Players who could participate in their 4th(or 5th?) RWC in 2015.

[LittleGuy]

Was just taking a look at the exclusive four RWC(and the legendary Lima at five!!!) club of players and was wondering how many possiblilities to join there are come 2015. Give us your thoughts on any potential joiners of the club from your own sides.

Canada only has two.... James Pritchard and Jamie Cudmore, evaluating their chances I would say.(On a personal note, I would as of now include both these guys on the side of I was selecting, likely though they would be players that would be looking at starting for 40-60 minutes, or even being impact subs in some games)

Cudmore: Probable. I'd say 85%.

Reasons For: Will be 37 by the time the next RWC rolls around, but plays in a position that has always suited older players in the game at large. Lock is also a bit of a weak point for Canada, although some decent prospects are coming up, if Cudmore can play even to about 75-80% of what he does now he will have a place on the side. He is signed for Clermont for a little while to come, and even if he left there I'm sure another pro side would pick him up and that he would still be in game shape come a RWC. Has always kept his disciplinary issues to a minimum when wearing the Canadian colours, and plays a veteran role in the front five.

Reasons Against: Has had a few injuries as of late, none of them have been massive but in his mid 30's they may build up enough that his playing ability goes down. Stamina will likely be an issue in a short turnaround as well. Has had major suspensions in the past, while he's been great for Canada here, he might pick up a club level ban that knocks him out of the RWC side.


Pritchard: Probable. I'd say 70-75%.

Reasons For: Goalkicking, easily the biggest reason, no one on Canada comes even close to matching him at the moment in this crucial aspect. Is also a Vice-captain and has a huge leadership role with the backs as it stands now, also has a true passion for the game and wants to get into coaching, he could even play a player/coach type thing in 2015. Will be our oldest back ever(maybe 2nd I haven't checked in a while) should he finish the 2015 RWC, but has set this as a target to finish his career, he is also a fitness freak( it's literally his buisness off the field). Is still playing pro rugby with Bedford though his contract runs out at the end of next season he may very well be re-signed for an additional year. Can play wing or fullback, and is still effective in the loose, is especially good at reading lines. Loves playing for Canada and has ALWAYS made himself available whenever possible.

Reasons Against: Has lost a bit of his speed and stamina at his age and is much better suited to fullback now, as some speedier wingers can beat him on the trot. Canada also has tons of depth in the backs especially on the wings. Might have to accept a more limited role even if he is on the side eg. Playing only 55 minutes or perhaps only playing in two of the four games. Has been relatively injury free, but a major injury in his mid 30's might be costly so I'm knocking on wood he's fit.

Edit: Adding a list, of possibles. Will edit in, will not be including guys who have declared themselves retired at this point but may attempt a comeback. I have also added Georgia, Romania, Japan and Namibia to the list even though they haven't officially qualified for 2015, all our likely to at this point though Namibia MIGHT miss.

Argentina: Contepomi (5th, probably unlikely but what the hell)

Australia:

Canada: Cudmore, Pritchard (4th)

England: Shaw* (4th, note very unlikely)

Fiji:

France:

Georgia: Chkhaidze, Kvirikashvili, Machkhaneli, Shvelidze (4th, not sure how likely some of these guys are. Pyschic, Toko a little help please?)

Ireland: O'Connell, O'Callaghan, D'Arcy (4th)

Italy: Mauro Bergamasco (5th), Mirco Bergamasco, Parisse, Castrogiavanni, Canale, Masi, Bortolami, Ongaro*( 4th, note, Did Ongaro retire from International play?)

Japan:

Namibia: None (I stand to be corrected)

New Zealand: Woodcock, Mealamu, Hore, McCaw, Carter,(4th)

Romania:

Samoa:

Scotland:

South Africa: Burger, Fourie (4th)

Tonga:

United States: Clever*, Macdonald* (4th, note Clever did not see game time in 2003 RWC, MacDonald extremely unlikely)

Wales: Jenkins, Jones (4th)

 

[Draggs]

For Wales only Gethin Jenkins and Adam Jones, who both played in 2003.

