Teams: QUARTER-FINALS

England: 15 Ben Foden, 14 Chris Ashton, 13 Manu Tuilagi, 12 Toby Flood, 11 Mark Cueto, 10 Jonny Wilkinson, 9 Ben Youngs, 8 Nick Easter, 7 Lewis Moody (captain), 6 Tom Croft, 5 Tom Palmer, 4 Louis Deacon, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Steve Thompson, 1 Matt Stevens.
Replacements: 16 Dylan Hartley, 17 Alex Corbisiero, 18 Courtney Lawes, 19 Simon Shaw, 20 James Haskell, 21 Richard Wigglesworth, 22 Matt Banahan.

France: 15 Maxime Medard, 14 Vincent Clerc, 13 Aurelien Rougerie, 12 Maxime Mermoz, 11 Alexis Palisson, 10 Morgan Parra, 9 Dimitri Yachvili, 8 Imanol Harinordoquy, 7 Julien Bonnaire, 6 Thierry Dusautoir (captain), 5 Lionel Nallet, 4 Pascal Pape, 3 Nicolas Mas, 2 William Servat, 1 Jean-Baptiste Poux.
Replacements: 16 Dimitri Szarzewski, 17 Fabien Barcella, 18 Julien Pierre, 19 Louis Picamoles, 20 Francois Trinh-Duc, 21 David Marty, 22 Cedric Heymans.

New Zealand: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Sonny Bill Williams, 10 Colin Slade, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (captain), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Andrew Hore, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Ali Williams, 19 Victor Vito, 20 Jimmy Cowan, 21 Aaron Cruden, 22 Isaia Toeava.

Argentina: 15 Martin Rodriguez, 14 Gonzalo Camacho, 13 Marcelo Bosch, 12 Felipe Contepomi (captain), 11 Horacio Agulla, 10 Santiago Fernandez, 9 Nicolas Vergallo, 8 Leonardo Senatore, 7 Juan Manuel Leguizamon, 6 Julio Farias Cabello, 5 Patricio Albacete, 4 Manuel Carizza, 3 Juan Figallo, 2 Mario Ledesma, 1 Rodrigo Roncero.
Replacements: 16 Agustin Creevy, 17 Martin Scelzo, 18 Marcos Ayerza, 19 Alejandro Campos, 20 Alfredo Lalanne, 21 Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino, 22 Juan Jose Imhoff.

Ireland: 15 Robert Kearney, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Brian O'Driscoll (captain), 12 Gordon D'Arcy, 11 Keith Earls, 10 Ronan O'Gara, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 Sean O'Brien, 6 Stephen Ferris, 5 Paul O'Connell, 4 Donncha O'Callaghan, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Rory Best, 1 Cian Healy.
Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 Tom Court, 18 Donnacha Ryan, 19 Denis Leamy, 20 Eoin Reddan, 21 Jonathan Sexton, 22 Andrew Trimble.

Wales: 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 George North, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Shane Williams, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Mike Phillips, 8 Toby Faletau, 7 Sam Warburton (captain), 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Alun Wyn Jones, 4 Luke Charteris, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Huw Bennett, 1 Gethin Jenkins.
Replacements: 16 Lloyd Burns, 17 Paul James, 18 Bradley Davies, 19 Ryan Jones, 20 Lloyd Williams, 21 James Hook, 22 Scott Williams.

Australia: 15 Kurtley Beale, 14 James O'Connor, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Pat McCabe, 11 Digby Ioane, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia, 8 Radike Samo, 7 David Pocock, 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 James Horwill (captain), 4 Dan Vickerman, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Sekope Kepu.
Replacements: 16 Tatafu Polota Nau, 17 James Slipper, 18 Nathan Sharpe, 19 Ben McCalman, 20 Luke Burgess, 21 Berrick Barnes, 22 Anthony Fainga'a.

South Africa: 15 Pat Lambie, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Schalk Burger, 6 Heinrich Brüssow, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Danie Rossouw, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 John Smit (captain), 1 Gurthrö Steenkamp.
Replacements: 16 Bismarck du Plessis, 17 CJ van der Linde, 18 Willem Alberts, 19 François Louw, 20 François Hougaard, 21 Butch James, 22 Gio Aplon.

