The Silver Fern

    • Register
    • Login
    • Search
    • Categories
    • Recent
    • Users
    • Tipping
    • Thread Topics
    • Highlights
    • Team Sheets
    • NPC Results
    • Upvote Leaderboard
        • TSF
        • Home Page
        • Browse Posts
        • Tipping
        • Tipping Home
        • Submit Your Tips
        • Current Tips
          Rugby Info
        • Team Sheets
        • Highlights
        • Rugby Results
        • AB Results
        • SR Results
        • NPC Results
          Forum Links
        • Leaderboard
        • Popular Topics
        • Topic Tags

    World Cup Squad Positions

    Sports Talk
    allblacks rwc
    40
    137
    2839
    Loading More Posts
    • Oldest to Newest
    • Newest to Oldest
    • Most Votes
    Reply
    • Reply as topic
    Log in to reply
    This topic has been deleted. Only users with topic management privileges can see it.
    • P
      Paj last edited by Duluth

      Got a weekend coming up with a few mates and we have to bring our WC Squad predictions.

      got a few ideas, but need a few thoughts on breakdown of squad in what think will be position wise?

      3 hookers, two 1st fives etc?

      Thoughts?

      ACT Crusader sparky 2 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 0
      • ACT Crusader
        ACT Crusader @Paj last edited by

        @Paj said in World Cup Squad Positions:

        Got a weekend coming up with a few mates and we have to bring our WC Squad predictions.

        got a few ideas, but need a few thoughts on breakdown of squad in what think will be position wise?

        3 hookers, two 1st fives etc?

        Thoughts?

        Is this spam? 😀

        If it’s 31, it might be something like:

        3 x hookers
        5 x props
        4 x locks
        5 x loosies

        3 x halfbacks
        2 x 1st 5’s
        4 x midfielders
        4 x outside backs

        I think there will be flexibility with some of those back positions.

        P Crucial 2 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 2
        • sparky
          sparky last edited by

          3x Hookers.
          5x Props
          4 x Locks (one of whom can play Backrow)
          5x Loosies
          3x Half Backs
          3X First Fives
          4x Midfield (One with utility)
          4 x Outside Backs

          Taylor, Coles, Coltman,
          Moody, Tu'inukuafe, Franks, Lomax, Tu'ungafasi,
          Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Tuipulotu, Scott Barrett,
          Squire, Frizzell, Ardie Savea, Cane, Read,
          Aaron Smith, TJP, Weber,
          Beauden Barrett, Mo'unga, Josh Ioane,
          Crotty, ALB, Goodhue, Ennor,
          Reiko Ioane, Bridge, Ben Smith, Jordie Barrett,

          P 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
          • P
            Paj @sparky last edited by

            @sparky I picking they'll take 2 1st Fives and have TJ as back up.

            Jailbreak7 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
            • P
              Paj @ACT Crusader last edited by

              @ACT-Crusader I'm not a robot!

              ACT Crusader 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 3
              • sparky
                sparky @Paj last edited by

                @Paj said in World Cup Squad Positions:

                Got a weekend coming up with a few mates and we have to bring our WC Squad predictions.

                Are your mates called Shag, Foz and Foxy? If so, we got ourselves a scoop.

                Bones 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 6
                • Bones
                  Bones @sparky last edited by

                  @sparky said in World Cup Squad Positions:

                  @Paj said in World Cup Squad Positions:

                  Got a weekend coming up with a few mates and we have to bring our WC Squad predictions.

                  Are your mates called Shag, Foz and Foxy? If so, we got ourselves a scoop.

                  Finally TSF gets the recognition it deserves.

