Your Team during the RWC

Man oh man oh man.

This lack of rugby is killing me already. Elaborate and extravagant speculation is going to drive me up the wall. Still, til it does...

There's been a lot of chat about what teams will be hit the hardest by losing international players to the RWC, and how some should make hay while the sun shines with close to full strength teams. So, out of interest, what do you expect your first choice 22 to be during the RWC? I realise that we will all have new players starting, and it's hard to predict who will deliver and who will gel quickly, but why let that distract from endless supposition?

Assuming we will be missing Best, Court, Afoa, Ferris, Pienaar, Wallace, Trimble, and Danielli, my Ulster 22:

15) D'Arcy (Payne after mid September/start of October)
14) Spence
13) Cave
12) Marshall
11) Gilroy
10) Humphreys
9) Marshall
1) McAllister
2) Kyriacou
3) Fitzpatrick
4) Muller
5) Tuohy
6) Henry
7) Faloon
8) Wannenburg

16) Black
17) Brady
18) Barker
19) Diack
20) Porter
21) Jackson
22) Gaston (D'Arcy when Payne arrives)

That's my best guess. Whitten's greater experience could see him start at inside centre, with Luke Marshall on the bench, especially as Marshall is currrently being tried at fullback in the U20s squad. Stevenson may dislodge Barker. I would expect Black to pull ahead of Cronin. Brady may start ahead of Kyriacou - I'd like to see Andy given a decent run.

That backline has a healthy dose of talent, but we really did get rid of a number of good to decent to passable back-up players (Seymour, McCrea, Smith, McIlwane). I hope that doesn't come back to bite us on the behind.

All in all, not too shabby - our second and back rows I am very happy with. Still have a pleasing mix of experience and talent. Only 2 NIQ in the team, so lots of experience for local lads, which should help come the business end of the season. What would be ideal is if we could play Munster and Leinster between Payne's arrival and the end of the RWC.

How do other people's projected teams look?

Cardiff Blues

15. Chris Czechaj
14. Richard Mustoe
13. Casey Laulaula
12. Daffydd Hewitt
11. Tom James
10. Ceri Sweeney
9. Lloyd Williams
8. Xavier Rush
7. Mamma Molitika (Martyn Williams)
6. Andreus Pretorious
5. Paul Tito
4. Deniol Jones
3. Tau Filise
2. TRThomas
1. Sam Hobbs (John Yapp)

16. Ummmmm (Scott Andrews)
17. Gareth Williams
18. McCauley Cook (hopefully)
19. Micheal Paterson
20. Rhys Downes
21. Dan Fish
22. Harry Robinson

What is this nonsense about Marshall being tried at 15?

I thought Payne was coming in earlier than that. I would agree with that team but i would be inclined to (if Payne is here) rotate a wing spot between D'arcy and Gaston. Spence and Cave can battle it out and Luke Marshall at 12 albeit i wouldnt be averse to seeing Spence and Cave in the middle together again. Our issue will be the control provided at half back

Ospreys likely to be missing

Adam, Hibbard, Bennett, James, AWJ, Ryan, JT, Phillips (if he hasnt already gone), Shane, Walker, Bowe. Given the loss of hook and byrne and co as well it's a very different team in RWC

1. Bevington (doubt he will go)
2. Breeze/Mervin Davies
3. Jarvis
4. Gough
5. Ian evans
6. Bearman
7. Tipuric (doubt he will go)
8. Tom Smith (though I hope not)

9. Khan
10. Biggar
11. K Phillips
12. Owen
13. Bishop (though 12/13 could well be bishop/parker)
14. Prydie
15. Barry davies

I'll wager we (Dragons) will lose Lydiate, Faletau and possibly Charteris. So with that;

15 Steffan Jones
14 Adam Hughes
13 Tom Riley
12 Ash Smith
11 Aled Brew (Don't see Gatland picking him)
10 Jason Tovey
9 Wayne Evans
8 Hugo Ellis.
7 Gavin Thomas
6 Lewis Evans
5 Adam Jones
4 Andrew Coombs
3 Ben Castle or if fit Nigel Hall
2 Lloyd Burns (As much as I can't stand the idea, I bet Gatland takes Bennett to the WC)
1 Phil Price

16 Huw Gustafson
17 Tom Willis
18 Dan Way/Ben Castle
19 Not sure as of yet (Don't know if Sidoli and Morgan will still be injured)
20 Tom Brown
21 Jon Evans
22 Matthew Jones
23 Matthew Pewtner

I missed out players like Martyn Thomas and Will Harries as I don't think they'll be fit. I expect a couple of signings still. Probably nothing major, but somebody who could step up during the WC would be good.

