World cup squad announcements(final 31)

The first of the 31 man squads for the world cup was announced yesterday. Thought it might be worth having a thread with the final squads when they are announced.

Samoa have named their squad for the world cup. Could be of interest to Scotland & South African fans as it looks like it could be a very close group.


Props: Viliamu Afatia, Jake Grey, Logovii Mulipola, Anthony Perenise, Sakaria Taulafo
Hookers: Wayne Ole Avei, Manu Leiataua, Motu Matu'u
Locks: Faatiga Lemalu, Filo Paulo, Kane Thompson, Joe Tekori
Loose forwards: Maurie Faasavalu, Alafoti Faosiliva, TJ Ioane, Jack Lam, Vavae Tuilagi, Ofisa Treviranus (Captain)

Scrum-halves: Vavao Afemai, Kahn Fotuali'i
Fly-halves: Patrick Faapale, Tusiata Pisi, Mike Stanley
Centres: Rey Lee Lo, Johnny Leota, George Pisi, Paul Perez
Outside backs: Faatoina Autagavaia, Ken Pisi, Tim Nanai Williams, Alesana Tuilagi

A very strong looking squad, some very good forwards and some powerful exciting backs. A few surprise omissions though, no Sinoti Sinoti from Newcastle, Alofa Alofa from La Rochelle, David Lemi Bristol and Wasps Alapati Leiua.

Any other big names that haven't made the Samoan squad?

Argentina RWC 2015 squad:

Forwards:
Matias Alemanno, Marcos Ayerza, Agustin Creevy, Matias Diaz, Juan Fernandez Lobbe, Ramiro Herrera, Facundo Isa, Tomas Lavanini, Juan Manuel Leguizamon, Pablo Matera, Julian Montoya, Lucas Noguera Paz, Javier Ortega, Guido Petti, Leonardo Senatore, Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro.

Backs:
Horacio Agulla, Marcelo Bosch, Santiago Cordero, Tomas Cubelli, Jeronimo De La Fuente, Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino, Santiago Gonzalez Iglesias, Juan Martin Hernandez, Juan Imhoff, Martin Landajo, Matias Moroni, Nicolas Sanchez, Juan Pablo Socino, Joaquin Tuculet.

Majestic83 wrote:The first of the 31 man squads for the world cup was announced yesterday. Thought it might be worth having a thread with the final squads when they are announced.

Samoa have named their squad for the world cup. Could be of interest to Scotland & South African fans as it looks like it could be a very close group.


Props: Viliamu Afatia, Jake Grey, Logovii Mulipola, Anthony Perenise, Sakaria Taulafo
Hookers: Wayne Ole Avei, Manu Leiataua, Motu Matu'u
Locks: Faatiga Lemalu, Filo Paulo, Kane Thompson, Joe Tekori
Loose forwards: Maurie Faasavalu, Alafoti Faosiliva, TJ Ioane, Jack Lam, Vavae Tuilagi, Ofisa Treviranus (Captain)

Scrum-halves: Vavao Afemai, Kahn Fotuali'i
Fly-halves: Patrick Faapale, Tusiata Pisi, Mike Stanley
Centres: Rey Lee Lo, Johnny Leota, George Pisi, Paul Perez
Outside backs: Faatoina Autagavaia, Ken Pisi, Tim Nanai Williams, Alesana Tuilagi

A very strong looking squad, some very good forwards and some powerful exciting backs. A few surprise omissions though, no Sinoti Sinoti from Newcastle, Alofa Alofa from La Rochelle, David Lemi Bristol and Wasps Alapati Leiua.

Any other big names that haven't made the Samoan squad?

3 Pisi brothers. Good grief. I suppose that you always need a spare one.

31-Man Wallabies squad selected for 2015 Rugby World Cup

Forwards:

Hookers
Stephen Moore – (c) (96 Tests)
Tatafu Polota-Nau (53 Tests)

Props
Greg Holmes (17 Tests)
Sekope Kepu (56 Tests)
Scott Sio (9 Tests)
James Slipper (66 Tests)
Toby Smith (uncapped)

Locks
Kane Douglas (15 Tests)
Dean Mumm (36 Tests)
Rob Simmons (52 Tests)
Will Skelton (11 Tests)

Backrow
Scott Fardy (24 Tests)
Michael Hooper – VC (45 Tests)
Ben McCalman (40 Tests)
Sean McMahon (3 Tests)
Wycliff Palu (55 Tests)
David Pocock (50 Tests)

Backs:

Scrumhalves
Will Genia (59 Tests)
Nick Phipps (31 Tests)

Flyhalves
Quade Cooper (55 Tests)
Bernard Foley (17 Tests)

Inside backs
Kurtley Beale (52 Tests)
Matt Giteau (95 Tests)
Matt Toomua (25 Tests)

Outside backs
Adam Ashley-Cooper – VC (108 Tests)
Israel Folau (33 Tests)
Rob Horne (26 Tests)
Drew Mitchell (65 Tests)
Henry Speight (3 Tests)
Joe Tomane (15 Tests)
Tevita Kuridrani (24 Tests)

No Higginbotham or Horwill has to be a big surprise.

