World Cup Squads

[Larno]

As they are beginning to be annouced, I figure a thread to keep track of and discuss the RWC squads for each country is a worthwhile endeavour.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE MAY NOT BE UP TO DATE OR ENTIRELY CORRECT

Squads are arranged poolwise with a basic forwards/backs spilt where possible:


Pool A:

Canada

Forwards: Ryan Hamilton (Vancouver, BC, BC Bears/CRC, University of Victoria Vikes), Pat Riordan (Burnaby, BC, BC Bears/CRC, Burnaby), Hubert Buydens (Saskatoon, SK, Prairie Wolf Pack/CRC), Scott Franklin (Regina, SK, Prairie Wolf Pack/CRC, Castaway Wanderers), Jason Marshall (Vancouver, BC, BC Bears/CRC, Capilano), Andrew Tiedemann (St. Albert, AB, Prairie Wolf Pack/CRC, University of Victoria Vikes), Frank Walsh (St. John's, NL, The Rock/CRC, Vandals Rugby Club), Jamie Cudmore (Squamish, BC, ASM Clermont Auvergne/PRO, Capilano), Brian Erichsen (Vancouver, BC, B.C. Bears/CRC, Meralomas), Tyler Hotson (Vancouver, BC, Plymouth/PRO, UBC Old Boy Ravens), Aaron Carpenter (Brantford, ON, Plymouth Albion/PRO, Brantford Harlequins), Nanyak Dala (Saskatoon, SK, Prairie Wolf Pack/CRC, Saskatoon Wild Oat), Adam Kleeberger (White Rock,BC, Unattached, University of Victoria Vikes), Jeremy Kyne (Edmonton, AB, Prairie Wolf Pack/CRC, Leprechaun Tiger RFC), Chauncey O'Toole (Bell Isle, NB, The Rock/CRC, Castaway Wanderers), Jebb Sinclair (Fredericton, NB, The Rock/CRC, Castaway Wanderers)

Backs: Ed Fairhurst (Victoria, BC, BC Bears/CRC, UBC Old Boy Ravens), Jamie Mackenzie (Oakville, ON, Esher/PRO, Oakville Crusaders), Sean White (Victoria, BC, BC Bears/CRC, James Bay AA), Nathan Hirayama (Richmond, BC, BC Bears/CRC, University of Victoria Vikes), Ander Monro (Victoria, BC, Ontario Blues/CRC, Castaway Wanderers), Ryan Smith (Calgary, AB, Prairie Wolf Pack/CRC, Calgary Irish), Conor Trainor (Victoria, BC, BC Bears/CRC, UBC Old Boy Ravens), Phil Mackenzie (Oakville, ON, Esher/PRO, Oakville Crusaders), Mike Scholz (Oakville, ON, Ontario Blues/CRC, Oakville Crusaders), DTH van der Merwe (Victoria, BC, Glasgow Warriors/PRO, James Bay AA), Ciaran Hearn (Conception Bay, NL, The Rock/CRC, Castaway Wanderers), Taylor Paris (Barrie, ON, Ontario Blues/CRC, Markham Irish Canadians), Matt Evans (Duncan, BC, Cowichan RFC), James Pritchard (Parkes, Australia, Bedford/PRO)

France

Forwards: William Servat (Toulouse), Dimitri Szarzewski (Stade Français), Fabien Barcella (Biarritz), Thomas Domingo (Clermont), Jean Baptiste Poux (Toulouse), Luc Ducalcon (Castres), Nicolas Mas (Perpignan), Sylvain Marconnet (Biarritz), Pascal Papé (Stade Français), Julien Pierre (Clermont), Romain Millo-Chluski (Toulouse), Lionel Nallet (Racing-Métro 92), Julien Bonnaire (Clermont), Imanol Harinordoquy (Biarritz), Thierry Dusautoir (Toulouse/Cap), Fulgence Ouedraogo (Montpellier), Raphaël Lakafia (Biarritz), Louis Picamoles (Toulouse)

