NH XV vs SH XV (yes that old chestnut!)

[bushytop]

Probably a bit over-excited about this weekends offerings and thought this sort of thread my kill the hrs until kick off (also will be interesting to see how opinions change over the next 3 weeks).

Well here's my 30 (15 from each hemisphere).

NH 15

1. Gethin Jenkins (Healy is close though)
2. Rory Best
3. Adam Jones
4. Paul O'Connel (Lawes is quality & Maestri looks good too)
5. Ian Evans (D Ryan, R Gray available so a tough choice)
6. Stephen Ferris (just from Lydiate)
7. Sam Warburton (Tipuric & Rennie are pushing though)
8. Sergio Parisi
9. Dimitri Yacvilli
10. Sexton (club form)
11. George North
12. Jaime Roberts
13. BOD (manu & JD2 are pushing though)
14. Stuart Hogg (controversial but he's quality, imagine him playing with this quality)
15. Maxime Medard (Kearney & 1/2p were also close)

SH 15

1. Tony Woodcock (if Robinson has a good series, could take spot)
2. Bismark du Plessis
3. Owen Franks
4. Eben Etzebeth
5. Brodie Retallick (Kruger looks real good too)
6. Marcel Coetzee (Vito looks a talent too)
7. David Pocock (McCaw and Brussow are both amazing too)
8. Kieran Read (Fernandez Lobbe is quality)
9. Will Genia
10. Dan Carter
11. Digby Ioane
12. Franc Steyn
13. SBW (yeah most people would choose Smith but SBW is like noone else)
14. Zac Guildford (big fan of Mitchell too)
15. Kurtley Beales (toss up between him & Dagg, Beales gets my vote for outrageous creative brilliance)

Would be a helluva game.

[big ginger 8]

Haha an XV thread started without me. Not necessarily the teams I'd pick but I'm staying out of this.

[TRF_nickdnz]

This thread is trouble. But anyway, it's been a while so may as well chuck mine down.

SH XV
1. Tony Woodcock
2. Bismark du Plessis
3. Owen Franks
4. Eben Etzebeth
5. Brodie Retalick
6. Victor Vito
7. Richie McCaw
8. Kieran Read
10. Daniel Carter
11. Julian Savea
12. Sonny Bill Williams
13. Conrad Smith
14. Bjorn Basson
15. Kurtley Beale

Very similar to your one actually. Guildford would get no where near for me (wouldn't even really be safe in my AB's sqaud). I've included my NH team, with the second part having the best players IN Europe (it's a joke, but I'd still like to see this team put together).

1. Gethin Jenkins - Soane Tonga'uiha
2. William Servat - Schalk Brits
3. Adam Jones - Carl Hayman
4. Paul O'Connell - Bakkies Botha
5. Courtney Lawes - Brad Thorn
6. Dan Lydiate - Chris Masoe
7. Sam Warburton - George Smith
8. Sergio Parisse - Xavier Rush
9. Dimitri Yachvili - Kahn Fotuali'i
10. Rhys Priestland - Nick Evans
11. George North - Sitiveni Sivivatu
12. Brian O'Driscoll - Luke McAlister
13. Manu Tuilagi - George Pisi
14. Tommy Bowe - Doug Howlett
15. Rob Kearney - Isa Nacewa

While the second names are a joke, I think it would be amazing to see a European imports team like that play a national team.

[big ginger 8]

I lied when I said I'd stay out of it.

NH
1. Jenkins (yes that's right I said Jenkins)
2. Best
3. Jones
4. Gray
5. O'Connell
6. Ferris
7. Warburton
8. Parisse
9. Yachvilli
10. Sexton
11. North
12. Roberts
13. O'Driscoll
14. Bowe
15. Kearney

SH
1. Woodcock
2. du Plessis
3. O. Franks
4. Thorn (he's still the best)
5. Bekker
6. Kaino
7. Pocock
8. Read
9. Genia
10. Carter
11. Mitchell
12. Williams
13. Smith
14. Jane
15. Beale

my own picks some I consider the best some I picked because I like more than his competition if it was really close in my head (that only really happened for Mitchell) and I didn't exactly count injuries or form too much. I think one team would win or they may draw.

I heard he was a bit of a flop last year and didn't step up to Super Rugby as had been expected, so has he learnt greatly from that season this season?

He's been much better this season one of the stars from a N.Z. perspective scoring tries for free.

[madflyhalf]

This thread is trouble. But anyway, it's been a while so may as well chuck mine down.

SH XV
1. Tony Woodcock
2. Bismark du Plessis
3. Owen Franks
4. Eben Etzebeth
5. Brodie Retalick
6. Victor Vito
7. Richie McCaw
8. Kieran Read
10. Daniel Carter
11. Julian Savea
12. Sonny Bill Williams
13. Conrad Smith
14. Bjorn Basson
15. Kurtley Beale

Very similar to your one actually. Guildford would get no where near for me (wouldn't even really be safe in my AB's sqaud). I've included my NH team, with the second part having the best players IN Europe (it's a joke, but I'd still like to see this team put together).

