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Your team predicted squad for the world cup

I don't have any stats to back that statement up unfortunately, does anyone know where I could find penalties conceded per player? Anyway, for England Wood and Haskell seem to regularly rack up 3-4 a match, which Itoje has not been doing for Sarries. I can't claim to have watched all of Wood and Haskell's matches at club level though.
 
Really? I take it back about Haskell if that is true. However, you talk about experience and not making mistakes in big games - I count a stupid 'slide tackle' resulting in a yellow in a 6N deciding game as a stupid mistake, and one which Itoje would not do. Experience can be a vastly overrated thing, Haskell has 58 caps but he still did something that moronic.
 
I don't have any stats to back that statement up unfortunately, does anyone know where I could find penalties conceded per player? Anyway, for England Wood and Haskell seem to regularly rack up 3-4 a match, which Itoje has not been doing for Sarries. I can't claim to have watched all of Wood and Haskell's matches at club level though.

You can find stats for pretty much all international matches at ESPN scrum.
 
Wales squad imo:

Looshead props : Gethin Jenkins, Paul James, Nicky Smith.

Rob Evans is another option, but can struggle in the scrum. Nicky Smith, whilst just back from injury, has already shown that he's more than solid in that regard. Jenkins will head into the tournament first choice, but I expect Smith to be pushing him hard by mid tournament.

Hookers : Ken Owens, Scott Baldwin, Richard Hibbard.

Owens is the clear first choice in my view, but Baldwin is a current favorite of the coaching team. Hibbard has fallen away somewhat, but I'd be tempted to have him on the bench for the impact he brings.

Tighthead props : Samson Lee, Tomas Francis, Rhodri Jones / Aaron Jarvis.

Still our big area of concern. Samson Lee is in a race against time to be fit, hopefully he makes it in time. Tomas Francis isn't Welsh yet, he could well opt for England instead. Rhodri Jones is due back from injury imminently, and is imo our next best option, even if there are question marks surrounding his scrummaging. Aaron Jarvis isn't a great option, but is the next best we have given that Adam Jones still looks poor.

Second rows : Alun-Wyn Jones, Luke Charteris, Jake Ball, Bradley Davies.

Alun-Wyn Jones and Charteris are nailed on starters imo. Ball offers good backup, as does Davies.

Backrow : Dan Lydiate, Sam Warburton, Justin Tipuric, Toby Faletau, Dan Baker.

The tried and tested backrow unit of Lydiate, Warbs and Faletau will likely start the big games, even if I'd opt for a Warbs, Tips, Faletau trio. Baker is doing a lot right atm, and should have cemented his place on the plane.

Scrum half : Rhys Webb, Gareth Davies / Mike Phillips.

Webb is clearly first choice. Again, with squad places tight, there's probably only really two scrum half places available. Davies didn't do himself any favors being sent off for the Scarlets a couple of weeks ago, but he's shown a lot over the last couple of seasons. I'm still tempted by Phillips' experience, which could prove useful in the WC. Aled Davies, Rhodri Williams, Lloyd Williams, and Jonathan Evans are there or thereabouts as well.

Outside half : Dan Biggar, Rhys Priestland.

Not sure about Priestland. He's not getting a huge about of game time at the Scarlets due to him leaving them at the end of the season, and he's struggled with consistency ever since the last WC, but not sure who else there is. I'd be tempted by Hook as a utility player (see below). Anscome does little for me, whilst Patchell is injured again. Sam Davies has played well for the Ospreys in Biggar's absence, and is an option.

Centers : Jamie Roberts, Jonathan Davies, Scott Williams, James Hook / Ashley Beck / Cory Allen / Tyler Morgan.

Hook's a good option for a WC squad, where numbers are tight. He covers 10, both center positions and fullback. Anyone know when Beck or Allen are due back? Big fan of both, but it's realistically probably too late for them for the WC. Tyler Morgan is an exciting prospect, offering something different to the others with his pace.

Back three : George North, Leigh Halfpenny, Liam Williams, Alex Cuthbert, Eli Walker / Halam Amos.