Backs: Morgan Parra (Clermont), Dimitri Yachvili (Biarritz), David Skrela (Toulouse), François Trinh-Duc (Montpellier), Fabrice Estebanez (Brive), Maxime Mermoz (Perpignan), David Marty (Perpignan), Aurélien Rougerie (Clermont), Maxime Médard (Toulouse), Alexis Palisson (Brive), Vincent Clerc (Toulouse), Yoann Huget (Bayonne), Cédric Heymans (Toulouse), Damien Traille (Biarritz)

Japan

New Zealand

Tonga (to be reduced)

Soane Tonga'uiha, Vaini Sona Taumalolo, Kisi Pulu, Tonga Lea'aetoa, Halani Aulika, Maleko Latu, Tukulua Lokotui, Sitaleki Timani, Emosi Kauhenga, Lisiate Fa'aoso, Paino Hehea, Joe Tu'ineau, Sione Kalamafoni, Sitiveni O. Mafi, Josh Afu, Samiu Vahafolau, Finau Maka, Viliami Ma'afu, Sione Timani, Ifalemi Taukafa, Atonio Halangahu, Semisi Telefoni, Ilaisa Ma'asi, Osaiasi Koloamatangi, Samisoni Fisilau, Daniel Morath, Etimoni Paea, Tomasi Palu, Soane Havea, Kurt Morath, Paula Kaho, Tevita Ula, Viliame Iongi, Mafile'o Kefu, Andrew Ma'ilei, Tomasi Sili, Alipate Fatafehi, Alaska Taufa, Viliami Helu, Atieli Pakalani, Tevita Halaifonua, Mateo Malupo, Vungakoto Lilo, Cooper Vuna, Siale Piutau, Hudson Tonga'uiha, Silivenusi Taumoepeau, Taufa'ao Filise, Sione Fonua, Pasuka Mapakaitolo.


Pool B:

Argentina (to be reduced)

Forwards: Juan Fernandez Lobbe (Toulon), Juan Manuel Leguizamon (Lyon), Genaro Fessia (Cordoba Athletic), Leonardo Senatore (Gimnasia Rosario), Alejandro Campos (Agen), Alvaro Galindo (Racing Metro), Patricio Albacete (Toulouse), Manuel Carizza (Biarritz), Julio Farias Cabello (Tucuman RC), Mariano Galarza (unattached), Santiago Guzman (Tucuman RC), Tomas Vallejos (Harlequins), Marcos Ayerza (Leicester Tigers), Agustin Creevy (Montpellier), Juan Figallo (Montpellier), Eusebio Guinazu (Biarritz), Andres Bordoy (Pau), Maximiliano Bustos (Montpellier), Mario Ledesma (Clermont), Rodrigo Roncero (Stade Francais), Martin Scelzo (Agen).

Backs: Martin Rodriguez (Stade Francais), Horacio Agulla (Leicester Tigers), Juan Jose Imhoff (Duendes), Gonzalo Camacho (Exeter), Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino (Montpellier), Agustin Gosio (Newman), Lucas Borges (Pucara), Martin Bustos Moyano (Montpellier), Gabriel Azcarate (Natacion y Gimnasia), Rafael Carballo (Bordeaux), Gonzalo Tiesi (Stade Francais), Santiago Fernandez (Montpellier), Marcelo Bosch (Biarritz), Felipe Contepomi (Stade Francais, captain), Nicolas Sanchez (Tucuman Lawn Tennis), Agustin Figuerola (Brive), Alfredo Lalanne (London Irish), Nicolas Vergallo (Toulouse).

