Weekend thread - Ita v NZ 1p | Eng v Ton 3.15p | Wal v SA 5.30p | Fra v Arg 8p | Sco v Aus Sun 2.15

[handyman]

Where is Sards? Has he stopped posting?

I liked his views... his enthusiasm was more tempered than most.

Agreed, he's good value on a slow day.

[Chilli]

Durban-born hooker Bradley Roberts looks set to crack a nod in the Wales match-day 23 to take on the Springboks in Cardiff on Saturday.

According to a report on the WalesOnline website, Roberts will be named on the bench against the Springboks, only days after being called up to the squad as injury cover for veteran Ken Owens.


The uncapped Roberts is reported to be favoured as backup for Ryan Elias, with Owens unlikely to be fit in time.

The 25-year-old Roberts has made 10 appearances for Irish outfit Ulster. He is eligible to play for Wales through his paternal grandmother, who hailed from Llandysul.


He played in Wales in the early stages of his career before being drafted into Ulster's senior squad in 2020.

The report added that Scarlets tighthead prop WillGriff John is also expected to make his first appearance for Wales.

Poachers.......................

[Uncle fester]

Ireland v Japan
Nov 6th
1pm
Not in OP or thread title.

[Chilli]

Ireland v Japan
Nov 6th
1pm
Not in OP or thread title.

Tier 1 games only.

[Uncle fester]

Ireland v Japan
Nov 6th
1pm
Not in OP or thread title.

Tier 1 games only.

Last time we played you...38–3

[Chilli]

Ireland v Japan
Nov 6th
1pm
Not in OP or thread title.

Tier 1 games only.

Last time we played you...38–3

I know.......................................that hurts.

[sockwithaticket]

Ireland v Japan
Nov 6th
1pm
Not in OP or thread title.

I was going to say that it'll probably just be you and fishfoodie watching that one, but it'll probably be a more interesting game than Italy - New Zealand.

[Ymx]

Ireland v Japan
Nov 6th
1pm
Not in OP or thread title.

This one was sponsored by Amazon.

Sorry but you’re going to have to delete your post for even mentioning it.

[Gumboot]

All Blacks vs Italy:

1. George Bower (9 caps)
2. Dane Coles (77)
3. Tyrel Lomax (12)
4. Tupou Vaa’i (9)
5. Josh Lord (1)
6. Luke Jacobson (11)
7. Sam Cane – captain (75)
8. Hoskins Sotutu (9)

9. Brad Weber (15)
10. Richie Mo’unga (29)
11. George Bridge (17)
12. Quinn Tupaea (5)
13. Braydon Ennor (3)
14. Sevu Reece (15)
15. Damian McKenzie (38)

16. Asafo Aumua (5), 17. Ethan de Groot (3), 18. Ofa Tuungafasi (42), 19. Samuel Whitelock (129), 20. Shannon Frizell (15), 21. Finlay Christie (4), 22. David Havili (12), 23. Jordie Barrett (32)

[Ymx]

So, what’s the thinking on NZ team?

Probably
Sam Cane will be back.
R Mo to start
Brodie won’t be playing

Possibly
Weber to start
D Mac at FB

Ha ha

[Ymx]

I realise it’s a chance for other players to stretch their legs.

But can’t help but wonder if Havili might end up on the bench for the rest of the tour to cover both midfield and back 3 depending upon how Tupaea plays.

[Grandpa]

Quinn Tupaea... hope he plays so well he has to start against Ireland...

[Ymx]

Hoping Josh Lord gets a good first cap.

[sturginho]

All Blacks vs Italy:

1. George Bower (9 caps)
2. Dane Coles (77)
3. Tyrel Lomax (12)
4. Tupou Vaa’i (9)
5. Josh Lord (1)
6. Luke Jacobson (11)
7. Sam Cane – captain (75)
8. Hoskins Sotutu (9)

9. Brad Weber (15)
10. Richie Mo’unga (29)
11. George Bridge (17)
12. Quinn Tupaea (5)
13. Braydon Ennor (3)
14. Sevu Reece (15)
15. Damian McKenzie (38)