I think Alex Cuthbert, despite his fall from grace, will go to the WC. He's too lethal a finisher to leave at home, and I'd expect him to improve again. Straight shoot-out between Walker and Amos for the final place in this squad. Amos has improved hugely, a very rounded player, but can be guilty of costly errors when placed under pressure. Walker is as injury prone as they come, but returns quickly to for each time, and consistently shows how lethal he can be.

I have a feeling I've forgotten a player or two, but it's too late, so I'll leave it as this for now.
 
I'll have a crack at the Wobblies although it will be different from what Cheika picks for sure

Props: Slipper, Kepu, Sio, Weekes/Alo-Emile, Faulkner
Hookers: Moore(C), Tatafu, Faingaa
Locks: Simmons, Jones, Skelton, L.Timani
Backrow: Fardy, Higginbotham, McCalman, Pocock(VC), Hooper(VC), McMahon
SH: Phipps, Genia, Stirzaker
FH: Foley, Cooper
Centres: Toomua, AAC, Kuridrani
Wing: Speight, O'Connor, Cummins, Horne
FB: Folau, Beale
 
Wallabies:

1 Slipper /
2 Moore / Polota-Nau
3 Kepu / Holmes
4 Simmons /
5 Skelton /
6 Fardy / Higginbotham
7 Pocock / Hooper
8 Palu / McCalman
9 Phipps / Genia
10 Foley / Cooper
11 JOC / Cummins
12 Toomua / Leali'ifano
13 Kuridrani / AAC
14 Speight / Tomane
15 Folau / Beale
 
Wales squad imo:

Looshead props : Gethin Jenkins, Paul James, Nicky Smith.

Rob Evans is another option, but can struggle in the scrum. Nicky Smith, whilst just back from injury, has already shown that he's more than solid in that regard. Jenkins will head into the tournament first choice, but I expect Smith to be pushing him hard by mid tournament.

Hookers : Ken Owens, Scott Baldwin, Richard Hibbard.

Owens is the clear first choice in my view, but Baldwin is a current favorite of the coaching team. Hibbard has fallen away somewhat, but I'd be tempted to have him on the bench for the impact he brings.

Tighthead props : Samson Lee, Tomas Francis, Rhodri Jones / Aaron Jarvis.

Still our big area of concern. Samson Lee is in a race against time to be fit, hopefully he makes it in time. Tomas Francis isn't Welsh yet, he could well opt for England instead. Rhodri Jones is due back from injury imminently, and is imo our next best option, even if there are question marks surrounding his scrummaging. Aaron Jarvis isn't a great option, but is the next best we have given that Adam Jones still looks poor.

Second rows : Alun-Wyn Jones, Luke Charteris, Jake Ball, Bradley Davies.

Alun-Wyn Jones and Charteris are nailed on starters imo. Ball offers good backup, as does Davies.

Backrow : Dan Lydiate, Sam Warburton, Justin Tipuric, Toby Faletau, Dan Baker.

The tried and tested backrow unit of Lydiate, Warbs and Faletau will likely start the big games, even if I'd opt for a Warbs, Tips, Faletau trio. Baker is doing a lot right atm, and should have cemented his place on the plane.

Scrum half : Rhys Webb, Gareth Davies / Mike Phillips.

Webb is clearly first choice. Again, with squad places tight, there's probably only really two scrum half places available. Davies didn't do himself any favors being sent off for the Scarlets a couple of weeks ago, but he's shown a lot over the last couple of seasons. I'm still tempted by Phillips' experience, which could prove useful in the WC. Aled Davies, Rhodri Williams, Lloyd Williams, and Jonathan Evans are there or thereabouts as well.

Outside half : Dan Biggar, Rhys Priestland.

Not sure about Priestland. He's not getting a huge about of game time at the Scarlets due to him leaving them at the end of the season, and he's struggled with consistency ever since the last WC, but not sure who else there is. I'd be tempted by Hook as a utility player (see below). Anscome does little for me, whilst Patchell is injured again. Sam Davies has played well for the Ospreys in Biggar's absence, and is an option.

Centers : Jamie Roberts, Jonathan Davies, Scott Williams, James Hook / Ashley Beck / Cory Allen / Tyler Morgan.