England (to be reduced)

Forwards: Mouritz Botha (Saracens), George Chuter (Leicester Tigers), Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), Alex Corbisiero (London Irish), Tom Croft (Leicester Tigers), Louis Deacon (Leicester Tigers), Paul Doran-Jones (Northampton Saints), Nick Easter (Harlequins), Hendre Fourie (Sale Sharks), Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints), James Haskell (Unattached), Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints), Lee Mears (Bath Rugby), Lewis Moody (Bath Rugby), Tom Palmer (Stade Francais), Tim Payne (London Wasps), Chris Robshaw (Harlequins), Simon Shaw (London Wasps), Andrew Sheridan (Sale Sharks), Matt Stevens (Saracens), Steve Thompson (London Wasps), Thomas Waldrom (Leicester Tigers), David Wilson (Bath Rugby), Tom Wood (Northampton Saints), Joe Worsley (London Wasps).

Backs: Delon Armitage (London Irish), Chris Ashton (Northampton Saints), Matt Banahan (Bath Rugby), Danny Care (Harlequins), Mark Cueto (Sale Sharks), Toby Flood (Leicester Tigers), Riki Flutey (London Wasps), Ben Foden (Northampton Saints), Shontayne Hape (London Irish), Charlie Hodgson (Saracens), Ugo Monye (Harlequins), Charlie Sharples (Gloucester Rugby), Joe Simpson (London Wasps), James Simpson-Daniel (Gloucester Rugby), David Strettle (Saracens), Mike Tindall (Gloucester Rugby), Manu Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers), Richard Wigglesworth (Saracens), Jonny Wilkinson (Toulon), Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers).

Georgia

Romania

Scotland (to be reduced)

Forwards: John Barclay, John Beattie (both Glasgow Warriors), Kelly Brown (Saracens), Geoff Cross, David Denton (both Edinburgh), Alasdair Dickinson (Gloucester), Ross Ford (Edinburgh), Ryan Grant, Richie Gray, Dougie Hall (all Glasgow Warriors), Jim Hamilton (Gloucester), Robert Harley (Glasgow Warriors), Nathan Hines (Leinster), Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh), Alastair Kellock (Glasgow Warriors), Scott Lawson (Gloucester), Moray Low (Glasgow Warriors), Euan Murray (Newcastle Falcons), Ross Rennie (Edinburgh), Alasdair Strokosch (Gloucester), Fergus Thomson, Richie Vernon (both Glasgow Warriors).

Backs: Joe Ansbro (Northampton Saints); Mike Blair, Ben Cairns (both Edinburgh), Chris Cusiter (Glasgow Warriors), Jack Cuthbert (Bath), Simon Danielli (Ulster), Nick De Luca (Edinburgh), Max Evans (Glasgow Warriors), Ruaridh Jackson (Glasgow Warriors), Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh), Rory Lamont (Toulon), Sean Lamont (Scarlets), Rory Lawson (Gloucester), Graeme Morrison (Glasgow Warriors), Dan Parks (Cardiff Blues), Chris Paterson (Edinburgh), Hugo Southwell (Stade Francais), Nikki Walker (Ospreys).


Pool C:

Australia

Ireland (to be reduced)

Forwards: Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster), Tony Buckley (Sale Sharks), Tom Court (Malone/Ulster), Sean Cronin (Leinster), Leo Cullen (Blackrock College/Leinster), Stephen Ferris (Dungannon/Ulster), Jerry Flannery (Shannon/Munster), John Hayes (Bruff/Munster), Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster), Jamie Heaslip (Naas/Leinster), Marcus Horan (Shannon/Munster), Shane Jennings (St.Mary's College/Leinster), Denis Leamy (Cork Constitution/Munster), Mike McCarthy (Buccaneers/Connacht), Kevin McLaughlin (St. Mary's College/Leinster), Sean O'Brien (Clontarf/Leinster), Donncha O'Callaghan (Cork Constitution/Munster), Paul O'Connell (Young Munster/Munster), Mick O'Driscoll (Cork Constitution/Munster), Michael Ross (Clontarf/Leinster), Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster), Damien Varley (Garryown/Munster), David Wallace (Garryowen/Munster), Brett Wilkinson (Galwegians/Connacht)