 

[Rich Taff]

For Wales only Gethin Jenkins and Adam Jones, who both played in 2003.

Yeah. Barring the very very odd occurence, it's highly unlikely that a back will stay play for 17yrs(capped in the first WC, and still good enough to play in the 5th) at the highest level (for the tier 1 nations. No offence to the others).

 

[Draggs]

Yeah. Barring the very very odd occurence, it's highly unlikely that a back will stay play for 17yrs(capped in the first WC, and still good enough to play in the 5th) at the highest level (for the tier 1 nations. No offence to the others).

True. It really depend on what age you are. George North could quite easily make 2023.

 

[LittleGuy]

I've actually thought of it before and it is possible(though incredibly remote) that a player could make a 6th RWC, it's just very implausible. You have to get into the side very young e.g. Taylor Paris for Canada in 2011 and make the side at something like 18-19ish, than you probably have to be on a Tier Two side, a side good enough to qualify for six straight RWC's but dosen't quite have the depth of Tier One sides, and you probably have to fufill a bench role or some kind of specialist role at 38(There have been older players than that at RWC's before). Very implausible as I said but not in the realm of could never happen, I would rate a 7th appearance as basically impossible.

I think we will definately see someone join Lima in the 5th RWC participant club at some point. Thats a much easier window as it gives you a couple of years later and earlier.

 

[Rich Taff]

True. It really depend on what age you are. George North could quite easily make 2023.

Not too sure on that, unless he switches position. Can't see him being able to maintain the pace with his size, to stay on the wing.

 

[LittleGuy]

How do you guys rate Jenkins and Jones chances for 2015? I would say quite probable as an outside observer, but you guys are more in tune with what's happening in the depth and upcoming players in Wales.

 

[Rich Taff]

I've actually thought of it before and it is possible(though incredibly remote) that a player could make a 6th RWC, it's just very implausible. You have to get into the side very young e.g. Taylor Paris for Canada in 2011 and make the side at something like 18-19ish, than you probably have to be on a Tier Two side, a side good enough to qualify for six straight RWC's but dosen't quite have the depth of Tier One sides, and you probably have to fufill a bench role or some kind of specialist role at 38(There have been older players than that at RWC's before). Very implausible as I said but not in the realm of could never happen, I would rate a 7th appearance as basically impossible.

I think we will definately see someone join Lima in the 5th RWC participant club at some point. Thats a much easier window as it gives you a couple of years later and earlier.

I agree. It's far more likely that a tier 2 nation, such as Canada(sorry) find a 'prodigy', who comes in at 16 or 17, and stays the best at their position due to lack of competition if nothing else.

 

[Rich Taff]

How do you guys rate Jenkins and Jones chances for 2015? I would say quite probable as an outside observer, but you guys are more in tune with what's happening in the depth and upcoming players in Wales.

Barring major injury, Jones should make it (loved the commentary in the Lions where someone said 'you stick him in the scrum, then sit him down on the half way line until the next scrum')

Jenkins I don't think will make it. His major strength has been the fact he's almost an extra flanker, but I think he's way too injury prone to keep that level of play up.

 

[LittleGuy]

I agree. It's far more likely that a tier 2 nation, such as Canada(sorry) find a 'prodigy', who comes in at 16 or 17, and stays the best at their position due to lack of competition if nothing else.

No need to apologize, it's just a simple fact of being a Tier Two side, we have had a quite a few returnees, on our side over the years, and Gareth Rees was the very first member of the 4th RWC club. Likewise Samoa, Fiji and Tonga are also likely candidates for long used players.