Only 2 hookers and 2 scrumhalves for the Aussies is a risk,a bit of bad luck and you could have some very inexperienced players filling in at crucial positions.It's even riskier in such a tough group where there is really only 1 absolute gimme of a match.

I'm a big Chieka fan but I don't understand the squad we've picked. I would've thought 3 hookers were essential, 3 halfbacks would've been handy, James Horwill had earn't a spot whereas Douglas hadn't, and if you are going to pick 7 outside backs cause no one has really stood up then JOC would be as worth a roll as any. I like Mcmahon a lot but I'm not convinced what role he can play once Poey and Hooper are already picked.

Im a bit disappointed really. Ah well.

asoreleftshoulder wrote:Only 2 hookers and 2 scrumhalves for the Aussies is a risk,a bit of bad luck and you could have some very inexperienced players filling in at crucial positions.It's even riskier in such a tough group where there is really only 1 absolute gimme of a match.

Giteau can play scrum half and has done so for Toulon and other teams so I dont think it is a risk.

I think the main problem with only 2 scrum halves being taken is if they have to go into the game against England or Wales and have to play Giteau out of his best position. He can do a good job at 9 but you then loose his play making abilities at 12 which have really improved the wallabies performances this year.

Cheika has made a few weird picks in the squad. 2 Hookers is a big risk especially with Polota-nau's injury record. Not taking Higginbotham is a surprise as he has been in good form and at the very least is a very good impact player from the bench.
Sean McMahon is a very good player but is similar to Pocock and Hooper to an extent.
Their starting line up does look very strong but they could run into problems injury wise when they are in a very tough and physical group.
Taking a risk on player depth in key positions is what really cost them at the last world cup when they didn't take a back up for Pocock.

Fiji Rugby World Cup squad:

Forwards: L. R. Atalifo, I. Colati, C. Ma'afu, P. Ravai, M. Saulo, S. Koto (vc), T. Talemaitoga, V. Veikoso, T. Cavubati, L. Nakarawa, A. Ratuniyarawa, N. Soqeta, S. Masi Matadigo, A. Qera (c), M. Ravulo, N. Talei, D. Waqaniburotu, P. Yato.

Backs: N. Kenatale, N. Matawalu, H. Seniloli, L. Botia, G. Lovobalavu, J. Matavesi, B. Volavola, V. Goneva (vc), K. Murimurivalu, N. Nadolo, W. Nayacalevu, M. Talebula, A. Tikoirotuma.

Non-travelling reserves: J. Veitayaki, J. Yanuyanutawa, J. Sassen, S. Tabakanalagi, S. Bai, N. Nalaga, T. Nagusa.

Nalaga is currently injured.

Majestic83 wrote:I think the main problem with only 2 scrum halves being taken is if they have to go into the game against England or Wales and have to play Giteau out of his best position. He can do a good job at 9 but you then loose his play making abilities at 12 which have really improved the wallabies performances this year.

If Giteau does end up playing 9 I'd expect their opposition to play a rush defence and target 9, 10, 12. He'll be slightly slower getting the ball away than a regular SH and that might create opportunities for some big hits.

Poorfour wrote:

Majestic83 wrote:I think the main problem with only 2 scrum halves being taken is if they have to go into the game against England or Wales and have to play Giteau out of his best position. He can do a good job at 9 but you then loose his play making abilities at 12 which have really improved the wallabies performances this year.

If Giteau does end up playing 9 I'd expect their opposition to play a rush defence and target 9, 10, 12. He'll be slightly slower getting the ball away than a regular SH and that might create opportunities for some big hits.

I think the bigger problem is selecting Genia and not White.

