RWC 2015 - build-up thread

.ak

Infact, based on that squad, I'd be happy to say Australia are not getting out of their pool. England and Wales to share the top spots.

sydthebeat

cheika showing massive tahs bias really.

white is their in form SH, phipps has been muck since about june,

Horwill hasnt been great but has had much improved performances towards the end of last seasons SVX, whereas douglas has done exactly what to demand inclusion?

their shallowness at hooker is well documented, but only to take 2 is a massive risk... i dont know if any of the reserve props can step in at that level?

mc mahon is an excellent player and id have no problem with him making the squad.

molloyjh

.ak wrote: »

Infact, based on that squad, I'd be happy to say Australia are not getting out of their pool. England and Wales to share the top spots.

This.....

total former

Aussie squad breakdown:

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

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

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

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

Wallabies Backs:

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

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

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

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

molloyjh

It's starting to look like Cheiks isn't for changing re his first choice halves. Phipps and Foley are the most likely there and they've been fairly poor lately. I can't see how they expect to get out of thei group with either of those 10s tbh.

Kiwi_knock

Some strange choices there by Cheika. Really should have brought a 3rd hooker especially with Moore not being in great form and Polota-Nau being a walking concussion. Cheika didn't need an extra backrow, it should have been either McMahon or Palu not both. I am huge fan of McMahon, and his club form does deserve a call-up, but there are at least 5 players in that squad who can cover blindside flanker. He really isn't needed particularly when he will only be a squad player.

I was actually a bit surprised that the extra space created by only picking 2 hookers did not lead to Cheika taking 5 second rows. Rewind to a few months ago an Aussie fans were in uproar that an out of form Horwill was selected over Luke Jones. Now the uproar is about how Horwill was probably their best performing lock during the RC, but has to make way for Douglas who has never really impressed for the Wallabies. Cheika's decision to promise WC spots to Mumm and Douglas is looking highly suspect now. The impact of this decision can only be judged after the WC but fans are already not impressed with this type of management.

Cheika should have gone with 3 scrumhalves as well, he should have given himself as much options as possible to find a starting 9. He didn't need to sacrifice a 9 just so he could bring another winger, he is already well stocked there. I think Cheika did it because he didn't want to have the make the tough choice of leaving Speight behind. Speight had a poor Super Rugby season and was the worst of the wingers in the RC so his spot was most vulnerable but he does have the potential for something special that maybe Horne, Mitchell and Tomane are lacking in their games.

There is undoubted talent in that squad. Still the big question is can Cheika get the arrangement right and pick a 23 that maximises the talent at his disposal. I have my doubts, and this peculiar squad choice only adds to the doubts.

Yeah_Right

Is there an Aussie playing hooker in Europe who could be called up in case of injury? Just a random thought.

Steve Hansen mentioned the ABs might go with only 2 halfbacks. I don't think they will though.

It seems to me that Cheika hasn't found a solution to the problem that has plagued the Aussies for the past few years. They have so much talent for 10-15 that they try to cram them all into the team/squad and guys end up out of position.

sydthebeat

Palu over higginbottom is another slightly dubious decision. palu is arguably past it at this stage at 33. do they need 2 specialist 8's? pocock has shown he can absolutely "do a job" there

Its strange, hes picked 2 hookers and 2 SHs but really hasnt bolstered any particular area with strength.
fardy is probably looked upon as the 5th lock...

.ak

I just think with the likes of Douglas leapfrogging that team doesn't look like a 'team'. I think there'll be a few miffed heads in there and I can't see them clicking.

TICKLE_ME_ELMO

Nic White, although he only played briefly in the win over NZ, and the full game in NZ, was looking more in form than any of the other SHs. He kicked 100% too. Granted he only had 3 or 4 kicks but given their problems there it's crazy they haven't taken him. Makes you wonder if his selection for that last match with NZ was deliberate so he could drop the players he didn't want to bring anyway.

I am inclined to agree with the sentiment that it should be Wales and England coming out of that pool now.

sydthebeat

TICKLE_ME_ELMO wrote: »

Nic White, although he only played briefly in the win over NZ, and the full game in NZ, was looking more in form than any of the other SHs. He kicked 100% too. Granted he only had 3 or 4 kicks but given their problems there it's crazy they haven't taken him. Makes you wonder if his selection for that last match with NZ was deliberate so he could drop the players he didn't want to bring anyway.