1. Gethin Jenkins - Soane Tonga'uiha
2. William Servat - Schalk Brits
3. Adam Jones - Carl Hayman
4. Paul O'Connell - Bakkies Botha
5. Courtney Lawes - Brad Thorn
6. Dan Lydiate - Chris Masoe
7. Sam Warburton - George Smith
8. Sergio Parisse - Xavier Rush
9. Dimitri Yachvili - Kahn Fotuali'i
10. Rhys Priestland - Nick Evans
11. George North - Sitiveni Sivivatu
12. Brian O'Driscoll - Luke McAlister
13. Manu Tuilagi - George Pisi
14. Tommy Bowe - Doug Howlett
15. Rob Kearney - Isa Nacewa

While the second names are a joke, I think it would be amazing to see a European imports team like that play a national team.

I like both, but are they picked upon form?
It looks like they are forgetting injuries and form!

KB has played a little at fb, he's been amazing at fh, but he lasted 3 games then he picked up an injury that will keep him out of the first 2 tests!
Curious thing is that the in form fb in sh could be Andrè Taylor or Joe Pietersen, both didn't get a call

I'd rather go with Adam Ashley-Cooper or Dagg!

Again, I'd go with Cruden at 10!

In nh it's gonna be a tough call for the 2 locks: O'Connell is injuried and I don't rate Lawes more than Bradley Davies.


Ok stop.
I'll make mine!

SH

1. dunno who... Woodcock has been terrible, Robinson as well, Alexander is good but Dingo ignores he's a loosehead, Mtawarira scrums is often illegal... maybe Oosthuizen
2. Bismarck Du Plessis
3. Jannie Du Plessis
4. Eben Etzebeth
5. Sam Whitelock
6. Willem Alberts
7. David Pocock I wanted to put Gill, but he's with U.20, outstanding this season
8. Keiran Read
9. Aaron Smith
10. Aaron Cruden
11. Bryan Habana (welcome back - not at centre!)
12. SBW
13. Jean De Villiers even though he played more at 12
14. Zac Guilford
15. Adam Ashley-Cooper, I prefer him at 13, but he's ****ing solid down there as well, Lambie just short of time, could be there too.


NH

1. Gethin Jenkins
2. William Servat
3. Adam Jones
4. Bradley Davies
5. Richie Gray
6. Dan Lydiate
7. Sam Warburton
8. Jamie Heaslip
9. Dimitri Yachvili
10. Jonny Sexton
11. George North
12. Brian O'Driscoll
13. Manu Tuilagi
14. Tommy Bowe
15. Rob Kearney (looks like we had come back 3 years time!)

[osullie6]

1. Gethin Jenkins - Soane Tonga'uiha
2. William Servat - Schalk Brits
3. Adam Jones - Carl Hayman
4. Paul O'Connell - Bakkies Botha
5. Courtney Lawes - Brad Thorn
6. Dan Lydiate - Chris Masoe
7. Sam Warburton - George Smith
8. Sergio Parisse - Xavier Rush
9. Dimitri Yachvili - Kahn Fotuali'i
10. Rhys Priestland - Nick Evans
11. George North - Sitiveni Sivivatu
12. Brian O'Driscoll - Luke McAlister
13. Manu Tuilagi - George Pisi
14. Tommy Bowe - Doug Howlett
15. Rob Kearney - Isa Nacewa

Botha and Thorn? That'd be a second-row pairing to strike fear into the hearts of the opposition. Two of the hardest men in world rugby. That might be worth the price of admission alone.

I'm surprised no-one's mentioned Fofana for the NH 12 slot. He had a cracking 6N.

[bushytop]

I'm surprised no-one's mentioned Fofana for the NH 12 slot. He had a cracking 6N.

Good shout... still a tight call between him and JR though.

[TRF_Draggs]

OK chaps, no problems here, just keep it civil.

[Feicarsinn]

[TRF_SelimNiai]

I can already see where this is going.

[TRF_Cymro]

Meat swinging fest?

[TRF_SelimNiai]

Something like that

[big ginger 8]

I think it was slipping away before people started posting on it.

[TRF_Draggs]

Dan Lydiate.
That is all.

[big ginger 8]

Dan Lydiate.
That is all.

That's it now I'm pissed of and will fill this with 20pgs of argument.

[osulli mi]

Can we start the sh*t flinging already. Its been a long day

[ste]

NH XV

1. Cian Healy
2. Rory Best
3. Dan Cole
4. Richie Gray
5. Paul O'Connell
6. Thierry Dusatoir
7. Sam Warburton
8. Sergio Parisse
9. Mike Phillips
10. Jonny Sexton
11. George North
12. Wesley Fofana
13. Jonathan Davies
14. Vincent Clerc
15. Rob Kearney

SH XV

1. Tony Woodcock
2. Bismark Du Plessis
3. Owen Franks
4. James Horwill
5. Sam Whitelock
6. Schalk Burger
7. David Pocock
8. Kieran Read
9. Will Genia
10. Dan Carter
11. Digby Ioane
12. Frans Steyn
13. Conrad Smith
14. James O'Connor
15. Israel Dagg

Simples

[TRF_SelimNiai]

Can we start the sh*t flinging already. Its been a long day

.

