BBC.co.uk

The 2007 Six Nations all-star XV

  • James Standley - BBC Sport journalist
  • 2 Feb 07, 09:28 AM

James StandleyLondon - The northern hemisphere’s annual rugby-fest is upon us and the debate about just who the best players on show are has begun once again.

Our team of rugby union journalists sat down in BBC Sport’s glistening digital media centre and came up with our XV to start the tournament.

Injuries have cost the likes of Shane Horgan and Dan Ward-Smith a place in the team - they'll be gutted, we're sure.

No doubt we could have done better, so, who’ve we missed and who should not have got anywhere near our selection?

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15: Josh Lewsey (Eng) The versatile Lewsey may be on the wing for England, but in our view he edges out Scotland captain Chris Paterson, who also starts on the wing on Saturday, and Wales full-back Kevin Morgan.

14: Sean Lamont (Sco) With Shane Horgan out injured we go for another big lump in Scotland’s Lamont. Injured Wales wing Mark Jones was another contender.

13: Brian O'Driscoll (Ire) Who else but O'Driscoll for the number 13 shirt? He is head and shoulders above the other contenders, who are led by rejuvenated England powerhouse Mike Tindall.

12: Yannick Jauzion (Fra) There are several good contenders here, including Ireland’s Gordon D’Arcy and Italian Mirco Bergamasco, while England's Andy Farrell could yet impress in the number 12 shirt. But Jauzion, who admittedly has not been at full throttle so far this season, gets the nod.

11: Christophe Dominici (Fra) Dominici is nearing the end of his career, but he remains a finisher par excellence. The other contenders were young Irishman Andrew Trimble and Welsh hot-stepper Shane Williams.

10: Ronan O'Gara (Ire) The Munster fly-half has come on in leaps and bounds, and although his defence remains suspect he keeps out Wales captain Stephen Jones and some Englishman called Jonny Wilkinson.

9: Dwayne Peel (Wal) The livewire Peel’s the man to get out backline firing, fighting off the challenges of fit-again Scot Chris Cusiter and Ireland’s Peter Stringer, while a fit Mike Blair would have been mentioned in despatches.

1: Gethin Jenkins (Wal) To be honest there don’t seem to be too many world class loose-heads around at the moment, and with Andrew Sheridan injured Jenkins gets in ahead of Welsh rival Duncan Jones and the Italian Salvatore Perugini.

2: Raphael Ibanez (Fra) The veteran Frenchman is back as captain of the defending champions and he is given our two shirt ahead of the Irish pair Jerry Flannery and Rory Best and injured Englishman Steve Thompson.

3: Carlos Nieto (Ita) The Italians do not lack front-row power and the in-form Gloucester prop is our choice ahead of compatriot Martin Castrogiovanni and England captain Phil Vickery.

4: Paul O'Connell (Ire) If Ireland are playing well then you know O’Connell is at the heart of the action and he takes the shirt ahead of England’s Danny Grewcock, with Fabien Pelous a contender if he was fit.

5: Marco Bortolami (Ita) The Italian captain is a key player in the impressive Azzurri pack and wins selection ahead of Ireland’s Donncha O’Callaghan and Frenchman Jerome Thion.

6: Joe Worsley (Eng) If Neil Best had kept on the boil he would have earned the nod, but the in-form Worsley keeps Best and Irish team-mate Simon Easterby out.

7: David Wallace (Ire) Ireland have a number of quality open-sides and the pacy Wallace wears out number seven shirt despite the claims of Italy’s Mauro Bergamasco and Welshman Martyn Williams.

8: Ryan Jones (Wal) Ireland’s Denis Leamy, England’s Martin Corry and Italy’s Sergio Parisse all have their supporters, but it’s Welshman Jones who completes our line-up.


Comments  Post your comment

  • 1.
  • At 10:48 AM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Caoimhín wrote:

Jauzion at 12 instead of D'arcy is a joke! You said yourself he is not at full trottle and Darcy is quite clearly the form player in the world at the moment!

  • 2.
  • At 10:56 AM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Steve wrote:

O'Gara ahead of Wilko- are you bonkers?

  • 3.
  • At 11:00 AM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Elle wrote:

So Joe Worsley's Irish now is he?!

  • 4.
  • At 11:09 AM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • leon wrote:

Where can i pick my fantasy 15 and send it to my friends like you can do with each team?

  • 5.
  • At 11:11 AM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Helen Watson wrote:

Chabal has to No. 8. How can you consider anyone else?

I'm not unhappy with the selection, but i would have included Chabal at number 8, and Have Wilko at 10 - we'll see at the end of the 6 nations if he's injury free!

more open for debate would be Vickery not getting a place, Birgamasco (centre), and there's plenty of competition on the flanks - i guess to really do everyone justice you'd have to have included a subs bench too!

  • 7.
  • At 11:14 AM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Helen Watson wrote:

Chabal has to be No. 8. How can you consider anyone else?

  • 8.
  • At 11:16 AM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Derek Fallon wrote:

As an Irishman-I think thats a pretty fair team.Mind you I would have Darcy in as the no 12 as in my opinion he is playing as well as BOD at the moment and you cant leave out BOD. The Jones/ O'Gara call is an interesting one as it was the other way around the last couple of seasons. I also agree that Shane Horgan would have been in the team and word around the campfire is he will be definately back for the england game.

Irelands strength lies in the fact that they have contenders for most positions, more than any other team. Dan Ward Smith would walk into the team would he? I had never heard of him before last week. Why wasnt he playing in the AI's for England?..

  • 9.
  • At 11:17 AM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Chris Walker wrote:

By the end of the six nations you will have to amend that XV.
Andy Farrell will have established himself unassailably.

  • 10.
  • At 11:21 AM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Anthony wrote:

What a sign of the times that there are only 2 white shirts amongst them! How many would there have been only 4 years ago? 8? Probably 5 forwards at least!
Be prepared to write James Hook in at twelve for the next few years....

