Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

Yet Another World XV Thread.

  • 02-08-2010 2:13pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 45,433 ✭✭✭✭thomond2006


    Tony Woodcock
    Kevin Mealamu
    Nicolas Mas
    Brad Thorn
    Alastair Kellock (Awesome against the Argies in the summer tests)
    Stephen Ferris
    David Pocock
    Imanol Harinordoquy
    Will Genia
    Dan Carter
    Joe Rokocoko
    Quade Cooper (can play at 12)
    Conrad Smith
    Cory Jane
    Clement Poitrenaud

    A lot of difficult (and perhaps wrong) decisions there, thoughts?


«1

Comments

  • Posts: 4,149 ✭✭✭ Adelyn Clever Pail


    Tony Woodcock
    Kevin Mealamu
    Nicolas Mas
    Brad Thorn
    Alastair Kellock (Awesome against the Argies in the summer tests)
    Stephen Ferris
    David Pocock
    Imanol Harinordoquy
    Will Genia
    Dan Carter
    Joe Rokocoko
    Quade Cooper (can play at 12)
    Conrad Smith
    Cory Jane
    Clement Poitrenaud

    A lot of difficult (and perhaps wrong) decisions there, thoughts?

    Fabien Barcella
    William Servat
    Ben Alexander
    Brad Thorn
    Victor Matfield
    Rocky Elsom
    Richie McCaw
    Jamie Heaslip
    Will Genia
    Dan Carter
    Tommy Bowe
    Yannick Jauzion
    Conrad Smith
    Corey Jane
    clement poitrenaud

    Everyone is going to have different opinions,I have tommy bowe on the wrong wing but he has to be there imo.
    Mine is not wholly based on form because Elsom and possibly mattfield would be left out.

    I would have issue with Rokocoko,Kellock,Ferris,Pocock being included,my 2cents.


  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 18,278 Mod ✭✭✭✭CatFromHue


    im not a huge fan of these lists but its interesting that you both have dan carter at 10.

    he is a bit out of sorts at the moment, especially his goal kicking, but then when you think of all the other 10's out there he prob is the world no.1


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 2,783 ✭✭✭handsomecake


    muliaina
    jane
    smith(most under rated player in world rugby)
    cooper (im accomodating him)
    ioane
    carter
    genia
    read
    mccaw
    kaino
    nallet
    thorn
    woodcock
    mealamu
    franks


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 103 ✭✭backrow67n8


    Woodcock
    Du Plessis (even though he's injured/suspended?)
    Heyman
    Thorn
    Matfield
    Elsom
    McCaw
    Heaslip
    Du Preez
    Carter
    Bowe (I had to put him somewhere)
    Contepomi (thought he was awesome against France)
    Smith
    Jane
    Muliaina


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,214 ✭✭✭wonton


    CatFromHue wrote: »
    im not a huge fan of these lists but its interesting that you both have dan carter at 10.

    he is a bit out of sorts at the moment, especially his goal kicking, but then when you think of all the other 10's out there he prob is the world no.1


    he has been great in the summer tests and the tri nations so far imo


  • Advertisement
  • Posts: 4,149 ✭✭✭ Adelyn Clever Pail


    CatFromHue wrote: »
    im not a huge fan of these lists but its interesting that you both have dan carter at 10.

    he is a bit out of sorts at the moment, especially his goal kicking, but then when you think of all the other 10's out there he prob is the world no.1
    Have you been watching the tri nations?
    He has been immence.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,881 ✭✭✭PhatPiggins


    Have you been watching the tri nations?
    He has been immence.

    You use that word far too lightly(Wynand Oliver!!)

    His place kicking is way down on norm and kicking out of hand has slowed right down. Hasn't been put under any pressure by any 7 this season but he looks like he's playing at 65% capacity.


  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 18,278 Mod ✭✭✭✭CatFromHue


    new zealand have been immense in the tri nations, carter has been good.

    i dont think he is at the standard he has set for himself.

    his goal kicking is poor


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 35 Dougalicious


    Woodcock
    Du Plesis
    Hayman
    Thorn
    Matfield
    Ferris
    McCaw
    Harrinordiquay
    Du Preez
    Carter
    Habanna
    O'Driscoll(still has to be there, even if he passed best)
    Smith
    Syvivatu
    Hernandez(i know he plays 10 now but he would be my pick as there's no standout candidate)


  • Posts: 4,149 ✭✭✭ Adelyn Clever Pail


    You use that word far too lightly(Wynand Oliver!!)