France squad:

Forwards: Uini Atonio (La Rochelle), Eddy Ben Arous (Racing Metro), Vincent Debaty (Clermont), Nicolas Mas (Montpellier), Rabah Slimani (Stade Francais), Guilhem Guirado (Toulon), Benjamin Kayser (Clermont), Dimitri Szarzewski (Racing Metro), Alexandre Flanquart (Stade Francais), Yoann Maestri (Toulouse), Pascal Pape (Stade Francais), Thierry Dusautoir (Toulouse), Bernard Le Roux (Racing Metro), Yannick Nyanga (Toulouse), Fulgence Ouedraogo (Montpellier), Damien Chouly (Clermont), Louis Picamoles (Toulouse).

Backs: Rory Kockott (Castres), Morgan Parra (Clermont), Sebastien Tillous-Borde (Toulon), Frederic Michalak (Toulon), Remi Tales (Racing Metro), Mathieu Bastareaud (Toulon), Alexandre Dumoulin (Racing Metro), Gael Fickou (Toulouse), Wesley Fofana (Clermont), Brice Dulin (Racing Metro), Sofiane Guitoune (Bordeaux-Begles), Yoann Huget (Toulouse), Noa Nakaitaci (Clermont), Scott Spedding (Clermont).

GunsGerms wrote:

Poorfour wrote:

Majestic83 wrote:I think the main problem with only 2 scrum halves being taken is if they have to go into the game against England or Wales and have to play Giteau out of his best position. He can do a good job at 9 but you then loose his play making abilities at 12 which have really improved the wallabies performances this year.

If Giteau does end up playing 9 I'd expect their opposition to play a rush defence and target 9, 10, 12. He'll be slightly slower getting the ball away than a regular SH and that might create opportunities for some big hits.

I think the bigger problem is selecting Genia and not White.

True, very surprised White never made it as he was probably the form 9 in Australia. Would have been less surprised if Genia had gone over Phipps as they have both been playing about the same level but White has been good for the Brumbies and Australia so far and is a very good kicking option something which Australia has struggled with this season.

Italian squad

Forwards: Matias Aguero, Martin Castrogiovanni, Dario Chistolini, Lorenzo Cittadini, Michele Rizzo, Leonardo Ghiraldini, Davide Giazzon, Andrea Manici, Valerio Bernabo, Joshua Furno, Marco Fuser, Quintin Geldenhuys, Mauro Bergamasco, Francesco Minto, Sergio Parisse (C), Samuela Vunisa, Alessandro Zanni,

Backs: Edoardo Gori, Guglielmo Palazzani, Marcello Violi, Tommaso Allan, Carlo Canna, Tommaso Benvenuti, Michele Campagnaro, Angelo Esposito, Gonzalo Garcia, Andrea Masi, Luke McLean, Luca Morisi, Leonardo Sarto, Giovanbattista Venditti

No Bortolami seems to be main talking point

Kane Thompson sent off in Samoa's warm up match v Barbarians for punching.

Are Australia the only country to only name two hookers?

aucklandlaurie wrote:
Are Australia the only country to only name two hookers?

Argentina too, though they have cover amongst the props in emergency.

I read somewhere on 606 that Australia have brought over a third hooker who is not allowed to train with the squad but is there on stand by if required, as the rules stipulate that you need a bench specialist hooker.
Don't know who it is but it means its not quite so much of a gamble ( having only 2 two's)  as it first appears, if that info is correct.
If its true is quite a sneaky ploy, allowing more flexibility in selection.

sensisball wrote:I read somewhere on 606 that Australia have brought over a third hooker who is not allowed to train with the squad but is there on stand by if required, as the rules stipulate that you need a bench specialist hooker.
Don't know who it is but it means its not quite so much of a gamble ( having only 2 two's)  as it first appears, if that info is correct.
If its true is quite a sneaky ploy, allowing more flexibility in selection.

Though there is a 48 hour window when the replacement is unable to play afte rbeing called up.

Welsh squad

Props: Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs), Paul James (Ospreys), Aaron Jarvis (Ospreys), Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Samson Lee (Scarlets).

Hookers: Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Ken Owens (Scarlets).

Locks: Jake Ball (Scarlets), Luke Charteris (Racing 92), Dominic Day (Bath), Bradley Davies (Wasps), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys).

Back-rows: Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons), James King (Ospreys), Dan Lydiate (Ospreys), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues, capt).

Scrum-halves: Gareth Davies (Scarlets), Rhys Webb (Ospreys), Lloyd Williams (Cardiff Blues).

Fly-halves: Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Matthew Morgan (Bristol), Rhys Priestland (Bath).

Centres: Cory Allen (Cardiff Blues), Jamie Roberts (Harlequins), Scott Williams (Scarlets).

