Your Teams RWC Bolter........

Its that 50 man squad time, so what debutante do you think could come out of left field to end up on the pitch in New Zealand?

For my country Ireland, I strongly suspect Felix Jones will see gametime but a possible bolter could well be Conor Murray.

Who do you think out of your 50 man squad may flourish....?

From inside the English fifty man squad I could see a bolter being Charlie Sharples, Manu Tuilagi or Joe Simpson. They've all had Saxons experience and there are varying degrees of agreement that they are ready for the step up.

New Zealand - Jarrad Hoeata
France - Yoann Huget

England - Joe Simpson
Scotland - Greg Laidlaw

Australia - Pat McCabe
Ireland - Fergus McFadden

Wales - Toby Falatau
South Africa - Patrick Lambie

Tuilagi is my bet out of those three Cumbrian, due to the lack of talent and depth at centre. Simpson has a chance but I doubt Sharples will make it barring a couple of injuries to those ahead in the queue.

My own pick is Botha - every team needs a lock with a bit of the mongrel in them and I think Shaw has had his day. It really comes down to whether MJ backs experience over enthusiasm.

Yeah, agree with Stag on Ireland's McFadden. Although he would be a semi-bolter. Already played twice in the 6-N.
He will have the chance with Darcy out for the 1st few Summer Tests. Must take it.

Ona,
Cant see Murray making it. Jones... maybe. If Murphy is not right, it will increase his chances greatly, imo.

i think for wales either scott williams or i know not quite a bolter but considering he hasnt played for wales for years delve?

Paddy Wallace.

But seriously,think Jones is in with a big chance of making the squad and could very well start if he shows the class he has shown for Munser and Ireland A.

Its worth pointing out that scrumhalf is probably the most up for grabs position across the board. Only Australia and France look really comfortable with their #9. England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy, Argentina, South Africa, New Zealand all look to have a decision at scrumhalf. Its the position we could see most "bolters" or new faces emerge.

Well, McFadden should really be excluded as he has caps, hence I didnt mention him.

Yeah gibbo, as I siad Jones is my pick but I actually can see Murray on the plane (its unlikely granted, but he imo is worth a third SH spot, hes like if TOL,Stringer and DOC were spliced together)

Ona, but no player is going to go to the World Cup uncapped. In this day and age there's no reason for that to occur.

Would you consider Connachts Ian Keatley to be a bolter if he got called up. Cos he has more caps than Ian Humphreys, Kevin McLaughlin, Conor Murray, Fergus McFadden, Felix Jones, Damien Varley etc.

red_stag wrote:Ona, but no player is going to go to the World Cup uncapped. In this day and age there's no reason for that to occur.

Would you consider Connachts Ian Keatley to be a bolter if he got called up. Cos he has more caps than Ian Humphreys, Kevin McLaughlin, Conor Murray, Fergus McFadden, Felix Jones, Damien Varley etc.

Correct me if im wrong Stag but its very possible that Jones will go, and as far as I'm aware he has no cap yet???

I think I need to be more specific, the question is now(today), before the Tri Nations/ RWC Warm Up starts, what player in the 50 man squads could end up playing in the WC?

red_stag wrote:Its worth pointing out that scrumhalf is probably the most up for grabs position across the board. Only Australia and France look really comfortable with their #9. England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy, Argentina, South Africa, New Zealand all look to have a decision at scrumhalf. Its the position we could see most "bolters" or new faces emerge.

i hope your right for wales...not phillips =(

That's the way I read it in the 1st place Ona.

Big question is, will the Summer tests be enough to get the bolters ready for a RWC? For all countries concerned?

I doubt it, in most all cases.

Except for injury to key players, in those very Summer tests.

In our case, Kidney is preparing for that. And rightly so. But, if our key players come through... there will be no bolters. In my opinion.

George North/Warburton/Lydiate/Falatau/Tavis Knoyle.

Gibson wrote:That's the way I read it in the 1st place Ona.

Big question is, will the Summer tests be enough to get the bolters ready for a RWC? For all countries concerned?

I doubt it, in most all cases.

Except for injury to key players, in those very Summer tests.