    His place kicking is way down on norm and kicking out of hand has slowed right down. Hasn't been put under any pressure by any 7 this season but he looks like he's playing at 65% capacity.

    Fair enough about his kicking but its him to thank for the distribution that has netted them 15 tries so far and pretty much won the tournament.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,855 ✭✭✭pappyodaniel


    Carl Heymans
    John Smith or Bismark Du Plessis
    Nicolas Mas
    Brad Thorn
    Victor Matfeld
    Schalk Burger
    David Pocock
    Imanol Harinordoquy
    Fourie Du Preez but Will Genia has everything
    Dan Carter
    Bryan Habana
    Yannick Jauzion
    Conrad Smith
    James O'Connor
    Mils Muliaina


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 910 ✭✭✭Ciaran-Irl


    1. Fabien Barcella
    2. Stephen Moore
    3. Carl Hayman
    4. Brad Thorn
    5. Victor Matfield
    6. Dussatoir
    7. Richie McCaw
    8. Heaslip
    9. Fouie Du Preez
    10.Dan Carter
    11.Bryan Habana
    12.Jauzion
    13.Conrad Smith
    14.Cory Jane
    15.Mils Muliaina

    16. William Servat
    17. Ben Alexander
    18. Donncha O Callaghan
    19. Imanol Harinordoquy
    20. Morgan Parra
    21. Quade Cooper
    22. Aurélien Rougerie

    How it pains me to leave out Brian O Driscoll.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,969 ✭✭✭buck65


    New Zealand.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 15 another10


    Stephen Ferris? He should be nowhere near a world XV at the moment.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,699 ✭✭✭bamboozle


    Quade Cooper has to be the best rugby player around at the moment, a joy to watch, Genia is also top notch.

    cant see beyond Oz for the world cup next year.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,548 ✭✭✭Luckycharm


    Woodcock
    Du Plesis
    Hayman
    Thorn
    Matfield
    Ferris
    McCaw
    Harrinordiquay
    Du Preez
    Carter
    Habanna
    O'Driscoll(still has to be there, even if he passed best)
    Smith
    Syvivatu
    Hernandez(i know he plays 10 now but he would be my pick as there's no standout candidate)

    NO he doesn't and on current form Smith is well ahead of him. Ferris needs a long injury free period to make it imho as everytime he looks like he is about to ignite he gets injured.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 910 ✭✭✭Ciaran-Irl


    bamboozle wrote: »
    Quade Cooper has to be the best rugby player around at the moment, a joy to watch, Genia is also top notch.

    cant see beyond Oz for the world cup next year.

    Having some good players isn't enough. Overall, NZ's first 15 are miles better. Australia's 1, 4, 8, 11, 13 & 15 aren't quite good enough to win a world cup.

    On 6 nations form, France would also beat Australia, but they have been a million miles off 6 nations form this summer.

    Australia are the second best team in the world right now, but they are a distant second to be honest.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,699 ✭✭✭bamboozle


    Ciaran-Irl wrote: »
    Having some good players isn't enough. Overall, NZ's first 15 are miles better. Australia's 1, 4, 8, 11, 13 & 15 aren't quite good enough to win a world cup.

    On 6 nations form, France would also beat Australia, but they have been a million miles off 6 nations form this summer.

    Australia are the second best team in the world right now, but they are a distant second to be honest.

    the world cup is still over a year away, that's plenty of time for Pocock, Cooper, Genia, O'Connor, Mumm, Horne to gain further top class experience and become star international players, the OZ team is very young for an international team and will only get better.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 723 ✭✭✭Ian_K


    Barcella
    Servat
    Castrogiovanni

    Thorn
    Matfield

    Brussow
    Pocock
    Parisse

    Genia
    Carter

    SB Williams
    Fourie

    Sivivatu
    Bowe
    2009 Kearney


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,881 ✭✭✭PhatPiggins


    Luckycharm wrote: »
    NO he doesn't and on current form Smith is well ahead of him. Ferris needs a long injury free period to make it imho as everytime he looks like he is about to ignite he gets injured.

    I think you'll find that he has Smith in at 13.