Wings: Hallam Amos (Newport Gwent Dragons), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), George North (Northampton Saints).

Full-backs: Leigh Halfpenny (Toulon), Liam Williams (Scarlets).

It's madness to take two only hookers. The player who is most key to the set piece in the game will have to play every game. No rotation, just increased minutes and therefore increased risk of injury.

A player can only be replaced if he suffers a tournament ending injury as certified by a doctor and signed off by World Rugby. If a hooker picks up a say a one week protocol concussion in training then it is questionable if his RWC is over and World Rugby may not even sanction a replacement. Even if they do - if the injury happens 48 hours before the next match the bench will have to have a 'suitably trained and experienced player' already in the current squad or the team risk forfeiting the match.

The problem is compounded further by only having five props. That means that there is only one player in the entire squad to cover six front row positions where an injury to any one of them would mean automatic inclusion in the match squad.

Judging by the injury history of both the Australian and Welsh front rows, it is frankly madness for them to have only two hookers in the squad.

Aukster, from my understanding of the tournament rules you are correct, and risk of forfeiting the game is a huge risk even during the poolstages.

Not only that, you dont get the opportunity to argue about it, in the South Africa v All blacks test last month, the referee just declared that South Africa had no tight head prop on the field and went straight to "golden oldie" scrums.

I fully endorse the 2 comments above, it is an extremely risky strategy, many things could happen that would undermine our continued participation in this tournament, and to further only have 2 L/Hs selected is foolhardy IMO.

aucklandlaurie wrote:
Aukster, from my understanding of the tournament rules you are correct, and risk of forfeiting the game is a huge risk even during the poolstages.

Not only that, you dont get the opportunity to argue about it, in the South Africa v All blacks test last month, the referee just declared that South Africa had no tight head prop on the field and went straight to "golden oldie" scrums.

Incorrectly let them just get away with uncontested; should have been down to 14. I can only reiterate they re taking a huge risk and must have a prop who can cover?

The Great Aukster wrote:It's madness to take two only hookers. The player who is most key to the set piece in the game will have to play every game. No rotation, just increased minutes and therefore increased risk of injury.

A player can only be replaced if he suffers a tournament ending injury as certified by a doctor and signed off by World Rugby. If a hooker picks up a say a one week protocol concussion in training then it is questionable if his RWC is over and World Rugby may not even sanction a replacement. Even if they do - if the injury happens 48 hours before the next match the bench will have to have a 'suitably trained and experienced player' already in the current squad or the team risk forfeiting the match.

The problem is compounded further by only having five props. That means that there is only one player in the entire squad to cover six front row positions where an injury to any one of them would mean automatic inclusion in the match squad.

Judging by the injury history of both the Australian and Welsh front rows, it is frankly madness for them to have only two hookers in the squad.

Completely agree. Madness not to take 3 hookers. And I would have taken 6 props too. Not sure that we need so many locks either, so could have swapped a player there. The other thing re. our hookers is that Owens has not long come back from serious injury, so isn't exactly indestructible and Baldwin is relatively inexperienced at this level. Worrying times.

I can only think that Gatty has looked at this scenario and got either a cunning plan to address it should the situation arise. OR he just doesnt see the risk.

I wouldnt regard Michael Cheika as one of the smartest coaches in International rugby (Probably the most inexperienced at this tournament), but Warren Gatland is smarter than this.

Griff wrote:

The Great Aukster wrote:It's madness to take two only hookers. The player who is most key to the set piece in the game will have to play every game. No rotation, just increased minutes and therefore increased risk of injury.

A player can only be replaced if he suffers a tournament ending injury as certified by a doctor and signed off by World Rugby. If a hooker picks up a say a one week protocol concussion in training then it is questionable if his RWC is over and World Rugby may not even sanction a replacement. Even if they do - if the injury happens 48 hours before the next match the bench will have to have a 'suitably trained and experienced player' already in the current squad or the team risk forfeiting the match.

The problem is compounded further by only having five props. That means that there is only one player in the entire squad to cover six front row positions where an injury to any one of them would mean automatic inclusion in the match squad.

Judging by the injury history of both the Australian and Welsh front rows, it is frankly madness for them to have only two hookers in the squad.

Completely agree. Madness not to take 3 hookers. And I would have taken 6 props too. Not sure that we need so many locks either, so could have swapped a player there. The other thing re. our hookers is that Owens has not long come back from serious injury, so isn't exactly indestructible and Baldwin is relatively inexperienced at this level. Worrying times.

