Pick Super Rugby Squads

[TRF Mr Fish]

As the ***le says, to start I will do the Chiefs.

Remember all squads are 32 players.

Hookers - de Malmanche, Elliot, Perrin
Props - Smith, May, Taumalolo, McGougan, Afeaki, White
Locks - Clarke, Ross, Triggs, Retalick, Graham
Loosies - Messam, Latimer, Bourke, Lee, Waldrom, Bradley
Halfbacks - Leonard, Kerr-Barlow, Moa
Midfield Backs - Donald, Delany, Kahui, Willison, Umaga, Tokula, Burleigh
Outside Backs - Muliaina, Sivivatu, Masaga, Nanai-Williams, Sweeney

EDIT: Actual Squad Updated
Players in Bold have been added
Players in Italics have been omitted

Match 22
Smith, de Malmanche, Taumalolo
Clarke, Retalick
Messam, Latimer, Bourke
Leonard
Delany, Donald, Kahui
Sivivatu, Muliaina, Masaga
Elliot, May
Ross
Waldrom
Kerr-Barlow, Willison/Nanai-Williams, Sweeney

Some good impact players off the bench there, all of them capable of smashing up a tired team.

Not sure about Burleigh, Bradley and Moa - might be looking outside the region I suppose, but I don't see any real reason too, except maybe in the case of Moa. None of these players will get much game time anyway, I'd imagine. Probably need a hooker however, Kamo has looked quite good with Waikato.

 

[northharbour]

The Blues:

Props: Woodcock, John Afoa, Faumaina, Mailau, James Afoa
Hookers: Mealamu, Macartney
Locks: Williams, Boric, King, Poulo
Loosies: Kaino, Daniel Braid, Luke Braid, Luamanu, rauvolo
Halfbacks: Mathewson, Smylie, Morland
First 5's: Brett, Anscombe, Botica
Centers: McAlister, Benson Stanley, Winston Stanley,
Wings: Ranger, Rokocoko, Tuitavake, Stowers, Munro
Fullbacks: Payne, Toeava,

With the match day 22 being:

Woodcock
Mealamu
Afoa
Boric
Williams
Kaino
Braid
Luamanu
Mathewson
Brett
Rokocoko
Stanley
Toeava
Ranger
Payne

Macartney
Mailau
Poulo
Braid
Smylie
McAlister
Stowers

The Blues will have a very strong team this season if they can keep them all fit and injury free.

I am a Chiefs supporter but there has already been a Chiefs one done so I did the one closer to home.

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

I don't think they'll pick both Botica and Anscombe, as McAlister can cover first five easily.

As always the Blues will have good backs, tight five good too, but they look a bit weak in the loose forwads, wouldn't be surprised if we see a couple of draft players picked up there.

 

[Darwin]

As the ***le says, to start I will do the Chiefs.

Remember all squads are 32 players.

Hookers - de Malmanche, Elliot
Props - Smith, May, Taumalolo, McGougan, Afeaki
Locks - Clarke, Ross, Triggs, Retalick
Loosies - Messam, Latimer, Bourke, Lee, Waldrom, Bradley
Halfbacks - Leonard, Kerr-Barlow, Moa
Midfield Backs - Donald, Delany, Kahui, Willison, Umaga, Tokula, Burleigh
Outside Backs - Muliaina, Sivivatu, Masaga, Nanai-Williams, Sweeney

Match 22
Smith, de Malmanche, Taumalolo
Clarke, Retalick
Messam, Latimer, Bourke
Leonard
Delany, Donald, Kahui
Sivivatu, Muliaina, Masaga
Elliot, May
Ross
Waldrom
Kerr-Barlow, Willison/Nanai-Williams, Sweeney

Some good impact players off the bench there, all of them capable of smashing up a tired team.

Not sure about Burleigh, Bradley and Moa - might be looking outside the region I suppose, but I don't see any real reason too, except maybe in the case of Moa. None of these players will get much game time anyway, I'd imagine. Probably need a hooker however, Kamo has looked quite good with Waikato.

Almost exactly the squad I would predict as well. They will certainly have to take three hookers - it's a pity Daniel Perrin didn't get much game time for BOP (mainly through injury) as he is a good hooker... If they do stick with the region I think it would be between Perrin, Pareanga, and Kamo for the third hooking spot.

