Team Selection - Round 1 - Rugby World Cup

20  September  2019

Japan  vs  Russia

Japan

15  William Tupou, 14  Kotaro Matsushima, 13  Timothy Lafaele, 12  Ryoto Nakamura, 11  Lomano Lava Lemeki, 10  Yu Tamura, 9  Yutaka Nagare, 8  Kazuki Himeno, 7  Pieter Labuschagne, 6  Michael Leitch (c), 5  James Moore, 4  Wimpie van der Walt, 3  Asaeli Ai Valu, 2  Shota Horie, 1  Keita Inagaki

Replacements  :  16  Atsushi Sakate, 17  Isileli Nakajima, 18  Koo Ji-won, 19  Luke Thompson, 20  Hendrik Tui, 21  Fumiaki Tanaka, 22  Rikiya Matsuda, 23  Ryohei Yamanaka

Russia

15  Vasily Artemyev (c), 14  German Davydov, 13  Vladimir Ostroushko, 12   Dmitry Gerasimov, 11  Kirill Golosnitskiy, 10  Yury Kushnarev, 9  Vasily Dorofeev, 8  Nikita Vavilin, 7  Tagir Gadzhiev, 6  Vitaly Zhivatov, 5  Bogdan Fedotko, 4  ndrey Ostrikov, 3  Kirill Gotovtsev, 2  Stanislav Selskii, 1  Valery Morozov

Replacements  :  16  Evgeny Matveev, 17  Andrei Polivalov, 18  Azamat Bitiev, 19  Andrey Garbuzov, 20  Anton Sychev, 21  Dmitry Perov, 22  Ramil Gaisin, 23  Vladislav Sozonov 

21  September  2019

Australia  vs  Fiji

Australia

15  Kurtley Beale, 14  Reece Hodge, 13  James O’Connor, 12  Samu Kerevi, 11  Marika Koroibete, 10  Christian Lealiifano, 9  Nic White, 8  Isi Naisarani, 7  Michael Hooper (c), 6  David Pocock, 5  Rory Arnold, 4  Izack Rodda, 3  Allan Alaalatoa, 2  Tolu Latu, 1  Scott Sio

Replacements  : 16  Jordan Uelese, 17 James Slipper, 18  Sekope Kepu, 19  Adam Coleman, 20  Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 21  Will Genia, 22  Matt To’omua, 23  Dane Haylett-Petty

Fiji

15  Kini Murimurivalu, 14  Josua Tuisova, 13  Waisea Nayacalevu, 12  Levani Botia, 11  Semi Radradra, 10  Ben Volavola, 9  Frank Lomani, 8  Viliame Mata, 7  Peceli Yato, 6  Dominiko Waqaniburotu (c), 5  Leone Nakarawa, 4  Tevita Cavubati, 3  Peni Ravai, 2  Samuel Matavesi, 1  Campese Ma’afu

Replacements  :  16  Tuvere Vugakoto, 17  Eroni Mawi, 18  Manasa Saulo, 19  Tevita Ratuva, 20  Mosese Voka, 21  Nikola Matawalu, 22  Alivereti Veitokani, 23  Vereniki Goneva

France  vs  Argentina

France

15  Maxime Medard, 14  Damian Penaud, 13  Gael Fickou, 12  Virimi Vakatawa, 11  Yoann Huget, 10  Romain Ntamack, 9   Antoine Dupont, 8  Gregory Alldritt, 7  Charles Ollivon, 6  Wenceslas Lauret, 5  Sebastien Vahaamahina, 4  Arthur Iturria, 3  Rabah Slimani, 2  Guilhem Guirado (c), 1  Jefferson Poirot

Replacements :  16  Camille Chat, 17  Cyril Baille, 18  Demba Bamba, 19  Bernard le Roux, 20  Louis Picamoles, 21  Maxime Machenaud, 22  Camille Lopez, 23  Thomas Ramos 

