1-B.Webb
should be one of the first players picked. Considering the lack of creativity in the halves Webb is able to chime in to the backs and set up try's. He's a very important link in this team.
2-S.Hape
Vatui is too much of a risk. In a tight game we cant afford to have him drop the ball or mis read in defence. Hape is just as big and strong and wont make any mistakes
3-C.Toopi
has that x factor, can create something out of absolutely nothing (did you see that miracle pass that lead to a try in the ESP GF) even if he's out of form he has to be picked,he always carves the aussies to shreds.
4-K.Filiga
he hasnt played a single frst grade game yet, but if his half as good as ricky stuart and steve folkes say he is he'll be an NRL star by round 5, fans of the dogs that have seen him play call him a new and improved SBW, a huge wrap ..cant wait to see him carve up the NRL in season 2008
5-K.Inu
has been outstanding on the wing for the eels
6-B.Marhall
please stay healthy or else we're stuffed
7-E.Paea or M.Toney
Paea had a very promising 2007 hopefully he has a break out season in 2008 and can fill this postion, if not i like a previous poster's suggestion of playing Toney at 7
8-R.Asotasi
9-D.Fauimu
10-J.Cayless
11-D.Fa'alogo or F.Prichard
very similar players, just pick the one who has the best 2008 season.
12-SB.Williams
see benji
13-D.Kidwell (C)
there's probably 3 or 4 better 2nd rowers to choose, but he has to be in the side because of the passion, pride and emotion he'll bring to the team
Bench
14-N.Cayless
wont let anyone down, always plays his guts out.
15-A.Lauti'ti
not getting much love on this thread IMO he should be an automatic selection. A freakish combination of size, speed, mobility and can offload in his sleep. Ali will lurk out wide in the backs, he is so hard to bring down it will take 2 or 3 defenders and thats when he can pop a pass to Toopi or Inu in broken play......i wish the aussies the best of luck trying to stop him.
16-J.Ropati
every bench needs a good utility player. I'd pick Jerome ahead of Mannering, Haletu or Eastwood because he is able to create for other players. Since we're going to struggle in the halves we need every possible play maker we can get.
17-I.Luke
i think his best suited coming off the bench. Imagine the chaos he'll cause coming off the bench in the 30th minute against a tiring aussie forward back.
also its important for NZ to play plenty of razzle dazzle football, this team has the players to do it and traditionly the aussies have no answers how to stop it. If we play too structured we'll get beaten.