I agree entirely with your locks, however I'm sure Nathan White will be picked as a prop (at the expense of whom I'm not sure). There is also the possibility they may take only 4 props (though personally I would take 5) - there is certainly plenty of propping talent in the region. As I've mentioned before I wouldn't be surprised if Jack Lam picks up the sixth loose-forward spot (at the expense on Bradley), but I wouldn't be disappointed at all if Bradley does manage to get a contract as he's had a great season. I agree with nearly all of your backs selected, but I do think they will find a spot for Trent Renata, who has been in great form in recent weeks (probably at the expense of Burleigh).

The only question marks I have over the starting 22 is the relative pecking order of the props - Toby Smith obviously has to start, but who he starts alongside (and who is on the bench) is really up in the air in my mind. I'd probably be tempted to start Afeaki, with Nathan White on the bench, but really don't know at this stage. On the bench I'd be tempted to have both Willison and Nainai-Williams, as I feel you need a specialist midfield back on the bench given there is only one specialist midfielder in the starting 15, and he is very injury prone, while I'd prefer to have Nainai-Williams over Sweeney.

I'll have a think and post a likely Highlanders squad soon...

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

Taumalolo and May have both been fantastic for the Chiefs in the last two seasons (May was obviously injured last season, but in 09 he was great) so they are in my opinion the two top props, with Smith in form and needing some game time. Afeaki is an interesting one for me, he didn't have a huge impact for the Chiefs last year, but he wasn't bad or anything, just young, so I expect him to get some good game time off the bench when Smith is rested. I think the tight five will actually be a strength for us this season, slightly different to two or three years ago.

In regards to hookers I haven't seen much of the Bay hookers, so I'm naturally biased towards Kamo, who I think is a very safe option who's been in the WTS for the last couple of years.

I don't think we need three specialist 7s in the squad, with the ones I've listed you have two 6s, two 7s and two 8s, which is a good balance, as Lee and Messam can move around a bit.

 

[Darwin]

My Predicted Highlanders squad:

Hookers: Rutledge, Bayden Mitchell, Jason MacDonald
Props: MacIntish, King, Aulika, Meeuws, Murray
Locks: Tuineau, Donnelly, Bekhuis, Hoeata
Loose-forwards: Crosswell, Thomson, Hardie, Soakai, Manu, Dixon
Halfbacks: Smith, Cowan, Romans
First-fives: Slade, Sopoaga
Midfield: Treeby, Smith, Saunders, Lynn
Outside backs: Paterson, Veainu, Baker, Vainakolo, Robinson.

Not sure about the two hookers who will backup Rutledge - Mitchell and MacDonald are two quality hookers from within the region, but there are rumors that the Highlanders have signed Mo Schwalgher and Ash Dixon. The Highlanders are a bit thin on props, however by the sounds of it Meeuws may make a return to Super Rugby. I'm not sure whether Brosnan Murray is still signed with the Higlanders or not, but I imagine they will try to get him back if he's not signed already. They may decide to add another lock (at the expense of the fifth prop), as Hoeata is more a loose-forward who can cover lock, but I suspect he will get plenty of time at lock given the number of loose-forwards that they have already signed. If they do want another lock, they will have to get one from outside the region.

The third halfback spot will be between Scott Cowan and Romans, but I think Romans stronger form at the end of the season may see him get the spot. It sounds like Matt Saunders may be back as midfield cover, after a very strong season for Southland. I've included Vainakolo as I think they will pick him, but I'd rather they picked someone who is capable of catching the ball and isn't a major liability in defense. They may opt for an extra back - if they do a powerful wing/centre like Koonwayoo or Shortland may come into contention.

As to a starting 22 I'd go for:
MacIntosh, Rutledge, King
Bekhuis, Donnelly
Thomson, Soakai, Manu
Cowan, Slade
Smith, Lynn
Baker, Veainu, Robinson

Bench:
MacDonald, Aulika (or Meeuws), Hoeata, Hardie, Smith, Treeby, Paterson

The main contentious positions will be the loose-forward trio, and the midfield. I'm hoping they use Ben Smith in the midfield, as they need to get the ball in his hands as much as possible, but they may use him on the wing or at fullback.

