AB RWC Squad

[Steve]

@sparky said in AB RWC Squad predictions:

Okay, here goes.

Props: Ethan De Groot, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Tamaiti Williams, Tyrell Lomax, Nepo Laulala, Fletcher Newell.

Hookers: Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukeiaho, Dane Coles.

Locks: Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Scott Barrett, Josh Lord.

Back row: Shannon Frizzell, Samipeni Finau, Sam Cane (c), Dalton Papalii, Ardie Savea, Luke Jacobson.

Half Backs: Aaron Smith, Cam Roigard, Brad Weber

First Fives: Richie Mounga, Damien McKenzie

Midfield: Jordie Barrett, Anton Leinert-Brown, Reiko Ioane, David Havili

Back three: Mark Telea, Caleb Clarke, Leicester Fainganuku, Will Jordan, Beauden Barrett

Havili???????

[taniwharugby]

is it 32 or 33?

[george33]

Akira

[Bones]

Good timing of this Hawkes game for Fakatava...

@sparky can't see them dropping Vaai for Lord, especially after tonight's performance.

[sparky]

@taniwharugby 33.

[sparky]

@george33 I think Finau did enough today.

[sparky]

@Bones Yeah, you’re probably right. But I rate Lord as the better prospect. Big unit.

[Bones]

@sparky said in AB RWC Squad predictions:

@Bones Yeah, you’re probably right. But I rate Lord as the better prospect. Big unit.

Yup he'd be in my team, won't be in Fozzies.

First time I've been impressed by Vaai tonight to be fair though.

[nostrildamus]

@Bones said in AB RWC Squad predictions:

Good timing of this Hawkes game for Fakatava...

@sparky can't see them dropping Vaai for Lord, especially after tonight's performance.

huh? You thought Vaa'i was good for once? You haven't been his greatest fan.

[Bones]

@nostrildamus He was busy and effective tonight.

Much better than busy and ineffective.

[Dolamite]

Here’s my predicted 23

Props
Lomax
De Groot
Williams
Tuungafasi
Laulala
Newell

Hookers
Taukeiaho
Taylor
Coles

Locks
Retallick
Whitelock
Barrett
Va'ai

Loosies
Savea
Cane
Papalii
Jacobsen
Frizell
Finau

Halfback
Smith
Roigard
Christie

First Fives
Mo'unga
McKenzie
Barrett

Midfield
Barrett
Ioane
ALB
Havili

Back 3
Jordan
Faingaanuku
Telea
Clarke

[KiwiMurph]

I reckon Narawa will make it ahead of one of Clarke or Leicester going by Foz's comments in the press conference the other day.

If Finau doesn't make it I'm gonna be very angry. That second half was mighty impressive.

If Finlay does make it he is extremely lucky.

I'd pick McLeod ahead of Havili but I suspect they won't.

[sparky]

@KiwiMurph said in AB RWC Squad predictions:

I reckon Narawa will make it ahead of one of Clarke or Leicester going by Foz's comments in the press conference the other day.

Stevenson’s defence rules him out as right wing cover. Both Clarke and Leicester are left wings so I could easily see Narawa making it as right wing cover with one of Clarke or Leicester making it as left wing cover. Clarke will probably get the nod for experience.

[Bovidae]

They could use LF as the centre against Uruguay and Namibia. He does lack some top-end pace as a winger.

I think that Williams and Laulala are clearly the 3rd choice options at prop. I don't think you can select Moody with not playing in so long. If he does get the nod then one of the above misses out.

[cgrant]

Ennor played well today before his injury. Don't write him off. ALB brings his experience but he was toothless in attack and missed tackles during Bled II. My guess for the midfield : JB, RI, Ennor, ALB.

[Bones]

@cgrant Yeah, Ennor is the closest thing to Ioane, so worth a selection. If Ioane was playing at Enmor's level, there'd be calls he's not a centre's arsehole though eh.

Would have liked to have seen Faingaanuku tried at centre if he was staying.

[Chris B.]

@Dolamite Pretty close to what I'm thinking after today.

I think Moody for Williams, as long as Joe is close to full fitness - otherwise you're there.

[pakman]

@Bovidae said in AB RWC Squad predictions:

They could use LF as the centre against Uruguay and Namibia. He does lack some top-end pace as a winger.

I think that Williams and Laulala are clearly the 3rd choice options at prop. I don't think you can select Moody with not playing in so long. If he does get the nod then one of the above misses out.

Ofa cemented his place today. Last propping spot between Tamaiti and Moody. I suspect latter will go if fit.

[pakman]

For me the real question is midfield.

I don't see ALB as starting 12. Prefer Goodhue, although I suspect Havilli will be TWM's back up for Jordie. Agree that Ennor closest like for like for Roane, but suspect ALB will get nod for bench role.

Slim chance of five midfielders, in which case it's Leicester OR Caleb.

[Tim]

Pretty clear that there is a list of "essential players" now, whose injury would pose a huge risk to the WC campaign. Depth in the forwards has improved a lot. Would still hate to lose one of the top three locks. Savea in that category too.

Lomax
Smith
J Barrett
R Ioane