  • Advertisement
  • Closed Accounts Posts: 15 another10


    Woodcock
    Servat
    Alexander
    Thorne
    Matfield
    Kaino
    Pocock
    Heaslip

    Du Preez
    Carter
    Rougerie
    Jauzion
    Smith
    Jane
    Muliaina


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,881 ✭✭✭PhatPiggins


    Fair enough about his kicking but its him to thank for the distribution that has netted them 15 tries so far and pretty much won the tournament.

    True his distribution has always been top notch but he's being given an age on the ball. Most decent 10's would look good in this years AB's team considering the armchair ride Carter is getting.

    I think the comment that Carter is in the XV almost by default even though not playing particularly well is valid enough.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,969 ✭✭✭buck65


    Re Ferris, I've been hearing about Ferris and Heaslip as world class players for the past 2 years. Heaslip has proved himself time and again but I fear Ferris may be a bit overhyped. Sure he looked good in a couple of Ulster's HCup games and on the Lions tour but for Ireland has he really done it? The lad is blighted by injury but all this expectation and hype must be a pressure to him.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 723 ✭✭✭Ian_K


    True his distribution has always been top notch but he's being given an age on the ball. Most decent 10's would look good in this years AB's team considering the armchair ride Carter is getting.

    I think the comment that Carter is in the XV almost by default even though not playing particularly well is valid enough.


    Even if he is only kicking 65%, his running, offloading and awareness still put him streets ahead of most other OHs. His class would shine through behind a struggling pack too but we'll probably never see this scenario


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,881 ✭✭✭PhatPiggins


    Ciaran-Irl wrote: »
    Having some good players isn't enough. Overall, NZ's first 15 are miles better. Australia's 1, 4, 8, 11, 13 & 15 aren't quite good enough to win a world cup.

    On 6 nations form, France would also beat Australia, but they have been a million miles off 6 nations form this summer.

    Australia are the second best team in the world right now, but they are a distant second to be honest.

    Ben Robinson is easily in the top 3 looseheads in the world. Ma'afu is poo but they have the excellent Ben Alexander to come back in there.

    Richard Brown is a bit light weight but as soon as the far better Wycliff Palu returns to fitness he'll be dropped.

    They do miss a foil for Sharpe alright who doesn't have the legs for the 80 anymore.

    There's a wealth of back 3 players like Hynes,Iaone etc to come back as well but they could still use a specialist 15 like Burke/Latham.

    13 is the big problem position as they miss the hard running of Mortlock more then they expected.

    In short I don't think they're that distant a second(third imo) they just seem to be lacking the bottle more then anything which is not something you usually attribute to an Australian team of any sort.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,881 ✭✭✭PhatPiggins


    buck65 wrote: »
    Re Ferris, I've been hearing about Ferris and Heaslip as world class players for the past 2 years. Heaslip has proved himself time and again but I fear Ferris may be a bit overhyped. Sure he looked good in a couple of Ulster's HCup games and on the Lions tour but for Ireland has he really done it? The lad is blighted by injury but all this expectation and hype must be a pressure to him.

    Short answer no. The Lions injury was particularly unfortunate because he was the standout player on the tour up to that point.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,770 ✭✭✭danthefan


    New Zealand 1-15. Miles better than anything else out there. No Irish player would be anywhere near the World XV at the moment.


  • Site Banned Posts: 5,346 ✭✭✭wixfjord


    danthefan wrote: »
    New Zealand 1-15. Miles better than anything else out there. No Irish player would be anywhere near the World XV at the moment.

    Tommy and Heaslip?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,969 ✭✭✭buck65


    Tony "Soft hands" Buckley?


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 910 ✭✭✭Ciaran-Irl


    Ben Robinson is easily in the top 3 looseheads in the world. Ma'afu is poo but they have the excellent Ben Alexander to come back in there.

    Richard Brown is a bit light weight but as soon as the far better Wycliff Palu returns to fitness he'll be dropped.

    They do miss a foil for Sharpe alright who doesn't have the legs for the 80 anymore.

    There's a wealth of back 3 players like Hynes,Iaone etc to come back as well but they could still use a specialist 15 like Burke/Latham.

    13 is the big problem position as they miss the hard running of Mortlock more then they expected.