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

My Predicted Highlanders squad:

Hookers: Rutledge, Bayden Mitchell, Jason MacDonald
Props: MacIntish, King, Aulika, Meeuws, Murray
Locks: Tuineau, Donnelly, Bekhuis, Hoeata
Loose-forwards: Crosswell, Thomson, Hardie, Soakai, Manu, Dixon
Halfbacks: Smith, Cowan, Romans
First-fives: Slade, Sopoaga
Midfield: Treeby, Smith, Saunders, Lynn
Outside backs: Paterson, Veainu, Baker, Vainakolo, Robinson.

Not sure about the two hookers who will backup Rutledge - Mitchell and MacDonald are two quality hookers from within the region, but there are rumors that the Highlanders have signed Mo Schwalgher and Ash Dixon. The Highlanders are a bit thin on props, however by the sounds of it Meeuws may make a return to Super Rugby. I'm not sure whether Brosnan Murray is still signed with the Higlanders or not, but I imagine they will try to get him back if he's not signed already. They may decide to add another lock (at the expense of the fifth prop), as Hoeata is more a loose-forward who can cover lock, but I suspect he will get plenty of time at lock given the number of loose-forwards that they have already signed. If they do want another lock, they will have to get one from outside the region.

The third halfback spot will be between Scott Cowan and Romans, but I think Romans stronger form at the end of the season may see him get the spot. It sounds like Matt Saunders may be back as midfield cover, after a very strong season for Southland. I've included Vainakolo as I think they will pick him, but I'd rather they picked someone who is capable of catching the ball and isn't a major liability in defense. They may opt for an extra back - if they do a powerful wing/centre like Koonwayoo or Shortland may come into contention.

As to a starting 22 I'd go for:
MacIntosh, Rutledge, King
Bekhuis, Donnelly
Thomson, Soakai, Manu
Cowan, Slade
Smith, Lynn
Baker, Veainu, Robinson

Bench:
MacDonald, Aulika (or Meeuws), Hoeata, Hardie, Smith, Treeby, Paterson

The main contentious positions will be the loose-forward trio, and the midfield. I'm hoping they use Ben Smith in the midfield, as they need to get the ball in his hands as much as possible, but they may use him on the wing or at fullback.

I'd prefer Smith at fullback.

Also what about Hayward?

 

[Darwin]

I'd prefer Smith at fullback.

Also what about Hayward?

At the moment I'd probably agree that Smith's best position is fullback, however he has the potential to be a top class midfield back. The Highlanders will want to get Robbie Robinson on the park, so really have to start him a fullback, meaning Smith will be moved to the wing or in the centres.

I hope they don't get Hayward back - I'm not actually sure what his contract status is though. He was hopeless defensively for the Highlanders last year, so I'd be surprised if the would pick him even he is available.

The Blues:

Props: Woodcock, John Afoa, Faumaina, Mailau, James Afoa
Hookers: Mealamu, Macartney
Locks: Williams, Boric, King, Poulo
Loosies: Kaino, Daniel Braid, Luke Braid, Luamanu, rauvolo
Halfbacks: Mathewson, Smylie, Morland
First 5's: Brett, Anscombe, Botica
Centers: McAlister, Benson Stanley, Winston Stanley,
Wings: Ranger, Rokocoko, Tuitavake, Stowers, Munro
Fullbacks: Payne, Toeava,

With the match day 22 being:

Woodcock
Mealamu
Afoa
Boric
Williams
Kaino
Braid
Luamanu
Mathewson
Brett
Rokocoko
Stanley
Toeava
Ranger
Payne

Macartney
Mailau
Poulo
Braid
Smylie
McAlister
Stowers

The Blues will have a very strong team this season if they can keep them all fit and injury free.

I am a Chiefs supporter but there has already been a Chiefs one done so I did the one closer to home.

