Are the kiwis in trouble for the world cup?

[KeepingTheFaith]

1. Webb
2. Perrett
3. Soliola
4. Inu
5. Vatuvei
6. Marshall
7. Roberts
8. Asotasi
9. Luke
10. J Cayless
11. Mannering
12. J Smith
13. SBW

14. Pritchard
15. Sa
16. Lima
17. Halatau/Blair/N Cayless

If injury is kind the kiwis won't have a problem competing. Nearly all of the samoan players who have defected wouldn't get near a full strength kiwi side.

 

[nadera78]

Exactly, which is what I think Paul would bring to the team. I am not claiming to be an expert on Paul's game, but I have seen enough to say he could steer a team around. Anyone in the know know how his kicking game fairs?

Roberts may have a good kicking game, but he is known for taking poor 5th tackle options and making stupid mistakes at vital times in matches. Cons outweigh the pros from my pov.

I've only seen Robbie Paul a couple of times this year, because he's playing for Salford in NL1. He's definitely starting to look his age; he's slowed down a bit, doesn't seem to have that zip about him anymore. Actually, he spends a fair bit of time at dummy half. Besides I doubt they'd even look at players outside NRL and SL.

Salford look a better team when the two youngsters Myler and Ratchford (18 and 19 years old) are on the field together.

If I was the NZRL I'd be touting around the NRL clubs asking someone to sign Piri Weepu from rahrah. He'd be the sort of guy they need; steady-eddie type of player.

 

[jamesgould]

1. Webb
2. Perrett
3. Soliola
4. Inu
5. Vatuvei
6. Marshall
7. Roberts
8. Asotasi
9. Luke
10. J Cayless
11. Mannering
12. J Smith
13. SBW

14. Pritchard
15. Sa
16. Lima
17. Halatau/Blair/N Cayless

If injury is kind the kiwis won't have a problem competing. Nearly all of the samoan players who have defected wouldn't get near a full strength kiwi side.

Howabout Vuna on the wing for Perrett? He's been going great at Newcastle this season, particularly the last month.

 

[Phillips]

1. Brent Webb
2. Taniela Tuiaki
3. Krisnan Inu
4. Iosia Soliola
5. Manu Vatuvei
6. Benji Marshall
7. Nathan Fien
8. Nathan Cayless
9. Issac Luke
10. Roy Asotasi
11. David Kidwell
12. Frank Pritchard
13. Sonny-Bill Williams

14. David Faiumu
15. Setaimata Sa
16. Sam Rapira
17. Jason Cayless

alot of depth in the backs withFetuli Talanoa, Cooper Vuna, Jake Webster, Steve Matai, Chase Stanley..

just keep players such as adam blair, jeremy smith, Ben Roberts, SKD.. who arent good enough for this level away from the jersey.

 

[Bensterbronco18]

1. Webb
2. Perrett
3. Soliola
4. Inu
5. Vatuvei
6. Marshall
7. Roberts
8. Asotasi
9. Luke
10. J Cayless
11. Mannering
12. J Smith
13. SBW

14. Pritchard
15. Sa
16. Lima
17. N Cayless

But they should keep either Leuluai or Paul in the squad like they do with world cups and maybe change the halfs around maybe when they play papua new ginea to see which formation works best, might work?

 

[Coastbloke]

My starting 17:

1. Brent Webb
2. Shaun Kenny Dowell
3. Jerome Ropati
4. Krisnan Inu
5. Manu Vatevei
6. Benji Marshall
7. Ben Roberts
8. Roy Asotasi
9. Isaac Luke
10. Sam Rapira
11. David Kidwell
12. SBW
13. Dene Halatau

14. Nathan Cayless
15. Frank Pritchard
16. Ben T'eo
17. Thomas Leulei..

 

[badav]

No way.

Marshall and Roberts or else...

If Ben Roberts is the best halfback that New Zealand can produce then they way as well not even show up for the world cup.

And thats not dwelling on the fact that the bloke doesnt even play halfback at club level either.

 

[nzwarriors60]

1. Webb
2. Inu
3. Soliola
4. Ropati-Only if he regains his 07 form otherwise Inu and Perret on the wing.
5. Vatuvei
6. Benji
7. Roberts/Fein
8. Asotasi
9. Luke
10. Cayless
11. Mannering
12. Pritchard
13. SBW

14. Sa
15. Lima
16. Smith (Storm)
17. Utility

 

[Calixte]

If Ben Roberts is the best halfback that New Zealand can produce then they way as well not even show up for the world cup.

And thats not dwelling on the fact that the bloke doesnt even play halfback at club level either.

He'll lift away from the rabble that is the Dogs this year...