Backs: Isaac Boss (Terenure College/Leinster), Tommy Bowe (Ospreys), Gordon D'Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster), Gavin Duffy (Galwegians/Connacht), Keith Earls (Thomond/Munster), Luke Fitzgerald (Blackrock College/Leinster), Felix Jones (Shannon/Munster), Robert Kearney (UCD/Leinster), Fergus McFadden (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Geordan Murphy (Leicester), Conor Murray (Cork Constitution/Munster), Brian O'Driscoll (UCD/Leinster), Ronan O'Gara (Cork Constitution/Munster), Tomas O'Leary (Dolphin/Munster), Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster), Jonathan Sexton (St.Mary's College/Leinster), Peter Stringer (Shannon/Munster), Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster), Paddy Wallace (Ballymena/Ulster)

Italy

Forwards: M Castrogiovanni (Leicester), L Cittadini (Treviso), A Lo Cicero (Racing-Metro),S Perugini (Aironi), T D'Apice (Roma), L Ghiraldini (Treviso), F Ongaro (Aironi), M Bortolami (Aironi), C Del Fava (Aironi), Q Geldenhuys (Aironi), C Van Zyl (Treviso), R Barbieri (Treviso), Mauro Bergamasco (Stade Francais), P Derbyshire (Treviso), S Parisse (Stade Francais), A Zanni (Treviso)

Backs: T Benvenuti (Treviso), Mirco Bergamasco (Racing-Metro) G Canale (Clermont), G Garcia (Treviso), A Masi (Racing-Metro), L McLean (Treviso), M Pratichetti (Aironi), A Sgarbi (Treviso), G Toniolatti (Aironi), P Canavosio (Aironi), E Gori (Treviso), F Semenzato (Treviso), L Orquera (Brive), R Bocchino (Aironi)

Russia

USA (to be reduced)

Forwards: Inaki Basauri (L' Aquila), Chris Biller (San Francisco Golden Gate), Mark Bokhoven (Denver Barbarians), Ryan Chapman (Utah Warriors), Todd Clever (Suntory Sungoliath, Japan), Pat Danahy (Life University), Cameron Dolan (Life University), Eric Fry (Las Vegas Blackjacks), JJ Gagiano (Univ. of Cape Town), Matt Hawkins (Belmont Shore), Nic Johnson (Unattached), Will Johnson (London Irish), Tom Katzfey (New York Athletic Club), Danny LaPrevotte (San Francisco Golden Gate), Scott LaValla (Stade Francais), Mike MacDonald (Leeds Carnegie), Samu Manoa (San Francisco Golden Gate), Brian McClenahan (Olympic Club), Mate Moeakiola (Bobigny 93), Alec Parker (Glendale), Shawn Pittman (London Welsh), Anthony Purpura (Boston Rugby), Hayden Smith (Saracens), Louis Stanfill (Mogliano), Phil Thiel (Life University), John van der Giessen (Utah Warriors)

Backs: Paul Emerick (Life University), Tai Enosa (Belmont Shore), Troy Hall (New York Athletic Club), Colin Hawley (Olympic Club), Nese Malifa (Glendale), Taku Ngwenya (Biarritz), Folau Niua (San Francisco Golden Gate), Thretton Palamo (University of Utah), Mike Palefau (Utah Warriors), James Paterson (Otago Highlanders, New Zealand), Mike Petri (New York Athletic Club), Volney Rouse (San Francisco Golden Gate), Blaine Scully (University of California - Berkeley), Robbie Shaw (Bristol Rugby), Junior Sifa (Nottingham RFC), Andrew Suniula (Chicago Griffins), Roland Suniula (Boston Rugby), Shalom Suniula (Unattached), Kevin Swiryn (Agen), Zack Test (Unattached), Pate Tuilevuka (Old Puget Sound Beach), Seta Tuilevuka (Montpellier), Tim Usasz (Nottingham RFC), Chris Wyles (Saracens)

Pool D:

Fiji (to be reduced)

