AB RWC Squad

Chris

6 props and 4 locks I think, Ryan will want the 6 props, Newell I reckon is locked in the way Ryan is talking.

Duluth

Forked this into a new thread

Lets see who can guess the squad correctly

frugby

@Chris I've just reviewed the schedule, wasn't aware there are no midweek games this time around, which might change their thinking... perhaps as opposed to thinking about rest and rotation, it is more about covering worst case scenario.

So, do you want your best three tightheads and best three looseheads? Are we worried about two old locks getting injured? Do they want specialist blindside cover (Finau)? As Barrett is nailed on in 15, do they want a third 10? Do they want a fifth midfielder for if two go down?

I think you are right, realistically, taking six props would make sense.

frugby

Right then! Good challenge. I'll lay mine out properly here:

Props (6): Ethan de Groot, Ofa Tuungafasi, Tamaiti Williams, Tyrel Lomax, Nepo Laulala, Fletcher Newell

Hookers (3): Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Dane Coles

Locks (4): Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Tupou Vaa'i

Loose Forwards (6): Shannon Frizell, Sam Cane, Ardie Savea, Dalton Papalii, Luke Jacobson, Ethan Blackadder

Halfbacks (3): Aaron Smith, Cam Roigard, Finlay Christie

First Fives (2): Richie Mo'unga, Damian McKenzie

Midfielders (4): Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, David Havili

Outside Backs (5): Beauden Barrett, Will Jordan, Mark Telea, Caleb Clarke, Emoni Narawa

ARHS

I would prefer Weber Finau Faingaanuku and Ennor to Christie Blackadder Clarke and Havili. But let's see what they all do in the next week or so. The rest I think are all settled.

frugby

@ARHS I think Weber has been told he is 5th in the pecking order. The vibe I get is that once the WC squad is named he is out of here, I don't think he is going to play the whole NPC.

Chris

I think @frugby has nailed the squad that is the same squad they will select imo.

Props (6): Ethan de Groot, Ofa Tuungafasi, Tamaiti Williams, Tyrel Lomax, Nepo Laulala, Fletcher Newell

Hookers (3): Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Dane Coles

Locks (4): Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Tupou Vaa'i

Loose Forwards (6): Shannon Frizell, Sam Cane, Ardie Savea, Dalton Papalii, Luke Jacobson, Ethan Blackadder

Halfbacks (3): Aaron Smith, Cam Roigard, Finlay Christie

First Fives (2): Richie Mo'unga, Damian McKenzie

Midfielders (4): Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, David Havili

Outside Backs (5): Beauden Barrett, Will Jordan, Mark Telea, Caleb Clarke, Emoni Narawa

ploughboy

wouldnt be surpised if they dont pick blackadder as hid injury record this year has been poor. his last comeback lasted 4 miniutes.

george33

@frugby Patrick Tuipolotu will b included

george33

@Chris Fletcher Newell don't think so

Chris

@george33

I think he will,Newell will be in the 23 for this next test.

ploughboy

question will be who would replace frizzel if he was injured. do they give finau a run in dunedin and see if he can perform at this level or is barrett there next choice . i would think who is there next choice will influence the makeup of locks and loose forwards.
my guess they see barrett as backup 6 against the top teams so they could take finau as a lock/6 for against minnows or pick lord and use vaii as a 6 for minnows

antipodean

@frugby It will be a crime if Blackadder and Havili go. I also think Lord must surely be in the squad.

george33

@Chris Newell if fit? Ahead of who ,he's not a bench player has to start

Chris

@george33

Ryan mentioned this week Newell was ready to go for this week he will be on the plane.

george33

@Chris ok but ahead of who ? He's played no rugby so can't C him starting

Chris

@george33

I think these 6 props will go to France

Ethan de Groot, Ofa Tuungafasi, Tamaiti Williams, Tyrel Lomax, Nepo Laulala, Fletcher Newell

NateHill74

PROPS:
E de Groot
T Williams
O Tu'ungafasi
T Lomax
N Laulala
F Newell

HOOKERS
C Taylor
D Coles
S Taukei'aho

LOCKS
S Barrett
S Whitelock
B Retallick
T Vaa'i

LOOSIES
S Frizell
S Cane
A Savea
D Papali'i
L Jacobson
E Blackadder

HALF BACKS
A Smith
C Roigard
F Christie (should be Fakatava instead of either Christie or Roigard)

FIRST FIVES
R Mo'unga
B Barrett
D McKenzie

MIDFIELD
J Barrett
R Ioane
A Lienert-Brown
D Havili

OUTSIDES
C Clarke
M Telea
W Jordan
L Fainga'anuku

george33

@Chris Do they need 6 with Williams and Ofa covering both sides , My take is
Hookers 3 , Props 5, Locks 5, loosies 6
19 Forwards ,14 Backs
Beauden, Talea, Jordan,Clarke
Reiko, ALB, Jordie, Havilli
Mounga, McKenzie
Smith, Christie,Roigard
And Bolter in the Backs ? Our maybe as U said Xtra prop

Chris

@george33

Ryan will want 6 props I reckon. yeah I reckon a 19 forward 14 backs split.

The Silver Fern

AB RWC Squad