In our case, Kidney is preparing for that. And rightly so. But, if our key players come through... there will be no bolters. In my opinion.

And who is our prime full back at the moment?????? Earls is the incumbent but I think we all agree not the preferred option. Kearney? Impossible to say (I actually think Id be more comfortable with Jones), Murphy?

The uncertainty in this problem position opens the distinct possibility that Jones will travel.

OnASideNote wrote:

Gibson wrote:That's the way I read it in the 1st place Ona.

Big question is, will the Summer tests be enough to get the bolters ready for a RWC? For all countries concerned?

I doubt it, in most all cases.

Except for injury to key players, in those very Summer tests.

In our case, Kidney is preparing for that. And rightly so. But, if our key players come through... there will be no bolters. In my opinion.

And who is our prime full back at the moment?????? Earls is the incumbent but I think we all agree not the preferred option. Kearney? Impossible to say (I actually think Id be more comfortable with Jones), Murphy?

The uncertainty in this problem position opens the distinct possibility that Jones will travel.

Prime FB is Kearney.
2nd is Murphy.
3rd is Earls.

Jones (I rate him highly)- has had one decent year with Munster. In the ML. I think we need to be grounded in reality here.

Welcome back.

Edit. Yes, you are right in that Murphy and Kearney have not played for a long time.What will they come back like? So yes... he has a chance based on that.

I can really see Mike Tindall making a name for himself this Autumn.

JJB wrote:I can really see Mike Tindall making a name for himself this Autumn.

He's off to conquer the world again. When will the rugby public wake up and realise that he is the chosen one? When I ask you?

Looseheaded wrote:George North/Warburton/Lydiate/Falatau/Tavis Knoyle.

not lydiate, warbs, north 2 have sealed starting positions (north is close and Toby f will be securing his soon sharing with delve or jones) tavis knoyle starting would be a surprise

Oh i agree Gibbo, he shouldn't be in with a chance based on a half a magners season, but, hes the most successful FB Ireland had last season.

Dear Lord, thats a scary thought isn't it??????????

I hope Kearney can make it back. I really do. Just my gut is he wont.......

Ona,
Its a big call for Deccie. Does he spend the Summertime rehabilitating Kearney(I think he will) and/or Murphy(not sure) or... does he say, phhok it, I believe in the boy Jones. He's fit and ready to go. So give him precedence in the Summer tests - after Kearney?

As it stands, Earls will start, with Kearney on the bench for the 1st 2 games. Id back my rep on that.


Then, Kearney will start in the 3rd one - with Murphy on the bench. Earls on the wing.

He may try Jones vs Connacht.

It's a RWC lads. Not a day-trip. So many parameters... like experience at the highest-level, will come into the decision equation.

Cumbrian wrote:

JJB wrote:I can really see Mike Tindall making a name for himself this Autumn.

He's off to conquer the world again. When will the rugby public wake up and realise that he is the chosen one? When I ask you?

Love it.

Gibbo - I don't see Murphy going. I think Kidney can only afford to rehabilitate one FB this summer and it will be Kearney

The only real bolter that's possible for Wales is Lloyd Williams. Faletau and Scott Williams are more integrated into the squad now, so you couldn't really include them in my mind.

Stag,
I do believe you may be right. Two experienced FB's coming back and looking for gametime, could affect his decision.

I also believe that Kearney will be given all precedence.

Logic tells me that Earls, Kearney and Fitzgerald cover more back-3 options.

Kidney wont take a chance on a rookie at a WC. If he can help it. Its not the way he works.

Risca Rev wrote:The only real bolter that's possible for Wales is Lloyd Williams. Faletau and Scott Williams are more integrated into the squad now, so you couldn't really include them in my mind.

Rev,
Faletau must go. Sublime talent.

red_stag wrote:Gibbo - I don't see Murphy going. I think Kidney can only afford to rehabilitate one FB this summer and it will be Kearney

Actually he can't afford to rehabilitate anyone. I think both Felix Jones and Conor Murray will go. Both are fit, on form and the best in their positions in the country, certainly in the top 2. We have one of the most experienced squads in the world so we can afford to throw in a few inexperienced players if they have the ability required.