Hook's a good option for a WC squad, where numbers are tight. He covers 10, both center positions and fullback. Anyone know when Beck or Allen are due back? Big fan of both, but it's realistically probably too late for them for the WC. Tyler Morgan is an exciting prospect, offering something different to the others with his pace.

Back three : George North, Leigh Halfpenny, Liam Williams, Alex Cuthbert, Eli Walker / Halam Amos.

I think Alex Cuthbert, despite his fall from grace, will go to the WC. He's too lethal a finisher to leave at home, and I'd expect him to improve again. Straight shoot-out between Walker and Amos for the final place in this squad. Amos has improved hugely, a very rounded player, but can be guilty of costly errors when placed under pressure. Walker is as injury prone as they come, but returns quickly to for each time, and consistently shows how lethal he can be.

I have a feeling I've forgotten a player or two, but it's too late, so I'll leave it as this for now.

Will respond more when i have time, but just to note that i agree about Hook. He's been exceptional of late and really deserves another chance. I was one of those who were of the opinion that he should have been in the squad for the 6N, if only because i really am not a fan of Priestland. However, Hooky has done enough to warrant his place regardless for me. Agree about Anscombe too. I think he's a Priestland type of distributor and i think he flows well, but he just doesn't seem to have the game we need.
 
Wales squad imo:

Looshead props : Gethin Jenkins, Paul James, Nicky Smith.

Rob Evans is another option, but can struggle in the scrum. Nicky Smith, whilst just back from injury, has already shown that he's more than solid in that regard. Jenkins will head into the tournament first choice, but I expect Smith to be pushing him hard by mid tournament.

Hookers : Ken Owens, Scott Baldwin, Richard Hibbard.

Owens is the clear first choice in my view, but Baldwin is a current favorite of the coaching team. Hibbard has fallen away somewhat, but I'd be tempted to have him on the bench for the impact he brings.

Tighthead props : Samson Lee, Tomas Francis, Rhodri Jones / Aaron Jarvis.

Still our big area of concern. Samson Lee is in a race against time to be fit, hopefully he makes it in time. Tomas Francis isn't Welsh yet, he could well opt for England instead. Rhodri Jones is due back from injury imminently, and is imo our next best option, even if there are question marks surrounding his scrummaging. Aaron Jarvis isn't a great option, but is the next best we have given that Adam Jones still looks poor.

Second rows : Alun-Wyn Jones, Luke Charteris, Jake Ball, Bradley Davies.

Alun-Wyn Jones and Charteris are nailed on starters imo. Ball offers good backup, as does Davies.

Backrow : Dan Lydiate, Sam Warburton, Justin Tipuric, Toby Faletau, Dan Baker.

The tried and tested backrow unit of Lydiate, Warbs and Faletau will likely start the big games, even if I'd opt for a Warbs, Tips, Faletau trio. Baker is doing a lot right atm, and should have cemented his place on the plane.

Scrum half : Rhys Webb, Gareth Davies / Mike Phillips.

Webb is clearly first choice. Again, with squad places tight, there's probably only really two scrum half places available. Davies didn't do himself any favors being sent off for the Scarlets a couple of weeks ago, but he's shown a lot over the last couple of seasons. I'm still tempted by Phillips' experience, which could prove useful in the WC. Aled Davies, Rhodri Williams, Lloyd Williams, and Jonathan Evans are there or thereabouts as well.

Outside half : Dan Biggar, Rhys Priestland.

Not sure about Priestland. He's not getting a huge about of game time at the Scarlets due to him leaving them at the end of the season, and he's struggled with consistency ever since the last WC, but not sure who else there is. I'd be tempted by Hook as a utility player (see below). Anscome does little for me, whilst Patchell is injured again. Sam Davies has played well for the Ospreys in Biggar's absence, and is an option.

Centers : Jamie Roberts, Jonathan Davies, Scott Williams, James Hook / Ashley Beck / Cory Allen / Tyler Morgan.

Hook's a good option for a WC squad, where numbers are tight. He covers 10, both center positions and fullback. Anyone know when Beck or Allen are due back? Big fan of both, but it's realistically probably too late for them for the WC. Tyler Morgan is an exciting prospect, offering something different to the others with his pace.