  • 11.
  • At 11:24 AM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Alistair wrote:

Looks like a really good selection but I fancy we'll see some big things from Kevin Morgan and Simon Taylor this year at 15 and 8 respectively

  • 12.
  • At 11:28 AM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Christopher wrote:

Ha! What a ridiculous team sheet. The fact that D'Arcy isn't in the team sums it up, he is the best 12 in the world at the moment, let alone in the Six Nations. It feels like you wanted to have a representative team for all, but come on.

Worsley? And Lewsy at 15?! Perhaps a few years back but he's not even England's best 15.

  • 13.
  • At 11:33 AM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Robin wrote:

Not a bad effort. Frightening to think NZ would probably take this team by 20 points.

  • 14.
  • At 11:35 AM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Dai wrote:

Think Lamont is a token Scotsman I think there are better wings in England, Wales, Ireland & France.Not sure Worsley should be near this team either! Would be a good team to watch though, especially te backs- Jauzion has to be in the team!!

  • 15.
  • At 11:39 AM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Patrick Evans wrote:

Not a bad selection but i would have to question your belief that their are no good Loose head players around, Vickery, and White, if England can do anything right at the moment it is scrummage! And anyway, loose head is number 3 in the line up not number 1. Sorry to point that out.

  • 16.
  • At 11:40 AM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Stroller wrote:

Lewsey, Lamont, Ibanez, WorsTley, Nieto !!!!!
I hadnt realised the crisis in English rugby had stretched to its journalists! these guys should not be allowed hand out the water bottles.

  • 17.
  • At 11:42 AM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Patrick Evans wrote:

Not a bad selection but i would have to question your belief that their are no good Loose head players around, Vickery perhaps, if England can do anything right at the moment it is scrummage!

  • 18.
  • At 11:42 AM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Derek Fallon wrote:

Elle-Think he meant that Worsley was keeping both Easterby and Irish team mate Neil Best out...

  • 19.
  • At 11:44 AM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • christopher wrote:

Steve, even as an Irishman I will admit that Wilko of three years ago should be in ahead of O'Gara of today, but there is no way he could justifiably be in this team.....bizarre as much of the other selections are though.

  • 20.
  • At 11:45 AM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Caoimhín wrote:

I'd definitely have O'Gara ahead of Wilkinson. Sure he'll be doing well to last a half of the game against Scotland. Remember he hasn’t played test rugby in 3 years, whilst O'Gara has racked up about 30 caps and won a Heineken Cup! So he doesn’t deserve to be even mentioned as a possible contender for the 10 shirt!

  • 21.
  • At 11:50 AM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Franco Taff wrote:

Elle, read the bit about worsley again, he is saying neil best's team mate, Simon Easterby.

  • 22.
  • At 11:50 AM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Biggsy wrote:

It would be interesting to compare peoples selections pre and post 6N. there's always a few players who come from nowhere each year.

Especially with a tournament as open as this one.

  • 23.
  • At 11:52 AM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Franco Taff wrote:

Elle, read the bit about worsley again, he is saying neil best's team mate, Simon Easterby.

  • 24.
  • At 11:54 AM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Mike wrote:

Sorry am I reading this right? O'Gara ahead of Jones!! Wilkinsnon is not fully fit so Jones is the logical choice. Llanelli have been playing out of their skins in the Heinekin Cup and Jones has been at the heart of that. Better in defence, equally good goal kicker at least, better passer of the ball, more attack minded!! Plus with Peel at 9, they play at both club and national level. Oh and how can Lewsey "edge out" Paterson. Lewsey is 10 times the player Paterson is!!

  • 25.
  • At 11:55 AM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • steve Evans wrote:

Someone said O'Gara ahead of Wilko, Wilko as you put it has not played for 3 years, ARE YOU BONKERS!

  • 26.
  • At 12:04 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Richy wrote:

Stephen Jones is the best outside half in the Northern hemisphere. Also no Martin Williams? What are you on?

  • 27.
  • At 12:11 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Iestyn wrote:

maybe you should run that squad through on www.scrum.com 's fantasy league and see how well it does!!

cant believe there arent more welsh players in it though! hehe

  • 28.
  • At 12:11 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Mark Jones wrote:

2. Steve,

They are obviously picking on form rather than hysteria driven reputation.

I would have taken Betsen over Worsley.

  • 29.
  • At 12:11 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • gransoporro wrote:

Jenkins with the shirt number 1? In 2005, yes.

The contenders of Perugini are Marconnet and Milloud. And Duncan Jones just a shade after.

For number 8, how you could leave Leamy out?

And Sean Lamont ahead of ROugerie and Heymans, and .

These 3 are picked on performances made years ago.

  • 30.
  • At 12:22 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Stuart wrote:

I think by the end of the tournament James Hook will have proved himself as the best number 12. Keep an eye on him, he's going to be very, very good.

  • 31.
  • At 12:23 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Benji wrote:

ALthough Jauzion has established himself as one of the best centres in the world, but I don't think he is at the form he once was but his centre partner Fritz can play both 12 and 13 and I believe he should be up there.

O'Gara is probably the best fly half but I think Hook is on better form although he isn't starting at 10 for Wales, he will be moved there after a few games.

Peel is good but Yashvili is a more rounded player with his kicking abilities.

I really can't see how you cannot put Vickery in there, top player and soon to be great captain.

  • 32.
  • At 12:26 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • James Standley wrote:

Morning all - just over 24 hours until the championship starts, almost makes the winter bearable doesn't it.

Caoimhin, you're out of the blocks quicker than a D'Arcy break.

The Leinster man has been in superb form, but Jauzion has been magnificent over the past couple of years.

The fact that Toulouse have been struggling, by their lofty standards, has not helped Jauzion, and it was probably the closest call in the team.

And a spotter's badge for Elle - the team list has been ammended.

  • 33.
  • At 12:28 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • rodders wrote:

yes a pretty strong side. Not much to argue about here.