I am inclined to agree with the sentiment that it should be Wales and England coming out of that pool now.

white was the only aussie player to come from that game with his head held high.

utterly mind boggling decision

Buer

It's a really curious squad, altogether. The two hookers is pretty bizarre although I'm sure they'll get by.

Did some rooting around and Toby Smith has started at hooker before in the NPC although 4 years ago so he might be able to cover from the bench in a pinch against Fiji or Uruguay.

What did strike me as unusual as I was going through the props was that all of them play both sides of the scrum. Perhaps one of the reasons as to why their scrum has been so poor over recent years is due to them chopping and changing the sides they pack down on?

Mike Ross has never started a game at 1. Cian Healy has never started a game at 3. With 23 man squads, there's little reason to move guys between both roles in recent seasons.

TICKLE_ME_ELMO

I just don't understand how, when they're going to have to put out their best team for probably 3 of their 4 pool games, they've gone with selection like that? Is Genia even fully recovered from his surgery? He hasn't played since the injury happened. I know Giteau can fill in at SH if needed but it's hardly ideal. Douglas hasn't really played since his injury at Leinster earlier this season, bar 20 minutes at the end of the NZ match last week. If they pull it off Cheika will be considered a genius but I have my doubts.

TICKLE_ME_ELMO

Yeah_Right wrote: »

Is there an Aussie playing hooker in Europe who could be called up in case of injury? Just a random thought.

Not hooker but interesting that both Horwill and White had signed to play in England/France after the World Cup. Chances are now that both of them will be not too far away from the squad if needed.

TICKLE_ME_ELMO

Fiji have announced their squad too.

PROPS
1. Lee Roy Atalifo
2. Isei Colati
3. Campese Ma’afu
4. Peni Ravai
5. Manasa Saulo

HOOKERS
6. Sunia Koto (Vice Captain)
7. Tuapati Talemaitoga
8. Viliame Veikoso

LOCKS
9. Tevita Cavubati
10. Leone Nakarawa
11. Api Ratuniyarawa
12. Nemia Soqeta

BACKROW
13. Sakiusa Masi Matadigo
14. Akapusi Qera (Captain)
15. Malakai Ravulo
16. Netani Talei
17. Dom Waqaniburotu
18. Peceli Yato

HALF BACKS
19. Nemia Kenatale
20. Nikola Matawalu
21. Henry Seniloli

INSIDE BACKS
22. Lepani Botia
23. Gabiriele Lovobalavu
24. Joshua Matavesi
25. Ben Volavola

OUTSIDE BACKS
26. Vereniki Goneva (Vice Captain)
27. Kini Murimurivalu
28. Nemani Nadolo
29. Waisea Nayacalevu
30. Metuisela Talebula
31. Asaeli Tikoirotuma

Non Travelling Reserves:
FRONTROW: Joeli Veitayaki, Jerry Yanuyanutawa, Jale Sassen
LOCK: Savenaca Tabakanalagi
BACKS: Seremaia Bai, Napolioni Nalaga, Timoci Nagusa

The Pheasant2

TICKLE_ME_ELMO wrote: »

Fiji have announced their squad too.

PROPS
1. Lee Roy Atalifo
2. Isei Colati
3. Campese Ma’afu
4. Peni Ravai
5. Manasa Saulo

HOOKERS
6. Sunia Koto (Vice Captain)
7. Tuapati Talemaitoga
8. Viliame Veikoso

LOCKS
9. Tevita Cavubati
10. Leone Nakarawa
11. Api Ratuniyarawa
12. Nemia Soqeta

BACKROW
13. Sakiusa Masi Matadigo
14. Akapusi Qera (Captain)
15. Malakai Ravulo
16. Netani Talei
17. Dom Waqaniburotu
18. Peceli Yato

HALF BACKS
19. Nemia Kenatale
20. Nikola Matawalu
21. Henry Seniloli

INSIDE BACKS
22. Lepani Botia
23. Gabiriele Lovobalavu
24. Joshua Matavesi
25. Ben Volavola

OUTSIDE BACKS
26. Vereniki Goneva (Vice Captain)
27. Kini Murimurivalu
28. Nemani Nadolo
29. Waisea Nayacalevu
30. Metuisela Talebula
31. Asaeli Tikoirotuma

Non Travelling Reserves:
FRONTROW: Joeli Veitayaki, Jerry Yanuyanutawa, Jale Sassen
LOCK: Savenaca Tabakanalagi
BACKS: Seremaia Bai, Napolioni Nalaga, Timoci Nagusa

I amn't hugely in the know about the Fiji setup but I would've thought someone like Napolioni Nalaga would make the cut no?

