Ideal lineups.

[Christian10]

Well, the idea of ​​this thread, is that together we can agree on what would be the ideal lineups of principal national teams. But with one thing: we need not consider the injuries and we have to imagine that players are the best of their abilities.
To start and give an example of what I intend to do, I leave here the supposed "perfect 15" of Argentina.

EDIT:This is not about personal taste. This is about to "go inside" the mind of the current coaches and think what would be the ideal lineup for them if all players were in top condition, both physically and on the field.


Los Pumas:
1-Marcos Ayerza
2-Eusebio Guiñazú
3-Juan Figallo
4-Manuel Carizza
5-Patricio Albacete
6-Julio Farías Cabello
7-Juan Manuel Leguizamon
8-Juan Fernandez Lobbe
9-Martin Landajo
10-Nicolas Sanchez
11-Juan Imhoff
12-Horacio Agulla
13-Gonzalo Tiesi or Marcelo Bosch
14-Gonzalo Camacho
15-Juan Martin Hernández

16-Agustin Creevy
17-Bruno Postiglioni/Juan Cruz Guillemain
18-Francisco Gomez Kodela/Nahuel Lobo
19-Tomas Vallejos/Tomas Leonardi
20-Leonardo Senatore/Tomas De La Vega
21-Nicolas Vergallo
22-Santiago Fernandez/Marcelo Bosch/Martin Bustos Moyano
23-Joaquin Tuculet/Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino/Gonzalo Tiesi

 

[dullonien]

This would be my Wales line-up:

01 Gethin Jenkins (when in form the best prop in the world imo)
02 Richard Hibbard (strong scrummager, excellent ball carrier, big tackler, big work-rate)
03 Adam Jones (scrummaging machine)
04 Alun-Wyn Jones (excellent all-round lock)
05 Luke Charteris (was tempted by Ian Evans and Bradley Davies, but Charteris offers a lot in the lineout and defence)
06 Dan Lydiate (tackling machine)
07 Sam Warburton (his combination with Lydiate is excellent. On form one of the best opensides in world rugby)
08 Toby Faletau (still young, but has a good all-round game. Hands let him down a little mind)

09 Dwayne Peel (if we can disregard form, Peel is the kind of scrum half I want. Super delivery, always upping the tempo)
10 James Hook (creativity in spades)
11 George North (The most all rounder player I've seen and will be back on top soon. Fast, powerful, agile, the lot)
12 Gavin Henson (always liked a distributing player at 12, and Henson offers the perfect blend of size and guile)
13 Jamie Roberts (up there with the best, but needs to adapt his game)
14 Alex Cuthbert (work to do in defence but he's a finisher if nothing else)
15 Leigh Halfpenny (heroic almost every time he plays)

16 Ken Owens (accurate with the darts, strong carrier)
17 Paul James (strong scrummaging prop)
18 Samson Lee (going out on a limb here, but I think he's got the potential to be a top scrummaging tighthead with a good open field game)
19 Ian Evans (if only his form would last more than a few months) / Bradley Davies (the Davies of '09, with his monster carrying game would be nice)
20 Justin Tipuric (classy openside who's still waiting for his genuine chance for Wales)
21 Mike Phillips (the most physical 9 out there. Gives his all for his country)
22 Dan Biggar (on his day, a great controlling outhalf. Still to shine for Wales though)
23 One of Jon Davies, Ashley Beck, Morgan Stoddart, Liam Williams. Back three cover would probably fit best wit this team, as Hook can cover centre. Stoddart and Williams both have their weaknesses, but I like the attitude and flair both possess

 

[UlsterRugby2012]

Healy (Dullonien won't like this , but I think he's the best in the NH)
Best / Strauss (Not sure who's better on form tbh)
Ross (Best TH we've got, good scrummager)
Ryan (I personally think he's been one of the stand out players over the last year)
O'Connell (He's getting a bit old, but we aren't exactly spoilt for choice)
Ferris
O'Brien
Heaslip (This backrow when on form, in my opinion, is #1 in Europe)
Marshall (Why not? He has the fastest delivery of all the Irish 9's and knows when the right time to run is, very quick too)
Sexton (Extremely accurate kicking when he's really focused)
Earls (too early for Gilroy I guess and Trimble has dipped in form a bit for Ireland)
D'arcy (When he has one of those rare games he's pretty good)
O'Driscoll (Speaks for himself)
Bowe (Very quick, one of the best wingers when on form in the NH)
Kearney (Damn good under the high ball)

 

[LittleGuy]

Canada for me.