As an Irishman I'd argue darcy should be in there on form and I disagree that Neil Best has gone of the boil,hes been harshly dropped in favour of one of EOS's Teachers pets, he's still the best no.6 around and hopefully will get the chance to show it this 6 nations.

O'garas a form selection but I'd have gone for Jones for his consistancy.

Johny wilkenson, don't make me laugh! Typical english Arrogance to suggest a player that hasn't played an international since 2003 should be in ahead of Jones and O'gara!

Good team.

  • 34.
  • At 12:28 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Derek Fallon wrote:

Eh why would Dan Ward Smith walk straight into the team? Has he even played for England before? I am sure messrs Jones, Leamy and Chabal would have something to say about that. Darcy should be at twelve alongside BOD. I agree with Horgan at 14 if he was fit. Apart from that the team seems pretty fair. And Chris Walker-Andy Farrell will establish himself unassailably? The only place he will establish himself is flat on his back side on the hallowed Croke Park turf as the best centre partnership makes mince meat of him and the other crash bang wallop centre england have picked.

  • 35.
  • At 12:29 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Red wrote:

The rest I can just about understand but Joe Worsley? Lewis Moody? Infact any other starting No.6 I'm English an I still think Worsley is a BAD choice

  • 36.
  • At 12:29 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Gareth wrote:

Worsley at 6 !! Easterby, Best, Betsen and Popham are superior to Joe !! Come on pick some real rugby players insted of someone who just looks the part, struts round the field and achieves very little.

  • 37.
  • At 12:30 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • lardinio wrote:

Elle - it's just the way you read it. James was referring to Best and not Worsley.

BTW - that will be a remarkably different team come the end of the 6 nations, always is, but some well thought out and interesting choices to start with.

  • 38.
  • At 12:30 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • John B frae Eaglesham wrote:

Many ahead of Wilko - you need to have played some games to be in a 'best of' team.

Wilko is good but always over credited - but a Scottish-based Antipodean would say that!

O'Gara is currently sublime - wish he had an Aussie grannie!

  • 39.
  • At 12:32 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Dan Kerr wrote:

As an Irish fan i think that you should replace the whole squad with the ireland squad, they are playing awesome at the moment and will win the grand slam no problem

  • 40.
  • At 12:37 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Derek Fallon wrote:

Chris Walker-So Andy Farrell will establish himself unassailably will he? The only place he will establish himself is flat on his backside on the hallowed Croke Park turf as the best centre partnership in the world make mincemeat of him and the other crash bang wallop centre england have picked. And I cant understand all this clamour for Wilkinson. He hasnt played international rugby for three and a half years. I would be amazed if he lasts the pace

  • 41.
  • At 12:38 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Benji wrote:

Dan-Ward Smith was injured about a week ago

  • 42.
  • At 12:40 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Jim Teatum wrote:

There are a few of these guys picked on reputation rather than recent form. How can D'arcy not be the No.12.!!! Anyone who has seen Leinster this season will realise he has been devistating

The same goes for Lewesy...what has he done for England in the last 12 months...nothing...Dempsey for Leinster again has been outstanding!!! The same goes for Dominici of France...nothing for France!!

Who picks these teams....do the watch any rugby???

  • 43.
  • At 12:46 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Nick wrote:

Fly half is right as wilko has not been playing so nobody knows how he will do. Not sure about Lamont as he has not been firing on all cylinders for Northampton. Vickery should be in the team

  • 44.
  • At 12:55 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Ciaran Nolan wrote:

I know that it has to have players from each team to make it fair. However, lets be honest:
- Would Average Joe get into an Ireland team? He wouldn't even get onto the bench!
- Would Lamont get into Ireland, England or French team? No
- Jauzion has been awefull all season, surely D'Arcy would get the nod?
- Lewsey is playing on the wing, not full back!

Otherwise, I'd say that it is a good side.

  • 45.
  • At 12:58 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Paul wrote:

Bit surprised by the lack of Scots mentioned, our game might not be at its strongest just now but you have to remember how well we performed last year beating the English and the French, finishing 3rd out of 6 when so little was expected of us. In the pack Scott Murray, Jason White and Simon Taylor were all brilliant and despite White's injury i think all three desreved a mention

  • 46.
  • At 12:59 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • AJ wrote:

I agree he hasn't done enough yet to be in the fantasy XV pre 6N, but I really think James Hook will be the star of the tournament.

  • 47.
  • At 01:04 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Simon G wrote:

Good selection barring the absence of D'Arcy and Vickery. Stroller - what are you talking about? Lewsey is consistently the most accomplished full back in the northern hemisphere.

  • 48.
  • At 01:07 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Paddy wrote:

Loose head is 1 on the pitch Mr P. Evans and how has Castrogiovanni's performance been so quickly forgotten. quality loose head and part of a granite hard Italian scrum.

  • 49.
  • At 01:08 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Maccers wrote:

I definitely agree with the Irish and Welsh entries, their Heineken Cup form alone is enough to seal their places in this XV.
Dominici though? He is not exactly someone who makes something out of nothing and when the going gets tough he will happily hide out the back. Jason Robinson is still the most exciting attacking player in Northern Hemisphere rugby and Im sure the likes of O'Driscoll etc would love to see him pop up on their outside shoulder at various moments throughout the tournament.

  • 50.
  • At 01:10 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Adrian Payne wrote:

I'm an Englishman, so you can understand my admiration for the guy.Surely the scottish skip White should at least have an honourable mention at Blind side?Robinson vs Dominici?!Robinson surely has more presence,strength, speed,finishing ability, acceleration...the list is endless.Wilko,Farrell&Tindall. That 10,12,13 trio would strike fear into any backline in the world. Also believe Shanklin should have a mention at 13,one of the most underrated

  • 51.
  • At 01:12 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Dave Gregson wrote:

Patrick Evans

Julian White is a tight head, and the number 1 shirt is the loose head's, the 3 is the tight head's

  • 52.
  • At 01:17 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • G Bowman wrote:

Patrick Evans, Do you know anything about the front row. I'm sorry toptell you but 1 is loose head, and Vickery and White both play 3 and are tight heads!