[TRF_Draggs]

That's it now I'm pissed of and will fill this with 20pgs of argument.

You want to go son???

[psychic duck]

I'm surprised no-one's mentioned Fofana for the NH 12 slot. He had a cracking 6N.

..... which has led to him being over hyped and people seeming to ignore that he has some big weaknesses (notably he is a ball hog who never passes)

still a cracking player who takes good angles, so in with a good shout as NH's best 12 though

[big ginger 8]

NH XV

1. Cian Healy
2. Rory Best
3. Dan Cole
4. Richie Gray
5. Paul O'Connell
6. Thierry Dusatoir
7. Sam Warburton
8. Sergio Parisse
9. Mike Phillips
10. Jonny Sexton
11. George North
12. Wesley Fofana
13. Jonathan Davies
14. Vincent Clerc
15. Rob Kearney

SH XV

1. Tony Woodcock
2. Bismark Du Plessis
3. Owen Franks
4. James Horwill
5. Sam Whitelock
6. Schalk Burger
7. David Pocock
8. Kieran Read
9. Will Genia
10. Dan Carter
11. Digby Ioane
12. Frans Steyn
13. Conrad Smith
14. James O'Connor
15. Israel Dagg

Simples

I like you.

You want to go son???

I'm going to give you three seconds, exactly three ****ing seconds. To take that back or I will gouge out your eyeballs and skull**** you!

[TRF_Olyy]

Why don't you take a big step back......and literally f**k your own face!

[big ginger 8]

Why don't you take a big step back......and literally f**k your own face!

I'm going to bring the whole ****ing diseased corrupt temple down up on your head. It's going to be biblical.

[welshglory]

Based on recent performances and personal preferences

North
1.Cian Healy (Really impressed by him this summer)
2.Leonardo Ghiraldini (I've always rated him)
3.Nicolas Mas (Better work rate than Jones and gives away less penalties than Cole)
4.Richie Gray (Nailed on starter)
5.Alun-Wyn/Paul O'Connell (I think either of these two would compliment Gray well)
6.Stephen Ferris (Much better overall player than Lydiate imo)
7.Thierry Dusautoir (You don't need a scavenging openside in international rugby)
8.Sergio Parisse (All NH 8's are good, i'd put Faletau bottom of the pile though)

9.Morgan Parra/Dimitri Yachvilli (Either are the best in the NH)
10.Johnny Sexton (I don't rate him for Ireland, but with these backs outside him i think we could see his best)
11.George North (Nailed on starter)
12.Jamie Roberts (For the combo)
13.Wesley Fofana (I think he could work magically outside or inside Roberts)
14.Tommy Bowe/Vincent Clerc (Either of the two, they are great right wing specialists)
15.Rob Kearney (I reckon Medard could push him if he gets game time)

v

South
1.Beast (I've always felt Woodcock is overrated and Robinson wasn't at his best)
2.Bismark du Plessis (No stand outs)
3.Owen Franks (Best by a mile, probably best in the world)
4.Eben Etzebeth (No settled 4's in the SH yet)
5.Nathan Sharpe (Always been world class)
6.Will Alberts (For the physicality)
7.Richie McCaw (Still the master)
8.Kieran Read (Best in the world)

9.Will Genia (The best)
10.Dan Carter (The best)
11.Digby Ioane (A lot of good SH wingers to choose from!)
12.Sonny Bill Williams (Frans Steyn didn't play that well in the games he played, McCabe is average)
13.Conrad Smith (De Villiers was close, but Conrad's overally game is better)
14.J.P Pietersen (Best performing 14 in the SH)
15.Israel Dagg (The best)

[lucky number 7]

Ah **** did I miss drama?

[Dizzy]

Man I wish this was played instead of the irrelevant Barbarians matches.. It'll be close to the equivalent of the State of Origin.. Make it a test series it'll be epic.

[TRF_Draggs]

No Allen Jacobsen, Andy Powell, Keith Earls, or Chris Ashton???

[Keithmurdoch]

Lol Chris Ashton!!
Hey can we get Jerome Kaino, Fourie du Preez, Brad Thorn and Isa Nacewa back for this? If so I'd start the lot.

[TRF_Draggs]

Lol Chris Ashton!!
Hey can we get Jerome Kaino, Fourie du Preez, Brad Thorn and Isa Nacewa back for this? If so I'd start the lot.

John Smit as well.

[Shovenose]

While we at picking shyt I select Bryce Lawrence as the match official and Stevie Wonder as the TMO