Seremaia Baikeinuku, Vitoria Buatava, Sireli Bobo, Ilikena Bolakoro, Tevita Cavubati, Waisea Daveta, Adriu Delai, Graham Dewes, Ravai Fatiaki, Vereniki Goneva, Sekonaia Kalou, Sunia Koto, Sisa Koyamaibole, Wame Lewaravu, Nicky Little, Gabriele Lovobalavu, Waisale Luveniyali, Campese Ma'afu, Penijamini Makutu, Deacon Manu, Taniela Maravunawasawasa, Masi Matadigo, Joshua Matavesi, Kini Murimurivalu, Timoci Nagusa, Jimilai Naikadawa, Jone Nailiko, Sireli Naqelevuki, Akapusi Qera, Seru Rabeni, Malakai Ravulo, Ifereimi Rawaqa, Setefano Samoca, Nemia Serelevu, Netani Talei, Talemaitoga Tuapati, Waisale Vatuvoka, Viliame Veikoso, Malakai Volau, Napolioni Vonowale, Albert Vulivuli, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Apisalome Waqatabu.

Namibia

Samoa

South Africa (to be reduced)

Forwards: Willem Alberts, Andries Bekker, Bakkies Botha, BJ Botha, Heinrich Brüssow, Schalk Burger, Bismarck du Plessis, Jannie du Plessis, Dean Greyling, Alistair Hargreaves, Ashley Johnson, Ryan Kankowski, Werner Kruger, Francois Louw, Victor Matfield, Tendai Mtawarira, Johann Muller, Coenie Oosthuizen, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Danie Rossouw, John Smit, Juan Smith, Pierre Spies, Gurthrö Steenkamp, Deon Stegmann, Adriaan Strauss, Flip van der Merwe, Duane Vermeulen.

Backs: Gio Aplon, Bjorn Basson, Juan de Jongh, Jean de Villiers, Fourie du Preez, Jaque Fourie, Bryan Habana, Francois Hougaard, Adrian Jacobs, Butch James, Elton Jantjies, Zane Kirchner, Patrick Lambie, Charl McLeod, Lwazi Mvovo, Odwa Ndungane, Wynand Olivier, Ruan Pienaar, JP Pietersen, Frans Steyn, Morne Steyn,

Wales (to be reduced)

Forwards: Huw Bennett (Ospreys), Lloyd Burns (Dragons), Richard Hibbard (Ospreys), Matthew Rees (Scarlets), Scott Andrews (Cardiff), Ryan Bevington (Ospreys), Paul James (Ospreys), Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Craig Mitchell (Exeter), John Yapp (Cardiff), Luke Charteris (Dragons), Bradley Davies (Blues), Alun-Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Lou Reed (Scarlets), Gareth Delve (Melbourne Rebels), Toby Faletau (Dragons), Ryan Jones (Ospreys), Dan Lydiate (Dragons), Rob McCusker (Scarlets), Andy Powell (Sale Sharks), Jonathan Thomas (Ospreys), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Josh Turnbull (Scarlets), Sam Warburton (Blues), Martyn Williams (Blues).

Backs: Tavis Knoyle (Scarlets), Dwayne Peel (Sale), Mike Phillips (Ospreys), Richie Rees (Blues), Stephen Jones (Scarlets), Rhys Priestland (Scarlets), Jason Tovey (Dragons), James Hook (Perpigan), Andrew Bishop (Ospreys), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Gavin Henson (unattached), Jamie Roberts (Cardiff), George North (Scarlets), Aled Brew (Dragons), Morgan Stoddart (Scarlets), Scott Williams (Scarlets), Shane Williams (Ospreys), Lee Byrne (Clermont Auvergne), Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff).

 

[Larno]

Can't comment much on the Scotland squad but the reintroduction of an in-form Johnny Beattie into the backrow at 8 would be a major plus for them, the 'Killer Bs' backrow of Brown, Barclay and Beattie caused havoc in the 2010 Six Nations. New man Jack Cuthbert might be one to watch in the backs too.