    In short I don't think they're that distant a second(third imo) they just seem to be lacking the bottle more then anything which is not something you usually attribute to an Australian team of any sort.

    I'm not saying these players are bad. They're brilliant - mostly better than anything in the home nations, but I still don't reckon they will have a chance of winning the world cup.

    Ben Alexander is up there all right at Tighthead, but I wouldn't rate Ben Robinson quite as highly. He is excellent, but the French & NZ looseheads are all ahead of him I'd say.

    Palu is good, but not in the top 10 number 8s in the world right now. Top 10 (in no particular order) Heaslip, Reid, Parisse, Juan Fernández Lobbe, Harinordoquy, Picamoles, Bonnaire, Johnnie Beattie, Xavier Rush, Rodney So'oialo - all better that Palu. All better that that Richard Brown chap too. Even that plank of wood Pierre Spies is better.

    They do look good in the back three - from a distance. In terms of raw ability, Jame O Conner especially could be amazing, but as things stand, they aren't at World Cup level. Maybe in 2-5 years. The French or NZ back three are far better than them, and on a good day, the Irish or South African back three would give them a run for their money.

    I suspect that they will not be good enough in 1 year, and they will peak in 3 years. Too late and too early for either world cup cycle.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,214 ✭✭✭wonton


    I think you mean Tony "can't scrum" Buckley


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,881 ✭✭✭PhatPiggins


    Ciaran-Irl wrote: »
    I'm not saying these players are bad. They're brilliant - mostly better than anything in the home nations, but I still don't reckon they will have a chance of winning the world cup.

    Ben Alexander is up there all right at Tighthead, but I wouldn't rate Ben Robinson quite as highly. He is excellent, but the French & NZ looseheads are all ahead of him I'd say.

    Palu is good, but not in the top 10 number 8s in the world right now. Top 10 (in no particular order) Heaslip, Reid, Parisse, Juan Fernández Lobbe, Harinordoquy, Picamoles, Bonnaire, Johnnie Beattie, Xavier Rush, Rodney So'oialo - all better that Palu. All better that that Richard Brown chap too. Even that plank of wood Pierre Spies is better.

    They do look good in the back three - from a distance. In terms of raw ability, Jame O Conner especially could be amazing, but as things stand, they aren't at World Cup level. Maybe in 2-5 years. The French or NZ back three are far better than them, and on a good day, the Irish or South African back three would give them a run for their money.

    I suspect that they will not be good enough in 1 year, and they will peak in 3 years. Too late and too early for either world cup cycle.

    Good post hard to argue with most of it bar difference of opinion regarding how good a few of the players you mentioned are.

    I think essentially we're on the same track they close to being brilliant but don't look like getting there with the current squad


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,193 ✭✭✭[Jackass]


    Ferris is an excellent 6 by international standards, but he's nowhere near the likes of Rocky Elsom. The impact that guy had on Europe in one season (being nominated in the player of the first 15 years having played only 9 games as apposed to 50+ for all other candidates) is a mark of the quality of the man, and also being named captain of Australia in order to bring him back shows how highly regarded he is back home. Best 6 in the world imo.

    As for eight, i can see Heaslip being a contender at 8 in a world XV team. O'Driscolls form last season was only ok by his standards so wouldn't see him on the team for last season, but he would have been the captain of it the season before.

    McCaw at 7 also.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,881 ✭✭✭PhatPiggins


    [Jackass] wrote: »
    Ferris is an excellent 6 by international standards, but he's nowhere near the likes of Rocky Elsom. The impact that guy had on Europe in one season (being nominated in the player of the first 15 years having played only 9 games as apposed to 50+ for all other candidates) is a mark of the quality of the man, and also being named captain of Australia in order to bring him back shows how highly regarded he is back home. Best 6 in the world imo.

    As for eight, i can see Heaslip being a contender at 8 in a world XV team. O'Driscolls form last season was only ok by his standards so wouldn't see him on the team for last season, but he would have been the captain of it the season before.

    McCaw at 7 also.

    Elsom is a good player and all that but his inclusion on the Euro Star XV was pushing it. Personally untill I see him dominate a tri nations game I'll hold off on calling him the best 6 in the world.

    Has ever been MOTM in a Tri Nations game? I think Deans may be regretting making him captain but seeing as his other options were Giteau and 60 minute Sharpe I can see why he did. That and luring him home of course.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,770 ✭✭✭danthefan


    wixfjord wrote: »
    Tommy and Heaslip?

