Select your country's starting XV at full strength

Obviously a theoretical exercise more than anything given how often certain players will be injured and the sheer number of injuries we now see due to the amount of rugby being played, but if at full strength i.e. no injuries what XV (or 23) would you like to see starting for your International side this weekend.

This is also a bit of lazy research for me to be completely honest as some countries have such extensive injury lists at the moment I'm not really sure of the full sides many will select.

Usual selection criteria for countries is still in place so; NZ players wouldn't get selected when playing abroad, same for England (though not as strictly employed as I expect a fair few to select Steffon Armitage!), etc.

For England mine would be;

1.Corbisiero
2.Hartley (not a huge fan of him from some stuff I've read in interviews but his absence has shown how much better he is than his competition)
3.Cole
4.Parling
5.Launchberry
6.Croft
7.Robshaw
8.Waldrom (best current option from a pretty limited pool)

9.Care
10.Flood

11.Johnny May
12.Twelvetrees
13.Tuilagi
14.Ashton
15.Foden

16.Webber/Youngs (would be just as happy to have either of them there as I think they will both be very good players!)
17.Marler
18.Wilson
19.Lawes
20.Wood
21.Youngs
22.Burns
23.Joseph (Burns covers FH and FB therefore Joseph is best option to cover wing/centre - May and Foden's versatility also helps cover back three)

From this the only positions that really worry me are No 8 where Waldrom is a good Premiership player but by no means world class, and our depth at Tight head where Cole is a very good first choice but after that Wilson is solid at very best as an International player and no one really stands out after this. Could really do with Paul Doran-Jones kicking on a bit to give us some more cover.

On the selections which are changes from the current side; I've been pushing for Twelvetrees for a while now as I think his game could suit England really well with his distribution allowing Tuilagi and the forwards to hit some better lines out-wide in attack (and also get the ball to the wings!). Also his huge boot would take pressure of the 9 and 10's kicking which would hopefully alleviate some of the aimless kicking we currently see from them when under-pressure.

On the wing I've gone for Johnny May as I think he's got the best all round game out all the options such as Sharples,Monye,Wade,etc by far! All the previously mentioned have flaws in their game especially Wade/Sharples in defense. May's game from a defensive point of view is very good, he makes all his tackles (especially good in cover defense), he's very good under the high ball from his time a full back, he has great hands and also electric pace to go with it.

So that's my view for what it's worth!

In my opinion a fully fit and on form Scotlad XXIII would look like :

1. Grant
2. Ford
3. Murray
4. Gray
5. Hamilton
6. Brown
7. Rennie
8. Denton

9. Cusiter
10. Laidlaw (hardest position to pick because I still think Laidlaw would be more comfortable at SH)
11. Visser
12. Scott
13. Ansbro
14. Maitland 9Hopefully will make the good decision to play for Scotland through his mother)
15. Hogg

16. Welsh
17. Macarthur
18. Lowe
19. Kellock
20. Barclay
21. Pyrgos
22. Jackson
23. S. Lamont

I'm sure some of my fellow Scotland posters will disagree with some of my selections.

Dagg, Jane, Conrad Smith, Nonu, Savea, Carter, Aaron Smith, Read, McCaw, Messam, Whitelock, Romano, Owen Franks, Hore, Woodcock.

Best from who's available IMO.

Oh ffs please don't include Ireland in this thread.

They've got more combinations than the Lotto coupon.

Jenkins, Rees, Jones, Wyn-Jones, Charteris, Lydiate, Warburton, Faletau, Phillips, Biggar, North, Roberts, Davies, Cuthbert, Halfpenny.

If fit, and on form!

