The Ash 10 in the trial played well but he was average on Saturday and didn't do enough to warrant being the starting 10. The 10's are a bit scarce from what i have seen thus far this year. I haven't seen the Padua 10 yet and he may well be the pick. Tuqiri did some good things as well on Sat but he has plenty of work to do if he wants higher honours. He should have been given a yellow card on Sat for his shoulder charge. It was one of a number of terrible decisions from the officiating.
This is my thoughts from what i have seen thus far for an AIC side:
1. Tuqiri - Ash
2. St Pats
3. Villa
4. Padua/Ash
5. Dean - SLC
6. Ash/Sheehan - SLC
7. Ash
8. Connors - SPC
9. Rutherford- SLC
10. Padua (still to see)
11. Steer - SLC
12. Knop - SPC
13. Padua (if injured Ash or Villa)
14. Ash
15. Ash
Ash 9 & 10, one of the SPC props and second rowers, Walter the 8 from SLC/the Villa 8 as backrow cover, an outside back from SPLC and potentially another 1 or 2 from Padua and Iona would be the likely candidates to make the 23.
This is my opinion after the weekend but as they say everyone has one.
1. Tuqiri - Ash great ball player but workmate is always an issue.
2. St Pats - I have seen him twice and he has not stood out they could go many ways either SLC or ASH but as a second year player he will probably get in on reputation.
3. Villa - I would go with the SLC guy he is technically the best scrummager in AIC.
4. Padua/Ash Fair Call
5. Dean - SLC Fair Call
6. Walter SLC
7. Ash Best forward in the AIC this year
8. Connors - SPC Fair Call
9. Rutherford- SLC
10. Padua (still to see) Have not seen him but the field is thin
11. Probably on of the SPC boys, In terms of outright speed the African SLC boy has it but lacks the game play at this stage.
12. Knop - SPC
13. Padua (if injured Ash or Villa)
14. Ash
15. Steer - Best back in the AIC this year
Many will disagree however the interesting thing will be if the selectors can look beyond team success at skills or if they just go with the easy solution.
Also is it just AIC 1 this year or are there two teams picked.