Yeah, what you said. Spence on the wing could be a weakness, I much prefer him at 13- simply because of his positional sense and kicking game. I would try Gaston out and if he goes well, drop Cave. I think the partnership of Marshall and Spence is our best balanced centre partnership (without PW).

With that, Darren Waters the lad we have from Ponty could well step up instead of Hugo Ellis or Tom Brown and allow Lewis Evans to play 8.

That's actually not too bad a Blues team at all. I'm not sure if having Dan Parks away is a problem or a blessing... but they should definitely be looking to make the first month or two of the league count.

I thought the 12) Spence 13) Cave line-up looked promising, and wouldn't mind seeing it again. But I'd definitely want Cave there for his defense and experience, and Spence for his power, rather than have either/or when we have guys like Marshall or Gilroy playing - talented but green. As indeed is D'Arcy.

Marshall has more potential than Spence or Cave though Don. To me we need a 12 to play 12 especially considering we will be missing pienaars pass

wales606 wrote:Cardiff Blues

15. Chris Czechaj
14. Richard Mustoe
13. Casey Laulaula
12. Daffydd Hewitt
11. Tom James
10. Ceri Sweeney
9. Lloyd Williams
8. Xavier Rush
7. Mamma Molitika (Martyn Williams)
6. Andreus Pretorious
5. Paul Tito
4. Deniol Jones
3. Tau Filise
2. TRThomas
1. Sam Hobbs (John Yapp)

16. Ummmmm (Scott Andrews)
17. Gareth Williams
18. McCauley Cook (hopefully)
19. Micheal Paterson
20. Rhys Downes
21. Dan Fish
22. Harry Robinson

I'd happily take that team for the Os. Hope fish gets some game time though

I agree, and think Spence would be better on the wing than either D'Arcy (who I don't think I've ever seen there) or Gaston.

Where did you hear Marshall was being trialled at full back? That seems odd with the quality we have there at that level and how important he could be for our midfield.

You mat be right Don. I like the idea of D'arcy seeing some gametime there. He can field the high ball and his kicking is good. Either way its an option. i would still like to see Marshall and Spence evolve as a partnership

Give Gaston a chance. He's a very talented player.

[quote="Notch"]Give Gaston a chance. He's a very talented player.[/quote

Oh and for the Munster team-

15. Felix Jones/Johne Murphy
14. Doug Howlett
13. Danny Barnes
12. Lifeimi Mafi
11. Simon Zebo
10. Ian Keatley
9. Conor Murray/Duncan Williams

1. Wian du Preez/Marcus Horan
2. Mike Sherry
3. BJ Botha/Stephen Archer
4. Mick O'Driscoll
5. Ian Nagle
6. Denis Leamy/Tommy O'Donnell
7. Niall Ronan/Peter O'Mahoney
8. James Coughlan

My team will be largely unaffected by the World Cup, but then again we play in London 1 South

Wales606,

I thought that Fish had moved up to first choice at full back by the end of last season?

Still unclear if Botha will travel to the World Cup. I suspect he will not.

I don't think he will. If they wanted a South African tight head from up north, surely Mujati would be the man.

Also, has anyone else got more info on this Marshall training at 15?

MBTGOG wrote:Where did you hear Marshall was being trialled at full back? That seems odd with the quality we have there at that level and how important he could be for our midfield.

I think the U20s maybe a bit short on fullbacks, but have plenty of midfield quality with Marshall & Hanrahan. Michael Sherlock, who played there a couple of times for the 6Ns isn't in the squad. Someone will need to be able to cover Andrew Conway.

I would have thought Gilroy, who played there during the 6N and O'Halloran would be better suited.

I think we need Marshall as close to the action getting his hand on the ball as often as possible if we're to do well.

MBTGOG wrote:I would have thought Gilroy, who played there during the 6N and O'Halloran would be better suited.

I think we need Marshall as close to the action getting his hand on the ball as often as possible if we're to do well.

Hanrahan was one of the stand-out players against England in the 6Ns - and size wise he didn't look out of place, unlike the rest of them! Since he also plays outhalf, he would take a lot of pressure off Jackson. Maybe Ruddock is just trying to get his best players on the pitch.

A quote picked out from Ruddock - interesting to see who he name checks for the backs.