1. Beast Mtawarira
2. Bismarck du Plessis
3. Jannie du Plessis
4. Eben Etzebeth
5. Andries Bekker
6. Schalk Burger
7. Willem alberts
8. Duane Vermeulen
9. ?
10. Johan Goosen
11. Habana
12. Frans Steyn
13. JPPietersen
14. Paul Jordaan
15. Patrick Lambie

(This is my best 15, not everyone will agree)

Paul James
Rees
Adam Jones
Ian Evans
Charteris
Lydiate
Tipuric
Ryan
Phillips
Hook
Cuthbert
JD
Beck
North
Halfpenny

Hook at 10. Not his biggest fan, but the form of other options means there is nothing to lose in giving him another chance.
Ryan for Falatau. Forget Warburton, Ryan is the only real leader in the squad and we need all the leaders we can find.
Tipuric for Warburton. Tips is taking stick for having a poor game against Samoa. Any 7 in the world would have had a nightmare playing in that pack. No go forward no line breaks, passive defense. With Lydiate chopping them down Tips would have an absolute field day.
I would put JD at inside centre. Not the role we are used to seeing him in but he has the physicality to take it up the guts or distribute (not as well as Henson in his good years but the best we have) JD also has a useful and powerful boot at 12. Drop Roberts, just a one trick pony who in fact doesn't really punch his weight and size, can't kick doesn't pass. Certainly has no Rugby brain to speak of, no evidence that he plays what is in front of him.
Beck at outside centre. Still worries me a little in defense but he has the ability to bring people into the game and is a skillfull offloader.

greytiger wrote:Oh ffs please don't include Ireland in this thread.

They've got more combinations than the Lotto coupon.

Not difficult, the lotto has 13,983,816 possible combinations, a rugby side with 3 options in each position has 14,348,907...

I'll get my coat.

offload wrote:Jenkins, Rees, Jones, Wyn-Jones, Charteris, Lydiate, Warburton, Faletau, Phillips, Biggar, North, Roberts, Davies, Cuthbert, Halfpenny.

If fit, and on form!

If fit and on form Priestland is a better flyhalf than Biggar, Henson better than Roberts...

Pat_Mustard wrote:

greytiger wrote:Oh ffs please don't include Ireland in this thread.

They've got more combinations than the Lotto coupon.

Not difficult, the lotto has 13,983,816 possible combinations, a rugby side with 3 options in each position has 14,348,907...

I'll get my coat.

maestegmafia wrote:

offload wrote:Jenkins, Rees, Jones, Wyn-Jones, Charteris, Lydiate, Warburton, Faletau, Phillips, Biggar, North, Roberts, Davies, Cuthbert, Halfpenny.

If fit, and on form!

If fit and on form Priestland is a better flyhalf than Biggar, Henson better than Roberts...

Maesteg - I might concede your point with Priestland, it's just so long since he played well. As to your other suggestion.......who is Henson?

bluestonevedder wrote:

Pat_Mustard wrote:

greytiger wrote:Oh ffs please don't include Ireland in this thread.

They've got more combinations than the Lotto coupon.

Not difficult, the lotto has 13,983,816 possible combinations, a rugby side with 3 options in each position has 14,348,907...

I'll get my coat.

I'll get me trilby for not being wrong then.

With regard to England...i dont think we can name an absolute best team.
Theres too many options and no (bar Cole) world class players..but at the moment...but i could pick a different 15 tomorrow...

1 Corbs
2 Hartley
3 Cole
4 Lawes
5 Launchbury
6 Wood / Croft
7 Robshaw
8 Morgan

9 Care
10 Flood
11 Wade
12 Twelvetrees
13 Tuilagi
14 Ashton
15 Foden

Bench to include
M.Garvey (Second Row)
May
Marler

1 Corbs
2 Hartley
3 Cole
4 Lawes
5 Launchbury
6 Croft
7 Wood
8 Haskell

9 Youngs
10 Flood
11 Foden
12 Barritt
13 Tuilagi
14 Ashton
15 Goode (or Brown v SA)

Care
Marler
Wilson
A hooker who weighs more than 12 stone soaking wet
Robshaw
Morgan
Parling
Goode (or Joseph)

Sheridan (not that I actually think the France selection rule is wrong)
Hartley
Cole
Launchbury
Lawes
Croft (runs the lineout)
Robshaw
Morgan

Youngs (though at this point in time, Care due to form)
Flood
Sharples
Twelvetrees/Barritt
Tuilagi
Ashton
Brown/Goode/Foden

If you pick Twelvetrees at 12, then Brown can play full back. If it's Barritt, then one of Brown and Foden.