  • 53.
  • At 01:19 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • TMac wrote:

Lewesy over Patterson?! Having been England's form back immediately post-World Cup, the former has produced virtually nothing for the last two years, while Patterson remains one of the most criminally underrated players in world rugby; he can kick - both out of hand and for goal - he can pass, he's seriously good in broken field and he's a decent leader. Just coz he's not built like a tank a la Lewesy - and as such his defence isn't always great - doesn't mean he's not worth a place amongst this bunch. It's pretty worrying for European rugby how few of them would get into a world XV right now.

  • 54.
  • At 01:26 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Stuart wrote:

As a Scotland fan even I feel forced to agree that Sean Lamont is perhaps fortunate to make this 15. However, where I do feel that Scottish players should have been considered is in the back row. The threesome of Hogg, Taylor and White were unstoppable last season and were the main reason we finished third. Sadly White is out for this tournament and Hogg is only just coming back from injury. The other teams should be grateful we're saving ourselves for the World Cup!

  • 55.
  • At 01:26 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Jake wrote:

I'm amazed no-one's mentioned Martin Williams yet!

  • 56.
  • At 01:26 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Chuck wrote:

O'Gara ahead of Jonny Wilkinson - dream on. I'd take D'Arcy ahead of O'Driscoll on current form and I'm not really sure why Ryan Jones features at all when Chabal's around. Wallace doesn't come close - I'd take Mauro Bergocantspellhisname any day of the week against him and Castrocantdothatoneeither has to be first on the team sheet as prop.

  • 57.
  • At 01:31 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • nhunter wrote:

Lamont as token Scotsman? Seem the remember, he walked over Wngland and France last year, and there was the small matter of 5 yards from the line with 7 Welsh players hanging of him.

After tomorrow, the English Broadcasting Corporation might put a few more "token Scots" in.

  • 58.
  • At 01:31 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Barney Rodgers wrote:

Jones at 10 over O'Gara any day. Jones amkes things happen by himself, whilst O'Gara requires a pack to do the work for him. When the going gets tough you'd have Jones on your side any day.

  • 59.
  • At 01:34 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • scottishrugby wrote:

I know Ally Hogg has been out injured for a while but surely he was in with a shout at Openside!? Personally I would rather see Nikki Walker playing for Scotalnd rather than Lamont so how he got into a dream XV I dont know!

  • 60.
  • At 01:41 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • scottishrugby wrote:

How can Jason White not even get a mention!? Perhaps being Premiership player of the year didnt really prove his calibre??

  • 61.
  • At 01:44 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Nhunter2@mac.com wrote:

Lamont as token Scotsman? Seem the remember, he walked over Wngland and France last year, and there was the small matter of 5 yards from the line with 7 Welsh players hanging of him.

After tomorrow, the English Broadcasting Corporation might put a few more "token Scots" in.

  • 62.
  • At 01:46 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • john wrote:

suckers
of course he doesn't really think this is the best team. obviously his best team 'd have greenwood in at 12 and catt at 13

  • 63.
  • At 01:50 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Neil Johanson wrote:

That team looks okay but lets face it the back row should read

6. Ryan Jones
7. Wallace, Williams or Bergamasco
8. Leamy

10. Jones (Stephen is more consistent than O'Gara and knows how to defend)

12. Either Hook or D'Arcy I think D'Arcy on experience at that Level.

15. Big Debate at the moment I think either Geordan Murphy, Girvan Dempsey, Kevin Morgan or even Chris Paterson would be ahead of Lewsey who I feel is a better Winger and would probably force Lamont out of the side with the players that are available.

Whoever made the comment about Loose head props wearing 3 knows nothing about Rugby being a loose head myself I can tell you that we definitely wear 1 and always have. Vickery and White are both Tight Head Props.

  • 64.
  • At 01:57 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • YoYo wrote:

1. Gethin Jenkins, Marco Castrogiovanni
2. Raphael Ibanez, George Chuter, Jerry Flannery
3. Phil Vickery, Carlos Nieto
4. Paul O'Connell
5. Marco Bortolami
6. Ryan Jones, Neal Best, Alix Popham, Serge Betsen
7. David Wallace, Martyn Williams, Mauro Bergamasco
8. Dennis Leamy, Ryan Jones
9. Dwayne Peel
10.Stephen Jones
11.Josh Lewsey, Christoph Dominici
12.Gordon D'Arcy, James Hook, Yannick Jauzion
13.Brian O'Driscoll, Florian Fritz, Mirco Bergamasco
14.Chris Patterson, Dennis Hickie
15.Geordan Murphy, Girvan Dempsey, Kevin Morgan

Just one or two players there that have been missed off the list there

  • 65.
  • At 01:57 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Ed wrote:

what r u on O'Gara what a fanny wilkinson is 100x the player!

  • 66.
  • At 01:57 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Ste C wrote:

Interesting selections but I wonder how many would appear post 6 nations???? A lot of reputations are on the line

  • 67.
  • At 01:58 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Jim wrote:

Hmm, I can't help feeling that this won't look the same at the end of the tournament.

The jury is still out on a couple of debutants (Messrs, Farrel and Morgan of England with Lund now in his favourite position).

Completely disagree with O'Gara, there's more to fly halfing than kicking to the corners. Wilkinson probably better on reputation and Hook might yet surprise everyone if he gets to play there.

Only other problem is with Lewsey. He's not a full-back he's a winger. The best full-back of the tournament will be a specialist full-back. Erm.. I run out if ideas then though, cos Gareth Thomas is busy after his "C,mon then, I'll take you all on.... Here Eric you should hear what that little fella said about your ma, or was it bar" moment.

  • 68.
  • At 01:59 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • J.W. Gordon wrote:

Rugby is a team sport and many of your selections are individual star players who can provide flashes of brilliance but don't play their guts out for their team mates.

