TheWinger says...

You're dead right melkdave. Teh skill set required for first five takes years to develop. Which is what i tried to explain earlier to 5lock4ward when he suggested James Paterson for first five because he'd played super rugby. It ain't that simple. Having played & coached in Cantebrury for oevr 30 years Ive seen hwo ahrd it is for someone to be thrown into a specialist position like 10 and play it well.

The US needs to start developing players in these key positions. I'd also suggest halfback & teh frontrow & flankers as being specialised positions that need experience. Still, I'll be in Wellington on the 23rd with my Eagles jersey on hoping the lads can pull an upset off!

Posted 05:18 03rd September 2011

5Lock4ward says...

@TheWinger, I like your thought process on the re-alignment of the back-line. I've been calling for Mike Hercus on here as well. The last I'd heard he was playing 2nd tier rugby in Australia but that was some time ago. I'd truly love to be surprised by a last min. announcement of his addition to the team.

Posted 16:28 29th August 2011

5Lock4ward says...

@TheWinger, I see what you're saying. So is your suggestion to move Wyles to FH based on the fact that in many cases the FB and FH can interchange smoothly? Such as Leon McDonald covering at 10 in a test match a few years back, or a player like James Hook being able to play both as examples.

Posted 15:18 27th August 2011

KubilaKhan says...

Also, I heard that Sculley can play 10, anyone know if thats true? Because if it is then he should get 10 and Paterson cna come on at Fullback

Posted 17:45 23rd August 2011

5Lock4ward says...

@B6lindside, Who between Van Der Giessen and Smith would you have Lavalla replace? I'm not against the switch, just curious to know who he'd step in for. My reason for starting both of them is that they both got first time action for big time teams last year, Bath and Saracens respectfully; whereas Lavalla is not assured of first team time for Stade France when his contract begins next season. All that said he did move the ball well against Japan this past w/e.

Posted 15:16 23rd August 2011

b6lindside says...

@4Lock4ward

Agree on most of your lineup. Take kicking worries from Malifa and he'll be a better attacking option. However, I would start Thiel at hooker (more consistent and always in the right spot), Pittman (solid in set piece) and Lavalla (better hands and gives more go forward than most). I like the idea of Gagiano at 8! My concern is coverage at openside.

Posted 14:17 23rd August 2011

milesman1 says...

Well, if you can't get the ball to the wingers, bring the wingers to the ball, a la ENG's Chris Ashton. Ngwenya may be one-dimensional, but God he's still fast - he needs the ball.

I'm a little concerned about cover at scrum-half - only 2 guys is risky. Anyone know who covers Petri and Tim U in the event of injury?

Still, as much as we do have a good backline, that could potential bring a 2nd victory (Italy - slim chance/optimistic, I know), the US are playing a ridiculous 4 games in 16 days - they maybe should have considered another forward in the mix with one less wing - like Hawley.

Posted 13:00 23rd August 2011

5Lock4ward says...

Was hoping to God that Malifa would be left home in favor of a surprise return from Hercus but this is what the Eagles are going to RWC with. I'm interested to see if they can correct the abysmal recent play from their fly-half and unleash their respectably potent back line. The forwards look pretty solid with some experienced & talented pros up front. My 15 looks like this: 15) Scully, 14) Paterson, 13) Wyles, 12) Emerick, 11) Ngwenya, 10) a 16 y/o girl w/ no legs, 9) Petri, 8) Gagiano, 7) Clever-capt., 6) Stanfill, 5) Smith, 4) Van Der Giessen, 3) Mac Donald, 2) Biller, 1) Moeakiola. Reserves: 16) Thiel, 17) Pittman, 18) Lavalla, 19) Danahy, 20) Usasz, 21) Suniula, 22) Swiryn.

Posted 22:00 22nd August 2011