WEEK FOUR: Teams

South Africa: 15 Pat Lambie, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Frans Steyn, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morné Steyn , 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Schalk Burger, 6 Heinrich Brüssow, 5 Victor Matfield (captain), 4 Danie Rossouw, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: 16 John Smit, 17 Gurthrö Steenkamp, 18 CJ van der Linde, 19 Willem Alberts, 20 François Louw, 21 François Hougaard, 22 Jean de Villiers.

Samoa: 15 Paul Williams, 14 David Lemi, 13 Seilala Mapusua, 12 Eliota Fuimaono Sapolu, 11 Alesana Tuilagi, 10 Tusi Pisi, 9 Kahn Fotuali'i, 8 George Stowers, 7 Maurie Fa'asavalu, 6 Taiasina Tuifua, 5 Kane Thompson, 4 Daniel Leo, 3 Census Johnston, 2 Mahonri Schwalger (captain), 1 Sakaria Taulafo.
Replacements: 16 Olé Avei, 17 Anthony Perenise, 18 Logovi'i Mulipola, 19 Ofisa Treviranus, 20 Filipo Lavea Levi, 21 Junior Poluleuligaga, 22 George Pisi.

Australia: 15 James O'Connor, 14 Radike Samo, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Berrick Barnes, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Ben McCalman, 7 David Pocock, 6 Scott Higginbotham, 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 James Horwill (captain), 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 James Slipper.
Replacements: 16 Tatafu Polota Nau, 17 Saia Fainga'a, 18 Salesi Ma'afu, 19 Rob Simmons, 20 Rocky Elsom, 21 Will Genia, 22 Nick Phipps.

Russia: 15 Vasily Artemyev, 14 Denis Simplikevich, 13 Andrey Kuzin, 12 Alexey Makovetskiy, 11 Vladimir Ostroushko, 10 Yury Kushnarev, 9 Alexander Yanyushkin, 8 Victor Gresev, 7 Vyacheslav Grachev, 6 Artem Fatakhov, 5 Adam Byrnes, 4 Alexander Voytov, 3 Ivan Prishchepenko, 2 Vladislav Korshunov (captain), 1 Sergey Popov.
Replacements: 16 Evgeny Matveev, 17 Vladimir Botvinnikov, 18 Alexey Travkin, 19 Andrey Garbuzov, 20 Alexander Shakirov, 21 Konstantin Rachkov, 22 Mikhail Babaev.

Scotland: 15 Chris Paterson, 14 Max Evans, 13 Joe Ansbro, 12 Sean Lamont, 11 Simon Danielli, 10 Ruaridh Jackson, 9 Mike Blair, 8 Richie Vernon, 7 John Barclay, 6 Ally Strokosch, 5 Alastair Kellock (captain), 4 Richie Gray, 3 Euan Murray, 2 Ross Ford, 1 Allan Jacobsen.
Replacements: 16 Scott Lawson, 17 Alasdair Dickinson, 18 Nathan Hines, 19 Ross Rennie, 20 Chris Cusiter, 21 Dan Parks, 22 Nick de Luca.

England: 15 Ben Foden, 14 Chris Ashton, 13 Manu Tuilagi, 12 Mike Tindall, 11 Delon Armitage, 10 Jonny Wilkinson, 9 Ben Youngs, 8 James Haskell, 7 Lewis Moody (captain), 6 Tom Croft, 5 Courtney Lawes, 4 Louis Deacon, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Steve Thompson, 1 Matt Stevens.
Replacements: 16 Dylan Hartley, 17 Alex Corbisiero, 18 Tom Palmer, 19 Nick Easter, 20 Richard Wigglesworth, 21 Toby Flood, 22 Matt Banahan.

