G&GR International Test Team of the Year 2009 - Selection

[Aussie D]

1. Benn Robinson (100% vote)

2. Bismarck DuPlessis (60.6)

3. Martin Castrogiavanni (60.7)

4. Bakkies Botha (56.7)

5. Victor Matfield (76.7)

6. Rocky Elsom (33.3)

7. Heinrich Brussow (56.7)

8. Pierre Spies (38.5)

9. Fourie DuPreez (38.5)

10. Dan Carter (77.4)

11. Brian Habana (51.9)

12. Jamie Roberts (36.7)

13. Brian O'Driscoll (59.4)

14. Sitiveni Sivivatu (34.4)

15. Rob Kearney (78.6)

Does this line up with your team of the year? Now is the time to discuss who you would have preferred and why. Also, can you come up with a team (of players' playing in 2009) that you believe would beat the one selected?

 

[Scarfman]

Awesome team. I've got zero issues.

Well, maybe Spies?

 

[Newb]

approved

 

[Aussie D]

For arguments sake:
My Shadow Team (to take on the team selected)
1. Beast
2. Jerry Flannery
3. Carl Hayman (he is still playing in the GP just wasn't available for the test selection)
4. Brad Thorn
5. Paul O'Connell
6. Thierry Desautoir
7. Richie McCaw
8. Hairy Donkey
9. Mike Phillips
10. Morne Steyn
11. Cedric Heymans
12. Yannick Jauzion
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper
14. Tommy Bowe
15. Chris Latham

 

[Scarfman]

I reckon both Smith and Aussie Dave played better than McCaw in '09.

Plus, from what I saw, the French back row could beat anyone on their days, so yeah, either Dusautoir ahead of Rockey or Hariy Donkey ahead of Spies.

 

[Aussie D]

I reckon both Smith and Aussie Dave played better than McCaw in '09.

Plus, from what I saw, the French back row could beat anyone on their days, so yeah, either Dusautoir ahead of Rockey or Hariy Donkey ahead of Spies.

They may well have but McCaw has the mystique of the hit-and-spin at the rucks as well as his leadership on the field which is why I'd have him in my team anyday.

 

[spectator]

Agreed Aussie D. Would also have the two Froggy backrowers in.

In respect of the backs I would consider Digby at 11, Gits at 12, Conrad Smith at 13 and Mils at the back.

 

[Pfitzy]

The front five is right. Everything else is irrelevant.

 

[Pfitzy]

Let me rethink that: Botha and duPlessis in the same team is a magnet for penalties. Plus I just remember duPlessis is the bigger fuckhead. I vote for Hore.

 

[cyclopath]

The front five is right. Everything else is irrelevant.

Yeah, that approach worked well for the Tahs in 2009 I seem to recall.

 

[Pfitzy]

Not my fault backs are woofters. You give them the ball from lineout or scrum and its wasted. Keep it in the brains trust.

 

[Viking]

My Shadow Team (to take on the team selected):

1. Tony Woodcock
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau
3. Ben Alexander
4. Brad Thorn
5. Paul O'Connell
6. Thierry Desautoir
7. Pocock
8. Palu
9. Will Genia
10. Morne Steyn
11. Cedric Heymans
12. McAlister/Nonu
13. Conrad Smith
14. Corey Jane
15. Mils Muliaina



My Team for 2010:

1. Benn Robinson
2. Polota-Nau
3. Carl Hayman
4. Bakkies Botha
5. Victor Matfield
6. Rocky Elsom
7. Pocock
8. Palu
9. Will Genia
10. Dan Carter
11. Sivivatu
12. Luke McAlister
13. Conrad Smith
14. Habana
15. Mils Muliaina

 

[cyclopath]

Not my fault backs are woofters. You give them the ball from lineout or scrum and its wasted. Keep it in the brains trust.

That'll bring the crowds in...and as I said, works a treat. :

 

[disco]

Spot on, No issues here.

 

[Biffo]

No problems for me. I would have a little difficulty deciding between Sivivatu and Tommy Bowe.

 

[Pfitzy]

Not my fault backs are woofters. You give them the ball from lineout or scrum and its wasted. Keep it in the brains trust.

That'll bring the crowds in...and as I said, works a treat. :

Yep - when the tight five start mauling the ball right over the opposition, the crowds will come flooding. And finally in Australia forwards will be held up as heroes instead of the blouses

 

[cyclopath]

Not my fault backs are woofters. You give them the ball from lineout or scrum and its wasted. Keep it in the brains trust.

That'll bring the crowds in...and as I said, works a treat. :

Yep - when the tight five start mauling the ball right over the opposition, the crowds will come flooding. And finally in Australia forwards will be held up as heroes instead of the blouses

May need to fit sat-nav to a few of the seagulls so they know where the maul is!

 

[Pfitzy]

I didn't notice Nathan Sharpe's name on the list

 

[Sandpit Fan]

I didn't notice Nathan Sharpe's name on the list

:thumb I'll second that! Otherwise, bloody good team.

 

[Ash]

Elsom is probably the name that stands out to me.