Barney McGrew did it wrote:1 Corbs
2 Hartley
3 Cole
4 Lawes
5 Launchbury
6 Croft
7 Wood
8 Haskell

9 Youngs
10 Flood
11 Foden
12 Barritt
13 Tuilagi
14 Ashton
15 Goode (or Brown v SA)

Care
Marler
Wilson
A hooker who weighs more than 12 stone soaking wet
Robshaw
Morgan
Parling
Goode (or Joseph)

Barney for all Tom Youngs is small...he still weighs in at 16st+...so hes got some weight packed in to that smaller frame....and is the same weight as Gray etc..
Only Lindsay, George and Hartley are English hookers over that weight (i think)....

Word is Lancatser wants JJ back at 13 and Tuilagi at 12 (yes seriously)

So that would make the coaches first choice side more like :

Corbs Hately Cole
Lawes Launchberry?
Croft Robshaw Waldrom (sigh)
Care Flood
Tuillagi JJ
+ 3 of Foden Ashton Goode Sharples

Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler wrote:Word is Lancatser wants JJ back at 13 and Tuilagi at 12 (yes seriously)

So that would make the coaches first choice side more like :

Corbs Hately Cole
Lawes Launchberry?
Croft Robshaw Waldrom (sigh)
Care Flood
Tuillagi JJ
+ 3 of Foden Ashton Goode Sharples

Any chance of a link PSW?

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/lancaster--to-freshen--it-up-for--mustwin-boks-match-8329606.html

I agree with JJ back in at 13, but I'd definitely keep Barritt at 12.

Sheridan (but with French policy Corbs)
Hartley
Cole
Lawes
Garvey
Launchbury
Wood
Robshaw

Care
Flood
Ashton
Barritt
JJ
Tuilagi
Foden

Corbs / Marler
Webber
Wilson - can't think of anyone better right now
Parling
Croft
Youngs
Burns
Goode

Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler wrote:Word is Lancatser wants JJ back at 13 and Tuilagi at 12 (yes seriously)

So that would make the coaches first choice side more like :

Corbs Hately Cole
Lawes Launchberry?
Croft Robshaw Waldrom (sigh)
Care Flood
Tuillagi JJ
+ 3 of Foden Ashton Goode Sharples

You know, that could work. We would just have to play a more old fashioned style (Big bashing inside centre and a flyer at 13) and make sure Goode is milling around acting as the extra play maker. Not saying it would be my choice but I can think of worse options.

In the spirit of the thread, my choice:

Corbs Hartley Cole (Youngs and a prop on the bench)
Parling Launchbury (Lawes on bench)
Croft Morgan Robshaw (Haskell on bench)
Care (Youngs on bench)
Flood
Sharples
Allen (36 on bench)
Tuilagi
Ashton (May on bench)
Goode

Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler wrote:http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/lancaster--to-freshen--it-up-for--mustwin-boks-match-8329606.html

Nice one, thanks.

I hope Manu doesn't move back to 12.

If they're considering moving him anywhere for this game, I'd actually go for the wing, and have JJ and Baritt in the centres.

Good article.

Always fun to select your countries best XV on a forum as the selectors won't ever do it in real life!!

bluestonevedder wrote:

Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler wrote:http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/lancaster--to-freshen--it-up-for--mustwin-boks-match-8329606.html

Nice one, thanks.

I hope Manu doesn't move back to 12.

If they're considering moving him anywhere for this game, I'd actually go for the wing, and have JJ and Baritt in the centres.