Interesting to see that you have managed to fit 10 North Harbour players in the squad, despite their poor performance this season

They will probably need a third hooker -Ash Dixon comes to mind, though he is rumored to be going to the Highlanders. If they can't get him, Tim Dow is someone they may get as he's played well this year. I'd be surprised if they pick James Afoa - if they do take 5 props I'd imagine they may go for Murray (if the Highlanders don't have him already) or a youngster like Angus Ta'avao. I'm not sure about the locks - I'd take Liaki Moli and Kurtis Haiu over either King or Paulo, though I wouldn't be surprised if either (or both) of King and Paulo do end up making the squad. In the loose-forwards, I'd be shocked if Peter Saili is not selected (at the expense of Rauvolo) as they've put a lot of time into him, while the likes of Budd, Lowrey, and young Sean Polwart may be fighting out if they decide to take a sixth loose-forward (which I suspect they will).

The third halfback could be an interesting battle between Morland, Heuller, Caine and Hamilton - personally I'm a big fan of Luke Hamilton but I imagine he'd be forth ranked out on that list! As Invictus mentioned they will likely only take one young first-five, and I see Anscombe having a slight edge over Botica. The mid-field and outside backs largely pick themselves, but I'm not sure about Munro and Tuitavake - though both have been in really good form I wouldn't be surprised to see one (or both) miss out to Auckland players such as Dave Thomas, Chay Raui, or the experienced Brent Ward.

 

[Ru33a]

Okay im going to do the Hurricanes.

Hookers: Andrew Hore, Dane Coles, Mahroni Schwalger
Props: John Schwalger, Neemia Tialata, Anthony Perenise,
Locks: Jeremy Thrush, Jason Eaton, Bryn Evans, James Broadhurst.
Loosies: Rodney So'oialo, Victor Vito, Karl Lowe, Mike Coman, Scott Fugistaller,
Halfback: Piri Weepu, Tyson Keats, Chris Eaton
First Fives: Aaron Cruden, Fa'atonu Fili, Beauden Barrett
Midfield: Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Hadleigh Parkes, Jayden Hayward ( I don't think the Highlanders will keep him)
Back 3: Hosea Gear, Julian Savea, Cory Jane, Alapati Leuia, Buxton Popoalii,

Starting 22 against the Highlanders

1. John Schwalger
2. Andrew Hore
3. Neemia Tialata
4. Jeremy Thrush
5. James Broadhurst
6. Karl Lowe
7. Scott Fugistaller
8. Victor Vito
9. Piri Weepu
10. Aaron Cruden
11. Hosea Gear
12. Ma'a Nonu
13. Conrad Smith
14. Julian Savea
15. Cory Jane
16. Dane Coles
17. Anthony Perenise
18. Jason Eaton
19. Rodney So'oialo
20. Tyson Keats
21. Beauden Barrett
22. Alapati Leuia.

The Hurricanes look dealt to this year, Coach is gone,
Team will be a bit shaken up.., Losing players overseas
(Tamati Ellison)
I don't think you should expect much of them..,
As they are not going to be in the state of mind of 2009,
Making the Top 7 is good enough, Making the semis will be a big surprise from. my point of view

 

[ranger]

Okay im going to do the Hurricanes.

Hookers: Andrew Hore, Dane Coles, Mahroni Schwalger
Props: John Schwalger, Neemia Tialata, Anthony Perenise,
Locks: Jeremy Thrush, Jason Eaton, Bryn Evans, James Broadhurst.
Loosies: Rodney So'oialo, Victor Vito, Karl Lowe, Mike Coman, Scott Fugistaller,
Halfback: Piri Weepu, Tyson Keats, Chris Eaton
First Fives: Aaron Cruden, Fa'atonu Fili, Beauden Barrett
Midfield: Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Hadleigh Parkes, Jayden Hayward ( I don't think the Highlanders will keep him)
Back 3: Hosea Gear, Julian Savea, Cory Jane, Alapati Leuia, Buxton Popoalii,

Starting 22 against the Highlanders

1. John Schwalger
2. Andrew Hore
3. Neemia Tialata
4. Jeremy Thrush
5. James Broadhurst
6. Karl Lowe
7. Scott Fugistaller
8. Victor Vito
9. Piri Weepu
10. Aaron Cruden
11. Hosea Gear
12. Ma'a Nonu
13. Conrad Smith
14. Julian Savea
15. Cory Jane
16. Dane Coles
17. Anthony Perenise
18. Jason Eaton
19. Rodney So'oialo
20. Tyson Keats
21. Beauden Barrett
22. Alapati Leuia.