Back three : George North, Leigh Halfpenny, Liam Williams, Alex Cuthbert, Eli Walker / Halam Amos.

I think Alex Cuthbert, despite his fall from grace, will go to the WC. He's too lethal a finisher to leave at home, and I'd expect him to improve again. Straight shoot-out between Walker and Amos for the final place in this squad. Amos has improved hugely, a very rounded player, but can be guilty of costly errors when placed under pressure. Walker is as injury prone as they come, but returns quickly to for each time, and consistently shows how lethal he can be.

I have a feeling I've forgotten a player or two, but it's too late, so I'll leave it as this for now.

Samson Lee may recover from the injury by end of September and that's a big if but he won't have played any matches leading up to the RWC. So he won't be match fit. A big ask for any player just to return straight back from injury.

- - - Updated - - -

I'll have a crack at the Wobblies although it will be different from what Cheika picks for sure

Props: Slipper, Kepu, Sio, Weekes/Alo-Emile, Faulkner
Hookers: Moore(C), Tatafu, Faingaa
Locks: Simmons, Jones, Skelton, L.Timani
Backrow: Fardy, Higginbotham, McCalman, Pocock(VC), Hooper(VC), McMahon
SH: Phipps, Genia, Stirzaker
FH: Foley, Cooper
Centres: Toomua, AAC, Kuridrani
Wing: Speight, O'Connor, Cummins, Horne
FB: Folau, Beale

Luke Jones and Timani both prefer to play the in the back row don't they. G&G were suggesting Adam Coleman be picked. What do you think?
No wonder the ARU are trying to entice back Kane Douglas in time for the RWC.
 
All Blacks:

1 Tony Woodcock / Moody
2 Keaven Mealamu / Dane Coles
3 Owen Frank
4 Sam Whitelock / Romano
5 Retallick / Trush
6 Kaino / Messam
7 McCaw / Cane
8 Kieran Read
9 Aaron Smith / TJ Perenara
10 Dan Carter / Barrett
11 Julian Savea / James Lowe
12 Ma'a Nonu / SBW
13 Conrad Smith / Fekitoa
14 Cory Jane / Naholo
15 Ben Smith / Milner Skudder
 
Aussies do have some serious holes but they also have serious talent at various positions. England/Wales need to turn it into an arm wrestle as an open game will be carnage for them both.
 
LH Prop: Joe Marler, Mako Vunipola
Hooker: Dylan Hartley, Tom Youngs, Rob Webber
TH Prop: Dan Cole, Dave Wilson, Kieran Brookes
Locks: Courtney Lawes, Joe Launchbury, Dave Atwood, Geoff Parling
Back Row: Dave Ewers, Chris Robshaw, James Haskell, Billy Vunipola, Ben Morgan
Scrum Halves: Ben Youngs, Richard Wigglesworth
Fly Halves: George Ford, Owen Farrell, Henry Slade
Centres: Manu Tuilagi, Jonathan Joseph, Brad Barritt, Elliot Daly
Back Three: Mike Brown, Anthony Watson, Jack Nowell, Christian Wade
 
Got some news that will brighten the Aussies spirit for the world cup as they have made the selection different to that anyone who play's abroad and have either 60+ caps for the Wallabies or have played in Australia for 7 years can be selected for the squad.

Full article here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/32409081
 
Planet rugby are running their own predicted squads for each team. First up New Zealand:

Hansen's likely 31-man squad for the World Cup

Backs (14)

Full-back: Israel Dagg, Ben Smith
Wing: Julian Savea, James Lowe, Cory Jane
Centre: Ma'a Nonu, Sonny Bill Williams, Conrad Smith, Malakai Fekitoa
Fly-half: Beauden Barrett, Dan Carter, Colin Slade
Scrum-half: Aaron Smith, TJ Perenara

Forwards (17)

Back-row: Steven Luatua, Liam Messam, Richie McCaw, Sam Cane, Kieran Read, Jerome Kaino
Second-row: Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Patrick Tuipulotu
Hooker: Dane Coles, Keven Mealamu, Hika Elliot
Prop: Tony Woodcock, Wyatt Crockett, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Charlie Faumuina