I have been saying this for a while, certainly in regards to the lions next summer... I would like to see England with Twelvetrees and JJ at centre.

I agree Manus wasted at 12. Hes barely ever played there and never really made an impact.
As a replacement he could cover the centers and wing.

So long as they persist with the Goode as a second plamker though it may not be so bad, that also makes Twelvetrees getting a game even less likely.

Biltong wrote:1. Beast Mtawarira
2. Bismarck du Plessis
3. Jannie du Plessis
4. Eben Etzebeth
5. Andries Bekker
6. Schalk Burger
7. Willem alberts
8. Duane Vermeulen
9. ?
10. Johan Goosen
11. Habana
12. Frans Steyn
13. JPPietersen
14. Paul Jordaan
15. Patrick Lambie

(This is my best 15, not everyone will agree)

Interesting to see Brussow isn't in there Biltong. I guess it is viewed as a SA style these days to ignore a poacher in favour a big physical flanker (can't say it doesn't work when the game plan suits)! Allberts,Burger,Vermeulen is a huge back row though. I take it from this you've lost all faith in Spies?

Also just from interest do you believe Juan Smith is lost to international rugby now? He was one hell of a player a few years back.

Vunipola
Hartley
Stevens
Botha
Shaw
Vunipola
Fourie
Waldrom

Dickson
Botica
Vainikolo
Barrit
Hape
Tuilagi
Abendanon

Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler wrote:I agree Manus wasted at 12. Hes barely ever played there and never really made an impact.
As a replacement he could cover the centers and wing.

So long as they persist with the Goode as a second plamker though it may not be so bad, that also makes Twelvetrees getting a game even less likely.

Depends how England play to be fair! If all Engand want to use Manu as is a battering ram his distribution and all round game won't improve - using Goode as a playmaker instead of a more creative centre seems to imply that battering ram is the plan! This is a real shame to me as I think his offloading game around the tackle especially could improve out of sight given a chance.

When Foden's back I think Twelvetrees is our best option at IC as 36's great passing game bringing Tuilagi/Foden into the line out wide and bringing the wingers into play could work brilliantly IMO. Getting the ball outwide with his passing game could work wonders with the way Croft likes to attack outwide when he's fit as well!

On the props I'd actually love to see Sheridan back in the 23 as I think with 2 props on the bench now he could be a brilliant impact sub coming on with 20 mins left Sheri could be really destructive. I can't see Lancaster doing this anytime soon however unfortunately.

king_carlos wrote:

Biltong wrote:1. Beast Mtawarira
2. Bismarck du Plessis
3. Jannie du Plessis
4. Eben Etzebeth
5. Andries Bekker
6. Schalk Burger
7. Willem alberts
8. Duane Vermeulen
9. ?
10. Johan Goosen
11. Habana
12. Frans Steyn
13. JPPietersen
14. Paul Jordaan
15. Patrick Lambie

(This is my best 15, not everyone will agree)

Interesting to see Brussow isn't in there Biltong. I guess it is viewed as a SA style these days to ignore a poacher in favour a big physical flanker (can't say it doesn't work when the game plan suits)! Allberts,Burger,Vermeulen is a huge back row though. I take it from this you've lost all faith in Spies?

Also just from interest do you believe Juan Smith is lost to international rugby now? He was one hell of a player a few years back.

UnfortunTely yes, the Cheetahs are fighting to keep him in their squad, but he isn't part of their training squad, he was omitted due to some offerings from France.

So I don't expect him back.

Biltong wrote:

king_carlos wrote:

Biltong wrote:1. Beast Mtawarira
2. Bismarck du Plessis
3. Jannie du Plessis
4. Eben Etzebeth
5. Andries Bekker
6. Schalk Burger
7. Willem alberts
8. Duane Vermeulen
9. ?
10. Johan Goosen
11. Habana
12. Frans Steyn
13. JPPietersen
14. Paul Jordaan
15. Patrick Lambie

(This is my best 15, not everyone will agree)

Interesting to see Brussow isn't in there Biltong. I guess it is viewed as a SA style these days to ignore a poacher in favour a big physical flanker (can't say it doesn't work when the game plan suits)! Allberts,Burger,Vermeulen is a huge back row though. I take it from this you've lost all faith in Spies?

