ANZAC Team

[Flamethrower]

With ANZAC Day just around the corner I started thinking about the make up of an ANZAC team. I have only seen two games this year and with the state of Australian Rugby how many Aussie players would you choose.Would it be better to list the All Blacks??
Come on experts do your stuff.

[Sagerian]

I'd include Mortlock, Latham and Vickerman but if it's based on current form I guess I wouldn't be allowed to list them.


Add Gits and probably Sheps to the list and sadly that might be it. The rest would be kiwis.

[Flamethrower]

I was thinking of a team you would pick today to be able to play on Wednesday for an ANZAC Test.

[Sagerian]

So in that case, I'd pick Gits and a bunch of kiwis, doesn't matter which ones.

[shasta]

I reckon you'd be able to pick plenty of Australians plus the "leftover" Crusaders in your team. The All Blacks would not be allowed to play.

[Burgs]

Gregan is in excellent form and with Weepu playing 5/8 and Kelleher injured that would leave him to compete with Highlanders Jimmy Cowan, Crusaders Andrew Ellis and Blues Steve Devine (actually an Australian by birth but a Capped AB) and I think Gregan could just hold out those three.
#10 would be a head to head between Carter and Larkham and if purely on form rather than potential then I think Larkham has had the better last couple of performances. Carter still has some edges to knock off after his extended break.
The only other Back would be Giteau at #12 but I am sure there would be about three others from NZ you could put forward too. (Breaking news, Mortlock is due back for the Brumbies this weekend so he slides in to #13)
Of the Forwards, Jeremy Paul and George Smith have had some strong recent matches but wouldn't make it and arguably our Forward of the year David Pocock would find it very hard getting past perennial cheat Richie McCaw.
The only stipulation I had was that I wouldn’t include any Islanders who are Un-Capped as AB’s.
For arguments sake I will go with:

Burgs ANZAC XV:

#1 Greg Somerville (Crusaders)
#2 Corey Flynn (Crusaders)
#3 Carl Hayman (Highlanders)
#4 Ali Williams (Blues)
#5 Jason Eaton (Hurricanes)
#6 Reuben Thorne (Crusaders)
#7 Richie McCaw (Crusaders)
#8 Rodney So'oialo (Hurricanes)

#9 George Gregan (Brumbies)
#10 Stephen Larkham (Brumbies)
#11 Sitiveni Sivivatu (Chiefs)
#12 Matt Giteau (Western Force)
#13 Stirling Mortlock (Brumbies)
#14 Doug Howlett (Blues)
#15 Mils Muliaina (Chiefs)

#16 Keven Mealamu (Blues)
#17 Tony Woodcock (Blues)
#18 Troy Flavell (Blues)
#19 David Pocock (Western Force)
#20 Jimmy Cowan (Highlanders)
#21 Dan Carter (Crusaders)
#22 Aaron Mauger (Crusaders)

Breakdown:

Crusaders: (4+2) 6
Blues: (2+3) 5
Brumbies: (3+0) 3
Chiefs: (2+0) 2
Hurricanes: (2+0) 2
Highlanders: (1+1) 2
Western Force: (1+1) 2
Reds: 0
Waratahs: 0

[jazza93]

nice team burgs that backline is the best ever cant argue with that. i think this team should play the british lions. one or two players may be injurd but i dont care.

jacks 22:

#1 Shepardson (brumbies)
#2 Mealamu (blues)
#3 Sommerville (crusaders)
#4 Flavell (Blues)
#5 Chisholm (Bumbies)
#6 Rocky Elsom (Tahs)
#7 Richie McCaw (Crusaders)
#8 Rodney So'oialo (Hurricanes)

#9 George Gregan (Brumbies)
#10 Stephen Larkham (Brumbies)
#11 Sitiveni Sivivatu (Chiefs)
#12 Matt Giteau (Western Force)
#13 Stirling Mortlock (Brumbies)
#14 Doug Howlett (Blues)
#15 Mils Muliaina (Chiefs)

#16 Tai McIsacc (force)
#17 Tony Woodcock (Blues)
#18 Chris Jack (Crusaders)
#19 David Pocock (Western Force)
#20 Luke McCalister (Blues)
#21 Dan Carter (Crusaders)
#22 Toeava (Blues)

[Flamethrower]

Both are awesome teams. Do you think the Lions would front up to play after looking at those lists?

[jazza93]

yea they rekon their the best im sure they would. it would be a great match

[Burgs]

You need another #18 Jazz, Chris Jack is out injured
I would have had him starting otherwise.
Looking pretty good though

[pruc]

Both are awesome teams. Do you think the Lions would front up to play after looking at those lists?

what about and tri nation team to play the lions. now that would be a good game.

[Flamethrower]

WHAT??? Hairybacks in an ANZAC team

[Burgs]

Wouldn't be many to add, maybe Matfield or Smit, that would be about it...

[chook]

ANZAC XV:

1. Tony Woodcock
2. Adam Freier
3. Carl Hayman
4. Daniel Vickerman
5. Chris Jack
6. Rocky Elsom
7. Richie McCaw
8. Stephen Hoiles
9. Piri Weepu
10. Stephen Larkham
11. Joe Rokocoko
12. Matt Giteau
13. Stirling Mortlock
14. Adam Ashley-Cooper
15. Clinton Schifcofske

16. Guy Shepherdson
17. Keven Mealamu
18. Jerry Collins
19. George Smith
20. Brendon Leonard
21. Scott Staniforth
22. Nick Evans

[Flamethrower]

I get the feeling Chooks been eating Blowfish again.