Argentina

15  Emiliano Boffelli, 14  Matias Moroni, 13  Matias Orlando, 12  Jeronimo de la Fuente, 11  Ramiro Moyano, 10  Nicolas Sanchez, 9  Tomas Cubelli, 8  Javier Ortega Desio, 7  Marcos Kremer, 6  Pablo Matera (c), 5  Tomas Lavanini, 4  Guido Petti, 3  Juan Figallo, 2  Agustin Creevy, 1  Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro

Replacements  : 16  Julian Montoya, 17  Mayco Vivas, 18  Santiago Medrano, 19  Matias Alemanno, 20  Tomas Lezana, 21 Felipe Ezcurra, 22  Benjamin Urdapilleta, 23  Santiago Carreras

New  Zealand  vs  South Africa

New Zealand

15  Beauden Barrett, 14  Sevu Reece, 13  Anton Lienert-Brown, 12  Ryan Crotty, 11  George Bridge, 10  Richie Mo’unga, 9  Aaron Smith, 8  Kieran Read (c), 7  Sam Cane, 6  Ardie Savea, 5  Scott Barrett, 4  Sam Whitelock, 3  Nepo Laulala, 2  Dane Coles, 1  Joe Moody

Replacements  : 16  Codie Taylor, 17  Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 18  Angus Ta’avao, 19  Patrick Tuipulotu, 20  Shannon Frizell, 21  TJ Perenara, 22  Sonny Bill Williams, 23  Ben Smith 

South Africa

15  Willie le Roux, 14  Cheslin Kolbe, 13  Lukhanyo Am, 12  Damian de Allende, 11  Makazole Mapimpi, 10  Handré Pollard, 9  Faf de Klerk, 8  Duane Vermeulen, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6  Siya Kolisi (c), 5  Franco Mostert, 4  Eben Etzebeth, 3   Frans Malherbe, 2  Malcolm Marx, 1  Steven Kitshoff

Replacements  :  16  Bongi Mbonambi, 17  Tendai Mtawarira, 18  Trevor Nyakane, 19  RG Snyman, 20  Francois Louw, 21  Herschel Jantjies, 22  Frans Steyn, 23  Jesse Kriel

22   September 2019

Italy  vs   Namibia

Italy

15  Jayden  Hayward, 14  Matea  Belini,13  Tommaso Benvenuti, 12  Luca Morisi, 11  Eduardo Padoivani, 10  Tomasso Allan, 9  Tito Tebaldi, 8  Sergio Parisse (c),  7  Maxime Mbanda, 6  Braam Steyn, 5   Federico Ruzza,  4  Alessandro Zanni, 3  Tiziano Pasquali, 2  Luca Bigi, 1  Nicola Quaglio

Replacements  :   16  Oliviero Fabiani, 17  Simone Ferrari,  18  Marco Riccioni, 19  Dean Budd, 20  Jake Piolledri,  21  Guglielmo Palazzani, 22 Carlo Canna, 23  Matteo Minozzi

Namibia

15  Johan Tromp, 14  Chad Plato, 13  Justin Newman, 12  Darryl De La Harpe, 11  JC Greyling, 10  Cliven Loubser, 9  Damian Stevens, 8  Janco Venter, 7  Wian Conradie, 6  Rohan Kitshoff, 5  Tjiuee Uanivi (c), 4  PJ van Lill, 3  Johannes Coetzee, 2  Torsten George Van Jaarsveld, 1  Andre Rademeyer.

Replacements  :  16  Louis van der Westhuizen, 17  AJ De Klerk, 18  Nelius Theron, 19  Johan Retief, 20  Max Katjijeko, 21  Eugene Jantjies, 22  Helarius Axasman Kisting, 23  Lesley Klim

Ireland  vs  Scotland

Ireland

15  Jordan Larmour, 14  Andrew Conway, 13  Garry Ringrose, 12  Bundee Aki, 11  Jacob Stockdale, 10  Jonathan Sexton, 9  Conor Murray, 8  CJ Stander, 7  Josh van der Flier, 6  Peter O’Mahony, 5  James Ryan, 4  Iain Henderson, 3  Tadhg Furlong, 2  Rory Best (c), 1  Cian Healy

Replacements  :   16  Niall Scannell, 17  Dave Kilcoyne, 18  Andrew Porter, 19  Tadhg Beirne, 20  Jack Conan, 21  Luke McGrath, 22  Jack Carty, 23  Chris Farrell 