16. Asafo Aumua (5), 17. Ethan de Groot (3), 18. Ofa Tuungafasi (42), 19. Samuel Whitelock (129), 20. Shannon Frizell (15), 21. Finlay Christie (4), 22. David Havili (12), 23. Jordie Barrett (32)

Looks weak

Italia
15 Matteo MINOZZI (Wasps Rugby, 22 caps)
14 Federico MORI (Bordeaux, 9 caps)
13 Juan Ignacio BREX (Benetton Rugby, 5 caps)
12 Marco ZANON (Benetton Rugby, 6 caps)
11 Montanna IOANE (Benetton Rugby, 6 caps)
10 Paolo GARBISI (Montpellier, 10 caps)
9 Stephen VARNEY (Gloucester Rugby 7 caps)
8 Renato GIAMMARIOLI (Zebre Parma, 4 caps)
7 Michele LAMARO (Benetton Rugby, 7 caps) – capitano
6 Sebastian NEGRI (Benetton Rugby, 33 caps)
5 David SISI (Zebre Parma, 15 caps)
4 Marco FUSER (Newcastle Falcons, 33 caps)
3 Marco RICCIONI (Saracens, 15 caps)
2 Gianmarco LUCCHESI (Benetton Rugby, 6 caps)
1 Danilo FISCHETTI (Zebre Parma, 12 caps)

A disposizione
16 Luca BIGI (Zebre Parma 37 caps)
17 Ivan NEMER (Benetton Ruby, esordiente)
18 Pietro CECCARELLI (Brive, 14 caps)
19 Niccolò CANNONE (Benetton Rugby, 13 caps)
20 Federico RUZZA (Benetton Rugby, 22 caps)
21 Abraham STEYN (Benetton Rugby, 44 caps)
22 Callum BRALEY (Benetton Rugby, 10 caps)
23 Carlo CANNA (Zebre Parma, 52 caps)

[handyman]

I realise it’s a chance for other players to stretch their legs.

But can’t help but wonder if Havili might end up on the bench for the rest of the tour to cover both midfield and back 3 depending upon how Tupaea plays.

Havili was pretty bad in the 2 tests vs the Boks.

[Grandpa]

All Blacks vs Italy:

1. George Bower (9 caps)
2. Dane Coles (77)
3. Tyrel Lomax (12)
4. Tupou Vaa’i (9)
5. Josh Lord (1)
6. Luke Jacobson (11)
7. Sam Cane – captain (75)
8. Hoskins Sotutu (9)

9. Brad Weber (15)
10. Richie Mo’unga (29)
11. George Bridge (17)
12. Quinn Tupaea (5)
13. Braydon Ennor (3)
14. Sevu Reece (15)
15. Damian McKenzie (38)

16. Asafo Aumua (5), 17. Ethan de Groot (3), 18. Ofa Tuungafasi (42), 19. Samuel Whitelock (129), 20. Shannon Frizell (15), 21. Finlay Christie (4), 22. David Havili (12), 23. Jordie Barrett (32)

Looks weak

Italia
15 Matteo MINOZZI (Wasps Rugby, 22 caps)
14 Federico MORI (Bordeaux, 9 caps)
13 Juan Ignacio BREX (Benetton Rugby, 5 caps)
12 Marco ZANON (Benetton Rugby, 6 caps)
11 Montanna IOANE (Benetton Rugby, 6 caps)
10 Paolo GARBISI (Montpellier, 10 caps)
9 Stephen VARNEY (Gloucester Rugby 7 caps)
8 Renato GIAMMARIOLI (Zebre Parma, 4 caps)
7 Michele LAMARO (Benetton Rugby, 7 caps) – capitano
6 Sebastian NEGRI (Benetton Rugby, 33 caps)
5 David SISI (Zebre Parma, 15 caps)
4 Marco FUSER (Newcastle Falcons, 33 caps)
3 Marco RICCIONI (Saracens, 15 caps)
2 Gianmarco LUCCHESI (Benetton Rugby, 6 caps)
1 Danilo FISCHETTI (Zebre Parma, 12 caps)

A disposizione
16 Luca BIGI (Zebre Parma 37 caps)
17 Ivan NEMER (Benetton Ruby, esordiente)
18 Pietro CECCARELLI (Brive, 14 caps)
19 Niccolò CANNONE (Benetton Rugby, 13 caps)
20 Federico RUZZA (Benetton Rugby, 22 caps)
21 Abraham STEYN (Benetton Rugby, 44 caps)
22 Callum BRALEY (Benetton Rugby, 10 caps)
23 Carlo CANNA (Zebre Parma, 52 caps)

Italia by 15?