Also just from interest do you believe Juan Smith is lost to international rugby now? He was one hell of a player a few years back.

UnfortunTely yes, the Cheetahs are fighting to keep him in their squad, but he isn't part of their training squad, he was omitted due to some offerings from France.

So I don't expect him back.

Got to be Pienaar at scrum half bill...!

Biltong wrote:

king_carlos wrote:

Biltong wrote:1. Beast Mtawarira
2. Bismarck du Plessis
3. Jannie du Plessis
4. Eben Etzebeth
5. Andries Bekker
6. Schalk Burger
7. Willem alberts
8. Duane Vermeulen
9. ?
10. Johan Goosen
11. Habana
12. Frans Steyn
13. JPPietersen
14. Paul Jordaan
15. Patrick Lambie

(This is my best 15, not everyone will agree)

Interesting to see Brussow isn't in there Biltong. I guess it is viewed as a SA style these days to ignore a poacher in favour a big physical flanker (can't say it doesn't work when the game plan suits)! Allberts,Burger,Vermeulen is a huge back row though. I take it from this you've lost all faith in Spies?

Also just from interest do you believe Juan Smith is lost to international rugby now? He was one hell of a player a few years back.

UnfortunTely yes, the Cheetahs are fighting to keep him in their squad, but he isn't part of their training squad, he was omitted due to some offerings from France.

So I don't expect him back.

It will be a real shame not to see him play international rugby again as he could of been a great if given an injury free run. He was always a strong all round player and played the game in the right way (this is feeling like a retirement post all of a sudden!).

Take it from the question mark over SH that you don't hold the same faith Pienaar that Ulster do?

I have always liked Pienaar, it is just his service that really irks me.

I read an assessment in a SA newspaper where the guy specifically talks about the fact that Lambie needs the game time at test level at 10 as there is less time and space to make decisions. He said the reason for this is that service is slower.

That to me is nonsense, just look at the space in which Carter gets the ball, it has to do with the half back speedy service and the securing of ruck ball.

I have seen all too often this year whereby Pienaar tallies around the ruck rather than just getting the ball out.

Often he waits for his forward pod to organise, that is too late. Quick ball goes to the player in space, not a pre orchestrated forward pod taking to long to organise, by then the defences are set.

So his decision making has disappointed me.

Sounds very similar to what irks me with Care! Difference between Pienaar and Care for me would be Pienaar's box kicking is usually much better than Care's.

What are your thoughts of Hougaard at SH? In complete honesty I've seen very little of him there.

As long as Hougaard will be allowed to play his natural game I am fine with him, the problem is he comes from the Bulls, so everyone wants him to play like Fourie du Preez, he isn't a Fourie Du Preez, he is a sniping, busy, lively player, not a tactical kicker.

Sounds like the player you'd expect from someone with his build and strength that also plays wing. Do you not see any chance of Du Preez returning the squad? Bloke's only 30 and has proved time and again he's a quality player.

Between the likes of Du Preez,Hougaard and Pienaar it sounds to me like you've got quality players to choose from, they're just such different players which you pick could be dictated by game plan as much as anything!

In all fairness regarding the England centres...its irrelevant who plays if the forwards provide them with the same quality of ball that they did v oz...hang on this is like dejavu from the Summer....

So here goes the first Irish selection... Prepare for the backlash...

1. Healy
2. Best
3. Bent
4. Ryan
5. POC
6. Ferris
7. Henry
8. SOB

9. Marshall
10. Sexton
11. Gilroy
12. Marshall
13. BOD
14. Bowe
15. Kearney

16. Strauss
17. Court
18. Ross
19. Tuohy
20. POM
21. Murray
22. Jackson
23. Zebo

Tough between Zebo and Gilroy, but Gilroy is such an elusive runner and can score from anywhere...

