Physically Imposing XV

[Reddy!]

After developing some love for Pocock and Sonny Bill today because they are without doubt two of the most physically fit and imposing players in world rugby, it got me thinking what a team full of this player type would look like. Obviously players like James O'Connor or Ben Robinson don't really fit the bill.

Think big, fast, dominate. Current players only.

Here's mine quickly:

1. Sheridan
2. TPN
3. Alexander
4. Horwill
5. Bekker
6. Higginbotham
7. Pocock
8. Spies

9. Genia
10. Carter
11. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)
12. Nonu
13. SBW
14. Tommy Bowe
15. Kearney

 

[MajorlyRagerly]

Pocock is wide and undoubtedly very fit, but I don't think he's tall enough to really be labelled physically imposing.

Team would have to be long on the Boks I would have thought. Botha/Burger are 2 glaring ommissions.

gotta be a more physically imposing 10 than DC as well! Although, I can't think of one. Maybe Luke McA.. he's kind of crap these days, but he's still pretty large for a 10. I think mine would be something like

Mas, TPN, Hayman, Botha, Bekker, Burger, Kaino, Spies, Genia, LMA, Gear, Nonu, SBW, AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper), Toeava

Toeava by default because I can't think of a big powerful, imposing FB. - maybe Francois Steyn?

 

[barbarian]

Wilkinson is probably still the most physically confronting 10 around. Digby Ioane at wing, with Toeva at 15.

 

[DPK]

Gotta have Bakkies. I still think Spies is a showpony, same with Higgers.

Francois Steyn is a terrible liability in defence.

 

[naza]

9. Genia Mike Phillips of Wales is 6'3" & 100 kgs. If you are interesting in someone heavier, future club prop Peri Peri Weepu has got to be 105 kgs.

12. Nonu Jamie Roberts of Wales is 6'4" and 107 kgs. He should be playing no8.

And that's where I got before I fell over and died of boredom.

 

[Tank]

Wilkinson is probably still the most physically confronting 10 around. .

for no other reason than physically imposing...Butch James?

 

[Lee Grant]

This is fun for those who have done their Xmas shopping, but sorry fellows, some of those guys are pussycats compared to mine and much uglier. I have supposed that the determinants are:

- played tests in 2010
- are hard bastards

1. Soane Tonga'huia (Tonga)
2. Marius Tincu (Romania)
3. Martin Castogiovanni (Italy)
4. Bakkies Botha (South Africa)
5. Paul O'Connell (Ireland)
6. David Wallace (Ireland)
7. David Pocock (Australia)
8. Imanol Harinordoquy (France)
9. Mike Phillips (Wales)
10. Butch James (South Africa)
11. Alesana Tuilagi (Samoa)
12. Seilala Mapusua (Samoa)
13. Mike Tindall (England)
14. Sireli Bobo (Fiji)
15. Zane Kirchner (South Africa)


Notes:
2. Tincu – provided madmen are eligible.
3. Adam Jones – Honourable mention
6. Usually plays 7 but is not a fetcher and both he and Pocock had to be in anyway.
9. F du Preez, if he were current

 

[Elfster]

13. Mike Tindall (England)

And getting engaged to Zara Phillips?? Not bad for an ugly guy.....

 

[Lee Grant]

Obviously a case of true love.

 

[Groucho]

Spies is fast and spectacularly ripped but Palu would break him like a twig.

 

[Jnor]

Not that I want to get between Mr and Mrs Palu here but I agree, Palu (at his best) all the way

 

[MajorlyRagerly]

Isn't the idea of the thread "physically imposing" though?

You cant deny that Spies is physically imposing. Simliar physique to Pocock (my thoughts on him above) but a few inches taller. He could arguably be the first name on the list.

 

[Lee Grant]

I guess I read it as one who imposes his physicality on the game as opposed to just size and how ripped he is. In that case I would change my team and go for those attributes more, but I can't be bothered.

 

[Train Without a Station]

Isn't the idea of the thread "physically imposing" though?

You cant deny that Spies is physically imposing. Simliar physique to Pocock (my thoughts on him above) but a few inches taller. He could arguably be the first name on the list.

Physically imposing from the waist up perhaps. The guy has twigs for legs in the context of rugby union forwards.

 

[DPK]

Mark Chisholm has big arms. Does this make him physically imposing? Don't make Bruce Ross come in and teach us all about strength versus rippedness.

 

[Groucho]

Isn't the idea of the thread "physically imposing" though?

You cant deny that Spies is physically imposing. Simliar physique to Pocock (my thoughts on him above) but a few inches taller. He could arguably be the first name on the list.

I don't see being excessively ripped as being physically imposing at all. It reminds me of bodybuilders - eew. Spies is a wide runner and show pony who waves opponents in to score.

 

[cyclopath]

Mark Chisholm has big arms. Does this make him physically imposing? Don't make Bruce Ross come in and teach us all about strength versus rippedness.

No, it makes him physically cartoonish. To me, physically imposing is what the player does with it, not what it looks like. Therefore Spies, Chisolm, Banahan, Nadolo, and unfortunately Higginbroken are not imposing. Higginunbroken might be. Brad Thorn is.

 

[DPK]

I could've sworn that question was rhetorical, Cyclo...

 

[cyclopath]

I could've sworn that question was rhetorical, Cyclo...

Indeed. I just had time on my hands, and am massively disappointed by Chisolm. I'm sure a Qlder will be by soon to defend poor Higgers, too!

 

[Reddy!]

I said big, fast and dominate - which means they have to physically smash people on the rugby field like LG suggests. That's why I didn't mention anyone like Chisholm.