Tonga: 15 Vungakoto Lilo, 14 Viliame Iongi, 13 Siale Piutau, 12 Andrew Ma'ilei, 11 Sukanaivalu Hufanga, 10 Kurt Morath, 9 Taniela Moa, 8 Viliami Ma'afu, 7 Finau Maka (captain), 6 Sione Kalamafoni, 5 Paino Hehea, 4 Tukulua Lokotui, 3 Kisi Pulu, 2 Aleki Lutui, 1 Soane Tonga'uiha.
Replacements: 16 Ephraim Taukafa, 17 Alisona Taumalolo, 18 Halani Aulika, 19 Joseph Tuineau, 20 Samiu Vahafolau, 21 Samisoni Fisilau, 22 Alipate Fatafehi.

New Zealand: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Israel Dagg, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (captain), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Samuel Whitelock, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Brad Thorn, 19 Anthony Boric, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Colin Slade, 22 Isaia Toeava.

Andrew's Team: Round Three

THE ORCADIANS - Facebook S14

*New buys in italics

FR Keven Mealamu (NZL) $1,177,500

FR Sakaria Taulafo (SAM) $512,500

LK Danie Rossouw (SAF) $1,140,000

LK Leone Nakarawa (FIJ) $587,500

LF Schalk Burger (SAF) $1,167,500

LF Toby Faletau (WAL) $585,000

HV Morne Steyn (SAF) $1,210,000

HV Quade Cooper (AUS) $1,225,000

CT Ma'a Nonu (NZL) $1,225,000

CT Richard Kahui (NZL) $1,162,500

OB Kurtley Beale (AUS) $1,200,000

OB George North (WAL) $880,000

Team Value: $12,072,500

Cash in Bank: $259,595

If it weren't for my poor decision to load my team with Australians last week, I'd be sitting in a much better place right now. Horwill, Cooper, Moore and O'Connor gave me a combined total of less than 400! And three of those four aren't on the field this week either. That, and a couple of other forced replacements, led to me using another seven precious trades.

A new front row. Mealamu, who is always a favourite, and Samoan prop Taulafo, whose point scoring thus far belies his cheap price.

Rossouw replaces Horwill in the locks, and I'll be hoping he gives another powerful performance against Namibia. I think he'll be a good bet to start against Samoa next round too.

With the money I saved in the front row, I traded O'Brien for Burger. I'm already thinking this was probably a mistake. Schalk Burger's one of those notorious hot and cold TR point scoring players. He's had a great couple of opening games, which probably means he's due for a dip. Hopefully not.

Anticipating a Bok landslide, I picked Morne Steyn - though livewire Hougaard might have been a more unconventional and, potentially, more profitable choice. I'll stick with Cooper and hope to see the Wallabies deliver a high scoring victory over what looks like a second string USA.

I couldn't break up my All Blacks centre partnership of Nonu and Kahui, though I can't see them getting as many tries this week, but you never know.

All new backs. With Clerc unlikely to be as dominant against the All Blacks, I reluctantly swapped him for Beale, and traded the injured O'Connor for the underpriced George North, who'll hopefully get a try or two against poor Namibia.

Well played to SCM, who put in one of the best round scores of the whole competition to take first place in the league. I'm still hanging on in second but the way my trades are going I'm feeling less confident about the business end of the competition. I think the fourth round is going to be crucial as it'll see the last mismatched games before the minnows bow out, but will any of us have the trades left to exploit it?

Good luck everyone!

Best Players After Round Two

Based on each player's average score.

