How many Force Players *should* make up Dean's first Wallabies Squad?

[unipirate]

My big problem with the last couple of Aussies sides has definately been the front row!! From watching the last couple of force games and some of the other aussie team games I feel that our front row is definately stronger than the eastern state teams by far. My theory however will be put to the test this weekend against the Crusarders! If the front row does there job during the game I really don't see how they could get looked over!! Also i am sure Robbie Deans is going to pick a front row that has mobility, that's seems to be how he plays; so for a hooker with mobility and skill you can't really go past Isacc of Holmes!!! I have never seen hookers move so fast before!!

As for the back row, yes it is going to be difficult to get rid of Smith and Waugh, but maybe a Western Force backrow reserve!! Locks, oh my god Sharp is there for sure no doubts.

Halfie I am not certain about, I think Australia is in a difficult position there! Should be an interesting choice either way!!

Gits has definately got the number 10 jersey, don't seem how that could be taken away!

Centre pairing, I think has to be Staniforth and Mortlock (if he is fit). No disrespect to Cross but I think he would be better utilised off the bench for Australia, for impact!

Fullback has to Shepo, Larkham has lost it as far as I am concerned. He really hasn't got the x-factor he used to have.

One wing definately has to be Drew, and I would say the second wing would be Tuquiri; maybe he can pull his finger out for us and burn some people this season!!

So in all I think the definate number of Force players that should be in the Aussie XV team has to be 5!

[no.8]

It's a bit hazy what would be going through Aussie Rob's brain as the Crusaders have a very quite media manager, so very little escapes from the Crusaders camp, never mind what Deans think!

1. Guy Shepherdson (the old guard has to go)
2. Stephen Moore (the old guard has to go)
3. Greg Holmes (the old guard has to go)
4. Nathan Sharpe (vc) (no.1 choice)
5. Daniel Vickerman
6. Mitchell Chapman (With Elsom given his marching orders - doors open for someone)
7. George Smith (showing more than Waugh)
8. Stephen Hoiles (Form number 8)

9. Josh Holmes (Again with George gone - who knows! would've been Henjak....))
10. Matt Giteau
11. Lote Tuqiri (on notice for Mark Gerrard)
12. Stirling Mortlock (c) (Brumbies want him to move)
13. Ryan Cross (If Mortlock - Staniforth inside centre)
14. Drew Mitchell
15. Cameron Shepherd (got the metal on Lachlan Turner?)


16. Huia Edmonds (Saia Faingaa/Luke Holmes)
17. Nic Henderson (Hardy close second)
18. Mark Chisholme (no other locks at the moment)
19. Wycliffe Palu (Opening for Fava or Horua here - plenty of competition though)
20. Ben Lucas (take your pick - would've been Henjak if he'd kept is nose clean)
21. Berrick Barnes
22. Scott Staniforth (the price of being versatile)

Thats what I reckon - everybody has their preferences.

[laura]

isn't Vickerman leaving Australian Rugby at the end of this season?

[Stone Cold]

At this stage: Sharpie, Drew and Gits are definites...the possibles: Shep, Staniforth (def bench), Aj, Pocock

I went with 3

Will be interesting to see what deans thinks though...

[no.8]

isn't Vickerman leaving Australian Rugby at the end of this season?

I think he's contracted until the end of the year...

[AndyS]

I'd certainly have him in the squad for the experience and education he could offer his replacements, but I'd be looking to judiciously replace him on the field. I wouldn't like to see him play all this year and then have them go looking for his replacement once he is gone, but I doubt our new coach is that dim either.

[gustafsl]

Anyone know for sure when Vickerman, Elsom and Latham are leaving?

I've said 5 in my answer.

I think there is too much worry in getting combinations in the front row and I don't see us getting 2 or 3 of the spots, so I actually think we'll miss out on all three front row positions. So

1
2
3
4 Sharpe
5 Chisholm/Vickerman
6 Elsom
7 Smith
8 Hoiles
9 couldn't actually make up my mind. Honestly if the side were picked today I think Deans would go with Cordingley or Sheehan for experience, even though they suck
10 Giteau
11 Mitchell
12 Staniforth
13 Mortlock
14 Turner
15 Shepherd/Latham

So my 5 Force are Sharpe, Giteau, Staniforth, Mitchell, Shepherd. Depending on how the year goes, Pocock, Brown, Fava, and Cross all have a great shot at pinching at the very least a bench spot.

[slomo]

thats a great front page poll!!...

[antiussentiment]

<< adds weight to the AJ-W argument..

the force scrum always looks better with him and the walaby scrum was a worry last i saw it play..

[kelv]

I think Sharp and gits are the only shoe ins. Drew mitchell an shep would be very close. I think the backrow is sown up with elsom,smith and the player of the super14 so far hoiles. I have been impressed so far by tyrone smith in the centres for the brumbies keep an eye on him.

[BLR]

Mitchell will get in, see: World Cup 2007...

[pruc]

sharpie, gits definate starters

to make the squad of 30 - mitchell, sheps, pocock, staniforth, cross(if his form continues) and outside chance since there being no half backs with a big name chucky.

but only 2-3 starting this summer.

[jazza93]

i think about 4 will get in the starting line up but it is to early to tell. i think we will have a better idea towards the end of the season. we still dont know how good some of the younger players like cummins or the brumbies backline are.

[Thequeerone]

1. Gits
2. Sharpe
3. Shep
4. Drew
5. Pocock
6. Fava
7. Hardy

Possibles :

Cummins, AJ, Hockings, Cross (espesically if he has some more blinders) , Brown

[laura]

1. Gits
2. Sharpe
3. Shep
4. Drew
5. Pocock
6. Fava
7. Hardy

Possibles :

Cummins, AJ, Hockings, Cross (espesically if he has some more blinders) , Brown

Stanniforth & McIssac?