Kiwi_knock

The Pheasant2 wrote: »

I amn't hugely in the know about the Fiji setup but I would've thought someone like Napolioni Nalaga would make the cut no?

He is injured so wouldn't be fit for the start of the WC, there is the possibility he could be involved later in the pool stages if there any injuries.

ionadnapokot

sydthebeat wrote: »

Palu over higginbottom is another slightly dubious decision. palu is arguably past it at this stage at 33. do they need 2 specialist 8's? pocock has shown he can absolutely "do a job" there

Its strange, hes picked 2 hookers and 2 SHs but really hasnt bolstered any particular area with strength.
fardy is probably looked upon as the 5th lock...

Its a strange squad. Smacks a bit of "Im not afraid to make the big calls".
Only 2 Hookers is risky even though they will be allowed parachute in a replacement in case of injury.
2 SH also risky but Gits is prob the only player in the world who i would be comfortable covering the reserve spot. But as you said where is the benefit?
Palu & McMahon? There is still no strong carrying 6/8 in the squad. Speight? Horne? Tomane? Only 2 spots should have gone to those 5.

& Douglas for Horwill? Douglas????
Having said all that i can still see them getting out of the group. Wales will not beat Australia. They have lost the last 10 games to them. & England will be facing a better drilled scrum this time around.

TICKLE_ME_ELMO

ionadnapokot wrote: »

& Douglas for Horwill? Douglas????
Having said all that i can still see them getting out of the group. Wales will not beat Australia. They have lost the last 10 games to them. & England will be facing a better drilled scrum this time around.

The amount of effort they went to to get Douglas out of Leinster it was obvious he was going to be in the squad. For whatever reason.

Zzippy

TICKLE_ME_ELMO wrote: »

The amount of effort they went to to get Douglas out of Leinster it was obvious he was going to be in the squad. For whatever reason.

I'd say Cheika sees Douglas as a long-term option so needed him back playing in Oz, but being hampered by the 60 cap rule he had to promise him a WC place to sweeten the deal, and Horwill loses out. Could cost them big time, and very harsh on Horwill...

sydthebeat

Zzippy wrote: »

I'd say Cheika sees Douglas as a long-term option so needed him back playing in Oz, but being hampered by the 60 cap rule he had to promise him a WC place to sweeten the deal, and Horwill loses out. Could cost them big time, and very harsh on Horwill...

will douglas progress much next year in a ailing reds team that may be under MOC?

Zzippy

sydthebeat wrote: »

will douglas progress much next year in a ailing reds team that may be under MOC?

Going on MOC's record of developing second rows for other teams he will be back here playing for Connacht in no time.

:pac:

ionadnapokot

TICKLE_ME_ELMO wrote: »

Fiji have announced their squad too.

PROPS
1. Lee Roy Atalifo (27)
2. Isei Colati (31)
3. Campese Ma’afu (30)
4. Peni Ravai (25)
5. Manasa Saulo (26)

HOOKERS
6. Sunia Koto (Vice Captain) (35)
7. Tuapati Talemaitoga (31)
8. Viliame Veikoso (33)

LOCKS
9. Tevita Cavubati (28)
10. Leone Nakarawa (27)
11. Api Ratuniyarawa (32)
12. Nemia Soqeta (30)

BACKROW
13. Sakiusa Masi Matadigo (33)
14. Akapusi Qera (Captain) (31)
15. Malakai Ravulo (31)
16. Netani Talei (32)
17. Dom Waqaniburotu (29)
18. Peceli Yato (22)

Must be one of the oldest squad of forwards at the rwc.
Although the young bucks Yato and Nakarawa will be great to watch with the ball in hand.
Heres hoping for an upset in the opening game!