TOP 5 FRONT ROWERS

Mahonri Schwalger (SAM) - 310

Sakaria Taulafo (SAM) - 302

Huw Bennet (WAL) - 300

Shota Horie (JAP) - 298

Rory Best (IRE) - 275

TOP 5 LOCKS

Danie Rossouw (SAF) - 445

Luke Charteris (WAL) - 330

Leone Nakarawa (FIJ) - 320

Alun Wyn Jones (WAL) - 242

Daniel Leo (SAM) - 230

TOP 5 LOOSIES

Louis Picamoles (FRA) - 470

Adam Thomson (NZL) - 420

Sergio Parisse (ITA) - 405

Toby Faletau (WAL) - 390

Schalk Burger (SAF) - 360

TOP 5 HALVES

Morne Steyn (SAF) - 400

James Arlidge (JAP) - 300

Mike Phillips (WAL) - 282

Quade Cooper (AUS) - 260

Morgan Parra (FRA) - 248

TOP 5 CENTRES

Richard Kahui (NZL) - 610

Ma'a Nonu (NZL) - 450

Conrad Smith (NZL) - 430

Shontayne Hape (ENG) - 410

Sonny Bill Williams (NZL) / Daniel van Wyk (NAM) - 360

TOP 5 OUTSIDE BACKS

Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino (ARG) - 540

Giulio Toniolatti (ITA) - 480

Digby Ioane (AUS) - 470

Vincent Clerc (FRA) - 460

Simon Danielli (SCO) - 410

Dream Team: Round Two

FR Mahonri Schwalger (SAM) - 430
FR Sakaria Taulafo (SAM) - 375
LK Danie Rossouw (SAF) - 610
LK Luke Charterls (WAL) - 370
LF Louis Picamoles (FRA ) - 470
LF Sergio Parisse (ITA) - 450
HV Morne Steyn (SAF) - 480
HV Colin Slade (NZL) - 360
CT Richard Kahui (NZL) - 610
CT Ma'a Nonu (NZL) - 450
OB Vincent Clerc (FRA) - 540
OB Delon Armitage (ENG) - 540

5 Try Bonus - 200

TOTAL - 5885

ROUND THREE: Teams

Thursday, September 22

South Africa v Namibia

South Africa 15 Pat Lambie, 14 Gio Aplon, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Frans Steyn, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Francois Hougaard, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Schalk Burger, 6 Willem Alberts, 5 Danie Rossouw, 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 CJ van der Linde, 2 John Smit (c), 1 Gurthrö Steenkamp.
Replacements: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Tendai Mtawarira, 18 François Louw, 19 Heinrich Brüssow, 20 Fourie du Preez, 21 Ruan Pienaar, 22 Juan de Jongh.

Namibia: 15 Chrysander Botha, 14 Danie Dames, 13 Danie van Wyk, 12 Piet van Zyl, 11 Heine Bock, 10 Theuns Kotze, 9 Eugene Jantjies, 8 Jacques Nieuwenhuis, 7 Jacques Burger (c), 6 Tinus Du Plessis, 5 Nico Esterhuyse, 4 Heinz Koll, 3 Marius Visser, 2 Bertus O’Callaghan, 1 Johnnie Redelinghuys.

Replacements: 16 Hugo Horn, 17 Jane du Toit, 18 Pieter Jan van Lill, 19 Rohan Kitshoff, 20 Ryan de la Harpe, 21 Darryl de la Harpe, 22 Conrad Marais.

Friday, September 23

Australia v United States

Australia: 15 Kurtley Beale, 14 Adam Ashley Cooper, 13 Anthony Faingaa, 12 Robert Horne, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Quade Cooper 9 Will Genia (c), 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Ben McCalman 6 Scott Higginbotham, 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 Rob Simmons, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Tatafu Polota Nau, 1 James Slipper.
Replacements: 16 Stephen Moore, 17 Sekope Kepu, 18 Dan Vickerman, 19 Radike Samo, 20 Luke Burgess, 21 Berrick Barnes, 22 Pat McCabe.

Saturday, September 24

England v Romania

Romania: 15 Florin Adrian Vlaicu, 14 Stefan Eugen Ciuntu, 13 Ionel Cazan, 12 Iulian Dumitras, 11 Adrian Marian Apostol, 10 Marin Danut Dumbrava, 9 Lucian Mihai Sirbu, 8 Ovidiu Tonita, 7 Cosmin Aurel Ratiu, 6 Sandu Stelian Burcea, 5 Cristian Constantin Petre (capt), 4 Valentin Poparlan, 3 Silviu Florea, 2 Bogdan Zebega Suman, 1 Nicolae Nere.
Replacements: 16 Marius Tincu, 17 Paulica Ion, 18 Mihai Macovei, 19 Daniel Gabriel Ianus, 20 Valentin Nicolae Calafeteanu, 21 Csaba Minya Gal, 22 Catalin Marius Nicolae.