Simpson and Tuilagi are the two who I think could make it for England (I don't think Botha or Sharples will). However, I think Tuilagi could have more of an impact, I can't see Simpson getting any game time at the World Cup (should he go) unless Youngs or Care gets injured.

He's not rehabilitating them in the experience sense. Just game time and back into what they both know well.

Huge difference. One that expands massively when they hit NZ.

He has 5 games to do it in. So, it will be interesting to see the last 22 he plays, before we travel.

Gibson,

Faletau will go. That's why I don't think he can be classed as a bolter.

Greetings chaps, new poster and all that... Regularly enjoyed old 606 but rarely dallied.

Not technically a 'bolter', but I suspect Andy Robinson to have been grooming Ross Rennie for this RWC. He has such technical ability at the breakdown, well known to Edinburgh (and Leinster) fans, and given AR's expertise in skullduggery at the ruck, I was very surprised at the lack of recent gametime for Rennie (while actually fit to play), especially with Barco running on empty at the end of the season. Perhaps keeping a key player under wraps?

John Barclay vs Rosco Rennie = nice problem to have! Defo think both will get game time. My Scottish bolter is Dave Denton - a powerful, skillfull and hard-hitting ball-carrier of a no.8, who may well seize the opportunity should Johnnie Beattie not find his pre-surgery form

Looseheaded wrote:George North/Warburton/Lydiate/Falatau/Tavis Knoyle.

Have to agree with that and add the possibility of Priestland, lloyd williams and maybe Henson too.

takethelongroad wrote:Greetings chaps, new poster and all that... Regularly enjoyed old 606 but rarely dallied.

Not technically a 'bolter', but I suspect Andy Robinson to have been grooming Ross Rennie for this RWC. He has such technical ability at the breakdown, well known to Edinburgh (and Leinster) fans, and given AR's expertise in skullduggery at the ruck, I was very surprised at the lack of recent gametime for Rennie (while actually fit to play), especially with Barco running on empty at the end of the season. Perhaps keeping a key player under wraps?

A very talented player, Ross Rennie. I remember him being awarded man of the match on S4C a few times before injury struck.

Oh, and welcome to 606v2!

Looseheaded, I have to agree with other posters. You mention Warburton and Lydiate as bolters, but they're first choice so will definitely be on the plane. For that reason they can't be 'bolters'. Someone like Lloyd Williams or Scott Williams would be though...

Has to be Manu Tuilagi for England.

Warbs or Lydiate starting would not been seen as bolters or a surprise as I think both have now established themselves as first choice 6 n 7.

Faletau could be seen as one like WIllimas S or L

The two potential bolters in the Scotland pre-WC squad are Rob Harley, blindside, and Dave Denton, number 8. Harley had a great breakthrough season at Glasgow last year, and Denton finished the season at Edinburgh on storming form. Andy Robinson has also talked up their attitude and performances at the training camp.

Harley however is up against Kelly Brown and Ali Strokosch, two more experienced players who also both finished the season in fine form, plus Andy Robinson seems to think Hines can cover 6 as well, and he'll definitely go. I think Harley will miss out.

Denton though only really faces competition from Beattie, who has been out of sorts since injury. Kelly Brown only really covers 8 as a back-up option, I'd see him there against Romania or Georgia but not the others, so if there are any doubts about Beattie, Dave Denton certainly has a good chance.

In the backs Cairns could be a bolter, but AR doesn't seem to rate him.

Denton and Cuthbert for me.

Denton I reckon is a logical choice since his abrasive powerful ball carrying style will balance the backrow 1st choices of Brown and Barclay. Denton's style of play is the same mould as Beattie so is a logical choice rather than the more light weight Vernon.

If Cuthbert gets a chance in our 2 home Tests against Italy and Ireland I can see him displacing either Nikki Walker or Rory Lamont. From what have seen of him at Bath he seems a very powerful, goal kicking full back a bit like Gavin Hastings. A fantastic deputy to Mossy who will also be aware his expertise may be needed at 10,11,12,13 or 14 as well as 15. In this case it makes sense to bring a pure full back, and to be fair to Shuggie he has been poor the last few times he has played for Scotland.