Scotland

15  Stuart Hogg, 14  Tommy Seymour, 13  Duncan Taylor, 12  Sam Johnson, 11  Sean Maitland, 10  Finn Russell, 9  Greig Laidlaw, 8  Ryan Wilson, 7  Hamish Watson, 6  John Barclay, 5  Jonny Gray, 4  Grant Gilchrist, 3  Willem Nel, 2  Stuart McInally (c), 1  Allan Dell

Replacements  :  16  Fraser Brown, 17  Gordon Reid, 18  Simon Berghan, 19  Scott Cummings, 20  Blade Thomson, 21  Ali Price, 22  Chris Harris, 23  Darcy Graham 

England  vs  Tonga

England

15  Elliot Daly, 14  Anthony Watson, 13  Manu Tuilagi, 12  Owen Farrell (c), 11  Jonny May, 10  George Ford, 9  Ben Youngs, 8  Billy Vunipola, 7  Sam Underhill, 6  Tom Curry, 5  Maro Itoje, 4  Courtney Lawes, 3  Kyle Sinckler, 2  Jamie George, 1  Joe Marler

Replacements  :  16  Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17  Ellis Genge, 18  Dan Cole, 19  George Kruis, 20  Lewis Ludlam, 21  Willi Heinz, 22  Henry Slade, 23  Jonathan Joseph

Tonga

15  David Halaifonua, 14  Atieli Pakalani, 13  Siale Piutau (c), 12  Cooper Vuna,  11  Viliami Lolohea, 10  Kurt Morath, 9  Sonatane Takulua, 8  Maama Vaipulu, 7  Zane Kapeli, 6  Sione Kalamafoni, 5  Halaleva Fifita, 4  Sam Lousi, 3  Ben Tameifuna, 2  Sosefo Sakalia, 1  Siegfried Fisi'ihoi

Replacements  :  16  Siua Maile, 17  Latu Talakai, 18  Ma'afu Fia, 19  Dan Faleafa, 20  Nasi Manu, 21  Leon Fukofuka, 22  James Faiva, 23  Nafi Tu'itavake

23  September 2019

Wales  vs  Georgia

Wales

15  Liam Williams, 14  George North, 13  Jonathan Davies, 12  Hadleigh Parkes, 11  Josh Adams, 10  Dan Biggar, 9  Gareth Davies, 8  Josh Navidi, 7  Justin Tipuric, 6  Aaron Wainwright, 5  Alun Wyn Jones (c), 4  Jake Ball, 3  Tom Francis, 2  Ken Owens, 1  Wyn Jones

Replacements  :  16 Elliot Dee, 17  Nicky Smith, 18  Dillon Lewis, 19  Aaron Shingler, 20  Ross Moriarty, 21  Tomos Williams, 22  Rhys Patchell, 23  Leigh Halfpenny

Georgia

15  Soso Matiashvili, 14  Miriani Modebadze, 13  David Kacharava, 12  Tamaz Mchedlidze, 11  Giorgi Kveseladze, 10  Tedo Abzhandadze, 9  Vasil Lobzhanidze, 8  Beka Gorgadze, 7  Mamuka Gorgodze, 6  Giorgi Tkhilaishvili, 5  Konstantine Mikautadze, 4  Giorgi Nemsadze, 3  Beka Gigashvili, 2  Shalva Mamukashvili, 1  Mikheil Nariashvili (c)

Replacements  :  16  Jaba Bregvadze, 17  Guram Gogichashvili, 18  Levan Chilachava, 19  Shalva Sutiashvili, 20  Beka Saginadze, 21  Otari Giorgadze, 22  Gela Aprasidze, 23  Lasha Khmaladze

This is likely to be a difficult one to deal with and help in updating teams will be sincerely appreciated.

Nice one, Mike ...

Appreciated.

Goooooooooooo Bokke ... I mean Englandddddd.