The Hurricanes look dealt to this year, Coach is gone,
Team will be a bit shaken up.., Losing players overseas
(Tamati Ellison)
I don't think you should expect much of them..,
As they are not going to be in the state of mind of 2009,
Making the Top 7 is good enough, Making the semis will be a big surprise from. my point of view

Micheal Bent, Ben Souness, Faifili Levavae and another halfback will be in the mix. Possibly Goodin but with Hammett coming up from Canterbury he may well bring Willie Heinz with him.
Fuglistaller really looks at long odds to make the cut. Shwalger looks to be going to the Highlanders so they will probably need another hooker. Maybe even Reg Goodes to cover 3rd hooker/ 5th prop.

 

[Seaton]

I'll do The Sharks

Hookers: Bismarck du Plessis, John Smit, Craig Burden
Props: Tendai "Beast" Mtwarira, Jannie du Plessis, Eugen van Staden, Pat Cilliers
Locks: Steven Sykes, Allistair Hargreaves, Ross Skeate, Gerhard Mostert
Flanks: Keegan Daniel, Jean Deysel, Jacques Botes, Micheal Rhodes
Eightman: Ryan Kankowski, Willem Alberts

Scrumhalves: Charl McLeod, Conrad Hoffman, Rory Kockett(If still contracted)/ Ross Cronje
Flyhalves: Pat Lambie, Jacques Louis Potgeiter, Guy Cronje
Centers: Meyer Bosman, Stefan Terblanche, Adi Jacobs, Riaan Swanepoel
Wings: Lwazi Mvovo, JP Pietersen, Odwa Ndungane, Mark Richards
Fullbacks: Louis Ludik, (covered by Conrad Hoffman, Mark Richards, Lambie), Wynand Pienaar

With my preferred XV being...

15. Louis Ludik
14. Lwazi Mvovo
13. Stefan Terblanche
12. Meyer Bosman
11. JP Pietersen
10. Patrick Lambie
9. Charl McLeod
8. Ryan Kankowski
7. Jean Deysel
6. Keegan Daniel
5. Allistair Hargreaves
4. Steven Sykes
3. Jannie du Plessis
2. Bismarck du Plessis
1. Tendai Mtwarira

16. John Smit
17. Eugen van Staden
18. Gerhard Mostert
19. Willem Alberts
20. Conrad Hoffman/Rory Kockett
21. Jacques Louis Potgeiter
22. Odwa Ndungane

John Smit to come on and close out games, Willem Alberts starting some games in place of Keegan Daniel, with Daniel coming on in those games to close out.

 

[Darwin]

Micheal Bent, Ben Souness, Faifili Levavae and another halfback will be in the mix. Possibly Goodin but with Hammett coming up from Canterbury he may well bring Willie Heinz with him.
Fuglistaller really looks at long odds to make the cut. Shwalger looks to be going to the Highlanders so they will probably need another hooker. Maybe even Reg Goodes to cover 3rd hooker/ 5th prop.

I'd imagine Daniel Kirkpatrick, George Pisi, Charlie Ngatai, and Andrew Taylor will all be selected as well (probably at the expense of Fili, Parkes, Popoali'i, and Hayward/Leuia). If Schwalger does go to the Highlanders the Canes could always pick an experienced hooker like Laurence Corlett (whose been in there training squad for a few years) or even Rob Foreman (who has been solid all season) - I haven't seen enough of Goodes to really comment on he readiness for Super rugby.

Taumalolo and May have both been fantastic for the Chiefs in the last two seasons (May was obviously injured last season, but in 09 he was great) so they are in my opinion the two top props, with Smith in form and needing some game time. Afeaki is an interesting one for me, he didn't have a huge impact for the Chiefs last year, but he wasn't bad or anything, just young, so I expect him to get some good game time off the bench when Smith is rested. I think the tight five will actually be a strength for us this season, slightly different to two or three years ago.

In regards to hookers I haven't seen much of the Bay hookers, so I'm naturally biased towards Kamo, who I think is a very safe option who's been in the WTS for the last couple of years.