New Zealand v France

New Zealand: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Richard Kahui, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Adam Thomson, 7 Richie McCaw (capt), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Andrew Hore, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Ali Williams, 19 Anthony Boric, 20 Andy Ellis, 21 Colin Slade, 22 Sonny Bill Williams.

France 15 Damien Traille, 14 Vincent Clerc, 13 Aurélien Rougerie, 12 Maxime Mermoz, 11 Maxime Médard, 10 Morgan Parra, 9 Dimitri Yachvili, 8 Louis Picamoles, 7 Julien Bonnaire, 6 Thierry Dusautoir (c), 5 Pascale Papé, 4 Lionel Nallet, 3 Luc Ducalcon, 2 Dimitri Szarzewski, 1 Jean-Baptiste Poux.

Replacements: 16 William Servat, 17 Fabien Barcella, 18 Julien Pierre, 19 Imanol Harinordoquy, 20 Francois Trinh-Duc, 21 Fabrice Estebanez, 22 Cédric Heymans.

Sunday, September 25

Fiji v Samoa

Ireland v Russia

Argentina v Scotland

Scotland: 15 Chris Paterson, 14 Max Evans, 13 Nick De Luca, 12 Graeme Morrison, 11 Sean Lamont, 10 Ruaridh Jackson, 9 Rory Lawson (capt), 8 Kelly Brown, 7 John Barclay, 6 Al Strokosch, 5 Jim Hamilton, 4 Richie Gray, 3 Geoff Cross, 2 Ross Ford, 1 Allan Jacobsen.
Replacements: 16 Dougie Hall, 17 Alasdair Dickinson, 18 Nathan Hines, 19 Richie Vernon, 20 Mike Blair, 21 Dan Parks, 22 Simon Danielli.

RWC thoughts - Week Two

Oh Aussie, what have you done? You've ruined the tournament for everyone, making a likely Northern Hemisphere bracket and a Southern Hemisphere bracket. Actually, that's probably just what the IRB ordered; keeping viewership numbers high in the NH is probably key to their masterplan.

The road to the final is now paved with disaster for South Africa... or is it? Has anything really changed? By all standard logic, South Africa were always going to have to beat Australia and New Zealand to win this world cup, just not in that order or so soon in the competition. Their final, unfortunately, comes two weeks early - but on the bright side, if they can beat the SH teams, the final should be a doddle. Wales again? Bring it on.

MOST INFLUENTIAL PLAYERS - thus far

After two weeks, some unlikely heroes have stepped to the fore - new superstars to take the place of the aging McCaw's, Carters, Habanas, Giteau's ,etc.

SONNY BILL WILLIAMS

The All Blacks have to find a place for this man. Yes, his opposition have been lousy, but he has been magnificent nevertheless. They have shunted him around, from inside center to wing, but he has looked a player in a different class to everyone else on the field- immensely destructive and pure joy to watch. He has lived up to the hype, and I understand why he was such a draw in the NRL. Like Lomu before him, he makes people want to watch rugby, and young boys want to play it. Pay the man whatever he wants - he needs to stay in Rugby Union.







FRANCOIS STEYN

He showed immense promise in 2007 as a 20 yr-old RWC winner, and now that promise is finally being fulfilled. Steyn has created a selection poser for South Africa, because he is now both their best fullback and best center. At fullback, he was massive in defense and his kicks sent a rampant Wales way back into their own half almost every time they searched for territory. His try was pretty awesome too - with just a few inches of touchline to work with, he knocked two defenders aside like bowling pins, undeviated from his path.  I believe he was the chief reason SA won that game. And then, true to his Springbok experience, he was shunted into a new position for his next game and excelled at inside center. He made JdV look like a chump, as the SA backline finally got moving through his rampaging runs and beautiful long passes. It takes a monster of a man to drag three Fijian defenders around the field, but that was par for the course for a Steyn run. He is SA's secret sauce and is key to their retaining their title. Where to play him? He gets more ball at center and creates tries. That's probably more valuable than kicking SA out of trouble.