As for France, some non-performers/flakes have paid the price (Chabal, Jauzion, Poitrineaud, Thion) but some unconvincing individuals remain in the likes of Huget and softie Ducalcon. Furthermore, Damien Traille continues to hang around like a bad smell and Trinh-Duc is still not really an international outhalf. What does a Wisniewski or a Beauxis have to do get a look in? Good to see Mad Marc le Tricheur has taken his meds and brought Louis Picamoles and old wizard Heymans back into the fold though.

 

[Newb]

hmmm no caveman for the french? is that a new development or has he been on the outs?

 

[Larno]

hmmm no caveman for the french? is that a new development or has he been on the outs?

He recently hit out at refs in the Top 14 and was banned for two weeks, but his form was dire in the Six Nations and rumblings of his being on the outer were around at that time.

 

[sudrugby]

Can't comment much on the Scotland squad but the reintroduction of an in-form Johnny Beattie into the backrow at 8 would be a major plus for them, the 'Killer Bs' backrow of Brown, Barclay and Beattie caused havoc in the 2010 Six Nations. New man Jack Cuthbert might be one to watch in the backs too.

As for France, some non-performers/flakes have paid the price (Chabal, Jauzion, Poitrineaud, Thion) but some unconvincing individuals remain in the likes of Huget and softie Ducalcon. Furthermore, Damien Traille continues to hang around like a bad smell and Trinh-Duc is still not really an international outhalf. What does a Wisniewski or a Beauxis have to do get a look in? Good to see Mad Marc le Tricheur has taken his meds and brought Louis Picamoles and old wizard Heymans back into the fold though.

Finally I'm happy to see I'm not the only one having the same opinion! Although I might be the only frog to believe that!
I was invited at the announcement today (beginning of the recognition for my site). Everybody seems to like Damien Traille because he is a utility back... so apparently the same kind of player than James O'Connor or Kurtley Beale.
But despite the backs and the no man's land for the centers it is quite ok. Dropping Chabal for Picamolles and Lakafia is the good news. Harinordoquy will be used as a flanker.
The only doubts for injuries are on Domingo and Rougerie. I talked with N'Tamack, Szarzewski and Mermoz are OK and the only issue with Barcella is fitness.

More details on the list

 

[tigerland12]

How was Yannick Jauzion and Clement Potrinaued left out? Good to see Heymans get picked, he has been in electric form for Toulouse. If Rougerie doesn't get fit in time, they have some serious center problems. Very strong backrow though, their skipper does not stop tackling

 

[tranquility]

I actually think Trinh-Duc is a fantastic flyhalf. I also think they way he attacks the gain line suits the way the french play as long as they can get front foot ball.

The concern for the frogs is in the centers, they are all big blokes but none of them are anything but serviceable.

As always, the forward back looks very strong with great depth.

 

[Larno]

The concern for the frogs is in the centers, they are all big blokes but none of them are anything but serviceable.

I reckon Trinh-Duc would go even better at 12 and go some way to improving the centre-pairing for France at the moment. Could stick a crash-baller at 13 to complement his skills. Does anyone have any idea what sort of form teller-of-tall-tales and noted bulldog/walrus-lookalike Mathieu Bastareaud is in at the moment? I recall him being pretty good at the crash&bash in the 2010 Six Nations.

The only doubts for injuries are on Domingo and Rougerie.

It would be a shame if Domingo missed out on the RWC, I reckon he is the best loosehead prop in the world at the moment.

 

[sudrugby]

I reckon Trinh-Duc would go even better at 12 and go some way to improving the centre-pairing for France at the moment. Could stick a crash-baller at 13 to complement his skills. Does anyone have any idea what sort of form teller-of-tall-tales and noted bulldog/walrus-lookalike Mathieu Bastareaud is in at the moment? I recall him being pretty good at the crash&bash in the 2010 Six Nations.



It would be a shame if Domingo missed out on the RWC, I reckon he is the best loosehead prop in the world at the moment.

Bastareaud is not the same this the "NZ accident"! He first needs to purchase a brain and then come back to the national team.
Regarding Domingo I agree but he damaged its cruciate ligaments of the knee at the end of march... six months recovery normally. Apparently Fabien Barcella is back so if he regains fitness and pace he is a good alternative.