[Marylandolorian]

France, it has been a while since France put a 5/8 instead of a tank like Bastaraud or Vakarawa


Starters Bleus : 15. Jaminet ; 14. Penaud, 13. Fickou, 12. Ntamack, 11. Villière ; 10. Jalibert, 9. Dupont (cap.) ; 7. Woki, 8. Jelonch, 6. Cros ; 5. Willemse, 4. Flament ; 3. Haouas, 2. Marchand, 1. Baille.
Bench 16. Mauvaka, 17. Gros, 18. Bamba, 19. Taofifenua, 20. Alldritt, 21. Macalou, 22. Lucu, 23. Danty.

[laurent]

The French team for Argentina



the bench is nasty...

Jalibert Ntamack will echo the Carbonel Ntamack U20 Duo

Damn it I looked for the argentinian team and should have posted

[sockwithaticket]

That back line is pure filth.

[laurent]

That back line is pure filth.

[sturginho]

All Blacks vs Italy:

1. George Bower (9 caps)
2. Dane Coles (77)
3. Tyrel Lomax (12)
4. Tupou Vaa’i (9)
5. Josh Lord (1)
6. Luke Jacobson (11)
7. Sam Cane – captain (75)
8. Hoskins Sotutu (9)

9. Brad Weber (15)
10. Richie Mo’unga (29)
11. George Bridge (17)
12. Quinn Tupaea (5)
13. Braydon Ennor (3)
14. Sevu Reece (15)
15. Damian McKenzie (38)

16. Asafo Aumua (5), 17. Ethan de Groot (3), 18. Ofa Tuungafasi (42), 19. Samuel Whitelock (129), 20. Shannon Frizell (15), 21. Finlay Christie (4), 22. David Havili (12), 23. Jordie Barrett (32)

Looks weak

Italia
15 Matteo MINOZZI (Wasps Rugby, 22 caps)
14 Federico MORI (Bordeaux, 9 caps)
13 Juan Ignacio BREX (Benetton Rugby, 5 caps)
12 Marco ZANON (Benetton Rugby, 6 caps)
11 Montanna IOANE (Benetton Rugby, 6 caps)
10 Paolo GARBISI (Montpellier, 10 caps)
9 Stephen VARNEY (Gloucester Rugby 7 caps)
8 Renato GIAMMARIOLI (Zebre Parma, 4 caps)
7 Michele LAMARO (Benetton Rugby, 7 caps) – capitano
6 Sebastian NEGRI (Benetton Rugby, 33 caps)
5 David SISI (Zebre Parma, 15 caps)
4 Marco FUSER (Newcastle Falcons, 33 caps)
3 Marco RICCIONI (Saracens, 15 caps)
2 Gianmarco LUCCHESI (Benetton Rugby, 6 caps)
1 Danilo FISCHETTI (Zebre Parma, 12 caps)

A disposizione
16 Luca BIGI (Zebre Parma 37 caps)
17 Ivan NEMER (Benetton Ruby, esordiente)
18 Pietro CECCARELLI (Brive, 14 caps)
19 Niccolò CANNONE (Benetton Rugby, 13 caps)
20 Federico RUZZA (Benetton Rugby, 22 caps)
21 Abraham STEYN (Benetton Rugby, 44 caps)
22 Callum BRALEY (Benetton Rugby, 10 caps)
23 Carlo CANNA (Zebre Parma, 52 caps)

Italia by 15?

Kiwis will be shitting themselves and praying for another typhoon to come save them

[Auckman]

I thought this forum had died. First time I’ve posted here since last year.

[sturginho]

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/int ... an-crowley

[Ymx]

I thought this forum had died. First time I’ve posted here since last year.