                  1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 2
                  • Jailbreak7
                    Jailbreak7 @Paj last edited by

                    @Paj Nooooo keep TJ as half back please. Don't want hime near the 10 jersey. Can see the thinking, but nooooo. Otherwise we may as well move Rieko to centre...oh wait
                    Guess it will come down to whether taking 3 halfbacks are more important than 3 first fives, on the back of skill-set, goal-kicking etc.
                    Hate it when we make light of Namibia and Canada, they will be all out to do some damage. for sure

                    1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                    • ACT Crusader
                      ACT Crusader @Paj last edited by

                      @Paj said in World Cup Squad Positions:

                      @ACT-Crusader I'm not a robot!

                      Good to hear from you bro.

                      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                      • Crucial
                        Crucial @ACT Crusader last edited by

                        @ACT-Crusader said in World Cup Squad Positions:

                        @Paj said in World Cup Squad Positions:

                        Got a weekend coming up with a few mates and we have to bring our WC Squad predictions.

                        got a few ideas, but need a few thoughts on breakdown of squad in what think will be position wise?

                        3 hookers, two 1st fives etc?

                        Thoughts?

                        Is this spam? 😀

                        If it’s 31, it might be something like:

                        3 x hookers
                        5 x props
                        4 x locks
                        5 x loosies

                        3 x halfbacks
                        2 x 1st 5’s
                        4 x midfielders
                        4 x outside backs

                        I think there will be flexibility with some of those back positions.

                        I reckon that mix is the most likely as well.
                        One other option I would consider is losing a midfielder for a loosie but as the midfield probably has to include SBW and Crotty and Goodhue plus the versatility of ALB, I doubt that would be considered for long.
                        2 Halfbacks AND 2 10s would be a big risk.

                        rotated Chris B. 2 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 0
                        • rotated
                          rotated @Crucial last edited by rotated

                          @Crucial said in World Cup Squad Positions:

                          2 Halfbacks AND 2 10s would be a big risk.

                          Hansen said they were thinking of taking two halfbacks, but now DMac is injured they will definitely take three. The last back position is a 4th outside back or 3rd first-five.

                          1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                          • Chris B.
                            Chris B. @Crucial last edited by

                            @Crucial On the other hand, I reckon that mix is no chance.

                            There's only 30 players. 🙂

                            I hope Sparky's mix is right and they take 3 first fives.

                            I can't really see Ennor displacing SBW (and Laumape), despite that he would give an additional wing option. I think it's more likely that we might see Lienert Brown given a run on the wing during TRC.

                            Lomax can't displace Laulala - he's required by the Mako!

                            Nepia 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 2
                            • Nepia
                              Nepia @Chris B. last edited by

                              @Chris-B I’m sure through a combination of cheque book and the support of the powerful Crusaders the Tasman Invitational XV will find another worthy prop.

                              Chris B. 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                              • Chris B.
                                Chris B. @Nepia last edited by

                                @Nepia Yeah - it would be a good start on heading Laulala back to the Crusaders!

                                Nepia 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                • Nepia
                                  Nepia @Chris B. last edited by

                                  @Chris-B said in World Cup Squad Positions:

                                  @Nepia Yeah - it would be a good start on heading Laulala back to the Crusaders!

                                  I don’t think he wants to be poached by the South Island twice.

                                  1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                  • shark
                                    shark last edited by

                                    I don't think for a second that they'll take four specialist locks. Three and a utility, or two and two utilities. But these are just labels really.

                                    The biggest variable in this mix for mine is how much faith they have in Barrett being able to play blindside.

                                    They'll obviously take Whitelock, Retallick and Barrett and then probably one of Fifita and Hemopo. You could say that's three and a utility, or two and two utilities. There's a chance they'll take Tuipulotu and Barrett could take the Fifita/Hemopo spot.