..Japan

15 William Tupou, 14 Kotaro Matsushima, 13 Timothy Lafaele, 12 Ryoto Nakamura, 11 Lomano Lava Lemeki, 10 Yu Tamura, 9 Yutaka Nagare, 8 Kazuki Himeno, 7 Pieter Labuschagne, 6 Michael Leitch (captain), 5 James Moore, 4 Wimpie van der Walt, 3 Asaeli Ai Valu, 2 Shota Horie, 1 Keita Inagaki

Substitutes: 16 Atsushi Sakate, 17 Isileli Nakajima, 18 Koo Ji-won, 19 Luke Thompson, 20 Hendrik Tui, 21 Fumiaki Tanaka, 22 Rikiya Matsuda, 23 Ryohei Yamanaka

The Springbok team to play New Zealand in Yokohama:

15. Willie le Roux (Wasps, England), 56 caps – 60 points (12 tries)

14. Cheslin Kolbe (Toulouse, France), 10 – 25 (5t)

13. Lukhanyo Am (Cell C Sharks), 9 – 5 (1t)

12. Damian de Allende (DHL Stormers), 40 – 20 (4t)

11. Makazole Mapimpi (Cell C Sharks), 8 – 40 (8t)

10. Handré Pollard (Vodacom Bulls), 42 – 388 (6t, 65c, 73p, 3d)

9. Faf de Klerk (Sale Sharks, England), 25 – 15 (3t)

8. Duane Vermeulen (Vodacom Bulls), 49 – 15 (3t)

7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (DHL Stormers), 50 – 20 (4t)

6. Siya Kolisi (captain, DHL Stormers), 43 – 25 (5t)

5. Franco Mostert (Gloucester, England), 32 – 5 (1t)

4. Eben Etzebeth (DHL Stormers), 79 – 15 (3t)

3. Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers), 32 – 0

2. Malcolm Marx (Emirates Lions), 27 – 20 (4t)

1. Steven Kitshoff (DHL Stormers), 40 – 5 (1t)

Replacements:

16. Bongi Mbonambi (DHL Stormers), 30 – 20 (4t)

17. Tendai Mtawarira (Cell C Sharks), 111 – 10 (2t)

18. Trevor Nyakane (Vodacom Bulls), 41 – 5 (1t)

19. RG Snyman (Vodacom Bulls), 16 – 0

20. Francois Louw (Bath, England), 69 – 45 (9t)

21. Herschel Jantjies (DHL Stormers), 4 – 20 (4t)

22. Frans Steyn (Montpellier, France), 61 – 136 (10t, 7c, 21p, 3d)

23. Jesse Kriel (Vodacom Bulls), 45 – 60 (12t)

Getting excited about a competition The Goats are playing in? 

Haaaaaahahahahaaa!!!

Naughty, naughty ... Draad.

I intend watching every single match.

I can't remember when last we had such an open race. Anyone can win it this year. Even the quota riddled Goats.

I would like to see a new champion.  

Thanks guys - Jap an and South Africa updated 

R ussia Updated

Mighty ABs

All Blacks team to face the Springboks:

15. Beauden Barrett
14. Sevu Reece
13. Anton Lienert-Brown
12. Ryan Crotty
11. George Bridge
10. Richie Mo'unga
9. Aaron Smith
8. Kieran Read
7. Sam Cane
6. Ardie Savea
5. Sam Whitelock
4. Scott Barrett
3. Nepo Laulala
2. Dane Coles
1. Joe Moody

Reserves:

16. Codie Taylor
17. Ofa Tuungafasi
18. Angus Ta'avao
19. Patrick Tuipulotu
20. Shannon Frizell
21. TJ Perenara
22. Sonny Bill Williams
23. Ben Smith

Fielding a near full strength team only Retallick and Goodhue missing from our top 15.

AB's by 15    GO THE MIGHTY ALL BLACKS

A few elderly folk in the mix ... but still ... a very good side.

Nice to see Frizell included.

Pity about Laumape.

I thought Perenara would get the 9 jersey. He's had an awesome season. Would have been my pick.

Arstralia

50/50 call, both are in great form so I am happy with Smith starting .