 

[tigerland12]

So if fit. Barcella,Servat,Mas,Nallet, Pierre, Hardinordoquy,Dusautoir, Bonnaire/Ouderaogo, Parra, Trinh-Duc, Traille (i see him at 12), Rougerie, Clerc, Huget, Meddard
thats definatly a side that can push for the semi's. Some good finishers in the backs and strong forward pack.
Trinh-Duc has to be in form for them to go well

 

[JimboJoe1006]

Season over for Dagg (http://planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,16024_6936740,00.html). Not sure if would have worn 15 or 22, but a big loss for NZ, was beginning to tear it up and would have been devasting working through the Carter/SBW channel.

 

[Nusadan]

Caucau not playing in the RWC:

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,9818_6938976,00.html

 

[Larno]

-snip-

Shame about Santiago Dellape having to 'retire' (ahem, Racing Metro) from international rugby this year, good player. Converted Kiwis Josh Sole and Kaine Robertson are notable omissions.

 

[nathan]

Am I blind or is Craig Gower missing from that squad? Wasn't he the 10 incumbent before injury during 6N?

 

[Maroon Army]

I think he's back in Sydney trying secure an NRL contract.

 

[Jnor]

Why would he want to leave before a World Cup???

 

[Bruce Ross]

Why would he want to leave before a World Cup???

My money's on he's not that into being able to tell his grandkids about how he played in a Rugby World Cup. How much of an earn would the Italian players get for playing in a World Cup? Wikipedia's take on his reasons for coming across to rugby:

Craig Gower was fired as Panthers captain after a string of alcohol-fuelled incidents at a charity golf event in December 2005. It was alleged that he argued with and verbally abused several guests, groped the teenage daughter of league legend Wayne Pearce, chased Pearce's son with a beer bottle before vomiting on him, streaked around the resort, totaled a golf cart, held a butter knife to the throat of a Sydney radio personality before throwing it at resort guests, and engaged in a brawl with resort security before being ejected from the official function and detained by police.

Class act.

 

[daz]

Craig Gower was fired as Panthers captain after a string of alcohol-fuelled incidents at a charity golf event in December 2005. It was alleged that he argued with and verbally abused several guests, groped the teenage daughter of league legend Wayne Pearce, chased Pearce's son with a beer bottle before vomiting on him, streaked around the resort, totaled a golf cart, held a butter knife to the throat of a Sydney radio personality before throwing it at resort guests, and engaged in a brawl with resort security before being ejected from the official function and detained by police.

Class act.

Hells bells.

Just as an aside, how reliable is that info from wiki? I only ask because I always keep an eye out for Gower when he plays for the Italians and find myself cheering him on to do well.

If I had known he was one of "those" kind of morons, I wouldn't have wasted my time.

 

[Bruce Ross]

Hells bells.

Just as an aside, how reliable is that info from wiki? I only ask because I always keep an eye out for Gower when he plays for the Italians and find myself cheering him on to do well.

If I had known he was one of "those" kind of morons, I wouldn't have wasted my time.

It was very widely reported at the time, daz. I certainly remember the allegation that he groped Wayne Pearce's teenage daughter.

As for him being "one of 'those' kind of morons", he could "moron" for Australia - or preferably for Italty.

 

[rugbysmartarse]

there was also a storey doing the rounds that when he first put his hand up for Italian selection Mallett googled him and decided he didnt want that kind of influence on the team and he was not selected for that year's 6N squad. It took a bit of convincing from Gowers manager and a few meetings before Mallett agreed to give him a shot.

As an Azzurri fan, it's a bit of a shame because I think his presence would have tipped a few supporters in the way of the Italians when they are back in this part of the country. I remember a couple of nights in canberra in 03 where I was about the only one wearing blue in a sea of red supporters (tongan and welsh), but all the locals were also disinclined to throw their voice behind the plucky italian team.

That said, I think Italy have better locally grown talent in any case so he may have struggled to gain selection