    Heaslip possibly because there aren't too many standout 8s at the moment but Bowe hasn't done anything in the season just gone at international level that's made him look like one of the best wingers in the world.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,881 ✭✭✭PhatPiggins


    danthefan wrote: »
    Heaslip possibly because there aren't too many standout 8s at the moment but Bowe hasn't done anything in the season just gone at international level that's made him look like one of the best wingers in the world.

    Heaslip should get it because he's been great for two seasons but Read has had a superb season so far.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 723 ✭✭✭Ian_K


    People here have such short memories, have you all forgotten how good Parisse is just because he had a bad injury last season


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 15 another10


    Parisse isnt as good as people think. Looks good for Italy because he can do what he likes (drop goals) but Id have Heaslip instead of him anyday.

    As for the guy who asked if Rocky has ever got man of the match in a tri nations game, he won 3 in the Summer before he came to Leinster.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,803 ✭✭✭porterbelly


    Ciaran-Irl wrote: »
    Palu is good, but not in the top 10 number 8s in the world right now. Top 10 (in no particular order) Heaslip, Reid, Parisse, Juan Fernández Lobbe, Harinordoquy, Picamoles, Bonnaire, Johnnie Beattie, Xavier Rush, Rodney So'oialo - all better that Palu. All better that that Richard Brown chap too. Even that plank of wood Pierre Spies is better.

    Bonnaire's best position is at blindside, he can cover 8 but he shouldn't be included in this. Picamoles has been found out somewhat in that's he's a bit of a 1 dimensional rumbler and he doesn't deserve to be mentioned along with these great names. Rodney So'olialo is nowhere near what he was.

    Best no8's in my opinion at the minute
    1. Sergio Parisse- He may have been injured for nearly all of last year but his performance against the Springboks in the 1st of the Italy's summer tests proves that this man is a class apart. A truly special player.

    2. Imanol Harinordoquy-Inspirational for both France and Biarritz.

    3. Jamie Heaslip-Fast becoming one of the best in the game, consistently excellent for club and country.

    4. Chris Masoe-Followers of the top 14 will know what this man is all about. Has transformed Castres from perennial strugglers to title challengers. Magnificent every week, what Graham Henry would give to have him for the World Cup.

    5. Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe-No coincedence that Sale Sharks have gone downhill in his absence. Wears his heart on his sleeve and covers every blade of grass, he's got everything.

    6. Xavier Rush-An old fashioned thoroughbred who seems to be getting better with age. Another man Graham Henry would love to have on board.

    7. Luke Watson-Has given a new dimension to Bath since joining them and has been named captain for the new season, a testament to what he has brought to their side.

    8. Kieran Read-Is really starting to hit form and is fast becoming one of the 1st on the All Black teamsheet.

    9. Johnnie Beattie-Indispensable to Glasgow and Scotland. A superb ball carrier with great pace and forms an integral part of the 'Killer B's' alongside Kelly Brown and John Barclay.

    10. Wycliff Palu-Has been out along time with injury but when fit is a big part of the Aussie pack. Very hard to stop when in his stride and a superb tackler.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 15 another10


    Bonnaire's best position is at blindside, he can cover 8 but he shouldn't be included in this. Picamoles has been found out somewhat in that's he's a bit of a 1 dimensional rumbler and he doesn't deserve to be mentioned along with these great names. Rodney So'olialo is nowhere near what he was.

    Best no8's in my opinion at the minute
    1. Sergio Parisse- He may have been injured for nearly all of last year but his performance against the Springboks in the 1st of the Italy's summer tests proves that this man is a class apart. A truly special player.

    2. Imanol Harinordoquy-Inspirational for both France and Biarritz.

    3. Jamie Heaslip-Fast becoming one of the best in the game, consistently excellent for club and country.

    4. Chris Masoe-Followers of the top 14 will know what this man is all about. Has transformed Castres from perennial strugglers to title challengers. Magnificent every week, what Graham Henry would give to have him for the World Cup.

    5. Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe-No coincedence that Sale Sharks have gone downhill in his absence. Wears his heart on his sleeve and covers every blade of grass, he's got everything.