Damn I am bloody excited about this game, two good teams going head to head cant wait for this one

Fiji: 

Kini Murimurivalu, Josua Tuisova, Waisea Nayacalevu, Levani Botia, Semi Radradra, Ben Volavola, Frank Lomani, Viliame Mata, Peceli Yato, Dominiko Waqaniburotu (c), Leone Nakarawa, Tevita Cavubati, Peni Ravai, Sam Matasevi, Campese Ma'afu. 

Reserves: Veremalua Vugakoto, Eroni Mawi, Manasa Saulo, Tevita Ratuva, Mosese Voka, Nikola Matawalu, Alivereti Veitokani, Vereniki Goneva.

 Why is Ioane absent from the team?

I think the Crusaders is weaker because of absence of Goodhue and Ioane from the team.  And Barrett at lock - bad choice.  Will update AB's and Australia a bit later.    

Damn right, Sader. I too am very excited about this match ... in fact the whole WC has me pacing up and down.

This week has dragged on and on. To think I have to endure another two and half days. When God handed out patience, I wasn't even in the queue. 

Good luck to your side, Sader.

Hope it's a cracker.

France

1. Jefferson Poirot
2. Guilhem Guirado (capt.)
3. Rabah Slimani
4. Arthur Iturria
5. Sebastien Vahaamahina
6. Wenceslas Lauret
7. Charles Ollivon
8. Gregory Alldritt
9. Antoine Dupont
10. Romain Ntamack
11. Yoann Huget
12. Virimi Vakatawa
13. Gael Fickou
14. Damian Penaud
15. Maxime Medard
    
    
16. Camille Chat
17. Cyril Baille
18. Demba Bamba
19. Bernard Le Roux
20. Louis Picamoles
21. Maxime Machenaud
22. Camille Lopez
23. Thomas Ramos

Normally games like this never live up to expectations but I think this one is going to be a cracker.

Argentina (15-1)

Emiliano Boffelli; Matias Moroni, Matias Orlando, Jeronimo de la Fuente, Ramiro Moyano; Nicolas Sanchez, Tomas Cubelli; Javier Ortega Desio, Marcos Kremer, Pablo Matera (capt); Tomas Lavanini, Guido Petti; Juan Figallo, Agustin Creevy, Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro

Replacements: Julian Montoya, Mayco Vivas, Santiago Medrano, Matias Alemanno, Tomas Lezana, Felipe Ezcurra, Benjamin Urdapilleta, Santiago Carreras

Thanks guys

Australia, All Blacks, Fiji, France and Argentina updated 

Hope we get the Sunday game teams before closing time tomorrow, 

ENGLAND

15 Elliot Daly

14 Anthony Watson

13 Manu Tuilagi

12 Owen Farrell (capt)

11 Jonny May

10 George Ford

9 Ben Youngs

1 Joe Marler

2 Jamie George

3 Kyle Sinckler

4 Courtney Lawes

5 Maro Itoje

6 Tom Curry

7 Sam Underhill

8 Billy Vunipola

Replacements

16 Luke Cowan-Dickie

17 Ellis Genge

18 Dan Cole

19 George Kruis

20 Lewis Ludlam

21 Willi Heinz

22 Henry Slade

23 Jonathan Joseph

ITALY 

1. Nicola Quaglio
2. Luca Bigi
3. Tiziano Pasquali
4. Alessandro Zanni
5. Federico Ruzza
6. Braam Steyn
7. Maxime Mbandà
8. Sergio Parisse (capt.)
9. Tito Tebaldi
10. Tommaso Allan
11. Edoardo Padovani
12. Luca Morisi
13. Tommaso Benvenuti
14. Mattia Bellini
15. Jayden Hayward
16. Oliviero Fabiani
17. Simone Ferrari
18. Marco Riccioni
19. Dean Budd
20. Jake Polledri
21. Guglielmo Palazzani
22. Carlo Canna
23. Matteo Minozzi

Namibia:

 15 Johan Tromp, 14 Chad Plato, 13 Justin Newman, 12 Darryl De La Harpe, 11 JC Greyling, 10 Cliven Loubser, 9 Damian Stevens, 8 Janco Venter, 7 Wian Conradie, 6 Rohan Kitshoff, 5 Tjiuee Uanivi (captain), 4 PJ van Lill, 3 Johannes Coetzee, 2 Torsten George Van Jaarsveld, 1 Andre Rademeyer.