SAM WARBURTON

I'd never heard of this guy, but apparently he is the captain of Wales. And rightly so. He was immense against the Boks - destroying them in the tackle and robbing them at the breakdown. He's pretty big and strong for an opensider, and his link play around the park reminds me of Ritchie McCaw - only better. (Well, thus far...) McCaw has been pretty special for many years now, and it is probably too soon to judge Warburton against him, but my initial reaction is total respect. I think he's the best player the NH has produced in years - a flanker with the mongrel and skill to mix it with the Boks and Samoans... pretty impressive. He was a little quieter against Samoa, but still popped up with some really important turnovers and tackles. If Wales go anywhere in this tournament, it will be on the back of Warburton.


SEAN O'BRIEN

He won European Player of the Year, and there's no doubting why. In an aging team, this guy is a revelation for Ireland. Sure, Pocock wasn't around to keep him in check, but he was everywhere against the struggling Aussies, and they'll be cursing his name for years to come if they are knocked out early from this RWC. Like Warburton, he is the complete package: he tackles, he steals, he makes rampaging runs - he's what Pierre Spies would be if he could actually play rugby. I'm looking forward to watching his progress through the tournament, and again, like Warburton, if Ireland have a hope, it rests with him.


Final thoughts: open-side flankers are like rugby gold. Without a great one, your team just can't compete. Look at the difference Brussow makes to SA (compare 2009 season to 2010 - champions in one, chumps in the next). Likewise, Aussies lost because they missed Pocock, NZ look weak with McCaw, Namibia look dangerous with Jacques Burger, Warburton, O'Brien, etc. I used to think flyhalves were critical. No, it's the opensiders.

Andrew's Team: Week Two

THE ORCADIANS - Facebook S14

*New buys in italics

FR Stephen Moore (AUS) $1,162,500

FR William Servat (FRA) $1,137,500

LK James Horwill (AUS) $1,140,000

LK Leone Nakarawa (FIJ) $570,000

LF Sean O'Brien (IRE) $865,000

LF Toby Faletau (WAL) $562,000

HV Colin Slade (NZL) $1,275,000

HV Quade Cooper (AUS) $1,215,000

CT Ma'a Nonu (NZL) $1,215,000

CT Richard Kahui (NZL) $1,130,000

OB Vincent Clerc (FRA) $1,142,500

OB James O'Connor (AUS) $1,177,500

Team Value: $12,172,500

Cash in Bank: $22,095

As many of us feared, it looks like the most worrying element of this competition is trading. I made eight changes this week, all enforced, and at this rate I'll be lucky to make it past the group stage without running out completely. My one consolation is that if this does happen, I doubt I'll be alone!

I kept my front row from last week. I'd dearly love to have Mealamu in there but I just couldn't spare the trades to sub starting players.

All new locks. I doubt Nakarawa will repeat his try scoring feat against the Springboks, but at under $600k if he makes even 100-200 points, I'll be very happy. I stumped up some cash for Horwill in the other slot, with the hope that, as captain, he might be a regular fixture for the remainder of the group games, though I'm already losing confidence in this.

Like a lot of others, I've drafted in everybody's new favourite Welsh Tongan, Toby Faletau. Again, I don't expect he'll top the rankings for two weeks running, but his price made him an important buy. Another underpriced loosie joins him in the form of Sean O'Brien. I think Ireland will have a torrid time against the Wallabies, but O'Brien can rack up the points and he's really a long term purchase. Both he and Faletau should be certain starters for the remainder of the group games and beyond (if their teams make it that far).

All change in the halves too. Breaking my rule of buying for the week ahead, when Carter dropped out, I replaced him with his deputy, Slade. Unless Carter's injuries are much worse than we've been led to believe, then he'll most certainly be back next round. I only hope Slade can earn a bucketload of points in what will likely be his only start of the competition. In the other berth, I picked Quade Cooper, which I came within a whisker of doing last week instead of Carter. Would've earned me another 180 points and saved me a trade, dammit!

In the centres, Nonu's joined by teammate Richard Kahui. Again, he's likely to be a very popular sub this week, and with good reason. Japan proved they were no pushovers against France but there should still be plenty of chances for Kahui to score big again.