I don't think we need three specialist 7s in the squad, with the ones I've listed you have two 6s, two 7s and two 8s, which is a good balance, as Lee and Messam can move around a bit.

On the props: Though May and Taumalolo have played well in previous seasons, Taumalolo hasn't played at all during this years ITM Cup (any what his current status is?), while May is clearly the third rated prop in the Waikato setup. It would seem strange to me if May gets into the Chiefs squad while Nathan White, who started ahead of him all season (and is the Waikato captain), missed out. I think Afeaki is slowly improving - he played really well for the Maori side this year, so I'm expecting him to really step up during this years Super 15. The Chiefs are in the fortunate position of having 6 Super 14 quality props to fill 4-5 spots - whoever misses out is sure to be picked up by another Super Rugby franchise.

On the loosies: With the way the game is being played (at a high pace) I think you need to have a number of players that can cover 7 in your squad. If you look at the current Canterbury ITM side they have 3 opensides in their 22 man squad (Todd, O'Conner, Whitelock), while Waikato have two (Lam, Hohneck). Though I'm sure Messem is more than capable of playing 7 at Super rugby level, the fact that Scott Waldrom is very injury prone means I'd want another openside in my squad. I'd expect we will see them use dual openside flankers late in games, with Waldrom coming on to replace Bourke or Messsem. Though I do like his rugged style, I don't see Bradley getting any gametime for the Chiefs, as he is clearly behind Bourke, Messem, and Lee at number 8. Lam's versatility may also give him the advatage over Bradley, as he is comfortable in all 3 loose forward positions.


For completeness sake I'll do the likely Crusaders squad:

Props: Crockett, B Franks, O Franks, Nick Barrett
Hookers: Flynn, Q MacDonald, Hall
Locks: Thorn, S Whitelock, Jack, Romano, Wheeler
Loosies: G Whitelock, Todd, McCaw, Read, Parker
Halfbacks: Fotuali'i, Ellis, Heinz
First-fives: Carter, Blyendaal, Berquist
Mid-field: Crotty, A Whitelock, SBW, Fruean
Outside Backs: Poki, Guildford, Maitland, Dagg, T Marshall

If they want 5 props they will probably look outside the region. I've only named 5 loosies, but Joe Wheeler is equally capable of playing at 8 or 6 as he is at lock, while Sam Whitelock is certainly capable of playing 6. I think the backs largely pick themselves, though they may find room for Umuga-Marshall if they feel they need another winger.

That would give a starting 22 of:
B Franks, Flynn (until he breaks his arm again), O Franks
Thorn, S Whitelock
Todd, McCaw, Read
Ellis, Carter
SBW, Fruean
Guildford, Maitland, Dagg

Bench:
Crockett, Q MacDonald, Jack, G Whitelock, Fotuali'i, Berquist, A Whitelock/Crotty/Poki

A pretty impressive looking squad really!

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

Micheal Bent, Ben Souness, Faifili Levavae and another halfback will be in the mix. Possibly Goodin but with Hammett coming up from Canterbury he may well bring Willie Heinz with him.
Fuglistaller really looks at long odds to make the cut. Shwalger looks to be going to the Highlanders so they will probably need another hooker. Maybe even Reg Goodes to cover 3rd hooker/ 5th prop.

They really need at least four props. Also I think Barrett is in the WTS.

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

I'd imagine Daniel Kirkpatrick, George Pisi, Charlie Ngatai, and Andrew Taylor will all be selected as well (probably at the expense of Fili, Parkes, Popoali'i, and Hayward/Leuia). If Schwalger does go to the Highlanders the Canes could always pick an experienced hooker like Laurence Corlett (whose been in there training squad for a few years) or even Rob Foreman (who has been solid all season) - I haven't seen enough of Goodes to really comment on he readiness for Super rugby.



On the props: Though May and Taumalolo have played well in previous seasons, Taumalolo hasn't played at all during this years ITM Cup (any what his current status is?), while May is clearly the third rated prop in the Waikato setup. It would seem strange to me if May gets into the Chiefs squad while Nathan White, who started ahead of him all season (and is the Waikato captain), missed out. I think Afeaki is slowly improving - he played really well for the Maori side this year, so I'm expecting him to really step up during this years Super 15. The Chiefs are in the fortunate position of having 6 Super 14 quality props to fill 4-5 spots - whoever misses out is sure to be picked up by another Super Rugby franchise.