"I think the conditions will suit us. We have a very talented back-line with quality players like Paddy Jackson, James McKinney, Luke Marshall, JJ Hanrahan, Brendan Macken, Craig Gilroy and Andrew Conway.

MBTGOG wrote:I would have thought Gilroy, who played there during the 6N and O'Halloran would be better suited.

I think we need Marshall as close to the action getting his hand on the ball as often as possible if we're to do well.

Hanrahan was one of the stand-out players against England in the 6Ns - and size wise he didn't look out of place, unlike the rest of them! Since he also plays outhalf, he would take a lot of pressure off Jackson. Maybe Ruddock is just trying to get his best players on the pitch.

A quote picked out from Ruddock - interesting to see who he name checks for the backs.

"I think the conditions will suit us. We have a very talented back-line with quality players like Paddy Jackson, James McKinney, Luke Marshall, JJ Hanrahan, Brendan Macken, Craig Gilroy and Andrew Conway.


Edit: I think Gilroy only played once there (fullback) during the 6Ns (against Italy). After that it was Sherlock who isn't in the squad.

Marshall played fullback in the last U20s warm-up gane, against a Leinster develpment side. So not a real competitive match, but there's obviously something being looked at there.

Gaston already lined out for the seniors, and looked promising, but I'm just a bit wary of a backline where Spence is the most experienced back (Marshall - Spence - Gilroy - Gaston - D'Arcy).

Am hoping that the Chiefs will still have a v familiar look to them during RWC - we'll likely be missing Naqelevuki, Polu & Mitchell (poss Camacho too if he signs this week as is rumoured). Otherwise business as usual:

15 Arscott
14 Jess
13 Shoemark
12 Rennie
11 Sestaret
10 Steenson/Mieres
9 Thomas
1 Sturgess
2 Clarke
3 Budgen/Tui
4 Hayes
5 Hanks
6 Johnson
7 Scaysbrook
8 Phillips/Baxter

16 Alcott/Whitehead
17 Moon
18 Budgen/Tui
19 Slade/Muldowney
20 Phillips/Baxter/Ewers/White
21 Barrett
22 Steenson/Mieres
23 Dollman

The Ospreys - Worse case scenario

15 Richard Fussell
14 Tom Prydie
13 Gareth Owen
12 Sonny Parker
11 Kristian Phillips
10 Dan Biggar
9 Rhys Webb
8 Morgan Allen
7 Steve Tandy
6 Joe Bearman
5 Ian Evans
4 Ian Gough
3 Cai Griffiths
2 Mefin Davies
1 Duncan Jones

16 Hanno Dirksen - Centre / Wing / Full Back *Possible call up to USA team for WC
17 Matthew Morgan - Fly Half
18 Tom Issacs - Scrum Half
19 Tom Smith - Back Row
20 James Goode - Lock
21 Jo Rees -Prop
22 Scott Baldwin - Hooker
23 Craig Cross - Prop


16 Potential players lost to World Cup:

Tommy Bowe / Wing - Ireland
Kahn Fotuali'i / Scrum Half - Samoa
George Stowers / Back Row / Samoa
Nicki Walker / Wing - Scotland
Shane Williams / Wing - Wales
Andrew Bishop / Centre - Wales
Huw Bennett / Hooker - Wales
Richard Hibbard / Hooker - Wales
Ryan Bevington / Prop - Wales
Paul James / Prop - Wales
Adam Jones / Prop - Wales
Alun Wyn Jones / Lock - Wales
Ryan Jones / Lock, Back Row - Wales
Jonathan Thomas / Lock, Back Row - Wales
Justin Tipuric / Openside - Wales

Sin é,

Hanrahan is a good player and I'm excited about him but he really isn't at the same level Marshall is at yet and I think it's important for this side to have Marshall is the decision making axis in midfield.

But this is all probably a moot point anyway as Conway should be fit and will take his place at full back.

MBTGOG wrote:Oh and for the Munster team-

15. Felix Jones/Johne Murphy
14. Doug Howlett
13. Danny Barnes
12. Lifeimi Mafi
11. Simon Zebo
10. Ian Keatley
9. Conor Murray/Duncan Williams

1. Wian du Preez/Marcus Horan
2. Mike Sherry
3. BJ Botha/Stephen Archer
4. Mick O'Driscoll
5. Ian Nagle
6. Denis Leamy/Tommy O'Donnell
7. Niall Ronan/Peter O'Mahoney
8. James Coughlan

Thats a good team that will go well in the magners however I think Felix Jones might be on the plane to NZ due to his good form and Rob Kearneys lack of fitness (plus potential injury playing in SA)....also think MOD will defo be on plane...outside chance for Connor Murray (looked impressive last few times I've seen him)

If Mick O'Driscoll travels Donnacha Ryan won't. Similarly if Murray goes O'Leary won't. It is centre we will be vulnerable. Dineen, Barnes, Mafi and Gleeson are not good enough cover.