 

[usausa]

If Todd Clever had been put into a match in 2003 then it would be his 4th, but he was named to the squad never to see time as a starter or sub. The only other possible USA guys that could make it #4 are Paul Emerick (retired) and Mike MacDonald (injuries). Doubt either of those two will get named, more likely for Emerick to get rather than MacDonald, who is old and wicked injury prone.

 

[LittleGuy]

If Todd Clever had been put into a match in 2003 then it would be his 4th, but he was named to the squad never to see time as a starter or sub. The only other possible USA guys that could make it #4 are Paul Emerick (retired) and Mike MacDonald (injuries). Doubt either of those two will get named, more likely for Emerick to get rather than MacDonald, who is old and wicked injury prone.

Yeah I was wondering whether to include guys just put on the side but not played, so I guess Clever is a sort of pseudo 4th RWCer possibility. The other two I agree I would rate them as extremely unlikely, lower than 5% chance for both of them, both have had massive injury issues lately, and Emerick would have to make a comeback entirely at this point. MacDonald did travel to Edmonton in May for the PNC game but did not play.

Edit: I think the guys named to the side but didn't play at least deserve a mention, feel free to add them with that caveat guys.

 

[Big Ewis]

True. It really depend on what age you are. George North could quite easily make 2023.

shyt...just thinking about that !...he's just 21...that's freaky, 2023 !! He'll still be pickin up defenders on his way for a try, : p

can't think of anyone for France just now though....there's probably someone but..

 

[Rich Taff]

No need to apologize, it's just a simple fact of being a Tier Two side, we have had a quite a few returnees, on our side over the years, and Gareth Rees was the very first member of the 4th RWC club. Likewise Samoa, Fiji and Tonga are also likely candidates for long used players.

If Rees came into the game 4 years later, and spent half as much time playing rugby/training as he did punching people, he'd have made 5

 

[Draggs]

shyt...just thinking about that !...he's just 21...that's freaky, 2023 !! He'll still be pickin up defenders on his way for a try, : p

can't think of anyone for France just now though....there's probably someone but..

Parra was 22 in 2011. Could be a possibility.

 

[LittleGuy]

If Rees came into the game 4 years later, and spent half as much time playing rugby/training as he did punching people, he'd have made 5

Have you seen Rees lately? Let's say training isn't his forte https://twitter.com/TheBlade27/status/371068515920248833/photo/1....It's so odd him and Pritchard are our two all time leading points scorers and 2 of our 3 best ever goalkickers(Jared Barker was possibly the greatest goal kicker I've ever seen but was devastated by injuries), yet they couldn't be any more different physically LOL.

 

[smartcooky]

In order for a player to play in their 5th RWC in 2015, they would have needed to have played in the 1999 RWC. Are there any players who were at that tournament, who are still even playing now?

I cannot even think of one!

ETA; Is Brian O'Driscoll still playing? If so, he was in the Ireland squad in 1999. Could he make the 2015 Ireland squad?

ETA1: Marius Tincu for Romania?

 

[jessta]

Players who can play their 4th from the all blacks are tony woodcock, kevin mealamu, andrew hore, richie mccaw, dan carter and maa nonu. I thinks thats all.

Did brian odriscoll play in 1999?

 

[LittleGuy]

In order for a player to play in their 5th RWC in 2015, they would have needed to have played in the 1999 RWC. Are there any players who were at that tournament, who are still even playing now?

I cannot even think of one!

Rod Snow only retired just before the last CRC season in around June-Julyish of 2012. Shows how special Lima's acheivement was.

Mauro Bergamasco I think is still active as well.

Felipe Contepomi is playing as well of course.

@ jessta, he was included in the Irish 1999 team you are correct.

 

[j'nuh]

In order for a player to play in their 5th RWC in 2015, they would have needed to have played in the 1999 RWC. Are there any players who were at that tournament, who are still even playing now?

I cannot even think of one!

Mauro Bergamasco! He's been in every World Cup squad since, and including, 1999. "Only" 33, and still going strong for Italy too.