I found it funny when Cement Head said Lock was such an attritional position in his interview earlier. Clearly all front row positions aren't.

Eddie Jones has released his Japanese squad, with a 17/14 split.

Former Souths Sydney NRL player Craig Wing as half back.

Michael Broadhurst, brother of James Broadhurst at lock.

Chiefs Number 8 Michael Leitch as Captain.

All the squads that have been named so far.



POOL A

AUSTRALIA:

Forwards: Stephen Moore, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Greg Holmes, Sekope Kepu, Scott Sio, James Slipper, Toby Smith, Kane Douglas, Dean Mumm, Rob Simmons, Will Skelton, Scott Fardy, Michael Hooper, Ben McCalman, Sean McMahon, Wycliff Palu, David Pocock.

Backs: Will Genia, Nick Phipps,  Quade Cooper, Bernard Foley, Kurtley Beale, Matt Giteau, Matt Toomua, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Israel Folau, Rob Horne, Drew Mitchell, Henry Speight, Joe Tomane, Tevita Kuridrani.

ENGLAND:

Forwards: Joe Marler, Mako Vunipola, Kieran Brookes, Dan Cole, David Wilson, Tom Youngs, Rob Webber, Jamie George, Joe Launchbury, Courtney Lawes, George Kruis, Geoff Parling, Chris Robshaw (c), Tom Wood, James Haskell, Billy Vunipola, Ben Morgan.

Backs: Ben Youngs, Richard Wigglesworth, Danny Care, George Ford, Owen Farrell, Brad Barritt, Sam Burgess, Jonathan Joseph, Henry Slade, Jack Nowell, Anthony Watson, Jonny May, Mike Brown, Alex Goode.

FIJI:

Forwards: Lee Roy Atalifo, Isei Colati, Campese Ma’afu, Peni Ravai, Manasa Saulo, Sunia Koto, Tuapati Talemaitoga, Viliame Veikoso, Tevita Cavubati, Leone Nakarawa, Api Ratuniyarawa, Nemia Soqeta, Masi Matadigo, Akapusi Qera (capt), Malakai Ravulo, Netani Talei, Dom Waqaniburotu, Peceli Yato.

Backs: Nemia Kenatale, Nikola Matawalu, Henry Seniloli, Lepani Botia, Gabby Lovobalavu, Josh Matavesi, Ben Volavola, Vereniki Goneva, Kini Murimurivalu, Nemani Nadolo, Waisea Nayacalevu, Metuisela Talebula, Asaeli Tikoirotuma.

URUGUAY:

Forwards:  Alejo Corral, Carlos Arboleya, Oscar Duran, Mateo Sanguinetti, Mario Sagario, Nicolas Klappenbach, German Kessler, Mathias Palomeque, Santiago Vilaseca, Franco Lamanna, Jorge Zerbino, Agustin Alonso, Fernando Bascou, Matias Beer, Juan Manuel Gaminara, Alejandro Nieto, Juan de Freitas, Diego Magno.

Backs: Agustin Ormaechea, Alejo Duran, Felipe Berchesi, Manuel Blengio, Andres Vilaseca, Joaquin Prada, Alberto Roman, Francisco Bulanti, Santiago Gibernau, Leandro Leivas, Rodrigo Silva, Gaston Mieres and Jeronimo Etcheverry.

WALES:

Forwards: Tomas Francis, Paul James, Aaron Jarvis, Gethin Jenkins, Samson Lee, Scott Baldwin, Ken Owens, Jake Ball, Luke Charteris, Bradley Davies, Dominic Day, Alun Wyn Jones, Taulupe Faletau, James King, Dan Lydiate, Justin Tipuric, Sam Warburton (c).

Backs: Gareth Davies, Rhys Webb, Lloyd Williams, Dan Biggar, Rhys Priestland, Cory Allen, Jamie Roberts, Scott Williams, Hallam Amos, Alex Cuthbert, Leigh Halfpenny, Matthew Morgan, George North, Liam Williams.

POOL B

SOUTH AFRICA:

Forwards: Schalk Brits, Bismarck du Plessis, Adriaan Strauss, Jannie du Plessis, Frans Malherbe, Tendai Mtawarira, Trevor Nyakane, Coenie Oosthuizen, Lood de Jager, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Victor Matfield (vc), Willem Alberts, Schalk Burger, Siya Kolisi, Francois Louw, Duane Vermeulen

Backs:  Fourie du Preez, Rudy Paige, Ruan Pienaar, Pat Lambie, Handrè Pollard, Morné Steyn, Jean de Villiers, Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel, Bryan Habana, Zane Kirchner, Willie le Roux, Lwazi Mvovo, JP Pietersen.