We were very hit and miss at the start of the season, ok-ish at home and away losses to Glasgow, Treviso and Edinburgh.

The majority of the time we were playing with squad players rather than the big names, who were being 'managed'.

I'm hoping we do a hell of a lot better next time round. We should, though, they've had an extra year to bed in.

Stag,

Who are Mafi and Barnes cover for? Surely at the moment, they're our first choice centres.

MBTGOG wrote:Stag,

Who are Mafi and Barnes cover for? Surely at the moment, they're our first choice centres.

You know what I meant. I was writing in a hurry. Those 4 are the only recognised centres in the Munster squad.

[quote="Risca Rev"]I'll wager we (Dragons) will lose Lydiate, Faletau and possibly Charteris. So with that;

15 Steffan Jones
14 Adam Hughes
13 Tom Riley
12 Ash Smith
11 Aled Brew (Don't see Gatland picking him)
10 Jason Tovey
9 Wayne Evans
8 Hugo Ellis.
7 Gavin Thomas
6 Lewis Evans
5 Adam Jones
4 Andrew Coombs
3 Ben Castle or if fit Nigel Hall
2 Lloyd Burns (As much as I can't stand the idea, I bet Gatland takes Bennett to the WC)
1 Phil Price

Risca,

I pretty much agree with you but I think Brew will go, though its to late for Tovey IMO and he is behind Priestland in Gatlands plans.

IT should be a good chance for Ellis to get some game time with Toby at the WC. Lets hope we don't have to rely on Sand to much at T/Head or our season will again be over before its started.

Maybe Hanrahan can get some ML game time. Might be a good time for him to be introduced.

I'll give it a go for Glaws

15. Olly Morgan
14. Charlie Sharples
13. Tim Molenaar
12. Henry Trinder
11. Johnny May
10. Freddie Burns
9. Dave Lewis

8. Matt Cox
7. Akapusi Qera
6. Peter Buxton
5. Will James
4. Alex Brown
3. Rupert Harden
2. Matais Cortese
1. Nick Wood

Quite happy with that! Pack seem solid and the backs ooze flair and are mainly homegrown boys!!

MBTGOG wrote:Maybe Hanrahan can get some ML game time. Might be a good time for him to be introduced.

I certainly hope so. I suspect we will end up giving ML gametime to him, Deasy and . . .Johne Murphy at centre

wales606 wrote:Cardiff Blues

15. Chris Czechaj
14. Richard Mustoe
13. Casey Laulaula
12. Daffydd Hewitt
11. Tom James
10. Ceri Sweeney
9. Lloyd Williams
8. Xavier Rush
7. Mamma Molitika (Martyn Williams)
6. Andreus Pretorious
5. Paul Tito
4. Deniol Jones
3. Tau Filise
2. TRThomas
1. Sam Hobbs (John Yapp)

16. Ummmmm (Scott Andrews)
17. Gareth Williams
18. McCauley Cook (hopefully)
19. Micheal Paterson
20. Rhys Downes
21. Dan Fish
22. Harry Robinson

I would agree with that, but i would hope that Navidi gets a chance of 7 over Maama

Oh not Murphy. Just leave him on the wing please.

MBTGOG wrote:Oh not Murphy. Just leave him on the wing please.

I know. We badly need to sign someone to cover centre.

Risca Rev wrote:I'll wager we (Dragons) will lose Lydiate, Faletau and possibly Charteris. So with that;

15 Steffan Jones
14 Adam Hughes
13 Tom Riley
12 Ash Smith
11 Aled Brew (Don't see Gatland picking him)
10 Jason Tovey
9 Wayne Evans
8 Hugo Ellis.
7 Gavin Thomas
6 Lewis Evans
5 Adam Jones
4 Andrew Coombs
3 Ben Castle or if fit Nigel Hall
2 Lloyd Burns (As much as I can't stand the idea, I bet Gatland takes Bennett to the WC)
1 Phil Price

16 Huw Gustafson
17 Tom Willis
18 Dan Way/Ben Castle
19 Not sure as of yet (Don't know if Sidoli and Morgan will still be injured)
20 Tom Brown
21 Jon Evans
22 Matthew Jones
23 Matthew Pewtner

I missed out players like Martyn Thomas and Will Harries as I don't think they'll be fit. I expect a couple of signings still. Probably nothing major, but somebody who could step up during the WC would be good.