                                    rotated Chris B. 2 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                    • shark
                                      shark last edited by

                                      This is my first lick at a squad all year, I think. And this is who I think they'll pick. If I'm really unsure between two players, I've picked who I'd pick:

                                      Taylor
                                      Coles
                                      Coltman (could easily be Harris)

                                      Moody LH
                                      Karl T LH
                                      Franks TH
                                      Laulala TH
                                      Ofa T TH LH

                                      Retallick
                                      S Whitelock
                                      S Barrett

                                      Fifita BF L
                                      Squire BF
                                      Cane OF
                                      Savea OF
                                      Read 8
                                      L Whitelock 8 BF

                                      A Smith
                                      Perenara
                                      Drummond

                                      B Barrett
                                      Mo'unga
                                      J Ioane

                                      ALB 12 13
                                      Crotty 12 13
                                      SBW 12
                                      Goodhue 13

                                      J Barrett W FB
                                      R Ioane W
                                      Bridge W
                                      B Smith W FB

                                      I think they'll go safety first in several situations. Number 8 cover is one, where I don't think they'll use Savea except maybe as game day cover. I'm super keen on Ennor going, but I think they'll take the four proven performers in midfield and Bridge (who I don't consider a FB option at the highest level yet, same as Goodhue at 12) will be the fourth outside back, or Naholo.

                                      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                      • rotated
                                        rotated @shark last edited by rotated

                                        @shark said in World Cup Squad Positions:

                                        I don't think for a second that they'll take four specialist locks.

                                        I think they almost certainly will; Whitelock, Rettalick, Barrett and probably Patty T.

                                        Rettalick and Whitelock are on a shortlist of players who would be given the Richie treatment and retained in the squad if they picked up a serious injury with a questionable prognosis where they might be able to return later in the tournament. I'll take either at 85% with a five week layoff in a potential semi-final and final over most other options. The selectors are unlikely to put themselves in a situation where they could be forced to make a call to send either one home because of inadequate cover. Along those lines Chicago was a good reality check on how grim things can be without legitimate locking.

                                        antipodean Duluth shark 3 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 2
                                        • antipodean
                                          antipodean @rotated last edited by

                                          @rotated said in World Cup Squad Positions:

                                          @shark said in World Cup Squad Positions:

                                          I don't think for a second that they'll take four specialist locks.

                                          I think they almost certainly will; Whitelock, Rettalick, Barrett and probably Patty T.

                                          Rettalick and Whitelock are on a shortlist of players who would be given the Richie treatment and retained in the squad if they picked up a serious injury with a questionable prognosis where they might be able to return later in the tournament. I'll take either at 85% with a five week layoff in a potential semi-final and final over most other options. The selectors are unlikely to put themselves in a situation where they could be forced to make a call to send either one home because of inadequate cover. Along those lines Chicago was a good reality check on how grim things can be without legitimate locking.

                                          Add to that their apparent satisfaction with Barrett as a blindside if required.

                                          rotated 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                                          • rotated
                                            rotated @antipodean last edited by

                                            @antipodean said in World Cup Squad Positions:

                                            Add to that their apparent satisfaction with Barrett as a blindside if required.

                                            Contrasted with their explicit dissatisfaction when Fifita is selected as a lock.

                                            1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                            • Duluth
                                              Duluth @rotated last edited by

                                              @rotated said in World Cup Squad Positions:

                                              I think they almost certainly will; Whitelock, Rettalick, Barrett and probably Patty T.

                                              The coaches seem to rate Tuipulotu higher than TSF users do

                                              I suspect he'll be on the bench against sides like Ireland/England etc. They've always commented on his ability to bend the line (assuming he doesn't drop the ball..)

                                              However if one Whitelock/Retallick is injured, Barrett comes straight into the starting xv.

                                              Nepia A 2 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 4
                                              • Chris B.
                                                Chris B. @shark last edited by

                                                @shark said in World Cup Squad Positions:

                                                I don't think for a second that they'll take four specialist locks. Three and a utility, or two and two utilities. But these are just labels really.

                                                The biggest variable in this mix for mine is how much faith they have in Barrett being able to play blindside.