  • 69.
  • At 02:01 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Nick wrote:

Darcy should be included in the team. As should Dennis Leamy.

  • 70.
  • At 02:03 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • ben wrote:

I agree with most of this apart from jones at no.8. Leamy is by far the best 8 in the hemisphere

  • 71.
  • At 02:03 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Jack C wrote:

o'gara at 10 is a brilliant choice, wilko has to prove himself but he should be starting for england as both wilko and flood are risks eventhough flood does look like he could be a quality player soon

  • 72.
  • At 02:03 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • James Standley wrote:

Hi, some interesting points made - the fly-half debate seems to be split down national lines.

Much as it's good to see Wilkinson back it seemed wrong to put him ahead of the others after so little game time.

And as for the O'Gara/Jones debate, let's see on Saturday!

Helen and Matt, Chabal is a good shout, but can he reproduce his Sale form for France?

Equally, can Joe Worsley take his excellent recent form for Wasps onto the international stage?

And Patrick, while the front row remains largely a mystery to me, the players you are talking about are actually tight-heads and wear the three shirt.

  • 73.
  • At 02:03 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • nhunter wrote:

Lamont as token Scotsman? Seem the remember, he walked over Wngland and France last year, and there was the small matter of 5 yards from the line with 7 Welsh players hanging of him.

After tomorrow, the English Broadcasting Corporation might put a few more "token Scots" in.

  • 74.
  • At 02:05 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Nick wrote:

Darcy should be included in the team. As should Dennis Leamy.

  • 75.
  • At 02:07 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Jon C wrote:

Generally Fair, but Jones at Flyhalf and no Lamont or Lewsey, Patterson and Morgan for me.

If Lewsey's such a good FB why's he playing on the wing on Saturday? Everything else seems not too bad. It’s impossible to keep everyone happy with these kinds of teams. Why's everyone on about Jonny Wilkinson getting a place at 10? He's lucky to be playing for England let alone being picked for this team!

  • 77.
  • At 02:13 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • AB wrote:

Post no. 15 is rubbish.

Tight head wears 3 and loose head wears 1, meaning that neither vickery or white are looseheads patrick evans

sorry to point that out

  • 78.
  • At 02:13 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Dan wrote:

Hmm. Worsley should be no-where near the England team let alone a 6N team. Lewsey is not at the top of his game but you know he wouldn't let anyone down. Lamont should be no where near it either - take your pick for better players.

In terms of the centre debate, Jauzion is a better player than D'arcy.

I would go with Leamy at 8 rather than Jones and Jenkins should be no where near the team either - I am sure Castrogiovanni could make a reasonable fist of loosehead.

As for the Fly half debate you have to with O'Gara for consistency and form, however come the end of the 6N Wilkinson and Hook (who both have more ability) could be contending. S. Jones shouldn't be considered.

Oh and a little note to any Englishmen who want to back an English player - you can't because that would be 'typical English arrogance'.

  • 79.
  • At 02:14 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Craiger wrote:

Patrick Evans you eejit: Please tell me you're a back because if not you should be excommunicated. Loose-head prop is and always has been number 1 (tight-head is 3).

  • 80.
  • At 02:18 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Stephen wrote:

the only thing wrong with that team is the presence of two white shirts! there's not a single englishman fit to grace the team.

  • 81.
  • At 02:19 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • David Stokes wrote:

This is really a lazy selection and says more about the journalists than the players selected.

Anybody with an ounce of playing experience or knowledge know that combinations work well at this level, not including D'arcy is incredible. Likewise Peel and Jones would be the natural choices as a combination, Jones excels under pressure and in an attacking role, O'Gara in 2005 for example chose a system of play that was undone against France and Wales, he has passed his sell by date, however, I will state for the record he is a great Irish player.


The journos have got it right with the back row, not with the second or front row......its a great game and we are all experts!!!

  • 82.
  • At 02:22 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • fergal wrote:

This is crazy - you have to pick the team on FORM not reputation. Wilkinson has no business in the team, he last played 4 years ago!4 years! While o Gara has overseent he demolition of the best teams in the heineken cup and SA and AU.

Lets cut the crap - italy are still 2nd rate, enlgand have lost 8 out of 9 games,scotlands squad is too thin, Wales are not the team they used to be and France are a mess. Irelands central system is bearing fruit. The proof is in the results. NZ laugh at the rest of the world, the only team they want to play is Ireland.The heineken cup is a great reflection of the 6 nations, thats why an all Leciester front row is in there.PICK ON FORM NOT REPUTATION. For the record i don`t think JW will make it through all games, although i hope he does. He`s a fantastic player but UNPROVEn.Things have changed the last 4 years...

Heres my team!
1.Castrogiavani - After what he did to Munster in Thomond.

2.Chuter - Again great performance

3.Julian White - Monster, should be starting for England.

4.Paul O Connell - Nominated for player of year. Enough said.

5.Thion - Bortalami isn`t in the league of the big dogs yet.Remember Gloucester are out of the H Cup

6.Worsley - very Impressive as of late

7.Wallace - yards gained,tackles broken, runs made - this man is beaten in these categories by one man....

8.Chabal - Impressive player, although Leamy ran riot last year he`s not playing like himself in the H Cup this year

9.Peel - Playing very well.

10. O Gara - Contemponi,Adams,Latham, some of the players out played by O Gara. If JW makes it to Croke Park he`ll be devastated by the master tactician.

11.Hickie - Playing great rugby and has the ball skills that are lacking in English Rugby

12.Darcy - The man who beats Wallace for runs and tackles broken.Jauzion is not ready for this.

13.O Driscoll - Will be Top try scorer this year.

14.Lamont - A pretender to Horgans throne

15.Murphy - The biggest omission in the Irish squad, he will be starting the rest of the games.Lewsey is a fantastic player but not a game breaker.

  • 83.
  • At 02:22 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Dave wrote:

Wait and see, Worsley will make all those doubters eat your words, come on Joe!