Bent looks like the real deal at TH.

Ferris, O'Brien, Henry has a real mix and would be a classy back row...

Small Paul as he is pushing Pienaar and Luke as he is the only 12 worth talking about (Paddy W doesn't count!)

UlstermaninGlasgow wrote:So here goes the first Irish selection... Prepare for the backlash...

1. Healy
2. Best
3. Bent
4. Ryan
5. POC
6. Ferris
7. Henry
8. SOB

9. Marshall
10. Sexton
11. Gilroy
12. Marshall
13. BOD
14. Bowe
15. Kearney

16. Strauss
17. Court
18. Ross
19. Tuohy
20. POM
21. Murray
22. Jackson
23. Zebo

Tough between Zebo and Gilroy, but Gilroy is such an elusive runner and can score from anywhere...

Bent looks like the real deal at TH.

Ferris, O'Brien, Henry has a real mix and would be a classy back row...

Small Paul as he is pushing Pienaar and Luke as he is the only 12 worth talking about (Paddy W doesn't count!)

I like that team.

Have a look at the team for Wales this weekend. Think that will be pretty close to our full strength side. Halfback might be a debatable one but otherwise they should all be there.

1 - Robinson
2 - Moore
3 - Alexander
4 - Horwill
5 - Sharpe
6 - Hooper
7 - Pocock
8 - Higgenbotham
9 - Genia
10 - Cooper
11 - Ioane
12 - O'connor
13 - AAC
14 - Mitchell
15 - Beale

If only we could manage to get them all on the field at the same time.
So much depth at 10 with Cooper (shame if he quits union, although he may be a bit erratic at times, on his day he is scary good), O'connor - possibly the best utility back in the world, Beale and Barnes. I'd just love some stability now!

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

UlstermaninGlasgow wrote:So here goes the first Irish selection... Prepare for the backlash...

1. Healy
2. Best
3. Bent
4. Ryan
5. POC
6. Ferris
7. Henry
8. SOB

9. Marshall
10. Sexton
11. Gilroy
12. Marshall
13. BOD
14. Bowe
15. Kearney

16. Strauss
17. Court
18. Ross
19. Tuohy
20. POM
21. Murray
22. Jackson
23. Zebo

Tough between Zebo and Gilroy, but Gilroy is such an elusive runner and can score from anywhere...

Bent looks like the real deal at TH.

Ferris, O'Brien, Henry has a real mix and would be a classy back row...

Small Paul as he is pushing Pienaar and Luke as he is the only 12 worth talking about (Paddy W doesn't count!)

I like that team.

I like it too but I would make some minor adjustments. McCarthy for Tuohy, Fitzgerald for Gilroy and leave Zebo on the bench.

Possible back row of Ferris, O'Brien, Henderson? I do like having SOB at 8 but I'm not sure Henry's up to it.

Earls is unlucky but because of his lack of gametime on the wing recently he can't be included.

If fit and on form,

1. Gethin Jenkins
2. Matthew Rees
3. Adam Jones
4. Ian Evans
5. Luke Charteris
6. Dan Lydiate
7. Warburton (c)
8. Faletau
9. Mike Phillips
10. Dan Biggar
11. North
12. Gavin Henson
13. Jonathan Davies
14. Alex Cuthbert
15. Leigh Halfpenny

16. Paul James
17. Richard Hibbard
18. Craig Mitchell
19. Ryan Jones
20. Alun Wyn Jones
21. Rhys Webb
22. James Hook
23. Jamie Roberts

gleesonisgod wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

UlstermaninGlasgow wrote:So here goes the first Irish selection... Prepare for the backlash...