                                                They'll obviously take Whitelock, Retallick and Barrett and then probably one of Fifita and Hemopo. You could say that's three and a utility, or two and two utilities. There's a chance they'll take Tuipulotu and Barrett could take the Fifita/Hemopo spot.

                                                I think they'll take four locks because they'll be reasonably confident in Barrett as a blindside option. I think the big game plan for locks and loosies will be:

                                                Retallick plays 80
                                                Whitelock probably plays 80
                                                e.g. Squire - plays 50
                                                Cane plays 80
                                                Read plays 80

                                                Barrett covers lock and blindside if necessary - comes on if one of locks gets injured or fades. Or if we need height in the lineout - or if one of our 80 minute loosies is fading.
                                                Ardie covers all three loosie positions plays 30

                                                1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                                • Tim
                                                  Tim last edited by

                                                  I really hope we won't have Barrett at lock, or Squire at 6, when we play South Africa, England, or Ireland.

                                                  1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 6
                                                  • P
                                                    pakman last edited by pakman

                                                    I agree that selectors likely to shoot for four locks, which means Patty T competing with Hemopo. Also expect that they'll go with two 10s and look for a fullback who can play 10 against Canada. Jordie seems to have the inside running. As for Luke W, he only gets in if Read is crocked. More likely he's only a plane trip away.

                                                    1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                                    • Nepia
                                                      Nepia @Duluth last edited by

                                                      @Duluth said in World Cup Squad Positions:

                                                      The coaches seem to rate Tuipulotu higher than TSF users do

                                                      Not me, I prefer an on form Patty T to Barrett. And he's been pretty on form since coming back from his off field stuff.

                                                      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 5
                                                      • A
                                                        African Monkey @Duluth last edited by

                                                        @Duluth Well Blues players are hardly the most loved on this forum haha (apart from Rieko) but yeah, Pat's fitness seems to have improved a lot this season and is looking a lot busier around the field. He's certainly hitting much harder in the tackle to go with his strong ball carrying.

                                                        Snowy 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                                        • Snowy
                                                          Snowy @African Monkey last edited by

                                                          @African-Monkey said in World Cup Squad Positions:

                                                          Well Blues players are hardly the most loved on this forum

                                                          Yeah, a reflection on the team they play for, not the individual's playing ability. Provincial bias is rife - and stupid - we all want the AB's to be as good as they can.

                                                          As for locks - world cup winning teams had a pretty much world best (for the time) lock in it.
                                                          Whetton (maybe a little debatable but certainly up there).
                                                          Eales
                                                          Weise and Strydom (that is debatable but that match was a bit "different")
                                                          Eales
                                                          Johnson
                                                          Matfield
                                                          Whitelock (and Thorn)
                                                          Rettalick and Whitelock

                                                          We will have to take specialist locks and hope that our top two stay fit IMO.

                                                          Obviously other positions are just as important but if your lineout isn't working, the kicking game falls apart and options become more limited. Scrums are largely a tight 5 effort and 2 of them are locks. Without even mentioning the ball running and passing game of our top 2 guys.
                                                          Barrett covering 6 (at a push) is a bonus.

                                                          Wally 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 3
                                                          • Wally
                                                            Wally @Snowy last edited by

                                                            @Snowy said in World Cup Squad Positions:

                                                            @African-Monkey said in World Cup Squad Positions:

                                                            Well Blues players are hardly the most loved on this forum

                                                            Yeah, a reflection on the team they play for, not the individual's playing ability. Provincial bias is rife - and stupid - we all want the AB's to be as good as they can.

                                                            As for locks - world cup winning teams had a pretty much world best (for the time) lock in it.
                                                            Whetton (maybe a little debatable but certainly up there).
                                                            Eales
                                                            Weise and Strydom (that is debatable but that match was a bit "different")
                                                            Eales
                                                            Johnson
                                                            Matfield
                                                            Whitelock (and Thorn)
                                                            Rettalick and Whitelock

                                                            We will have to take specialist locks and hope that our top two stay fit IMO.