TICKLE_ME_ELMO

ionadnapokot wrote: »

Must be one of the oldest squad of forwards at the rwc.
Although the young bucks Yato and Nakarawa will be great to watch with the ball in hand.
Heres hoping for an upset in the opening game!

Yeah, there's no way they're coming out of that pool but they could have a big impact on who does.

TICKLE_ME_ELMO

Romania lost to a presumably under strength Edinburgh tonight 31-16.

Edinburgh's new kits are horrific, by the way.

PTH2009

heres my take on what will happen in the world cup

final standings

Group A
1 England
2 Austrailia
3 Wales
4 Fiji
5 Uruaguay

Group B
1 South Africa
2 Scotland
3 Samoa
4 USA
5 Japan

Group C
1 New Zealand
2 Argentina
3 Tonga
4 Georgia
5 Namibia

Group D
1 France
2 Ireland
3 Italy
4 Romania
5 Canada

QF
South Africa vs Austrailia- South Africa
New Zealand vs Ireland- New Zealand
France vs Argentina-France
England vs Scotland-England

SF
South Africa vs New Zealand- New Zealand
France vs England-England

3/4 playoff
South Africa vs France- South Africa

F
New Zealand vs England- England

if this happens everyone must donate 1 euro to a chosen charity of mine

Squidgy Black

PTH2009 wrote: »

heres my take on what will happen in the world cup

final standings

Group A
1 England
2 Austrailia
3 Wales
4 Fiji
5 Uruaguay

Group B
1 South Africa
2 Scotland
3 Samoa
4 USA
5 Japan

Group C
1 New Zealand
2 Argentina
3 Tonga
4 Georgia
5 Namibia

Group D
1 France
2 Ireland
3 Italy
4 Romania
5 Canada

QF
South Africa vs Austrailia- South Africa
New Zealand vs Ireland- New Zealand
France vs Argentina-France
England vs Scotland-England

SF
South Africa vs New Zealand- New Zealand
France vs England-England

3/4 playoff
South Africa vs France- South Africa

F
New Zealand vs England- England

if this happens everyone must donate 1 euro to a chosen charity of mine

I think Australia would beat South Africa if it came to that, and Ireland should beat France to top our group.

ionadnapokot

TICKLE_ME_ELMO wrote: »

Yeah, there's no way they're coming out of that pool but they could have a big impact on who does.

Fiji and Australia. I'd love that:D

kuang1

PTH2009 wrote: »

heres my take on what will happen in the world cup

final standings

Group A
1 England
2 Austrailia
3 Wales
4 Fiji
5 Uruaguay

Group B
1 South Africa
2 Scotland
3 Samoa
4 USA
5 Japan

Group C
1 New Zealand
2 Argentina
3 Tonga
4 Georgia
5 Namibia

Group D
1 France
2 Ireland
3 Italy
4 Romania
5 Canada

QF
South Africa vs Austrailia- South Africa
New Zealand vs Ireland- New Zealand
France vs Argentina-France
England vs Scotland-England

SF
South Africa vs New Zealand- New Zealand
France vs England-England

3/4 playoff
South Africa vs France- South Africa

F
New Zealand vs England- England

if this happens everyone must donate 1 euro to a chosen charity of mine

Sport (even rugby) is rarely that predictable. I think our group is a literal toss up for 1st and 2nd at the mo.
I will be glued to the match in Paris tomorrow night for further insight. My fear is that momentum could be more with the french than ourselves by the time Sept 18th rolls around.
I still trust in Joe to see us through.
Pumas won't be the pushover I mistakenly assumed they would be...no matter who they play.

This English team are no world beaters imo. Even allowing for home advantage, they are massively under-priced at 7/2 in the bookies.

Most importantly of all..why would you wish such damning luck on a charity by associating them with England winning the RWC??!!!

The Pheasant2

Is Scotland v Italy televised does anyone know?

Deano7788

The Pheasant2 wrote: »

Is Scotland v Italy televised does anyone know?

It's on BT Sport 1 from 7.

Flipper22

Mike Blair, co-commentating, is comically biased, spotted about five scottish penalties the ref has 'missed' described a neck high clearout as a 'technicality', blamed the referees interpretation as a scottish scrum went pinwheeling backwards

Teferi

Irish outhalf AJ MacGinty currently playing for USA against Canada. US winning 17 - 6 at the moment.