Give Cuthbert a chance. I would also like to see Cairns get a chance too.

For England one of Botha or Tuilagi i'd say.

Tuilagi has all the press attention and plays in a position we have very little depth in.

Botha looks like a very promising mongrelesq lock and MJ seems particularly happy to give the nod to young forward over young backs (see Cole, Attwood, Lawes, PDJ, Corbisiero). I'd say probably as the pack as a whole is a more stable unit then the backline allowing youngsters to be added with relative ease.

I think the sad thing for England is that there won't be a bolter. Johnno is too conservative and whilst we now have a number of youngsters in the set-up, the likes of Foden, Lawes, PDJ only got their chance through injury and not form (which deserved a place sooner!).

Does Sinbad count as a bolter?

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:Denton and Cuthbert for me.

Denton I reckon is a logical choice since his abrasive powerful ball carrying style will balance the backrow 1st choices of Brown and Barclay. Denton's style of play is the same mould as Beattie so is a logical choice rather than the more light weight Vernon.

If Cuthbert gets a chance in our 2 home Tests against Italy and Ireland I can see him displacing either Nikki Walker or Rory Lamont. From what have seen of him at Bath he seems a very powerful, goal kicking full back a bit like Gavin Hastings. A fantastic deputy to Mossy who will also be aware his expertise may be needed at 10,11,12,13 or 14 as well as 15. In this case it makes sense to bring a pure full back, and to be fair to Shuggie he has been poor the last few times he has played for Scotland.

Give Cuthbert a chance. I would also like to see Cairns get a chance too.

I do like the look of Cuthbert, big strong runner with pace to back it up. Haven't seen much of him as a footballer though, and he seemed to slip away at Bath towards the end of the season (don't know if he was carrying an injury or not). The issue with Walker is that he covers only one position, as does Danielli, so I think with a 17/13 split which we'll inevitably have, it's very difficult to take them both (and Danielli is better). CP will definitely go as first choice at 15, so I guess it's a call between Rory Lamont and Jack Cuthbert. Not a straightforward choice given Lamont's injuries, but if he's fit, I'd still pick him.

Don't forget, there's still the spectre of Southwell looming large, and AR rates him.

FeS, I think Robinson does rate Ben Cairns as he used to play him all ther time for Edinburgh. Even though I am/was a big fan of Cairns, he is hideously off form just now.
I agree with most of the Scottish posters about Denton. My one concern is that I remember he played in some of the Emirates 7's series and did get badly burned for pace a few times. (Says lardyarse himself sitting in front of his keyboard with an industrial quantities of pasta and garlic bread in his guts)

I thought Cairns and King finished the season for Edinburgh playing pretty nicely. I don't think AR would pick Cairns over NDL though, he never really has.

For all that I like about AR, he does seem to see more in NDL than most of us do.
Although, perhaps that is why he is a national coach and we have to live our lives and dreams from ther saefty of a keybaord?! King does look like he could be a useful player but I haven't seen anything that screams "international quality" at me - yet.

I think there's an argument that says all 3 (Cairns, De Luca & King) are decent pro players, but will never set the international stage on fire

I think that's right, although of the three, I think Cairns has the most potential to be dangerous at international level. NDL is also dangerous, but for all the wrong reasons..........

From a Welsh point of view i think that Scott Williams or Josh Turnbull will be most likely to return with a better reputation than they go with (if they go that is). However I have a horrible feeling that George North and Rhys Priestland (and possibly Hook) will return not even a shadow of their former selves as there appears to be a bit of a weight of expectation upon them (bar Priestland, but he is a confidence player).

to be fair to north he seems to take it in his stride and he has potential and with him breaking the welsh sprint records i think he will be confident, also Priestland is young and can only improve under the scarlets-hook is like henson seems to have the weight of a nation of his shoulders, people expect him to be like dan carter or quade cooper

tuilagi is the most likely for england, JSD still counts as a bolter because he has never cemented his place in the team.

JSD is certainly one of the most talented players with ball in hand, that are available to england.