Replacements: 16 Louis van der Westhuizen, 17 AJ De Klerk, 18 Nelius Theron, 19 Johan Retief, 20 Max Katjijeko, 21 Eugene Jantjies, 22 Helarius Axasman Kisting, 23 Lesley Klim

Tonga:

 15 David Halaifonua, 14 Atieli Pakalani, 13 Siale Piutau (captain), 12 Cooper Vuna, 11 Viliami Lolohea, 10 Kurt Morath, 9 Sonatane Takulua, 8 Maama Vaipulu, 7 Zane Kapeli, 6 Sione Kalamafoni, 5 Halaleva Fifita, 4 Sam Lousi, 3 Ben Tameifuna, 2 Sosefo Sakalia, 1 Siegfried ‘Fisiihoi

R eplacements: 16 Siua Maile, 17 Latu 18 Ma’afu Fia, 19 Dan Faleafa, 20 Nasi Manu, 21 Leon Fukofuka, 22 James Faiva, 23 Nafi Tu’itavake

Brycy

You are a gentleman and a scholar.  Thanks

England, Italy and Namibia updated.

Guess who is my flyhalf on the Rugby Magazine Fabtasy comp?  Bet you will not.    

Tonga Updated.

Only teams outstanding for Sunday are Ireland and Scotland.  And Wales an d Georgia on Monday/  

....notsoclevermike, I think y've probably chosen Mo'unga at 10 because NZ is only playing the Boks

 but many i suspect will be going with England in that position after NZ put a hundy on Tonga...Tomassi Allen could also have a good one for Italy at 10 playing against Namibia...

It is Allan - your guess is very good.

SCOTLAND (v Ireland, Sunday) 

15. Stuart Hogg (Exeter Chiefs) – 69 caps

14. Tommy Seymour (Glasgow Warriors) – 52 caps

13. Duncan Taylor (Saracens) – 23 caps

12. Sam Johnson (Glasgow Warriors) – 6 caps

11. Sean Maitland (Saracens) – 42 caps

10. Finn Russell (Racing 92) – 46 caps

9. Greig Laidlaw (Clermont Auvergne) – 73 caps

1. Allan Dell (London Irish) – 25 caps

2. Stuart McInally CAPTAIN (Edinburgh) – 29 caps

3. Willem Nel (Edinburgh) – 31 caps

4. Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh) – 36 caps

5. Jonny Gray (Glasgow Warriors) – 52 caps

6. John Barclay (Edinburgh) – 74 caps

7. Hamish Watson (Edinburgh) – 27 caps

8. Ryan Wilson (Glasgow Warriors) – 45 caps

Substitutes:

16. Fraser Brown (Glasgow Warriors) – 42 caps

17. Gordon Reid (Ayrshire Bulls) – 37 caps

18. Simon Berghan (Edinburgh) – 22 caps

19. Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors) – 4 caps

20. Blade Thomson (Scarlets) – 2 caps

21. Ali Price (Glasgow Warriors) – 27 caps

22. Chris Harris (Gloucester) – 10 caps

23. Darcy Graham (Edinburgh) – 7 caps

Brycy

Thanks again - I would not choose Mo'unga  for any squad - was disappointed by his performances in the past on test level.  My bench selection is in fact Pollard.   My own forecast is a 6 point win by the Springboks.   Enjoy.

We will not be getting the Wales team in time - and I normally do not do squad selection on fantasy without knowing the team.  I guess Wyn Jones will be in so as a special selection I picked him at lock.

My three AB picks for Superbru is Reece, B Barrett and Ardie Savea.  On RM I could not pick Savea since my three key players are Bridge, Reece and Barrett,       

...notsoclevermike i also have considered pollard as reserve 10 but chances are he will be rested against Namibia so maybe a complete waste of space...worth noting also that the ABs have a bye the next round on Superbru before you fill yr bench ..

Thanks Rooinek 

Wales Updated.