1. Hubert Buydens (Most experienced front rower we have, does tend to run a little hot and cold though)
2. Ryan Hamilton (Developing into a pretty decent player, probably an upgrade over the retired Riordan)
3. Andrew Tieddeman (Close call with Marshall, but I think he's growing as a player more, and dosen't bring the discipline issues that Marshall has, also can play all front row positions)
4. Tyler Hotson (Sinclair could be here, but I'm saving him for the back row, #4 is our weakest spot right now, could have an argument for Beukeboom here as well)
5. Jamie Cudmore (When he's not punching people he is amongst the best in the world)
6. Adam Kleeberger (One of the hardest working players I've ever seen and a great fetcher, Ardron is developing here)
7. Jebb Sinclair (O'Toole's had enough chances, Jebb has played here for WP and the Stormers, he needs to be in the play more and having him here keeps Carpenter in the side.)
8. Aaron Carpenter (Captain, plucky player, a little undersized for an #8, I still want him in the starting lineup, maybe down the road he becomes an impact sub)
9. Phil Mack (A position that is up in the air, Mack is the best attacking option here. Wilson played well in November but I would prefer him off the bench. White should focus on 7's at 15's he's just too inconsistent)
10. Connor Braid (Tons of players coming up in this slot for Canada, but Braid is probably the best at the moment, should have a wealth of choices here in 2015)
11. Matt Evans (Played well here for Pirates, can play a ton of positions in the backs, will have to move to FH if Braid gets hurt with my choices)
12. Conor Trainor (Has become an exciting young player, this used to be a weak spot not so much for now)
13. DTH Van De Merwe (Along with Cudmore one of our two world class players, could make a number of Tier One sides)
14. Phil Mackenzie (Good speed, one of the best fly-hackers I've seen, knows how to make tries out of nothing)
15. James Pritchard (Goal Kicking, Goal Kicking, Goal Kicking, Goal Kicking.....and a touch of solid defence)

16. Ray Barkwill (Lineout expert, a very solid backup option, well liked by the team and a great story getting his first cap at 32)
17. Jason Marshall (Has gotten better since he started playing in the D2, is a good all round athlete, needs to keep the discipline in order tends to get frustrated very easily)
18. Doug Wooldridge (Wish I had a better option here our depth is lacking at Prop)
19. Brett Beukeboom (Monster of a man, had a pro contract now and should get better for now is on the bench as an impact sub)
20. Tyler Ardron (Was a beast at the ARC and actually made a couple of XV's of the week for his great game vs. the Maori)
21. Eric Wilson (Actually needed a backup scrummy more than a FH, again just the best of limited options.)
22. Taylor Paris (Great wheels, could be very useful off the bench exploiting gaps when the oppostion gets tired, maybe I should have a FH specialist here tough call, if so Hearn leaves side and he moves to #23)
23. Ciaran Hearn (Jack of all trades....master of none, can play anywhere in the backs, can goal kick. Dosen't really add too much, but is almost never a weak link)

Guys who miss out, but I would have as reserves.

Nanyak Dala (love him could be useful against smaller sides)
Chauncey O'Toole (has fallen quite a bit off his peak a couple of years ago)
Nathan Hirayama (More a 7's specialist)

 

[Croket66]

Georgia :
1-Vasil Kakovin (Stade Toulousain)
2-Irakli Natriashvili (CA Brive)
3-Giorgi Jgenti (Montpellier HRC)
4-Levan Datunashvili (Stade Aurillacois)
5-Giorgi Nemsadze (Tarbes PR)
6-Vito Kolelishvili (ASM Clermont)
7-Mamuka Gorgodze (Montpellier HRC)
8-Dimitri Basilaia (Edinburgh Rugby)
9-Charles Edouard Yachvili (Stade Hendaye)
10-Merab Kvirikashvili (AS St Junien)
11-Merab Sharikadze (Hartpury College)
12-Tedo Zibzibadze (CA Périgueux)
13-Tamaz Mchedlidze (Stade Montois)
14-Sandro Todua (SC Albi)
15-Beka Urjukashvili (RC Aubenas)

16-Jaba Bregvadze (Stade Toulousain)
17-Davit Khinchagishvili (CA Brive) / Mikheil Nariashvili (Montpellier HRC)
18-Davit Zirakashvili (ASM Clermont) / Davit Kubriashvili (RC Toulon)
19-Konstantin Mikautadze (RC Toulon) / Vakhtang Maisuradze (SC Albi)
20-Shalva Sutiashvili (RC Massy)
21-Giorgi Begadze (Kochebi Tbilissi)
22-Lasha Khmaladze (Lelo Tbilissi)
23-Davit Kacharava (Stade Rodez)