    6. Xavier Rush-An old fashioned thoroughbred who seems to be getting better with age. Another man Graham Henry would love to have on board.

    7. Luke Watson-Has given a new dimension to Bath since joining them and has been named captain for the new season, a testament to what he has brought to their side.

    8. Kieran Read-Is really starting to hit form and is fast becoming one of the 1st on the All Black teamsheet.

    9. Johnnie Beattie-Indispensable to Glasgow and Scotland. A superb ball carrier with great pace and forms an integral part of the 'Killer B's' alongside Kelly Brown and John Barclay.

    10. Wycliff Palu-Has been out along time with injury but when fit is a big part of the Aussie pack. Very hard to stop when in his stride and a superb tackler.

    Terrifc post, agree with most of what you said exept Id swap Heaslip and Parisse and also JMFL with Masoe.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,255 ✭✭✭anonymous_joe


    My own take on it would be;

    1. Benn Robinson
    2.
    3. Carl Hayman
    4. Ali Williams
    5. Victor Matfield
    6.
    7. McCaw
    8. Parisse

    9. F Du Preez
    10. Dan Carter

    11. Habana
    12. Nonu
    13. Smith
    14. Bowe

    15. Francois Steyn.

    Not sure that anybody would really stand out at hooker or at blindside. 4 was a problem too. Elsom would probably make it in at 6, but he's not in great form.

    Interesting omissions would be; Cooper, Genia, Horne, Cory Jane, Mils Muliaina, Pocock, Brussow, Fourie and De Villiers.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81 ✭✭Toga Stroll


    1.Tony Woodcock
    2.William Servat
    3.Nicholas Mass
    4.Dane Roussow (If he can stay on the pitch long enough :rolleyes:)
    5.Nathan Sharpe/Brad Thorn
    6.Richie McCaw
    7.David Pockock
    8.Jamie Heaslip
    9.Will Genia
    10.Dan Carter
    11.Tommy Bowe
    12.Matt Giteau
    13.Conrad Smith
    14.Joe Rokocoko
    15.Mils Muliaina

    In the backrow you can switch them round but I wanted both Pockock and McCaw. I'd most likely stick with McCaw at 6 as Pockock is faster.
    Individually the centre pairing is excellent but I'm not sure how they would work in a team. Giteau is probably too small to play inside of Smith who is no giant himself. If I had to replace him I'd pick BOD at 12.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,548 ✭✭✭Luckycharm


    I think you'll find that he has Smith in at 13.

    Well then he must have BOD down as the best 12 in the world even though he has never played there :p

    Dougalicous team below

    Woodcock
    Du Plesis
    Hayman
    Thorn
    Matfield
    Ferris
    McCaw
    Harrinordiquay
    Du Preez
    Carter
    Habanna
    O'Driscoll(still has to be there, even if he passed best)
    Smith
    Syvivatu
    Hernandez(i know he plays 10 now but he would be my pick as there's no standout candidate


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 723 ✭✭✭Ian_K


    another10 wrote: »
    Parisse isnt as good as people think. Looks good for Italy because he can do what he likes (drop goals) but Id have Heaslip instead of him anyday.

    As for the guy who asked if Rocky has ever got man of the match in a tri nations game, he won 3 in the Summer before he came to Leinster.

    Cudnt disagree more tbh. imo Parisse is the most complete player of his generation


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 388 ✭✭redroar1942


    Luckycharm wrote: »
    Well then he must have BOD down as the best 12 in the world even though he has never played there :p

    Dougalicous team below

    Woodcock
    Du Plesis
    Hayman
    Thorn
    Matfield
    Ferris
    McCaw
    Harrinordiquay
    Du Preez
    Carter
    Habanna
    O'Driscoll(still has to be there, even if he passed best)
    Smith
    Syvivatu
    Hernandez(i know he plays 10 now but he would be my pick as there's no standout candidate

    Great post !


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 1,183 ✭✭✭almighty1


    Bonnaire's best position is at blindside, he can cover 8 but he shouldn't be included in this. Picamoles has been found out somewhat in that's he's a bit of a 1 dimensional rumbler and he doesn't deserve to be mentioned along with these great names. Rodney So'olialo is nowhere near what he was.

    Best no8's in my opinion at the minute
    1. Sergio Parisse- He may have been injured for nearly all of last year but his performance against the Springboks in the 1st of the Italy's summer tests proves that this man is a class apart. A truly special player.

