The_Brown_Hornet
John Eales (66)
but thoughts on that side?
It would be close to the starting XV I would have, with a couple of exceptions.
but thoughts on that side?
Yes, I stand by reasoning for why Mumm shouldn't be there. It's Rocky Elsom all over again. I was against that for the same reason. I'm happy to agree to disagree on that front because I am firm on my view.
I think you are a bit wrong to bundle Horwill into either of those two groups. He is capable of fitting both briefs in the style he plays. With this capability and his level of experience he is the one to fit the head jumper/lineout general brief in the event of Simmons going down. The catch is to see his previous form in the Wallaby jersey return.
Dennis I see as very handy. I like the way he has played this year. He doesn't fit the brief for a starting lock but a bloke who can play, 6,8 and 4 with a tight style of game bodes well for a handy bench option.
but thoughts on that side?
Hard to play yourself in at club or NRC level, but obviously injuries might open doors.
Well, NRC. Now there's a thing. I like to think that's possible.
I just think that the NRC running while the tests are on is a very good thing. It means blokes can rehab or play themselves into form somewhere other than on the training track.
Hawko again you show how little most people regard the set piece. The Waratahs line out was demolished and they were also outdone in the scrum and apparently a lock was anonymous. Who do you think was pushing in the scrum and putting pressure on the line out?
Players certainly come across pretty anonymous when you ignore half of what they do.
It seems strange that they bothered replacing Speight seeing as he is suspended for the first two tests anyway.
You'd think he would return by the time he becomes available.
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1. Tony Woodcock (110)
2. Keven Mealamu (123)
3. Owen Franks (67)
4. Luke Romano (17)
5. Samuel Whitelock (62)
6. Jerome Kaino (56)
7. Richie McCaw - captain (137)
8. Kieran Read (72)
9. Andy Ellis (26)
10. Daniel Carter (102)
11. Charles Piutau (14)
12. Sonny Bill Williams (23)
13. Ryan Crotty (13)
14. George Moala
15. Israel Dagg (46)
Reserves:
16. Hikawera Elliot (3)
17. Wyatt Crockett (36)
18. Nepo Laulala
19. Brodie Retallick (36)
20. Matt Todd (2)
21. Brad Weber
22. Colin Slade (17)
23. Charlie Ngatai
Incredible. That pack is straight out of 2011.
Pleased to see such a strong team despite 17 All Blacks from the Highlanders and Hurricanes being unavailable.
I read this team for the AB's game against Western Samoa.
Good side, gee how many test caps there.
Imagine how good it would be if we had the luxury of having a Brodie Retallick on the bench.
Another quality 19 on the bench in Colin Slade.
Then I read this
Seriously, that is just showing off.
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Correct. There are 18 backs so it would be a reasonable assumption that they are training as 3 x 6. Hence a replacement was required for speight.Apparently this initial squad is just for the first two tests, so I assume it will be reduced later and Speight included....
In the meantime Cummins will fill in for opposed training sessions...
Slade has been better than all but Sopoanga this season. Does virtually everything right. Probably be starting 10 for everyone else except the Irish and maybe the Poms.Andy Ellis, Moala, Slade and Dagg are craps. The Kiwis who aren't Saders supporters hate Izzy Dagg. Luke Romano is average.
In this team there are 3 players that I would like for the Wallabies XV: Owen Franks, Brodie Retallick and Kieran Read. They would make a difference at the Wallabies starting XV. I had chosen McCaw and Carter 3 years ago