It’s at a steady state of traffic.
A handful of regular kiwis
All the Scot’s
All the Saffers
The non-bad English
Handful of French, Italian and Americas
No Aussies
No Swarm

[Chilli]

Wales: 15 Johnny McNicholl, 14 Louis Rees-Zammit, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Nick Tompkins, 11 Josh Adams, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Tomos Williams, 8 Aaron Wainwright, 7 Taine Basham, 6 Ellis Jenkins, 5 Adam Beard, 4 Will Rowlands, 3 Tomas Francis, 2 Ryan Elias, 1 Rhys Carré.
Replacements: 16 Bradley Roberts, 17 Wyn Jones, 18 WillGriff John, 19 Ben Carter, 20 Seb Davies, 21 Gareth Davies, 22 Gareth Anscombe, 23 Liam Williams.

[sockwithaticket]

I thought this forum had died. First time I’ve posted here since last year.

It’s at a steady state of traffic.
A handful of regular kiwis
All the Scot’s
All the Saffers
The non-bad English
Handful of French, Italian and Americas
No Aussies
No Swarm

Oh you.

[Grandpa]

I thought this forum had died. First time I’ve posted here since last year.

It’s at a steady state of traffic.
A handful of regular kiwis
All the Scot’s
All the Saffers
The non-bad English
Handful of French, Italian and Americas
No Aussies
No Swarm

How come no Aussies joined?

[Grandpa]

Looks weak

Italia
15 Matteo MINOZZI (Wasps Rugby, 22 caps)
14 Federico MORI (Bordeaux, 9 caps)
13 Juan Ignacio BREX (Benetton Rugby, 5 caps)
12 Marco ZANON (Benetton Rugby, 6 caps)
11 Montanna IOANE (Benetton Rugby, 6 caps)
10 Paolo GARBISI (Montpellier, 10 caps)
9 Stephen VARNEY (Gloucester Rugby 7 caps)
8 Renato GIAMMARIOLI (Zebre Parma, 4 caps)
7 Michele LAMARO (Benetton Rugby, 7 caps) – capitano
6 Sebastian NEGRI (Benetton Rugby, 33 caps)
5 David SISI (Zebre Parma, 15 caps)
4 Marco FUSER (Newcastle Falcons, 33 caps)
3 Marco RICCIONI (Saracens, 15 caps)
2 Gianmarco LUCCHESI (Benetton Rugby, 6 caps)
1 Danilo FISCHETTI (Zebre Parma, 12 caps)

A disposizione
16 Luca BIGI (Zebre Parma 37 caps)
17 Ivan NEMER (Benetton Ruby, esordiente)
18 Pietro CECCARELLI (Brive, 14 caps)
19 Niccolò CANNONE (Benetton Rugby, 13 caps)
20 Federico RUZZA (Benetton Rugby, 22 caps)
21 Abraham STEYN (Benetton Rugby, 44 caps)
22 Callum BRALEY (Benetton Rugby, 10 caps)
23 Carlo CANNA (Zebre Parma, 52 caps)

Italia by 15?

Kiwis will be shitting themselves and praying for another typhoon to come save them

Well remembered. That robbed Italy of a possible quarterfinal. Must have been gutting.

[Ymx]

I thought this forum had died. First time I’ve posted here since last year.

It’s at a steady state of traffic.
A handful of regular kiwis
All the Scot’s
All the Saffers
The non-bad English
Handful of French, Italian and Americas
No Aussies
No Swarm

How come no Aussies joined?

A few did, but returned, as did many of the kiwis who are based in that part of the world timezone.

[Ymx]

ENGLAND (vs Tonga, Saturday)
15. Freddie Steward,
14. Adam Radwan,
13. Henry Slade,
12. Manu Tuilagi,
11. Jonny May,
10. Owen Farrell,
9. Ben Youngs,

1. Ellis Genge,
2. Jamie George,
3. Kyle Sinckler,
4. Maro Itoje,
5. Jonny Hill,
6. Courtney Lawes,
7. Sam Underhill,
8. Tom Curry.

Reps: 16. Jamie Blamire, 17. Joe Marler, 18. Will Stuart, 19. Charlie Ewels, 20. Alex Dombrandt, 21. Alex Mitchell, 22. Marcus Smith, 23. George Furbank.