Russia :
1-Grigol Tsnobiladze (Krasny Yar)
2-Valery Tsnobiladze (Enisey-STM)
3-Evgeny Pronenko (Enisey-STM)
4-Kirill Kulemin (London Welsh)
5-Ruslan Boukerou (Stade Toulousain)
6-Andrey Ostrikov (Sale Sharks)
7-Andrey Temnov (Enisey-STM)
8-Viktor Gresev (Krasny Yar)
9-Alexander Yanyushkin (VVA-Podmoskovye)
10-Ryan Bambry (Enisey-STM) // selectable next year
11-Vladimir Ostrouchko (Kuban Krasnodar)
12-Alexey Makovetsky (Krasny Yar)
13-Dimitri Gerasimov (Enisey-STM)
14-Denis Simplikevich (Enisey-STM)
15-Vasily Artemyev (Northampton Saints)

16-Vladislav Korshunov (VVA-Podmoskovye)
17-Alexey Volkov (VVA-Podmoskovye)
18-Innolenty Zykov (Enisey-STM)
19-Adam Byrnes (unattached)
20-Andrey Garbuzov (Krasny Yar)
21-Alexey Scherban (Enisey-STM)
22-Yuri Kurshnarev (VVA-Podmoskovye)
23-Mikhail Babaev (VVA-Podmoskovye)

 

[Maxwell]

Manu Samoa

1. Z Taulafo
2. M Schwalger
3. C Johnston
4. F Paulo
5. I Tekori
6. T Tuifia
7. M Faasavalu
8. N Williams
9. K Fotualii
10. L Sopoaga
11. A Tuilagi
12. E Fuimaono-Sapolu
13. R Freuen
14. P Perez
15. J So'oialo

16. T Paulo
17. L Mulipola
18. J Afoa
19. J Sua
20. T Pisi
21. P Williams
22. D Leo

 

[Draggs]

09 Hook
10 Hook
11 Hook
12 Hook
13 Hook
14 Cuthbert
15 Halfpenny

 

[SomeOke]

For SA it's really tricky, no-one really knows who our best players are will/be. For me our forward pack is quite established with only minimal tweaking required while our back line could see change in every single position quite easily within the next year, with the possible exception of wings.

1. Tendai Mtawarira
2. Bismarck du Plessis
3. Jannie du Plessis
4. Eben Etzebeth
5. Andries Bekker
6. Fracois Louw/ Heinrich Brussow
7. Willem Alberts/Schalk Burger
8. Duane Vermulen
9. A host of potential youngsters ideally.
10. Goosen/Jantjies/Lambie
11. Habana
12. Frans Steyn (maybe another youngster like Tim Whitehead)
13. JdJ or another host of potential youngsters (Ebersohn, Engelbregt, Jordaan, Serfontein)
14. Pietersen
15. Taute
16. Andrian Strauss
17. Guthro
18. Cilliers
19. Juandre Kruger
20. Marcel Coetze
21. ???
22. ???
23. ???

I know I wasn't at all specific but I really feel like I can't get any more specific at this point, SA needs at least 2 more seasons of Super Rugby and internationals before an "incumbent" team can be named, especially with the back line.

 

[Draggs]

Yeah, I like that lineup, Oke. Given time I might say Steenkamp over Mtawarira, but not now. Also, Jannie is immense. Played in every single match he was available for this season.

Scrumhalf and inside centre are really open. Steyn has the IC spot now, but I could see Serfontein eyeing it soon enough. Taute to fullback is ideal, but in all fairness to Kirchner, he was good last month.

 

[Christian10]

Great work guys! Glad you all are interested in the subject.
Remember that the "perfect lineup" is not a matter of personal taste, but of objectivity.

 

[nickdnz]

Manu Samoa

1. Z Taulafo
2. M Schwalger
3. C Johnston
4. F Paulo
5. I Tekori
6. T Tuifia
7. M Faasavalu
8. N Williams
9. K Fotualii
10. L Sopoaga
11. A Tuilagi
12. E Fuimaono-Sapolu
13. R Freuen
14. P Perez
15. J So'oialo

16. T Paulo
17. L Mulipola
18. J Afoa
19. J Sua
20. T Pisi
21. P Williams
22. D Leo

Umm. Pretty sure that both Sopoaga and Fruean are for the moment playing to earn All Black positions. Nick Williams can't play for Samoa as he's played for the Junior All Blacks - I think Robbie Freaun was also in the 2009 JR All Blacks team. If you're just listing people with Samoan heritage and eligability - I'm sure you could field a much better side than that. Tim Nanai Williams for a start.