25 players on standby: Nehe Milner-Skudder, Waisake Naholo, Jordan Taufua, Liam Coltman, Charles Piutau, Brad Weber, Matt Todd, Ardie Savea, James Broadhurst, Victor Vito, Lima Sopoaga, Andy Ellis, Luke Romano, Ryan Crotty, Elliot Dixon, Augustine Pulu, Brad Shields, Nepo Laulala, Joe Moody, Liam Squire, Ben Tameifuna, Dominic Bird, Damian McKenzie, Jeremy Thrush, Tom Taylor.

http://planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,16016_44719,00.html
 
If the first 15 where being picked today

Healy
Best
Moore
Poc
Hendy
Sob
Henry
Heaslip
Murray
Sexton
Gilroy
Payne
Henshaw
Bowe
Kearney

6 Leinster inc sexton
6 ulster
2 Munster (harsh on pom)
1 Connacht
 
No Toner, POM or Trimble?

I like pom and think he does a huge amount of work but there is an element of jack of all trades master of none about him. I think my back row is the most balanced and have always thought sob was a more natural 6.

Trimble is injured and I said if picking today.

Toner I personally don't think is good enough to play for Leinster. I struggle to see his contribution apart from being a decoy at the lineout. For me he wouldn't be in the top five Irish second rows.
 
I like pom and think he does a huge amount of work but there is an element of jack of all trades master of none about him. I think my back row is the most balanced and have always thought sob was a more natural 6.

Trimble is injured and I said if picking today.

Toner I personally don't think is good enough to play for Leinster. I struggle to see his contribution apart from being a decoy at the lineout. For me he wouldn't be in the top five Irish second rows.

Bit harsh on oul Toner. He's been very good for Ireland in the last year or two. He's also had a few dodgy moments too. Will be interesting to see what Schmidt does (providing he extends his contract) after POC retires. Will he give Toner the Gordon D'Arcy treatment? I think Henderson is just immense. Only thing stopping him at the moment is POC having that relationship with Toner, but reckon he'll be a shoe in when POC retires.

Here's who I'd have starting:

Healy
Best
Ross
Toner
POC
O'Mahony
O'Brien
Murphy
Murray
Sexton
Fitzgerald/Trimble
Madigan
Henshaw
Bowe
Kearney (he's on his last chance with me)

Subs:
Cronin
McGrath
Moore
Henderson
TOD
Redden
Zebo
Payne

Madigan has been brilliant at 12 for Leinster. This whole nonsense of him playing 10 for Ireland needs to stop. He's a much better 12 and would be even better when playing 12 for Ireland too. If needs be, slip him into 10 when/if Johnny goes off and send Henshaw to 12 and Payne to 13. Think Madigan is actually a better kicker than Johnny too. We know Sexton cracks under pressure when it comes to kicking (think of France 2014, Scotland this year). It would be nice to get to choose the kicker each time.
I am torn over Fitzgerald or Trimble for 11. Trimble was my standout player last season. He is unreal when on form, but will he be in form? Fitz has a spark and I think he thrives on hard work and proving himself.

It's a very good thing we've got no major injury concerns (thus far - touch wood), as the competition for places could be what pushes us past the quarter finals hopefully. Players like Fitzgerald will thrive off this.

So excited. Not sure I can wait another 4 months.
 
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That's a very nice and mellow way of saying "That's a very strange opinion that virtually no one will agree with because it's balls"... Toner's been a damn effective international and will probably go into history as one of Ireland's better. That said, if Henderson keeps playing like this, I think he might force the issue (despite bringing an ideal balance to the squad at 19); his work rate and physicality have been huge.

Also find it odd you say Ireland need to stop thinking of Madigan as a 10 then pick a 23 in which Madigan is the 10 cover... also, Jordi Murphy ahead of Heaslip?

Dull - I think Namibia, USA, Argentina and Fiji were the only countries to travel with only 2 scrum-halves to the last World Cup; I doubt, even with the new rules, that too many will be travelling with only 2 this time.
 

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