1. Healy
2. Best
3. Bent
4. Ryan
5. POC
6. Ferris
7. Henry
8. SOB

9. Marshall
10. Sexton
11. Gilroy
12. Marshall
13. BOD
14. Bowe
15. Kearney

16. Strauss
17. Court
18. Ross
19. Tuohy
20. POM
21. Murray
22. Jackson
23. Zebo

Tough between Zebo and Gilroy, but Gilroy is such an elusive runner and can score from anywhere...

Bent looks like the real deal at TH.

Ferris, O'Brien, Henry has a real mix and would be a classy back row...

Small Paul as he is pushing Pienaar and Luke as he is the only 12 worth talking about (Paddy W doesn't count!)

I like that team.

I like it too but I would make some minor adjustments. McCarthy for Tuohy, Fitzgerald for Gilroy and leave Zebo on the bench.

Possible back row of Ferris, O'Brien, Henderson? I do like having SOB at 8 but I'm not sure Henry's up to it.

Earls is unlucky but because of his lack of gametime on the wing recently he can't be included.

Forgot about Fitzy... Still a very very good player. Although one would think he may be destined to move into inside centre when D'Arcy goes... He played pretty brilliantly there during the WC.

O'Brien/Hendo/Ferris is a fantastically destructive back row but lacks the linkman/fetcher that we have been missing since Wally retired. Not that I don't think O'Brien can do a good job there but Henry has shown that he is up to the task at international level...

McCarthy/Tuohy is a 50/50 call, although Stevenson and Holland are looking good at the minute...

UlstermaninGlasgow wrote:

gleesonisgod wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

UlstermaninGlasgow wrote:So here goes the first Irish selection... Prepare for the backlash...

1. Healy
2. Best
3. Bent
4. Ryan
5. POC
6. Ferris
7. Henry
8. SOB

9. Marshall
10. Sexton
11. Gilroy
12. Marshall
13. BOD
14. Bowe
15. Kearney

16. Strauss
17. Court
18. Ross
19. Tuohy
20. POM
21. Murray
22. Jackson
23. Zebo

Tough between Zebo and Gilroy, but Gilroy is such an elusive runner and can score from anywhere...

Bent looks like the real deal at TH.

Ferris, O'Brien, Henry has a real mix and would be a classy back row...

Small Paul as he is pushing Pienaar and Luke as he is the only 12 worth talking about (Paddy W doesn't count!)

I like that team.

I like it too but I would make some minor adjustments. McCarthy for Tuohy, Fitzgerald for Gilroy and leave Zebo on the bench.

Possible back row of Ferris, O'Brien, Henderson? I do like having SOB at 8 but I'm not sure Henry's up to it.

Earls is unlucky but because of his lack of gametime on the wing recently he can't be included.

Forgot about Fitzy... Still a very very good player. Although one would think he may be destined to move into inside centre when D'Arcy goes... He played pretty brilliantly there during the WC.

O'Brien/Hendo/Ferris is a fantastically destructive back row but lacks the linkman/fetcher that we have been missing since Wally retired. Not that I don't think O'Brien can do a good job there but Henry has shown that he is up to the task at international level...

McCarthy/Tuohy is a 50/50 call, although Stevenson and Holland are looking good at the minute...

If all these injuries have affected fitzy's speed than he will almost certainly be moved to 12 with the emergence of Dave Kearney and our lack of centres. He could be a great centre, he always used to cut inside from the wing and always looked dangerous.

1. Grant 2. Ford 3. Murray 4. Hamilton 5. Gray 6. Brown 7. Rennie 8. Denton 9. Cusiter 10. Laidlaw 11. Visser 12. Scott 13. Ansbro 14. Maitland 15. Hogg

Laidlaw a tough call, as is maitland, but for me that's the presumptive xv for the 6 nations.