If we can put active players in their imaginary best form - and not consider NZ's selection policy...

1. Tony Woodcock
2. Keven Mealamu
3. Carl Hayman
4. Brad Thorn
5. Sam Whitelock
6. Jerry Collins
7. Richie McCaw
8. Kieran Read
9. Byron Kelleher
10. Daniel Carter
11. Joe Rokocoko
12. Ma'a Nonu
13. Conrad Smith
14. Doug Howlett
15. Israel Dagg

16. Andrew Hore
17. Owen Franks
18. John Afoa
19. Ali Williams
20. Jerome Kaino
21. Piri Weepu
22. Luke McAlister
23. Cory Jane

 

[LittleGuy]

Great work guys! Glad you all are interested in the subject.
Remember that the "perfect lineup" is not a matter of personal taste, but of objectivity.

It was a good thread idea, especially following up on the Autumn internationals.

 

[UlsterRugby2012]

Maybe could have made it what we thought the line up was, say come the World Cup in 2015.

 

[nickdnz]

Maybe could have made it what we thought the line up was, say come the World Cup in 2015.

Sort of a different topic than the one in the thread though...half my team will be in their mid 30's by then...

 

[j'nuh]

1. Corbisiero
2. Hartley (c)
3. Cole
4. Lawes
5. Parling
6. Launchbury
7. Wood
8. Armitage
9. Care
10. Burns
11. Simpson-Daniel
12. Twelvetrees/Allen
13. Tuilagi
14. Sharples/May/Wade
15. Foden

16. Gray
17. Vunipola
18. Wilson
19. Robshaw
20. Morgan
21. Youngs
22. Farrell
23. Joseph (if May at 14)/Goode (if not)

Ferris
O'Brien
Heaslip (This backrow when on form, in my opinion, is #1 in Europe)

All of Ireland, England, Wales and France believe they've got the best backrow in Europe. Scotland too sometimes.

Very close between them all.

 

[lucky number 7]

1-Healy
2-Strauss
3-Ross
4-Ryan
5-McCarthy
6-Ferris
7-O'Brien
8-Heaslip
9-Marshall
10-Sexton
11-Gilroy
12-Darcy
13-O'Driscoll
14-Bowe
15- Kearney

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

New Zealand (according to Steve Hansen and co., mine would be marginally different):

1 Woodcock
2 Hore
3 Franks
4 Romano
5 Whitelock
6 Messam
7 McCaw
8 Read
9 Smith
10 Carter
11 Savea
12 Nonu
13 Smith
14 Jane
15 Dagg

16 Mealamu
17 Crockett
18 Faumuina
19 Vito (I'd prefer Cane, personally)
20 Weepu
21 Cruden
22 Kahui

 

[Wilko's left boot]

If everyone on top form?

1. Marler
2. Hartley
3. Cole
4. Lawes
5. Launchbury
6. Robshaw
7. Wood
8. Morgan
9. Youngs
10. Burns
11. JSD
12. Tuilagi
13. Joseph
14. Wade
15. Foden

 

[Christian10]

New Zealand (according to Steve Hansen and co., mine would be marginally different):

1 Woodcock
2 Hore
3 Franks
4 Romano
5 Whitelock
6 Messam
7 McCaw
8 Read
9 Smith
10 Carter
11 Savea
12 Nonu
13 Smith
14 Jane
15 Dagg

16 Mealamu
17 Crockett
18 Faumuina
19 Vito (I'd prefer Cane, personally)
20 Weepu
21 Cruden
22 Kahui

What about Sonny Bill?

If everyone on top form?

1. Marler
2. Hartley
3. Cole
4. Lawes
5. Launchbury
6. Robshaw
7. Wood
8. Morgan
9. Youngs
10. Burns
11. JSD
12. Tuilagi
13. Joseph
14. Wade
15. Foden

Yeah, everyone on top form. But this is not a personal opinion, but what do you think Stuart Lancaster can put on the field.
You know what I mean?

EDIT:This is not about personal taste. This is about to "go inside" the mind of the current coaches and think what would be the ideal lineup for them if all players were in top condition, both physically and on the field.

 

[Wilko's left boot]

Yeah, everyone on top form. But this is not a personal opinion, but what do you think Stuart Lancaster can put on the field.
You know what I mean?

Ah I see. In that case, yeah there would be a few differences. OUT Marler Burns JSD Wade and IN Corbs Flood Ashton and ... difficult to tell who our first choice left wing would be.