  • 84.
  • At 02:24 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Oliver Smith wrote:

Even as a rabid England fan, I can't possibly argue for Wilko in at number 10...yet. If he stays fit (fingers crossed) I would hope he'd be a lock come the post-six nations team, but not now. That's not to say I support the selection of O'Gara. In my mind (and it pains me to say this) Stephen Jones is the man for the job.

As for the rest, I can't see why D'Arcy isn't there, and personally, I'd move Josh to wing (sorry, Sean Lamont, you get dropped) and bring in maybe Patterson at 15, although I admit my knowledge of in form full backs is a bit sparse.
I'm with the 'Worsley out' brigade, though. I struggle to recall a game where he's contributed something positive to England's play.

  • 85.
  • At 02:25 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • mr.job wrote:

chabal for me at no.8,he has been awasome this season

  • 86.
  • At 02:27 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • George Quay wrote:

D'arcy??? You must be joking! The only reason he gets so much time and space in games is because defences are too concerned with O'Driscolls capabilities.Neil and Caoimhin are obviously Irish leprechan's!!

  • 87.
  • At 02:28 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Derek Fallon wrote:

On the O'Gara V's Jones debate-O'Gara has been mentioned as second only to Dan Carter in the out half stakes this year. Remember the penalty he kicked for Munster against Leicester at Welford Rd in this years Heineken Cup? That was a huge pressure kick-particularly after what he had said in the papers about the english premiership the previous week. The guy has a superb temperament. I think Wales have a good team but their back line has been disrupted by injury and Jenkins has picked a side to take on Ireland up front. The only obvious Ireland have in the scrum and scrummaging just isnt as important as it was ten years ago. Line outs are far more important.Ireland have a superb line out-O'connell, O'Callaghan and Easterby are all excellent jumpers and Best and Flannery are superb throwers. Re-starts, mauling, rucking and the "breakdown" are all areas that are more important than scrums.

  • 88.
  • At 02:29 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Caoimhín wrote:

Popham in for Worsley and Leamy in for Jones. Ryan Jones is an awesome player but dont forget he has been injured and hasnt really played test rugby since the Lions tests (He was replaced after a dire first half against New Zealand in November). Lewsey has lost his impact too, sure he wasnt starting for Wasps earlier on in the season. If we are gona judge it on what players were like and their reputations which is obviously what was done regarding wilkinson I'm gona recommend that Fergus Slattery and Ollie Campbell could do a job in that team!

  • 89.
  • At 02:30 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • kevin crabtree wrote:

Kevin morgan is a definite at 15 and Darcy at 12. Dwayne peel at 9 would definitely be under pressure from Mike Phillips who is better than all the other 9s mentioned. Neil Best and Simon Easterby are far and away the best 6s at the moment. Joe Worsley does'nt even deserve a mention.

  • 90.
  • At 02:32 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Donald Thomson wrote:

Clearly there are a few backs out there that aren't sure about who is who or what is what in the front row. Dave Gregson has it spot on! However, I would have to take issue with all these people raving and shouting about Vickery. Vickery is great in 80% of his game, one of the best in the world, its just unfortunate that scrummaging is the missing 20%. Every time he comes up against a good technical loosehead he gets twisted up like a bit of old rope hence 3 back operations in 2.5 years. I hope for his sake that he lasts the 6Ns because his heart and commitment cannot be faulted and in the loose at least he merits his Raging Bull nick name.

  • 91.
  • At 02:34 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • robf wrote:

Having played as a loose head for 12 years, and not just talked about it online, I'm pretty sure the number on my back is a "1". Jenkins is clearly the choice for this slot from those fit. Don't want all that rank hair anywhere near the front row, so no Jones boys. Sheridan would walk in if fit.

  • 92.
  • At 02:47 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Mark wrote:

Not a bad selection although I would have the following changes:

1. Castrogiovani in for Jenkins. he can play either side and is a total beast of a prop.

8. Sergio Parisse for Jones. He's utter class.

10. Jones for O'Gara. The former has been rock steady for the Scarlets whilst O'Gara has recently been shaky for Munster.

I'm Scottish and I have to agree that - on current form - Lamont is the only one who would get in. However, if Ally Hogg and Jason White were fit I think we'd see a differently coloured back row.

  • 93.
  • At 02:58 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • philip wrote:

stephen jones and o'gara would have been a close call, although if david humphreys was still playin he would take it easily!!

  • 94.
  • At 03:00 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Luke wrote:

Why is Lamont in the team? If your going to put a scot in there just to make them feel better it should have at least been Patterson. Lemey should be at 8 and Vickery at 3. Who else would be at 13? but 12 is a tricky one. I beleive Jauzion to have greater ability than D'arcy but the Irishmans on top of his game and he's in the best team, which always helps.

  • 95.
  • At 03:05 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Nick wrote:

Are you on medication. Which bunch of muppets picked tis team. So you have two players in from England, one who isn't in his right position and one whos lucky to be in the England team. I think you'll change your mind by the end of the six nations when Engalnd win it.

  • 96.
  • At 03:10 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Nick wrote:

Are you on medication. Which bunch of muppets picked tis team. So you have two players in from England, one who isn't in his right position and one whos lucky to be in the England team. I think you'll change your mind by the end of the six nations when Engalnd win it.

  • 97.
  • At 03:15 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Richard wrote:

I could possibly go for Stephen Jones ahead of Wilkinson, but not O'Gara. Ibanez is not even the best No2 in France, Sebastian Bruno is the best scrummaging hooker in Europe

  • 98.
  • At 03:18 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • AB wrote:

Derek Fallon don't worry about Jonny Wilkinson's stamina. He has maintained that by the bucketload. Anyone who has seen any of his come back games can clarify that for you.

I'm glad to see him back, for all the 'weaknesses' in his game. Hope he can stay injury free from now on.

