[Closed] Rugby world cup

IdleJon, the players mentioned are mostly young and need to be exposed to higher level rugby than GP, then judge them on whether they would make it or not. 1/2p got into the Wales squad very early in his career and proved he could cut it and has become a regular, but before he was picked for Wales no-one had really heard of him or would have said he was good enough. Of those mentioned only JSD has had a chance to really play at international level and has missed out as he is constantly injured

Forum glitchy

I think you already have.

the players mentioned are mostly young and need to be exposed to higher level rugby than GP, then judge them on whether they would make it or not.

They have all been around for long enough for me to recognise them, and I don't follow the GP avidly.

I'm not sure what you mean by the rest. Like most nations, these players have the opportunity of playing in their national league, U21 teams and Heineken Cup teams. There is nothing more, so if they haven't proved themselves at those levels why would anyone choose them for RWC squads?

but before he was picked for Wales no-one had really heard of him or would have said he was good enough.

Of course people had heard of him. Regular rugby watchers would have seen his good performances for Cardiff and the U21 team. The fact that he wasn't around for seasons before getting capped is irrelevant.

And anyway that has nothing to do with my original point - midfield play in England doesn't encourage creativity.

CaptainFlashheart - Member

TJ's excellent term "trundlemuppets" so perfectly sums up the England midfield!

Stolen from a post a couple of pages back

The only England backs that are true international class are Foden and Ashton - and they have weaknesses. Wilko if you are content to play a slow limited game.

The fact that he wasn't around for seasons before getting capped is irrelevant.

And anyway that has nothing to do with my original point - midfield play in England doesn't encourage creativity.

What strikes me about England is that they dont talent spot youngsters and expose them to international rugby early like other countries, I guess its becuase they have such a large player base. You have to be the best player in the position for England whereas other nations will try to develop players with promise at the expense of older more solid options.

The only England backs that are true international class are Foden and Ashton

Youngs is very good too.

Would Youngs displace the scrum half in any other 6n team? Wouldn't get in the scotland team for sure. Foden and Ashton we would have like a shot. Might have Flood as well since we have only got desperate Dan and Jackson. I'd rather have Sexton or Priestland tho or even Jones

Ireland squad: R Best (Ulster), I Boss (Leinster), T Bowe (Ospreys), T Buckley (Sale), T Court (Ulster), S Cronin (Leinster), L Cullen (Leinster), G D'Arcy (Leinster), K Earls (Munster), S Ferris (Ulster), J Flannery (Munster), C Healy (Leinster), J Heaslip (Leinster), R Kearney (Leinster), D Leamy (Munster), F McFadden (Leinster), G Murphy (Leicester), C Murray (Munster), S O'Brien (Leinster), D O'Callaghan (Munster), P O'Connell (Munster), B O'Driscoll (Leinster, capt), R O'Gara (Munster), E Reddan (Leinster), M Ross (Leinster), D Ryan (Munster), J Sexton (Leinster), A Trimble (Ulster), P Wallace (Ulster), D Wallace (Munster).

The shit Keith Earls picked but no Fitzgerald who I always think looks a better player

Would Youngs displace the scrum half in any other 6n team?

Well I reckon he would be a better bet than O'leary or any Scottish option. Both Flood and Wilko are many times better than Dan Parks and what little I've seen of Jackson doesnt convince me. Armatige would be an asset in the Scotland team either at full back or wing, when focussed and on form the grinning tosser is very good.

Scotland squad:

Backs: Joe Ansbro
Mike Blair
Chris Cusiter
Simon Danielli (
Nick De Luca
Max Evans
Ruaridh Jackson
Rory Lamont
Sean Lamont
Rory Lawson
Graeme Morrison
Dan Parks
Chris Paterson

Forwards:
John Barclay
Kelly Brown
Geoff Cross
, Alasdair Dickinson
Ross Ford
Richie Gray,
Dougie Hall
Jim Hamilton
, Nathan Hines
, Allan Jacobsen
, Alastair Kellock (captain,)
, Scott Lawson
, Moray Low
, Euan Murray
, Ross Rennie
Alasdair Strokosch
Richie Vernon

No huge suprises. Beattie unlucky to miss out. Difficult choice ithe locks - Kellock is the best captain but Grey and Hamilton would be my preferred combo.

Murray looked to be coming back into form which should help in the scrums. I'd back the back 5 forwards against any in the world. Can we have a creative midfeilder or two please? Cipriani has Scottish granny does he not?

anagallis_arvensis - Member

"Would Youngs displace the scrum half in any other 6n team?"