SAMOA:

Forwards: Viliamu Afatia, Jake Grey, Logovii Mulipola, Anthony Perenise, Sakaria Taulafo, Wayne Ole Avei, Manu Leiataua, Motu Matu'u, Faatiga Lemalu, Filo Paulo, Kane Thompson, Joe Tekori, Maurie Faasavalu, Alafoti Faosiliva, TJ Ioane, Jack Lam, Vavae Tuilagi, Ofisa Treviranus (Captain)

Backs: Vavao Afemai, Kahn Fotuali'i, Patrick Faapale, Tusiata Pisi, Mike Stanley, Rey Lee Lo, Johnny Leota, George Pisi, Paul Perez, Faatoina Autagavaia, Ken Pisi, Tim Nanai Williams, Alesana Tuilagi

JAPAN:

Forwards: Michael Leitch (c), Justin Ives, Shoji Ito, Keita Inagaki, Hitoshi Ono, Takeshi Kizu, Hendrik Tui, Luke Thompson, Kensuke Hatakeyama, Michael Broadhurst, Ryu Holani, Shota Horie, Shinya Makabe, Amanaki Mafi, Masataka Mikami, Hiroshi Yamashita, Hiroki Yuhara

Backs: Craig Wing, Kosei Ono, Ayumu Goromaru, Male Sau, Harumichi Tatekawa, Fumiaki Tanaka, Yu Tamura, Toshiaki Hirose, Atsushi Hiwasa, Kenki Fukuoka, Yoshikazu Fujita, Karne Hesketh, Kotaro Matsushima, Akihito Yamada

SCOTLAND: tbc

USA: tbc

POOL C

NEW ZEALAND:

Forwards:  Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Charlie Faumuina, Tony Woodcock, Wyatt Crockett, Dane Coles, Keven Mealamu, Codie Taylor, Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw, Sam Cane, Victor Vito, Jerome Kaino, Liam Messam.

Backs: Aaron Smith, TJ Perenara, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Dan Carter, Beauden Barrett, Colin Slade, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Malakai Fekitoa, Sonny Bill-Williams, Ben Smith, Julian Savea, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Waisake Naholo.

ARGENTINA:

Forwards: Matias Alemanno, Marcos Ayerza, Agustin Creevy, Matias Diaz, Juan Fernandez Lobbe, Ramiro Herrera, Facundo Isa, Tomas Lavanini, Juan Manuel Leguizamon, Pablo Matera, Julian Montoya, Lucas Noguera Paz, Javier Ortega, Guido Petti, Leonardo Senatore, Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro.

Backs: Horacio Agulla, Marcelo Bosch, Santiago Cordero, Tomas Cubelli, Jeronimo De La Fuente, Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino, Santiago Gonzalez Iglesias, Juan Martin Hernandez, Juan Imhoff, Martin Landajo, Matias Moroni, Nicolas Sanchez, Juan Pablo Socino, Joaquin Tuculet.

TONGA:

Forwards: Tevita Mailau, Alisona Taumalolo, Soane Tonga'uiha, Halani Aulika, Sila Puafisi, Elvis Taione, Paula Ngauamo, Aleki Lutui, Tukulua Lokotui, Joeseph Tiuneau, Steve Mafi, Opeti Fonua, Hala T-Pole, Nili Latu, Jack Ram, Viliami Ma'afu, Sione Kalamafoni, Uili Kolo'ofai.

Backs: Sonatane Takulua, Samisoni Fisilau, Sosefo Ma'ake, Kurt Morath, Latiume Fosita, Sione Piukala, Siale Piutau, Viliami Tahitu'a, Fetu'u Vainikolo, Telusa Veainu, Tevita Halaifonua, William Helu, Vungakoto Lilo.

NAMIBIA:

Forwards: Johannes Coetzee, AJ de Klerk, Jaco Engels, Raoul Larson, Johnnie Redelinghuys, Casper Viviers, Louis van der Westhuizen, Torsten van Jaarsveld, Janco Venter, Tjiuee Uanivi, Renaldo Bothma, Jacques Burger, Wian Conradie, Leneve Damens, Tinus du Plessis, Rohan Kitshoff, PJ van Lill.

Backs: Eneill Buitendag, Eugene Jantjies, Damien Stevens, Theuns Kotzè, Darryl de La Harpe, Johan Deysel, JC Greyling, Danie van Wyk, Conrad Marais, David Philander, Heinrich Smith, Russell van Wyk, Chrysander Botha, Johan Tromp.