                                                            Obviously other positions are just as important but if your lineout isn't working, the kicking game falls apart and options become more limited. Scrums are largely a tight 5 effort and 2 of them are locks. Without even mentioning the ball running and passing game of our top 2 guys.
                                                            Barrett covering 6 (at a push) is a bonus.

                                                            I agree. Particularly as an ex-lock.
                                                            All great teams have had great locks.
                                                            Hill/White, Meads/Meads, Meads/Strahan, McBride/Thomas etc etc ....

                                                            MN5 Snowy 2 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 2
                                                            • MN5
                                                              MN5 @Wally last edited by

                                                              @Wally said in World Cup Squad Positions:

                                                              @Snowy said in World Cup Squad Positions:

                                                              @African-Monkey said in World Cup Squad Positions:

                                                              Well Blues players are hardly the most loved on this forum

                                                              Yeah, a reflection on the team they play for, not the individual's playing ability. Provincial bias is rife - and stupid - we all want the AB's to be as good as they can.

                                                              As for locks - world cup winning teams had a pretty much world best (for the time) lock in it.
                                                              Whetton (maybe a little debatable but certainly up there).
                                                              Eales
                                                              Weise and Strydom (that is debatable but that match was a bit "different")
                                                              Eales
                                                              Johnson
                                                              Matfield
                                                              Whitelock (and Thorn)
                                                              Rettalick and Whitelock

                                                              We will have to take specialist locks and hope that our top two stay fit IMO.

                                                              Obviously other positions are just as important but if your lineout isn't working, the kicking game falls apart and options become more limited. Scrums are largely a tight 5 effort and 2 of them are locks. Without even mentioning the ball running and passing game of our top 2 guys.
                                                              Barrett covering 6 (at a push) is a bonus.

                                                              I agree. Particularly as an ex-lock.
                                                              All great teams have had great locks.
                                                              Hill/White, Meads/Meads, Meads/Strahan, McBride/Thomas etc etc ....

                                                              Not sure about that. Gray/Gray have been let down by some of the Scots teams they’ve been in

                                                              Snowy 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                                              • Snowy
                                                                Snowy @Wally last edited by

                                                                @Wally said in World Cup Squad Positions:

                                                                All great teams have had great locks.
                                                                Hill/White, Meads/Meads, Meads/Strahan, McBride/Thomas etc etc ....

                                                                Yeah, I chose an arbitrary starting point of RWCs.

                                                                When I had this discussion with my father in law (Welsh trialist in the 70s, but by no means a lock) we went back a bit further. Came to the same conclusion. AW Jones is pretty bloody good and Wales are now ranked #2.

                                                                7s and 10s get most of the hype / talk (in NZ anyway).

                                                                MN5 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                                                                • MN5
                                                                  MN5 @Snowy last edited by

                                                                  @Snowy said in World Cup Squad Positions:

                                                                  @Wally said in World Cup Squad Positions:

                                                                  All great teams have had great locks.
                                                                  Hill/White, Meads/Meads, Meads/Strahan, McBride/Thomas etc etc ....

                                                                  Yeah, I chose an arbitrary starting point of RWCs.

                                                                  When I had this discussion with my father in law (Welsh trialist in the 70s, but by no means a lock) we went back a bit further. Came to the same conclusion. AW Jones is pretty bloody good and Wales are now ranked #2.

                                                                  7s and 10s get most of the hype / talk (in NZ anyway).

                                                                  True. Much as he tried Ali Williams could never get his face in as many woman’s magazines as Richie and Dan could.

                                                                  1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                                                  • Snowy
                                                                    Snowy @MN5 last edited by

                                                                    @MN5 said in World Cup Squad Positions:

                                                                    Not sure about that. Gray/Gray have been let down by some of the Scots teams they’ve been in

                                                                    You are looking at it in reverse - not all great locks got to play in great teams but most great teams had at least one great lock.

