius or Duvenhage might be costly, which is why I would pick Pienaar for the Rugby World Cup. My starting 15 for after the RWC wouldn't be that far off the current form XV.

In the front row, of course the 3 Sharks (who else?) with van der Merwe and Bekker in the second row. Brussow, Alberts and Kankowski as loose forwards with Pienaar at scrumhalf. Patrick Lambie at fly-half, Basson and Pietersen on the wing with de Jongh and Fourie as centers (even how much I dislike Jaqueline Fourie). Full back is where we have to find the perfect addition. Ndungane? Or maybe Ludik? Or Taute?

Guess we will never know since Mr. Pringles is still the head coach

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

No need to convince each other I see

The problem at scrumhalf is that someone as inexperienced as Pretorius or Duvenhage might be costly, which is why I would pick Pienaar for the Rugby World Cup. My starting 15 for after the RWC wouldn't be that far off the current form XV.

In the front row, of course the 3 Sharks (who else?) with van der Merwe and Bekker in the second row. Brussow, Alberts and Kankowski as loose forwards with Pienaar at scrumhalf. Patrick Lambie at fly-half, Basson and Pietersen on the wing with de Jongh and Fourie as centers (even how much I dislike Jaqueline Fourie). Full back is where we have to find the perfect addition. Ndungane? Or maybe Ludik? Or Taute?

Guess we will never know since Mr. Pringles is still the head coach

Thats pretty much my choice 15 as well. Ndungane at fullback. Although I have no time for Kankowski and would have Smith there or if he isn't available either one of Burger, Vermeulen or Potgieter (with Albert at 8). Rossouw also in with a shout. Agreed Duvenhage and Pretorius needs to get time only after the RWC. I'd still have DU Preez though even off form with Pienaar on the bench. Only problem then is no recognized captain but I'd have a flanker in Smith or Burger as captain with Bekker vice cappie.

That'd be a very balanced Springbok side. We'd still have a helluva lot of experienced players there still: only newbies being Flip, Alberts, Lambie, De Jongh and Basson and these have shown they can perform under pressure.