Based on the last few matches, i reckon that an internation 13 would have a pretty even split between Aussies, Kiwis and Brits. Something along the lines of:
1. Lockyer : well and truly the world's best. AUS
2. Meli: best winger in the NRL this year. NZ
3. Senior: wasn't at all impressed by him in last year's match, but i rate him now after some powerful Ashes performances. ENG
4. Toopi: world's bet centre in the back end of 2003, many other candidates. NZ
5. Carney: great player, there aren't alot of good wingers going round at the moment...tough, hard, fast. IRE
6. Fittler: best five-eighth in the world, hands down. AUS
7. Johns: goes without saying AUS
8. Webcke: not at his peak recently, but still very solid. AUS
9. Cunningham: Buderas has been good, but i still think that this bloke, at the top of his game, is a better rake. WAL
10. Bailey: best forward in the NRL until hit by injury. AUS
11. Morely: best forward in the world. His performace in a beaten roosters outfit was absolutely incredible. ENG
12. Lauititi: struggled this year, but at his best he is one of the best ball playing forwards i've seen. NZ
13. Sculthorpe: flashes a brilliance in the Ashes, a natural lock who probably didn't do enough in the Tests thusfar. ENG
14. Fielden: he really held his own against a pretty solid Australian pack, love to see him in the NRL. ENG
15. Simpson: quiet in the tests thanks to some great work on the edges by Senior, the best 2nd rower in Aus given the recent demise of Tallis, just ahead of Fitzgibbon and Kennedy. AUS
16. Vagana: hard not to have him in there somewhere NZ
17. Marsh: curve ball, but would provide great spark around the ruck.
AUS
Ok, so i have been pretty sympathetic towards the Poms, but i reckon this team would hold its own against any other international select. Your thoughts?
1. Lockyer : well and truly the world's best. AUS
2. Meli: best winger in the NRL this year. NZ
3. Senior: wasn't at all impressed by him in last year's match, but i rate him now after some powerful Ashes performances. ENG
4. Toopi: world's bet centre in the back end of 2003, many other candidates. NZ
5. Carney: great player, there aren't alot of good wingers going round at the moment...tough, hard, fast. IRE
6. Fittler: best five-eighth in the world, hands down. AUS
7. Johns: goes without saying AUS
8. Webcke: not at his peak recently, but still very solid. AUS
9. Cunningham: Buderas has been good, but i still think that this bloke, at the top of his game, is a better rake. WAL
10. Bailey: best forward in the NRL until hit by injury. AUS
11. Morely: best forward in the world. His performace in a beaten roosters outfit was absolutely incredible. ENG
12. Lauititi: struggled this year, but at his best he is one of the best ball playing forwards i've seen. NZ
13. Sculthorpe: flashes a brilliance in the Ashes, a natural lock who probably didn't do enough in the Tests thusfar. ENG
14. Fielden: he really held his own against a pretty solid Australian pack, love to see him in the NRL. ENG
15. Simpson: quiet in the tests thanks to some great work on the edges by Senior, the best 2nd rower in Aus given the recent demise of Tallis, just ahead of Fitzgibbon and Kennedy. AUS
16. Vagana: hard not to have him in there somewhere NZ
17. Marsh: curve ball, but would provide great spark around the ruck.
AUS
Ok, so i have been pretty sympathetic towards the Poms, but i reckon this team would hold its own against any other international select. Your thoughts?