On the loosies: With the way the game is being played (at a high pace) I think you need to have a number of players that can cover 7 in your squad. If you look at the current Canterbury ITM side they have 3 opensides in their 22 man squad (Todd, O'Conner, Whitelock), while Waikato have two (Lam, Hohneck). Though I'm sure Messem is more than capable of playing 7 at Super rugby level, the fact that Scott Waldrom is very injury prone means I'd want another openside in my squad. I'd expect we will see them use dual openside flankers late in games, with Waldrom coming on to replace Bourke or Messsem. Though I do like his rugged style, I don't see Bradley getting any gametime for the Chiefs, as he is clearly behind Bourke, Messem, and Lee at number 8. Lam's versatility may also give him the advatage over Bradley, as he is comfortable in all 3 loose forward positions.


For completeness sake I'll do the likely Crusaders squad:

Props: Crockett, B Franks, O Franks, Peterson
Hookers: Flynn, Q MacDonald, Hall
Locks: Thorn, S Whitelock, Jack, Romano, Wheeler
Loosies: G Whitelock, Todd, McCaw, Read, Parker
Halfbacks: Fotuali'i, Ellis, Heinz
First-fives: Carter, Blyendaal, Berquist
Mid-field: Crotty, A Whitelock, SBW, Fruean
Outside Backs: Poki, Guildford, Maitland, Dagg, T Marshall

If they want 5 props they will probably look outside the region. I've only named 5 loosies, but Joe Wheeler is equally capable of playing at 8 or 6 as he is at lock, while Sam Whitelock is certainly capable of playing 6. I think the backs largely pick themselves, though they may find room for Umuga-Marshall if they feel they need another winger.

That would give a starting 22 of:
B Franks, Flynn (until he breaks his arm again), O Franks
Thorn, S Whitelock
Todd, McCaw, Read
Ellis, Carter
SBW, Fruean
Guildford, Maitland, Dagg

Bench:
Crockett, Q MacDonald, Jack, G Whitelock, Fotuali'i, Berquist, A Whitelock/Crotty/Poki

A pretty impressive looking squad really!

Imagine if they'd held on to Ross, Bateman, and caught Adam Thompson!

 

[Shaggy]

Imagine if they'd held on to Ross, Bateman, and caught Adam Thompson!

... and Slade, Veainu etc, but i'm pleased that most of the top players are getting starts for one franchise or another

 

[bobbilycious]

It was Nick Barrett that was picked up by the Crusaders, not Michael Peterson (I assume you just got names mixed up). No complaints, apart from that. It is almost exactly what I would pick (in fact I think it is exactly what I would pick)

 

[Darwin]

It was Nick Barrett that was picked up by the Highlanders, not Michael Peterson (I assume you just got names mixed up). No complaints, apart from that. It is almost exactly what I would pick (in fact I think it is exactly what I would pick)

Your right it was Barrett that signed for the Crusaders and not Peterson... I knew they had signed and anonymous Southland prop*, I just picked the wrong one

*I expect Nick Barrett will become a superstar now I've called him anonymous....

 

[Faatau82]

I take it this is for next season?

 

[T-Rex]

The Crusaders (likely) team for next year is ridiculous;

15. Isael Dagg
14. Sean Maitland
13. Robbie Freuan
12. Sonny Bill Williams
11. Zac Guildford
10. Daniel Carter
9. Andrew Ellis
8. Keiran Read
7. Richie McCaw
6. Matt Todd
5. Sam Whitelock
4. Brad Thorn
3. Owen Franks
2. Corey Flynn
1. Ben Franks

It's a near top international quality team. Some would say for argument's sake that thatl whole squad could be in Europe right now with the AB's tour party.

 

[Muzzy]

woodcock
mealamu
afoa
boric
williams
kaino
braid
luamanu
mathewson
anscombe
rokocoko
stanley
payne
ranger
brett

ward
mcalister
caine
dow
faumuina
moli
saili

munro
stowers
toeava
atiga
mccartney
murray
burhman
ravulo