AB RWC Squad

[Bones]

@Machpants said in AB RWC Squad:

Foster named the most experienced World Cup squad of all time (1,493 caps)

Extra two squad members probably make a bit of a difference there - that also applies to your post @ACT-Crusader !

[Machpants]

@Bones yup, but more experienced than the others named so far, and probably will remain that way. Boks more, Irish?

[BerniesCorner]

If things go awry on the injury front Jacobson could play some major minutes.

[Bones]

@BerniesCorner said in AB RWC Squad:

If things go awry on the injury front Jacobson could play some major minutes.

That's not a bad thing.

[Machpants]

@Bones said in AB RWC Squad:

@BerniesCorner said in AB RWC Squad:

If things go awry on the injury front Jacobson could play some major minutes.

That's not a bad thing.

Depends if that is at lock or not

[sparky]

@ACT-Crusader Or Hoskins Sotutu.

[BerniesCorner]

Yep full confidence in Jacobson, deserves his chance.

[ACT Crusader]

@Bones I think the concussion protocols has been a key issue in the bigger squad sizes.

For the stat nerds:

2007 - 30 (match day 22)
split - 16/14

Hookers - 3
Props - 4
Locks - 4
Loose Forwards - 5

Halfbacks - 3
1st 5s - 2
Midfield - 4
Outside backs - 5

—————————————————-
2011 - 30 (match day 22)
split - 16/14

Hookers - 3
Props - 4
Locks - 4
Loose Forwards - 5

Halfbacks - 3
1st 5s - 2
Midfield - 4
Outside backs - 5

—————————————————-
2015 - 31 (match day 23)
split - 17/14

Hookers - 3
Props - 5
Locks - 3
Loose Forwards - 6

Halfbacks - 3
1st 5s - 3
Midfield - 4
Outside backs - 4

—————————————————-
2019 - 31 (match day 23)
split - 17/14

Hookers - 3
Props - 5
Locks - 4
Loose Forwards - 5

Halfbacks - 3
1st 5s - 2
Midfield - 4
Outside backs - 5

—————————————————-
2023 - 33 (match day 23)
split - 18/15

Hookers - 3
Props - 6
Locks - 4
Loose Forwards - 5

Halfbacks - 3
1st 5s - 3
Midfield - 4
Outside backs - 5

[Mr Fish]

@ACT-Crusader

Suspect we would have taken at least four props to the 2007 World Cup, even with only three in the match-day squad...

[ACT Crusader]

@Mr-Fish said in AB RWC Squad:

@ACT-Crusader

Suspect we would have taken at least four props to the 2007 World Cup, even with only three in the match-day squad...

No only 3 selected in the squad naming. But I think they may have added Yoda

Forwards: Rodney So'oialo, Chris Masoe, Richie McCaw (captain), Jerry Collins, Sione Lauaki, Reuben Thorne, Ali Williams, Chris Jack, Keith Robinson, Carl Hayman, Neemia Tialata, Tony Woodcock, Anton Oliver, Keven Mealamu, Andrew Hore.

[Mr Fish]

@ACT-Crusader said in AB RWC Squad:

@Mr-Fish said in AB RWC Squad:

@ACT-Crusader

Suspect we would have taken at least four props to the 2007 World Cup, even with only three in the match-day squad...

No only 3

Forwards: Rodney So'oialo, Chris Masoe, Richie McCaw (captain), Jerry Collins, Sione Lauaki, Reuben Thorne, Ali Williams, Chris Jack, Keith Robinson, Carl Hayman, Neemia Tialata, Tony Woodcock, Anton Oliver, Keven Mealamu, Andrew Hore.

Looks like Greg Sommerville was added to the squad to make it a 30-man group.

[ACT Crusader]

Found it, Yoda was under an injury cloud and they were giving him more time to prove fitness before confirming him as the final player.

Schwalger was the other TH that played in 07 prior to the RWC

[Billy Tell]

Fair play to Jacobsen. He was really on the outer under foster but had fought his way back in. I think he is a better option than the likes of akira and sotutu. Does the basics well and reliably even if he is less flash.

I agree with the above comment. A year ago we were no chance now we are a definite chance. Hardest match outside the final will be the ¼ final. Yes the opening match will be tough but it’s only to decide who wins the pool. And with the lopsided draw it probably decides if we play Ireland or SA. But would love Scotland to knock Ireland (or SA) out.

[Steve]

@sparky said in AB RWC Squad:

Five loose forwards is utterly dumb. Even more so when you have an injured Lock.

Even if none of them get injured , surely they will be knackered.

The French , Irish and Springboks are big lumps. We need the back row fit and firing.

Cane is prone to the odd niggle. He isn’t a guaranteed 80 minute man like McCaw was.

The lack of game time given to Jacobsen is even more alarming now. He is covering 6 and 8 especially with BBBR injured.

If Frizell goes down we are into choppy waters.

[Bones]

@ACT-Crusader Interesting, I thought I'd read it was to allow more front rowers. But apparently it's for better preparation...

https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/2023/news/619345/increased-rest-days-confirmed-for-rugby-world-cup-2023

[mencey]

Webber for Christie.
Shame about Ennor would have taken him rather than David Havili if not injured.
Nepo is well past sell by date
Would have taken another lock rather than Caleb Clarke

That is my take. Lets go win it

[Bones]

@mencey said in AB RWC Squad:

Webber

Noooooo

[Billy Tell]

Also think Schmidt is making a difference. As I lived in Ireland during a lot of the Schmidt era, I watched virtually all of Ireland's games. His sides were always well-drilled. Yes he came up short in his 2 RWC attempts, but in the first he had really bad luck with injuries (he lost many of his best players in the final pool game vs France) and in 2019, Ireland did their choke vs a well-performed NZ side.

[Steve]

If Caleb Clark was playing like prime Jonah Lomu you’d make the concession for him.

But he isn’t playing any better than the others currently .

Never played better than the others in his previous body of work either.

Only plays one position.

I don’t see the point of his selection at all.

[Steve]

@Steve said in AB RWC Squad:

If Caleb Clark was playing like prime Jonah Lomu you’d make the concession for him.

But he isn’t playing any better than the others currently .

Never played better than the others in his previous body of work either.

Only plays one position.

I don’t see the point of his selection at all.

Unless it’s for pure beef against the Irish and French. Fight fire with fire.