GEORGIA: tbc

POOL D

FRANCE:

Forwards:  Uini Atonio, Eddy Ben Arous, Vincent Debaty, Nicolas Mas, Rabah Slimani, Guilhem Guirado, Benjamin Kayser, Dimitri Szarzewski, Alexandre Flanquart, Yoann Maestri, Pascal Papé, Thierry Dusautoir (c), Bernard Le Roux, Yannick Nyanga, Fulgence Ouedraogo, Damien Chouly, Louis Picamoles.

Backs:  Rory Kockott, Morgan Parra, Sébastien Tillous-Borde, Frédéric Michalak, Rémi Talès, Mathieu Bastareaud, Alexandre Dumoulin, Gaël Fickou, Wesley Fofana, Brice Dulin, Sofiane Guitoune, Yoann Huget, Noa Nakaitaci, Scott Spedding.

ITALY:

Forwards: Matias Aguero, Martin Castrogiovanni, Dario Chistolini, Lorenzo Cittadini, Michele Rizzo, Leonardo Ghiraldini, Davide Giazzon, Andrea Manici, Valerio Bernabo, Joshua Furno, Marco Fuser, Quintin Geldenhuys, Mauro Bergamasco, Francesco Minto, Sergio Parisse (c), Samuela Vunisa, Alessandro Zanni,

Backs: Edoardo Gori, Guglielmo Palazzani, Marcello Violi, Tommaso Allan, Carlo Canna, Tommaso Benvenuti, Michele Campagnaro, Angelo Esposito, Gonzalo Garcia, Andrea Masi, Luke McLean, Luca Morisi, Leonardo Sarto, Giovanbattista Venditti

CANADA:

Forwards: Tyler Ardron, Ray Barkwill, Brett Beukeboom, Hubert Buydens, Aaron Carpenter, Jamie Cudmore, Nanyak Dala, Kyle Gilmour, Jason Marshall, John Moonlight, Evan Olmstead, Benoit Piffero, Djustice Sears-Duru, Jebb Sinclair, Richard Thorpe, Andrew Tiedemann, Doug Wooldridge.

Backs: Nick Blevins, Connor Braid, Matt Evans, Jeff Hassler, Ciaran Hearn, Nathan Hirayama, Harry Jones, Phil Mack, Jamie Mackenzie, Phil Mackenzie, Gordon McRorie, Conor Trainor, Liam Underwood, DTH van der Merwe,

ROMANIA:

Forwards: Paulica Ion, Mihaita Lazar, Andrei Ursache, Alexandru Tarus, Horatiu Pungea, Andrei Radoi, Otar Turashvili, Eugen Capatana, Valentin Popirlan, Johannes Van Heerden, Marius Antonescu, Valentin Ursache, Mihai Macovei, Viorel Lucaci, Stelian Burcea, Ovidiu Tonita, Daniel Carpo.

Backs: Florin Surugiu, Valentin Calafeteanu, Tudorel Bratu, Danut Dumbrava, Michael Wiringi, Paula Kinikilau, Florin Vlaicu, Csaba Gal, Adrian Apostol, Ionut Botezatu, Florin Ionita, Madalin Lemnaru, Catalin Fercu, Sabin Stratila.

IRELAND: tbc

On the one hand, Wales do have a track record of breaking locks, and skimping on front row spares seems to be a thing this RWC.

On the other hand, it seems an insane risk.

Ireland squad to be announced tomorrow with the likely line-up including just two scrum-halves, to allow for more cover in midfield and Darren Cave taking a spot.

Up front, Tadgh Furlong seems to have edged ahead of Michael Bent and Dave Kilcoyne to join Healy, Ross, McGrath and White on the plane.

No real surprises in the lock stocks or in the backrow department.

One disappointment for a number of Ireland fans, including this one, is the likely omission of Trimble from the squad. He's be ahead of Earls or Fitzgerald in a lot of people's books.

Likely squad:
Grunters
Rory Best, Peter O’Mahony, Mike Ross, Donnacha Ryan, Tadhg Furlong, Cian Healy, Iain Henderson, Paul O’Connell (capt), Sean Cronin, Jamie Heaslip, Chris Henry, Jordi Murphy, Sean O’Brien, Richardt Strauss, Devin Toner, Nathan White, Jack McGrath.