  • 99.
  • At 03:21 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • david wrote:

I am hoping that by the end of the six nations we will see a change the fortunes of England. Then Vickery, Wilkinson, Farrell, Tindell, Robinson and the others will become proven players again.
If the England machine can start up again it will be hard to keep the selection looking so depressing (for an English supporter!)
I also think Varndell needs to be tried again in a team that know what they are doing - given a real back line a true flying wing may make all the differance at the world cup.

  • 100.
  • At 03:48 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Joe wrote:

A fit wilkinson, time out or not, would walk into any of the teams in the 6 nations.

  • 101.
  • At 04:02 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Nick Mullins, BBC Sport commentator wrote:

I suspect Wales and Ireland will have been a little more dedicated about their preparation than I have so far today..

I ought to be working hard on my commentary notes - scouring the morning's newspapers for any juicy snippets, surfing the rugby websites, trying to decipher hastily-written notes from the last few days, that type of stuff - instead I've been getting a headache - also formulating my Fantasy XV for one of the sponsors.

I've decided the 50-quid prize on offer to the eventual winner makes it a worthwhile priority. Just in case my editor reads this, I've been busy dual-tasking, re-watching Ireland/Wales matches from 2005 and 2006 at the same time.

Anyway, I've also stumbled across something mildly interesting that you might try for yourself. Not one of my fantasy fifteen is English. I dare say that might change as the Six Nations wears on and one or two players might feel like giving me a slap when I head to watch England train in Bath next week, but based purely on Autumnal form and disregarding this week's big headline selections, my dressing room would be an English-free zone. See what you make of this little lot and then tell me where I'm going wrong:
Geordan Murphy
Mark Jones
Brian O'Driscoll
Yannick Jauzion
Chris Paterson
Dwayne Peel
Stephen Jones;

Martin Castrogiovanni
Dmitriy Szarzewski
Carlos Nieto
Paul O'Connell
Marco Bortolami
Neil Best
Martyn Williams
Sergio Parisse.

Right, back to the proper prep and the search for my travel bag.

  • 102.
  • At 04:05 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Bart Hulley wrote:

Personally I think Dominici is past his best. Trimble or Williams would come ahead in my selection.

I would have picked Mirco Bergamasco at 12 and Chris Patterson at 15.

Alas my opinions go against my nationality ... but we shall see if England can affect the team sheet by the end of the tournament.

  • 103.
  • At 04:08 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Dave wrote:

Here! Here! Nick, you know the score. Come on England!

  • 104.
  • At 04:09 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Phill wrote:

"O'Gara is currently sublime" - OK, how much rugby have you been watching of late?

If we're going to pick on form, pick on form, not form of several months ago. I would concede that O'Gara should be a shoe-in but his latest Heineken games have been poor - so too O'Driscoll who is in on reputation every bit as much as JW.

Worsley has been playing very well (though not everyone sees it as he's not so glory hungry as some). Chabal should get 8 ahead of the injured DWS.

As for even mentioning Stringer!! Please, he's not a patch on Boss and the luckiest man in international rugby - even if the NH isn't blessed in this department at the moment.

Lamond - not good enough on recent performances for the Saints. Shame Horgan's injured.

What is encouraging about putting this side together is that it does show that it's not just England that is uncertain at the moment. There's a lot of talk about Wales and Scotland at the moment, this kind of analysis just shows that they are living on bluster.

  • 105.
  • At 04:11 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Dave wrote:

Here! Here! Nick, you know the score. Come on England!

  • 106.
  • At 04:11 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • fred wrote:

Looks like a crap lions team + garlic to me - would probably ship 50 points against the All Blacks

  • 107.
  • At 04:11 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Fergal wrote:

England win the six nations?Are u nuts?they have NO WORLD CLASS PLAYERS. Prepare for destruction

  • 108.
  • At 04:12 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Bart Hulley wrote:

Personally I think Dominici is past his best. Trimble or Williams would come ahead in my selection.

I would have picked Mirco Bergamasco at 12 and Chris Patterson at 15.

Alas my opinions go against my nationality ... but we shall see if England can affect the team sheet by the end of the tournament.

  • 109.
  • At 04:13 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Bart Hulley wrote:

Personally I think Dominici is past his best. Trimble or Williams would come ahead in my selection.

I would have picked Mirco Bergamasco at 12 and Chris Patterson at 15.

Alas my opinions go against my nationality ... but we shall see if England can affect the team sheet by the end of the tournament.

  • 110.
  • At 04:13 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Dave wrote:

Here! Here! Nick, you know the score. Come on England!

  • 111.
  • At 04:14 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • renault megane wrote:

surely scotlands back row is being overlooked here?!! fair enough jason white is injured but when ally hogg returns (for the 2nd/3rd game) then he will show he deserves his place in this XV

  • 112.
  • At 04:15 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Dave wrote:

Here! Here! Nick, you know the score. Come on England!

  • 113.
  • At 04:16 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Phill wrote:

"O'Gara is currently sublime" - OK, how much rugby have you been watching of late?

If we're going to pick on form, pick on form, not form of several months ago. I would concede that O'Gara should be a shoe-in but his latest Heineken games have been poor - so too O'Driscoll who is in on reputation every bit as much as JW.

Worsley has been playing very well (though not everyone sees it as he's not so glory hungry as some). Chabal should get 8 ahead of the injured DWS.

As for even mentioning Stringer!! Please, he's not a patch on Boss and the luckiest man in international rugby - even if the NH isn't blessed in this department at the moment.

Lamond - not good enough on recent performances for the Saints. Shame Horgan's injured.

What is encouraging about putting this side together is that it does show that it's not just England that is uncertain at the moment. There's a lot of talk about Wales and Scotland at the moment, this kind of analysis just shows that they are living on bluster.

  • 114.
  • At 04:17 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • peter doherty wrote:

i really think there should be more english players in the team. i know we had a bad autumn but there is still so much class in the side. with wilko back, points will be going over the bar and andy farrell is going to be a revelation! i predict both would be in an all star XV at the end of the 6 nations. come on england!

  • 115.
  • At 04:24 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Nick Mullins - BBC Sport commentator wrote:

I suspect Wales and Ireland will have been a little more dedicated about their preparation than I have so far today.