Well I reckon he would be a better bet than O'leary or any Scottish option.

He is not half the player that Blair or Cussiter is. He only looks good compared to the rubbish other choices England have.

Id swap flood for parks no hesitation.

so can we move to choosing our best 15's from the squad?
15 1/2p
14 North
13 Roberts
12 Hook
11 Williams
10 Jones
9 Phillips
8 Not sure here either Powell or Jones
7 Sam the man
6 Jones if Powell plays 8 or Lidiate
5 AW Jones
4 Davies
3 Adam
2 Bennett
1 Gethin

dont think it will happen though, Gatland seems to have given up on Hook at 12.

Backs more or less pick themselves. Back row is tyricky and so are the locks
I have gone for power int eh forwards with athletisism, speed in the backs. ( what we have) Vernon, Hines, Cross to come on as impact subs. Maybe Mossy to exploit space in the last 20 mins Might have the front row the wrong way round

15 Rory Lamont
14 Max Evans
13 Joe Ansbro
12 Graeme Morrison
11 Sean Lamont
10 Ruaridh Jackson
9 Chris Cusiter

8 Kelly Brown
7 John Barclay
6 Alasdair Strokosch
5 Richie Gray,
4 Alastair Kellock (captain,)
3 Allan Jacobsen
2 Ross Ford
1 Euan Murray

Nick De Luca
Mike Blair
Chris Paterson

Geoff Cross
Alasdair Dickinson
Nathan Hines
Richie Vernon

AA, I agree mostly..... Would start with Mongo and then, if it wasn't working, bring Ryan on (Plus he can play at 4/5 so it gives more replacement versatility)

Oh, and Hook at ten. Then, as above, if not working, move him to 12 or 15 and bring Wellies on.

TJ - Looks about right though agree the back row could easily be changed with no real gain / loss.

I would personally have Cross at tight head and Murray on the bench. Again a close call after the w/e.

Think Parks ahead of Jackson. Frankly neither gets the juices flowing though 🙁

The shit Keith Earls picked but no Fitzgerald who I always think looks a better player

Tbh, they're both clueless. Fitzgerald looked great a few years ago, but they look as bad as each other. I'd be equally depressed to see either of them in the side. Come on Tommy (and come home FFS, play for a decent club side).

Is Bowe injured then? He's the best 14 in Britain

15 Rory Lamont
14 Max Evans
13 Joe Ansbro
12 Graeme Morrison
11 Sean Lamont
10 Dan Parks
9 Chris Cusiter

8 Kelly Brown
7 John Barclay
6 Nathan Hines
5 Richie Gray
4 Alastair Kellock (captain,)
3 Allan Jacobsen
2 Scott Lawson
1 Euan Murray

Fixed that for you TJ 😀

D'ya know...I'm not sure.

Hang on, Twitter's good for something:

It's not my hamstring that's injured it's been my foot, was back training last week and feeling good

Phew 🙂

EDIT: the above @ a_a

Agreed, he's one of the finest 14s to watch. Certainly the best 14 in the home nations.

Interesting Duckman - that does get you Hines, Kelloch and Gray on the park but not desperate Dan please

Props: Dan Cole (Leicester, Age 24, 17 caps), Alex Corbisiero (London Irish, 22, 6), Andrew Sheridan (Sale, 31, 38), Matt Stevens (Saracens, 28, 34), David Wilson (Bath, 26, 18).

Hookers: Dylan Hartley (Northampton, 25, 29), Lee Mears (Bath, 32, 37), Steve Thompson (Wasps, 33, 67).

Locks: Louis Deacon (Leicester, 30, 24), Courtney Lawes (Northampton, 22, 9), Tom Palmer (Stade Francais, 32, 27), Simon Shaw (unattached, 37, 67).

Back row: Tom Croft (Leicester, 25, 25), Nick Easter (Harlequins, 33, 44), James Haskell (Ricoh Black Rams, 26, 36), Lewis Moody (Bath, 33, 67), Tom Wood (Northampton, 24, 7).

Backs: (13)

Full-backs/wings: Delon Armitage (London Irish, 27, 20), Ben Foden (Northampton, 26, 16), Chris Ashton (Northampton, 24, 12), Mark Cueto (Sale, 31, 52).

Centres: Matt Banahan (Bath, 24, 13), Shontayne Hape (London Irish, 30, 12), Mike Tindall (Gloucester, 32, 71), Manu Tuilagi (Leicester, 20, 1).

Fly-halves: Toby Flood (Leicester, 26, 41), Jonny Wilkinson (Toulon, 32, 86).