Kickers
Conor Murray, Eoin Reddan, Tommy Bowe, Keith Earls, Luke Fitzgerald, Dave Kearney, Rob Kearney, Robbie Henshaw, Ian Madigan, Darren Cave, Johnny Sexton, Simon Zebo, Jared Payne, Paddy Jackson.

Ireland squad confirmed:

Trimble, Moore, Jones and Boss have been left out. Only 2 nines picked and Cave, Kearney, Earls, Fitz, Zebo and Bowe made the squad.

Forwards: Rory Best, Sean Cronin, Richardt Strauss, Cian Healy, Jack McGrath, Nathan White, Mike Ross, Tadgh Furlong, Iain Henderson, Paul O’Connell, Donnacha Ryan, Devin Toner, Jamie Heaslip, Chris Henry, Jordi Murphy, Sean O’Brien, Peter O’Mahony

Backs (14) Tommy Bowe, Darren Cave, Dave Kearney, Keith Earls, Luke Fitzgerald, Robbie Henshaw, Paddy Jackson, Rob Kearney, Ian Madigan, Conor Murray, Jared Payne, Eoin Reddan, Johnny Sexton, Simon Zebo.

Scotland squad:

Props: Al Dickinson, Ryan Grant, Gordon Reid, Willem Nel, Jon Welsh

Hooker: Fraser Brown, Ross Ford, Stuart McInally

Lock: Grant Gilchrist, Richie Gray, Jonny Gray and Tim Swinson

Loose Forward: David Denton, John Hardie, Josh Strauss, Alasdair Strokosch and Ryan Wilson

Scrum Halves: Greig Laidlaw (captain), Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, Henry Pyrgos

Fly Half: Finn Russell, Duncan Weir

Centre: Mark Bennett, Peter Horne, Matt Scott and Richie Vernon

Wing: Sean Lamont, Sean Maitland, Tommy Seymour and Tim Visser

Full Back: Stuart Hogg

Some absolute stinkers in there. Strokosch instead of Barclay, Cowan, Harley or Brown is simply unjustifiable. Weir instead of players like Jackson and Tonks who can cover both 10 and 15 and better support what is a clear team strategy to attack is a brainfart of the highest order. Tim Swinson is marginally smaller than a dump I took this morning and has looked underpowered internationally in every game I have seen him play - Jim Hamilton will be adding a new tattoo today saying "Cotter fiddles with otters".

This may or may not be interesting to some.

List of squad caps for each team. Surprised at how few England have (ranked 14). I knew there was talk of them having a young team but this proves it.

1. New Zealand 1,484
2. South Africa 1,297
3. Georgia 1,253
4. Australia 1,243
5. Italy 1,153
6. Romania 1,151
7. Ireland 1,024
8. Wales 1,013
9. Japan 984
10. France 979
11. Scotland 901
12. Argentina 845
13. Uruguay 833
14. England 761
15. Canada 673
16. Fiji 592
17. USA 552
18. Namibia 512
19. Tonga 501
20. Samoa 483

http://m.nzherald.co.nz/in-case-you-missed-it/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503642&objectid=11506228

Interesting. I don't think you can win a WC without a decent amount of experience and depth. Every year the game becomes more attritional. NZ can field a first XV with 100 more caps than England's whole squad.

Someone once said "you'll win nothing with kids" - The grunt and experience is largely required up front - after that the young guns can excel behind as per Anthony Watson

Agree with that, although having a gnarled old head in the backs ala Conrad Smith, Roberts, AAC, JDV etc wouldn't go amiss!

Hopefully Barritt can perform a similar role without the caps for us

Quite an interesting list about how badly clubs have been affected by losing players to the RWC:

So, Leinster aside, the clubs hit hardest are the big spenders, the alleged big spenders, and anyone with a lot of Scotsmen on their books (or, given Mr Cotter's selection approach, a claim to Scots ancestry)

I read that Warren Gatland was irritated when questioned on his 2 hookers strategy, saying that prop Aaron Jarvis was being prepared for emergency back-up.

I can't understand why neither Australia or Wales decided to be open in the first place about who would be a third hooker. Both teams have ended up identifying who they would turn to if required anyway.

Gatland acknowledges it is a calculated gamble, so it hardly seems fair to agitated when people want to know how you plan to handle worst-case scenarios.

Well Mr Gatland is a bell end, so its to be expected really

Getting irritated over something trivial like explaining a selection is not a good sign of one's nerves leading up to the RWC. He is a bit of a grumpy old man naturally but he'd be better off humouring journalists right now. They can/will turn on him if things go awry.