    2. Imanol Harinordoquy-Inspirational for both France and Biarritz.

    3. Jamie Heaslip-Fast becoming one of the best in the game, consistently excellent for club and country.

    4. Chris Masoe-Followers of the top 14 will know what this man is all about. Has transformed Castres from perennial strugglers to title challengers. Magnificent every week, what Graham Henry would give to have him for the World Cup.

    5. Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe-No coincedence that Sale Sharks have gone downhill in his absence. Wears his heart on his sleeve and covers every blade of grass, he's got everything.

    6. Xavier Rush-An old fashioned thoroughbred who seems to be getting better with age. Another man Graham Henry would love to have on board.

    7. Luke Watson-Has given a new dimension to Bath since joining them and has been named captain for the new season, a testament to what he has brought to their side.

    8. Kieran Read-Is really starting to hit form and is fast becoming one of the 1st on the All Black teamsheet.

    9. Johnnie Beattie-Indispensable to Glasgow and Scotland. A superb ball carrier with great pace and forms an integral part of the 'Killer B's' alongside Kelly Brown and John Barclay.

    10. Wycliff Palu-Has been out along time with injury but when fit is a big part of the Aussie pack. Very hard to stop when in his stride and a superb tackler.

    Spies not even in the worlds top 10 numbers 8s? Oh come on, just a year ago he was being touted as one of the best numbers 8's in the world. Ok he has had an indifferent year internationally but he has been injured for a while.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 625 ✭✭✭theKramer


    almighty1 wrote: »
    Spies not even in the worlds top 10 numbers 8s? Oh come on, just a year ago he was being touted as one of the best numbers 8's in the world. Ok he has had an indifferent year internationally but he has been injured for a while.
    I dont think he is tbh. He looks great when the Boks are on top but you see feck all of him when they are under the kosh. Compare that to say Heaslip or Parisse, who are always evident even when their teams arent doing well, especially Parisse.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,881 ✭✭✭PhatPiggins


    theKramer wrote: »
    I dont think he is tbh. He looks great when the Boks are on top but you see feck all of him when they are under the kosh. Compare that to say Heaslip or Parisse, who are always evident even when their teams arent doing well, especially Parisse.

    I dont rate Spies that highly and have said it a few times in the past but he's still better then the likes of Watson and Masoe who looked completely out of place at international level.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,803 ✭✭✭porterbelly


    Neither Watson nor Masoe were given a proper chance internationally. We all know of Watson's problems in the past with his controvrsial comments but he was regarded as an openside by the South African management, in direct competition with Schalk Burger, who remember was world player of the year in 2004. Watson was quality for the Stormers but was never really considered because it might not go down well among fellow players. Anyone who has seen Watson at Bath will realise what a player he his. I'd take him over Pierre Spies anyday.

    Chris Masoe has been transformed since he has moved to Castres who ahve played him in his best position at no8. When playing in New Zealand with the Hurricanes the only position he could be accomodated in the lineup was at openside because Jerry Collins at 6 and Rodney So'olialo at 8. Therefore he wasn't recognised as primarily an 8 and therefore never really got a fair crack at the whip. Followers of the Top 14 in France and who have seen alot of Castres play will realise that this man is immense.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,881 ✭✭✭PhatPiggins


    Neither Watson nor Masoe were given a proper chance internationally. We all know of Watson's problems in the past with his controvrsial comments but he was regarded as an openside by the South African management, in direct competition with Schalk Burger, who remember was world player of the year in 2004. Watson was quality for the Stormers but was never really considered because it might not go down well among fellow players. Anyone who has seen Watson at Bath will realise what a player he his. I'd take him over Pierre Spies anyday.

    Chris Masoe has been transformed since he has moved to Castres who ahve played him in his best position at no8. When playing in New Zealand with the Hurricanes the only position he could be accomodated in the lineup was at openside because Jerry Collins at 6 and Rodney So'olialo at 8. Therefore he wasn't recognised as primarily an 8 and therefore never really got a fair crack at the whip. Followers of the Top 14 in France and who have seen alot of Castres play will realise that this man is immense.

    Another good post but your basing your opinion on club form which doesn't hold much chop for me. We'll have to agree to disagree on this one.


  • Advertisement
Advertisement