I ought to be working hard on my commentary notes - scouring the morning's newspapers for any juicy snippets, surfing the rugby websites, trying to decipher hastily-written notes from the last few days, that type of stuff - instead I've been getting a headache - also formulating my fantasy XV for one of the sponsors.

I've decided the 50-quid prize on offer to the eventual winner makes it a worthwhile priority. Just in case my editor reads this, I've been busy dual-tasking, re-watching Ireland/Wales matches from 2005 and 2006 at the same time.

Anyway, I've also stumbled across something mildly interesting that you might try for yourself. Not one of my fantasy fifteen is English. I dare say that might change as the Six Nations wears on and one or two players might feel like giving me a slap when I head to watch England train in Bath next week, but based purely on Autumnal form and disregarding this week's big headline selections, my dressing room would be an English-free zone. See what you make of this little lot and then tell me where I'm going wrong:
Geordan Murphy
Mark Jones
Brian O'Driscoll
Yannick Jauzion
Chris Paterson
Stephen Jones
Dwayne Peel
Martin Castrogiovanni
Dmitri Szarzewski
Carlos Nieto
Paul O'Connell
Marco Bortolami
Simon Easterby
Martyn Williams
Sergio Parisse.

Right, back to the proper prep and the search for my travel bag.

  • 116.
  • At 04:30 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Pugsy wrote:

I wouldnt be talking about White and Castriigiavanni because of what they did too the munster front row...take 3 grannies from the bingo bus and they would do the same thing to the munster scrum.

Wilkinson was the best 10 3years ago, if he completes the 5 games of the tournament injury free il be very surprised. I wouldnt have any englishmen on the team, as on current international form, none of them deserve to be there. Farrell is an unknown quantity, and Tindall is in the Kevin Maggs mould...ie:rubbish. Worsely is a decent 6 but Moody is better in my opinion.

Leamy is the best 8, Darcy is the best 12 and Horgan is the best 14(pity he isnt fit) Jones probably shades it against O Gara and Lamont is rubbish. Put Webster in if you need a Scot(if he was fit!)

Id say Flannery in hooker although Ibanez is abit of a hero himself so I cant argue there!

Thats my rant out of the way. Mags!

  • 117.
  • At 04:31 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Ted wrote:

The most open 6 Nations in years??? When Hogan is fit Ireland will have 5 players in your side with 6 more on the bench. If their pack can hold their own it will be all over for the rest.

  • 118.
  • At 04:32 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Alistair wrote:

Simon Taylor isnt even mentioned?!?!?!?!- he'll prove you wrong over the next few weeks (and ally hogg will be in the mix come the end of the tournament too)

but to show im not just scot biased- i think lamont has to go some to warrant his place

  • 119.
  • At 04:32 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Will wrote:

Where is Shane Horgan?
Leagues ahead of Sean Lamont and is in my opinion the best 14 in world Rugby

  • 120.
  • At 04:38 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • CharlieBoy wrote:

I dont agree with the exclusion of Chris Patterson from the side. He was after all robbed not to be included in the England Celebration..my mistake Lions tour. He is a superb winger or fullback, and his place kicking is sublime. Lewsey at 15 even though hes playing wing tomorrow i think not. The exclusion of any of the Scottish backrow is a shock, even though they have been blighted by injury White, Hogg or Taylor should have had a mention. Keep your eyes on Rob Dewey at centre, he will show his class, power and strength.

although i agree with Dwayne Peel at #9 i think the comment that Blair would have been the next choice had he been fit is incorrect as Cusiter is a superb player, one to keep your eyes on. Remeber the half pitch breaks he made when he first played 6 nations.

O'gara for 10, the suggestion of wilkinson would be fair if he had played recently. O'Gara is far better than Jones, kicking, defence and passing are all better.

  • 121.
  • At 04:41 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Peter wrote:

It will be interesting to see how the team changes week in week out to reflect the games. D'Arcy would be in for me from the outset (and I'm English.) That said I expect a white front to sweep across the page from tomorrow (but don't tell my wife as she is a Scot.)

  • 122.
  • At 04:41 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Jimbo wrote:

Anyone thinking Wilko should make this team is delusional.

i would still have Jones in at 10 though, regardless of ROG's form, Jones is more reliable. I think Hook will have a good tournament too.

Worsley wouldnt get near the Ireland team, so why is he in here ahead of 2 Irishmen? Betsen would get in ahead of Worsley aswell.


Jauzion ahead of Darcy is a bold selection, guess they didnt want 2 irish in the centres, because they knew a fit Horgan would walk into the side aswell. Id still have Darcy anyday.

Im not sure on either winger, because lamont is arguably Scotlands best player, doesnt make him good enough for this team, and his form of late has been suspect. Dominici is a good finisher yes, but hes not really that good at anything else, so i wouldnt touch him.

Id say that 4-5 of this team will remain after the tournament, maybe less.



  • 123.
  • At 04:44 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • johnny wrote:

only 1 scotsman???!!!!!!! appauling and as for more english players.... don't make me laugh!!!! they'r rubbish nowadays

  • 124.
  • At 04:44 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Peter wrote:

It will be interesting to see how the team changes week in week out to reflect the games. D'Arcy would be in for me from the outset (and I'm English.) That said I expect a white front to sweep across the page from tomorrow (but don't tell my wife as she is a Scot.)

  • 125.
  • At 04:49 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • James Standley wrote:

Unlike us, Brian Ashton, Mathew Wilson and Ciaran Nolan (you're keeping good company there lads) would have Josh Lewsey on the wing.

Given the relative paucity of options we felt he was the best man for the job - and I notice neither of you suggest a better alternative!

  • 126.
  • At 05:30 PM on 02 Feb 2007,
  • Camoo wrote:

Not a bad selection, a fair bit of reputation seems to have been applied.

Only posistion I have a problem with is fly half, O'Gara can kick well but is not much else, I'd have the Welshman any day.

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