[Ymx]

Because this is such a mess of team lists, and I feel responsible, I have added a link in the OP to the relevant posts.

Hope that helps !

[Ymx]

any team announcements for Scotland or Aus yet?

[sturginho]

ENGLAND (vs Tonga, Saturday)
15. Freddie Steward,
14. Adam Radwan,
13. Henry Slade,
12. Manu Tuilagi,
11. Jonny May,
10. Owen Farrell,
9. Ben Youngs,

1. Ellis Genge,
2. Jamie George,
3. Kyle Sinckler,
4. Maro Itoje,
5. Jonny Hill,
6. Courtney Lawes,
7. Sam Underhill,
8. Tom Curry.

Reps: 16. Jamie Blamire, 17. Joe Marler, 18. Will Stuart, 19. Charlie Ewels, 20. Alex Dombrandt, 21. Alex Mitchell, 22. Marcus Smith, 23. George Furbank.

No Lynagh, the dream of him playing in blue lives on!

[laurent]

And Argentina for france

[Chilli]

ENGLAND (vs Tonga, Saturday)
15. Freddie Steward,
14. Adam Radwan,
13. Henry Slade,
12. Manu Tuilagi,
11. Jonny May,
10. Owen Farrell,
9. Ben Youngs,

1. Ellis Genge,
2. Jamie George,
3. Kyle Sinckler,
4. Maro Itoje,
5. Jonny Hill,
6. Courtney Lawes,
7. Sam Underhill,
8. Tom Curry.

Reps: 16. Jamie Blamire, 17. Joe Marler, 18. Will Stuart, 19. Charlie Ewels, 20. Alex Dombrandt, 21. Alex Mitchell, 22. Marcus Smith, 23. George Furbank.

Why not start with Smith at 10? It is only Tonga

[Raggs]

ENGLAND (vs Tonga, Saturday)
15. Freddie Steward,
14. Adam Radwan,
13. Henry Slade,
12. Manu Tuilagi,
11. Jonny May,
10. Owen Farrell,
9. Ben Youngs,

1. Ellis Genge,
2. Jamie George,
3. Kyle Sinckler,
4. Maro Itoje,
5. Jonny Hill,
6. Courtney Lawes,
7. Sam Underhill,
8. Tom Curry.

Reps: 16. Jamie Blamire, 17. Joe Marler, 18. Will Stuart, 19. Charlie Ewels, 20. Alex Dombrandt, 21. Alex Mitchell, 22. Marcus Smith, 23. George Furbank.

Why not start with Smith at 10? It is only Tonga

He was injured so hasn't trained much during the week.

[Ymx]

TONGA (vs England):
15. T Veainu;
14. W Fifita,
13. M Hingano,
12. A Taumoepeau,
11. S Kata;
10. Kurt Morath,
9. S Takulua (capt);

1. S Fisi’ihoi,
2. P Ngauamo,
3. B Tameifuna,
4. H Fifita,
5. T Halaifonua,
6. L Timani,
7. M Kafatolu,
8. S Vailanu.

Reps: S Maile, L Uhila, M Fia, S Funaki, O Havili, L Fukofuka, J Faiva, V Fine.

[Slick]

That England side just looks kind of stale. Not sure it would scare any of the big teams

[SaintK]

That England side just looks kind of stale. Not sure it would scare any of the big teams

Quite. Very underwhelming

[Chilli]

ENGLAND (vs Tonga, Saturday)
15. Freddie Steward,
14. Adam Radwan,
13. Henry Slade,
12. Manu Tuilagi,
11. Jonny May,
10. Owen Farrell,
9. Ben Youngs,

1. Ellis Genge,
2. Jamie George,
3. Kyle Sinckler,
4. Maro Itoje,
5. Jonny Hill,
6. Courtney Lawes,
7. Sam Underhill,
8. Tom Curry.

Reps: 16. Jamie Blamire, 17. Joe Marler, 18. Will Stuart, 19. Charlie Ewels, 20. Alex Dombrandt, 21. Alex Mitchell, 22. Marcus Smith, 23. George Furbank.

Why not start with Smith at 10? It is only Tonga

He was injured so hasn't trained much during the week.

I'd still have chosen him over Farrell.

I don't think that Jones really believes in Smith.