With all these teams being named there are a lot of different names been thrown into the mix. I reckon in some of the positions you could almost do a coin flip (e.g. Stewart vs Simone at 12, Naisarani vs Wilson at 8, Valetini vs Samu at 6 etc.). Got me thinking about the level of depth we have going into 2021:
Looseheads: Slipper, JP Smith, Sio, Bell
Hookers: Uelese, Rangi, Mafi, Faiingaa
Tightheads: AAA, Tupou, HJH (Harry Johnson-Holmes)
Locks: LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto), Rodda, Simmons, Philip (although moving next season)
Six/Eight: Naisarani, Wilson, Valetini, Samu, Wright, LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto)
Seven: Wright, Hooper, McReight, Samu
Halfback: McDermott, Powell, White, Louwrens (maybe)
Tens: To'omua, JOC (James O'Connor), Lolesio, Harrison
Inside: Stewart, Simone, JOC (James O'Connor), To'omua
Outside: TK, Paisami, Petaia
Wing: Koroibete, Speight, Wright, Daugunu, Kellaway, Petaia, Vunivala
Fullback: DHP, Banks
I ordered them in any old way the names popped into my head. Key points:
- Serious depth at loosehead, backrow, centres, and on the wing
- Fullback, locks and tighthead missing depth but some quality starters there (particularly tighthead)
- Hooker and halfback with a lot of options but no obvious standouts
- Finally some genuine options at 10, they'll also get to play behind a monster pack as well.
Major takeaway for me is that 2023 should be a real good chance for us.