Id prefer to see Jevon Groves to Adam Jones. He's shown time after time, through Age-grade and Wales 7's captain that he has the ability but has not been given the chance. When he has played for Keys this season he's shown up to be far too good to stay at premiership level.

1. Hank VDM
2. Strauss
3. Hagan
4. Toner
5. Sykes
6. McLuaghlin
7. Ryan
8. Ruddock
9. Boss
10. Berquist
11. Conway
12. McFadden
13. O’Malley
14. Horgan
15. Nacewa

16. JHW
17. McGrath
18. Shawe
19. Browne
20. Murphy
21. Du Toit
22. Madigan/McKinley
23. D. Kearney

I'll give it a whirl for the Scarlets:

15. D Evans/D Newton
14. N Reynolds
13. G Maule
12. S Williams*
11. L Williams
10. D Newton/ A Thomas
9. G Davies
8. B Morgan
7. J Edwards
6. R McCusker*
5. Day
4. Reed*
3. R Thomas
2. E Phillips
1. I Thomas

16. K Myhill
17. P John
18. S Gardiner
19. Welch
20. Pugh
21. Fenby (if fit)
22. Lyons
23. another back??


*These three have a slight chance of going to the world cup along with: S Jones, T Knoyle, M Stoddart, G North, R Priestland, J Turnbull, M Rees, S Lamont.

Out backs looks quite weak and I actually struggled to fill in names from 10-15, so we have limited cover there too. We're going to have a tough first 2 months of the season I think (although I don't think all those palyers I mentioned above will actually go to the WC)

Edinburgh actually looks quite strong during that period, particularly the backs. Not much on the bench though, although Lee Jones makes a good impact sub.

1.Traynor 2.Kelly 3.Young 4.Cox 5.Lozada 6.MacDonald 7.Grant 8.Denton 9.Blair(c) 10.Godman 11.Visser 12.King 13.Cairns 14.Webster 15.Thompson

16.Niven 17.Brown 18.Turnbull 19.McInally 20.Leck 21.Hunter 22.Jones

Mickado wrote:1. Hank VDM
2. Strauss
3. Hagan
4. Toner
5. Sykes
6. McLuaghlin
7. Ryan
8. Ruddock
9. Boss
10. Berquist
11. Conway
12. McFadden
13. O’Malley
14. Horgan
15. Nacewa

16. JHW
17. McGrath
18. Shawe
19. Browne
20. Murphy
21. Du Toit
22. Madigan/McKinley
23. D. Kearney

Thats a weak enough Leinster team with several new faces coming into it. They are hit badly by the call ups and could start slowly in the Magners.

I don't know Stag, that looks pretty decent to me, that side.

red_stag wrote:If Mick O'Driscoll travels Donnacha Ryan won't. Similarly if Murray goes O'Leary won't. It is centre we will be vulnerable. Dineen, Barnes, Mafi and Gleeson are not good enough cover.

Stag

Good point about Donnacha Ryan but then again I cant see DK leaving MOD behind(ideally i'd like to see both go)
What do you think of playing Ferris at second row? He'd be quicker in the loose than the other locks.....

there are some tricky selections for DK particulary in the back row.

....whats the story with O'Leary? is he fully fit again?

It looks decent but there is a weak bench and I wonder how these guys will do when they need to carry the team together rather than having a few more senior heads in there.

funnyExiledScot wrote:Edinburgh actually looks quite strong during that period, particularly the backs. Not much on the bench though, although Lee Jones makes a good impact sub.

1.Traynor 2.Kelly 3.Young 4.Cox 5.Lozada 6.MacDonald 7.Grant 8.Denton 9.Blair(c) 10.Godman 11.Visser 12.King 13.Cairns 14.Webster 15.Thompson

16.Niven 17.Brown 18.Turnbull 19.McInally 20.Leck 21.Hunter 22.Jones

Not thinking Thompson might get the Nod for Scotland FES? Especialy after having a great run out for Scotland 7s?

In truth I think you are probably right but I feel Thompson deserves a shot at somewhere at the back.

Yeah but Stag, considering the amount of players they'll be losing, that is still very strong.