Scrum-halves: Joe Simpson (Wasps, 23, 0), Richard Wigglesworth (Saracens, 28, 7), Ben Youngs (Leicester, 21, 12).

Centres: Matt Banahan (Bath, 24, 13), Shontayne Hape (London Irish, 30, 12), Mike Tindall (Gloucester, 32, 71), Manu Tuilagi (Leicester, 20, 1).

1 out of 4 ain't bad.... 🙂

You lot do know the football season has started again 😉

Rugby football? Yes, we know. Thanks

And the cricket isn't finished yet.

On a serious note, the rugby world cup seems to go on for pretty long time, I hope there isn't going to be a lot of pointless games so that I'm bored of it all before the real action starts. It'd be great if some of Scotlands so called good players finally step up and do something worth while. In recent years either they have been over rated or not lived up to early promise. Think there is a more than half a chance of Scotland being the best team out of the 'home' nations if we get a half decent draw.

On more serious note, have we covered tv coverage yet? What's on when and where?

England will be fine... apart from the cover in the props, scrum halves, centres... oh and the old men that make up the bulk of the remaining squad 😉

There isn't much excitement or spark there in the England squad but I wouldn't bet against them doing pretty damn well

stevenmenmuir - Member

. It'd be great if some of Scotlands so called good players finally step up and do something worth while.

Yup - there a re a few guys who need to perform

Think there is a more than half a chance of Scotland being the best team out of the 'home' nations if we get a half decent draw.

got the draw all right. playing the easier teams first. England look toothless (too many trundlemuppets) as do Argentina. Win the group and avoid NZ

Barman! A pint of whatever TandemJeremy has been drinking please.

more trundle muppets

Forwards:

Hookers
Corey Flynn Canterbury (14)
Andrew Hore Taranaki (54)
Keven Mealamu Auckland (85)

Props
John Afoa Auckland (33)
Ben Franks Tasman (11)
Owen Franks Canterbury (23)
Tony Woodcock North Harbour (75)

Locks
Anthony Boric North Harbour (20)
Brad Thorn Canterbury (51)
Samuel Whitelock Canterbury (17)
Ali Williams Auckland (65)

Loose forwards
Jerome Kaino Auckland (41)
Richie McCaw (capt) Canterbury (97)
Kieran Read Canterbury (31)
Adam Thomson Otago (21)
Victor Vito Wellington (7)

Backs:

Halfbacks
Jimmy Cowan Southland (47)
Andy Ellis Canterbury (20)
Piri Weepu Wellington (48)

First five–eighths
Daniel Carter Canterbury (82)
Colin Slade Canterbury (5)

Midfielders
Richard Kahui Waikato (12)
Ma’a Nonu Wellington (58)
Conrad Smith Wellington (48)
Sonny Bill Williams Canterbury (7)

Outside backs
Israel Dagg Hawke’s Bay (7)
Zac Guildford Hawke’s Bay (6)
Cory Jane Wellington (24)
Mils Muliaina Waikato (97)
Isaia Toeava Auckland (31)

so unless we have upsets it should be:

1/4 final
NZ v Scotland
England v France
Ireland v SA
Aus v Wales

England v France is a very close call France look pretty good at the moment but England always do well against them. If Ireland beat Aus in the pool it could be a Wales v Ireland 1/4 final which would be a close call too.

A few chinks in the NZ armour, obviously every team will be trying to get to "meet" Carter, not convinced about who the best 9 is. Actually I am, it is Weepu before he packed on the lumber. On another note, coud you imagine being the guy who gave Carter a dull one?..... Thorn, McCaw,Williams,Nonu,Woodcock all looking for a bit of payback 😯

Good squad is it not ? Weepu as had comeback to the super15 and has dropped a fair few pies off. Cowan good. Only questionable selection for me is Toeava who I think is a trundlemuppet.

On more serious note, have we covered tv coverage yet? What's on when and where?

Cap'n - it's all on those pesky commercial channels channels that you can find just after BBC2 and BBC4 on your reception equipment.

http://www.itv.com/rugbyworldcup/2011/matches/

A-A I take back the Philips statement. Even with a stinking hangover, little sleep and PMS (?). He wouldn't give away as many penalties as Murray will. And yes the ref got that call wrong.

Thanks, Purist. I shall have my gentleman's gentleman adjust the tellybox accordingly.

duckman - Member

Barman! A pint of whatever TandemJeremy has been drinking please.

If NZ loose Carter the drop in quality to the next player Slade will be massive.