Close enough game between Scotland and Italy, anyone care to comment on strength of relative sides - I gather Scotland we're a little stronger than last week.

OldRio

Teferi wrote: »

Irish outhalf AJ MacGinty currently playing for USA against Canada. US winning 17 - 6 at the moment.

Watching the game thanks to KODI.
MacGinty playing well. But to be honest the standard of the match is pretty poor.

paddyref

John Quill from Youghal came on for the yanks in the second half.

thomond2006

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

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

http://www.rugbyrama.fr/rugby/coupe-du-monde/2015/trinh-duc-lamerat-et-goujon-ecartes-du-groupe-des-31-francais-pour-la-coupe-du-monde-2015_sto4874453/story.shtml

Chiocci, Vahaamahina, Goujon, Trinh-Duc and Lamerat cut from the squad. From an Ireland POV I'm very happy to not see FTD there! I know Michalak had a good game last night but if the Irish pack can put it up to France and put pressure on him he can crumble.

Flipper22

thomond2006 wrote: »

Chiocci, Vahaamahina, Goujon, Trinh-Duc and Lamerat cut from the squad. From an Ireland POV I'm very happy to not see FTD there! I know Michalak had a good game last night but if the Irish pack can put it up to France and put pressure on him he can crumble.

No Trinh Duc, great stuff! I was hoping he'd do that. Fingers crossed he doesn't start Parra either

rebel girl 15

Suprised at Trinh-Duc, but Michalak played himself into the squad yesterday with that showing against England

Delighted though, Michalek can be got at and can crumble in big games!

ionadnapokot

Strange (even for PSA) that there are only 3 second rows. Maybe there are ? over Dusautoir's fitness. Dont see the need for 6 backrowers that include LeRoux, Nyanga and Quedrago.

rebel girl 15

No Bortolami

rebel girl 15

England squad being announced on Thursday at 1.45pm via Twitter

molloyjh

rebel girl 15 wrote: »

No Bortolami

Bloody twitter handles.

sydthebeat

italy suffering the endless "outhalf" problem....

PTH2009

thomond2006 wrote: »

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

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

http://www.rugbyrama.fr/rugby/coupe-du-monde/2015/trinh-duc-lamerat-et-goujon-ecartes-du-groupe-des-31-francais-pour-la-coupe-du-monde-2015_sto4874453/story.shtml

Chiocci, Vahaamahina, Goujon, Trinh-Duc and Lamerat cut from the squad. From an Ireland POV I'm very happy to not see FTD there! I know Michalak had a good game last night but if the Irish pack can put it up to France and put pressure on him he can crumble.

have a feeling that Guy Noves is calling the shots behind closed doors and is secretly working with them. They have played a lot better in the warm ups than they did in the six nations.

total former

rebel girl 15 wrote: »

No Bortolami

A fifth world cup for Mauro Bergamasco. Phenomenal.

smiley_face

rebel girl 15 wrote: »

No Bortolami

Did a quick internet check to see the make-up of their squad.
5 props, 3 hookers (one of which can play prop), 4 2nd Rows, 5 back rows,
3 SH, 2 OH, 4 centres, 3 wings, 2 FB.

Forwards:
Prop: (Loosehead) Matias Aguero, (Loosehead) Michele Rizzo, (Tighthead) Martin Castrogiovanni, (Tighthead) Dario Chistolini, (Tighthead) Lorenzo Cittadini,
Hooker: Leonardo Ghiraldini, Davide Giazzon (can play Prop also), Andrea Manici,
2nd Row: Joshua Furno, Quintin Geldenhuys, Valerio Barnabo, Marco Fuser,
Openside Flanker: Mauro Bergamasco, Francesco Minto,
Blindside Flanker: Alessandro Zanni,
No.8: Sergio Parisse (Captain), Samuela Vunisa,

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

CatFromHue

Yikes Italy's 2 OH's have a combined 16 caps between them!

Pol O Muineachan

total former wrote: »

A fifth world cup for Mauro Bergamasco. Phenomenal.

That is truly phenomonal.
May never happen again

aimee1

CatFromHue wrote: »

Yikes Italy's 2 OH's have a combined 16 caps between them!

and neither are that good.