Fully fit and on form back-up would be:

1. Welsh 2. Macarthur 3. Cross 4. Gilchrist 5. Kellock 6. Strokosch 7. Barclay 8. Beattie 9. Pyrgos 10. Jackson 11. S lamont 12. Horne 13. Ndl 14. Evans 15. R lamont

Just my take on pecking order, but next xv would be:

1. Reid 2. Hall 3. Low 4. Ryder 5. Swinson 6. Harley 7. Fusaro 8. Mcinally 9. Blair 10. Weir 11. Seymour 12. Dunbar 13. Grove 14. Jones 15. Tonks

I like the idea of Fitzy in centre.

Just on the issue of 13, with all of these brilliant 12's (marshall and hanarahan) coming through and the outhalves who could also play 12 , that gives us alot of options at 10 and 12 and nobody at 13.

Could Marshall, JJ, Madiagn, or Fitz move to 13?

gleesonisgod wrote:I like the idea of Fitzy in centre.

Just on the issue of 13, with all of these brilliant 12's (marshall and hanarahan) coming through and the outhalves who could also play 12 , that gives us alot of options at 10 and 12 and nobody at 13.

Could Marshall, JJ, Madiagn, or Fitz move to 13?

I'm going to make a topic about Ireland's 13 options sometime this week, Gleeson. I think Fitzgerald would make a fantastic 13, always have.

funnyExiledScot wrote:1. Grant 2. Ford 3. Murray 4. Hamilton 5. Gray 6. Brown 7. Rennie 8. Denton 9. Cusiter 10. Laidlaw 11. Visser 12. Scott 13. Ansbro 14. Maitland 15. Hogg

Laidlaw a tough call, as is maitland, but for me that's the presumptive xv for the 6 nations.

Fully fit and on form back-up would be:

1. Welsh 2. Macarthur 3. Cross 4. Gilchrist 5. Kellock 6. Strokosch 7. Barclay 8. Beattie 9. Pyrgos 10. Jackson 11. S lamont 12. Horne 13. Ndl 14. Evans 15. R lamont

Just my take on pecking order, but next xv would be:

1. Reid 2. Hall 3. Low 4. Ryder 5. Swinson 6. Harley 7. Fusaro 8. Mcinally 9. Blair 10. Weir 11. Seymour 12. Dunbar 13. Grove 14. Jones 15. Tonks

FES, I'd have Moray Low above Cross, in fact I'd have Ed Kalman ahead of Cross...

My Scottish 23 would be:

1. Grant
2. McArthur
3. Murray (Unless it's a Sunday then Low)
4. Gray
5. Hamilton
6. Brown
7. Rennie
8. Denton

9. Laidlaw
10. Weir
11. Visser
12. Scott
13. Ansbro
14. Maitland
15. Hogg

16. Ford
17. Welsh
18. Low/Kalman
19. Kellock
20. Fusaro
21. Cusiter
22. Horne
23. S Lamont

Tough choices included Kellock ahead of Gilchrist/Swinson, Fusaro ahead of Barclay/Harley/McInally, Laidlaw for Cusiter at 9, S Lamont ahead of Seymour/Jones/Dunbar/R Lamont/Brown/Tonks/Bennett (take your pick...)

Sheridan
Hartley
Cole
Lawes
Launchberry
Croft
Robshaw
Vunipola
Youngs
Burns
Wade
Twelvetrees
Tuilagi
Ashton
Brown

Marler
Corbisiero
Youngs
Attwood
Armitage
Care
Flood
Lowe

I would Frak love that line up if all fit and on form.

1 - Grant
2 - Ford
3 - Murray
4 - Gray
5 - Hamilton
6 - Brown
7 - Rennie
8 - Denton
9 - Laidlaw
10 - Jackson
11 - Visser
12 - Scott
13 - Ansbro
14 - Maitland
15 - Hogg

16 - MacArthur
17 - Welsh
18 - Low
19 - Kellock
20 - Beattie
21 - Cusiter
22 - Weir
23 - Lamont

Right now this is what I believe is the strongest XV but I would love to see a midfield of Cusiter, Leonard, Dunbar, Bennett in a couple seasons time.