I saw Weepu in the Cup, that was him WITH the weight off? I thought Cowan's decision making was a bit off on Sat.

Bitter and twisted

A fine choice, but not as good as the Orkney Blonde next to it on the shelf.

[i]If NZ lose Carter the drop in quality to the next player Slade will be massive[/i]

Still miles above what we (sorry, England) have!

anagallis_arvensis - Member
If NZ loose Carter the drop in quality to the next player Slade will be massive.

Agreed. And, heaven forbid that someone should target McCaw at the start of the [s]tour[/s]tournament with a two man spear tackle.....

seeing as the all blacks never win the world cup it might as well be Scotland that knock them out this time.

For all that they lost to the Saffers on Sat, I think that NZ, or the Scottish Exiles (as I have decided to call them for the next couple of months,with apologies to L-Scottish)will be hard to bet against.

Thanks Steven, I needed a laugh today !!

The Scotland team were in my work yesterday, I got to give one of them (the tall, well built one) directions to the toilet. Managed not to smirk, or say "aye but you're not the All Blacks are you ?" (But did lech a little.)

Was pleased with that.

Nae offence, but did they not all seem quite tall stood next to yourself?

"aye but you're not the All Blacks are you ?"

[url= http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Launceston_RUFC ]Launceston?[/url]

😉

Dez you Australians can always be relied on to stick the knife in. Just remember who has the Ashes will you?

South Africa World Cup squad:

Forwards: Willem Alberts, Bakkies Botha, Heinrich Brüssow, Schalk Burger, Bismarck du Plessis, Jannie du Plessis, Francois Louw, Tendai Mtawarira, Johann Muller, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Danie Rossouw, Pierre Spies, Gurthrö Steenkamp, CJ van der Linde, Victor Matfield, (v/c), John Smit (c).

Backs: Gio Aplon, Juan de Jongh, Jean de Villiers, Fourie du Preez, Jaque Fourie, Bryan Habana, Francois Hougaard, Butch James, Pat Lambie, Odwa Ndungane, Ruan Pienaar, JP Pietersen, Francois Steyn, Morné Steyn.

So the Saffers captain is not the best player in his position? And is the gouger even fit?

Graham Henry leaving out BOTH Sitiveni Sivivatu and Hosea Gear. What's he playing at? Toeava is better than both? No he isn't. Just a shame we probably won't see either at the RWC now...

The ABs seem to have gone all conservative now coz that's how other teams have won world cups. This means they won't play their natural game and gives EVERYONE ELSE A CHANCE! They've also decided that Piri Weepu and Colin Slade can back up Carter. They can't. If only they had someone like Nick Evans - oh, they do but he's overseas so they can't pick him. They've decided Adam Thompson can play 7 if Ritchie's missing. He can't. This could be good......

I've started a thread on the best XV who aren't going to the RWC.

[url= http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/rwc-the-best-xv-whove-been-left-out ]HERE[/url]

The sight of Banahan running at the Welsh defence reminded me of a startled sheep trying to get back into a field. There's a gate open five metres down the road but the sheep keeps butting the same bit of fence over and over again.

From AA's link;

Nor do I much relish the idea of James Haskell or Chris Ashton joining England's sporting honours list. The self-regard with which they celebrate scoring tries sets a terrible example. But it seems part of the white-booted, look at me, gloating England rugby culture. The likes of Jonny Wilkinson and the remarkable Simon Shaw, 38 next week, are above such vanity, but there is far too much of it in the England dressing room.

But at the start;

It would put the game of rugby union back in the dark ages.

You really will use every opportunity to have a dig at england won't you? It's getting a bit tiring (not to say pretty pathetic).

the quote about Banahan is spot on though and very funny.

I like Chris Ashton though, hugely overated but seems like he just enjoys scoring tries. Needs some work on his dives though, this is how you do it at about 15 seconds (best if your a gallants looser too obviously

Maybe I didn't express myself clearly enough above - I dislike the whole diving/showboating rubbish (Yes, even when it's Shane) but I really do appreciate the manner of Shaw as a player. Nice guy for a few beers as well. Tall, mind you....!

I think Flasy dislikes the All Blacks more than he does england 😉

you'll like this one at about 50 seconds in

face - Member
I think Flasy dislikes the All Blacks more than he does england

I've supported England in the past, but never New Zealand..... 😉

Now, if we're talking about Launceston.....

wrecker - Member

You really will use every opportunity to have a dig at england won't you?

Well if you're English you should be used to it. I am. It's just a bit of banter 😆

That Banahan quote was hilarious.