                                                                    MN5 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                                                    • MN5
                                                                      MN5 @Snowy last edited by

                                                                      @Snowy said in World Cup Squad Positions:

                                                                      @MN5 said in World Cup Squad Positions:

                                                                      Not sure about that. Gray/Gray have been let down by some of the Scots teams they’ve been in

                                                                      You are looking at it in reverse - not all great locks got to play in great teams but most great teams had at least one great lock.

                                                                      Um can’t you argue this about every single position ?

                                                                      Snowy 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                                                      • Snowy
                                                                        Snowy @MN5 last edited by

                                                                        @MN5 said in World Cup Squad Positions:

                                                                        @Snowy said in World Cup Squad Positions:

                                                                        @MN5 said in World Cup Squad Positions:

                                                                        Not sure about that. Gray/Gray have been let down by some of the Scots teams they’ve been in

                                                                        You are looking at it in reverse - not all great locks got to play in great teams but most great teams had at least one great lock.

                                                                        Um can’t you argue this about every single position ?

                                                                        I don't think so really. The Aussies for example had some pretty shit props for years but still manged to put out some greatish teams. Obviously they would have been a lot better with great props too but guys that could do the job were good enough. Just doesn't have the recurring theme that locks do. Not going to go through all positions.

                                                                        Crazy Horse 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                                                        • Crazy Horse
                                                                          Crazy Horse @Snowy last edited by

                                                                          @Snowy so props don't really matter! I knew it!

                                                                          Snowy 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 2
                                                                          • Snowy
                                                                            Snowy @Crazy Horse last edited by

                                                                            @Crazy-Horse said in World Cup Squad Positions:

                                                                            @Snowy so props don't really matter! I knew it!

                                                                            I was really trying not to imply that!

                                                                            MN5 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                                                            • MN5
                                                                              MN5 @Snowy last edited by

                                                                              @Snowy said in World Cup Squad Positions:

                                                                              @Crazy-Horse said in World Cup Squad Positions:

                                                                              @Snowy so props don't really matter! I knew it!

                                                                              I was really trying not to imply that!

                                                                              Still a bit of a weird statement. What you should be saying is teams that win World Cups have great players in a number of positions with the odd not so great player in between.

                                                                              Snowy 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                                                              • Snowy
                                                                                Snowy @MN5 last edited by

                                                                                @MN5 With the common denominator over all positions is a great lock (and 1st 5). Chances are you can get away with being weak somewhere on the field but the pattern is that the great teams have a great lock.

                                                                                chimoaus Chester Draws 2 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 1
                                                                                • chimoaus
                                                                                  chimoaus @Snowy last edited by

                                                                                  @Snowy said in World Cup Squad Positions:
                                                                                  Chances are you can get away with being weak somewhere on the field but the pattern is that the great teams have a great lock.

                                                                                  And preferably the other lock is not a loose forward. 🙂

                                                                                  1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                                                                                  • Chester Draws
                                                                                    Chester Draws @Snowy last edited by Chester Draws

                                                                                    @Snowy said in World Cup Squad Positions:

                                                                                    @MN5 With the common denominator over all positions is a great lock (and 1st 5). Chances are you can get away with being weak somewhere on the field but the pattern is that the great teams have a great lock.

                                                                                    No. That's bollocks.

                                                                                    Lock just isn't the second most important position in a team.

                                                                                    You've taken some teams, and advanced a theory that fits those small number of teams. It's a bad case of post hoc ergo propter hoc.

                                                                                    But the rest of us watch rugby. And lock isn't more important than prop or hooker or halfback. Or second five or fullback.

                                                                                    Great teams have great players. Odds are, one of them is a lock. That's hardly proof you need a great lock to be a great team. It's proof you need great players to be a great team.

                                                                                    Higgins 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
                                                                                    • First post
                                                                                      Last post