I agree Haskell is a tw*t but I don't agree with the anti Ashton debate. He's a down to earth northern lad from Rugby League and if his OTT celebrations inspire thousands of kids to do the same thing on Sunday mornings then where's the harm?

The point of rugby is to try and score tries (take note England) so celebrating is a good thing.

As David Campese once said to Matt Duncan (dour Scottish winger) as he ran back to his half after scoring a try:

"For God's sake man! You've just scored a try. Bloody well smile!"

I'm all for banter namastebuzz, sometimes it's just barely disguised sniping. I have a feeling that if it was directed at wales dummies and teddy bears would be littering the valleys. FWIW I agree with the Banahan quote and the fact that it was funny. Not an international standard player but I do think he has potential. I've just read an article on the Telegraph site on Tuilagi. He seems to be a very down to earth chap who is genuinely excited to be playing for England.

Steven, yes most people look tall stood next to me, Rugby players especially so. I shold rent myself out for wedding photos.

I have a feeling that if it was directed at wales dummies and teddy bears would be littering the valleys

come on be fair my man love for Gavin gives poeple more than enough amunition.

One man's banter is another man's sniping Wrecker.

As Englishmen, we deserve all sniping we get from the provincials and the colonials.

I reserve most of my "banter" for the Jocks (because I live up here) but they seem to take it well.....

come on be fair my man love for Gavin gives poeple more than enough amunition.

At least Gav can actually play rugby though. Unlike England's midfield cloggers....

Teh reason England gets it so tight is the arrogance over the years. Such nonsence as "we are too good for the 6N"

English rugby is far more disliked that other aspects of englishness simply because of the breathtaking arrogance

Should we post the Nike "Grand Slam" video again?

🙂

TandemJeremy - Member

Teh reason England gets it so tight is the arrogance over the years. Such nonsence as "we are too good for the 6N"

English rugby is far more disliked that other aspects of englishness simply because of the breathtaking arrogance

Well put, Sir.

CaptainFlashheart - Member

Should we post the Nike "Grand Slam" video again?

No need. I still watch it regularly in the belief that we won and Dublin didn't happen. 😉

I would say that the RFU don't do themselves any favours with their uptight stuffiness and the media annoy us all by talking up the team, but the fans demonstrate humility IMO. If you want to talk about english football; that's a different story.

I was Watching the England Wales game the twickenham one in the pub a few weeks back. At one point Shane Williams got smashed, picked up and driven backwards. Some fat bloke in an england top was laughing his man boobs off at this. To me it summed up all I need to know about a good many england supporters.

You didn't laugh when Tait got bagged by Henson then?

I laughed when Shane stopped Bananaman in his tracks. Is he the most useless international player ever?

laugh? No I didnt as I knew Tait was a lightweight. I laughed when he flattend that punchy tighthead whose name I forget in the same game though.

Cheering Shane Williams getting knocked about must get tiring

I'm all for banter namastebuzz, sometimes it's just barely disguised sniping. I have a feeling that if it was directed at wales dummies and teddy bears would be littering the valleys.

Although

Is he the most useless international player ever?

DaRC_L

No chance at all of winning the 2011 WC paying 2003 rugby. The world has moved on.

come on BTW - he is even more useless than Brendon Laney

So every nations fans laughs when an opposite player gets nailed then. Not unique to England supporters after all. Your experience with man boobs summed up absolutely nothing whatsoever. I wouldn't base my opinion of a nations sports fans on one individual personally but it's your choice. I try to have a broader view (luckily having worked in Cardiff for a number of years, I know that not all welsh fans are as narrow minded)

I am happy to admit that when it comes to rugby I loathe and detest the english. I would support the Taliban XV playing them 😉 cant help it it is in my genes. Born in Tredegar see mun.

I find it amusing when england supporters come up with this persecution complex.

You can say what you like about us Welsh it wont be anything we havent already said. 🙂

TJ I've got to keep the banter up tho' 😆
I'm not a great fan of Banahan (I'm reserving the right to deny this conversation if he scores a few great tries) but having a good pack is still necessary to win games and I think England have a good pack, not great, but good strength in depth.

I am happy to admit that when it comes to rugby I loathe and detest the english.

Darn sarf here our supporting rules are different - England (obviously) then Northern hemispere vs Southern then the Underdog except if they are the SAffies.

I'm not really emotive/bothered about/by the welsh. On the other hand, I pray for the scots to lose every single game they play.

I pray for the scots to lose every single game they play.

Well then your prayers will be fairly successful. Why don't you pray for world peace or an end to famine instead?