Luckily, Vincent Clerc escaped Lievremont's axe so he keeps his place and I'm confident he'll get another try (or two) against a brave, but limited, Canada. Replacing Dagg is James O'Connor. Now that his "naughty stool" days are over, and Ioane's crocked, he's certain to be a fixture for the Wallabies, and should reclaim place kicking duties too.

Congrats to Skulliz for starting so strongly. I'm pretty pleased to be sitting second in the league, but with only six rounds remaining, Skulliz' lead already looks ominous, and I'll need a good performance this coming week to stay in the hunt. Good luck everyone!

Kynan's Team: Week Two

Division: Facebook Super 14
Team: No Pooftahs

FR   William Servat (FRA)          $1,137,500
FR   Rory Best (IRE)                  $1,120,000
LK   Leon Nakarawa (FIJ)         $570,000
LK   Julien Pierre (FRA)             $775,000
LF   Jerome Kaino (NZL)           $1,150,000
LF    Pierre Spies (SAF)             $1,170,000
HV   Will Genia (AUS)               $1,035,000
HV   Quade Cooper (AUS)        $1,215,000
CT   Maxime Mermoz (FRA)      $972,500
CT  Richard Kahui (NZL)           $1,130,000
OB   Vincent Clerc (FRA)          $1,142,500
OB   Verineki Goneva (FIJ)        $605,000

Cash in Bank:                             $17,495

Seven trades! And I should have made one more, but I made one by accident. I was trying to sell a wing, and accidently sold Tommy Bowe - I swear I clicked on Dagg, but for some reason Bowe disappeared. Hopefully that won't come back to bite me...

I have no confidence in my team - it is based on last weeks success - never a good idea. But it was all I could afford. Good luck to me.

Best Players After Round One

TOP 5 FRONT ROWERS

Rory Best (IRE) - 380

Huw Bennet (WAL) - 370

Sona Taumalolo (TON) - 320

Andrew Hore (NZL) / Shota Horie (JAP) - 300

Ben Alexander (AUS) - 290

TOP 5 LOCKS

Leone Nakarawa (FIJ) - 370

Luke Charteris (WAL) - 290

Danie Rossouw (SAF) - 280

Paul O'Connell (IRE) - 270

Julien Pierre (FRA) - 255

TOP 5 LOOSIES

Toby Faletau (WAL) - 480

Aaron Carpenter (CAN) - 410

Jerome Kaino (NZL) - 380

Sergio Parisse (ITA) - 360

Sam Warburton (WAL) - 330

TOP 5 HALVES

James Arlidge (JAP) - 460

Quade Cooper (AUS) - 400

Waisea Luveniyali (FIJ) - 355

Morne Steyn (SAF) - 320

Mike Phillips (WAL) - 300

TOP 5 CENTRES

Richard Kahui (NZL) - 610

Ma'a Nonu (NZL) - 450

Daniel van Wyk (NAM) - 360

Gabiriele Lovobalavu (FIJ) - 330

Sonny Bill Williams (NZL) / Paul Emerick (USA) - 280

TOP 5 OUTSIDE BACKS

Vereniki Goneva (FIJ) - 620

Digby Ioane (AUS) - 470

Israel Dagg (NZL) - 450

Alesana Tuilagi (SAM) - 440

Simon Danielli (SCO) - 410

ROUND TWO: Teams

Friday, September 16

New Zealand vs Japan

New Zealand: 15 Isaia Toeava, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma’a Nonu, 11 Richard Kahui, 10 Colin Slade, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Victor Vito, 7 Adam Thomson, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Keven Mealamu (c), 1 Tony Woodcock.

Replacements: 16 Andrew Hore, 17 John Afoa, 18 Ali Williams, 19 Anthony Boric, 20 Jimmy Cowan, 21 Piri Weepu, 22 Sonny Bill Williams.

Japan: 15 Taihei Ueda, 14 Takahisa Usuzuki, 13 Koji Taira, 12 Yuta Imamura, 11 Hirotoki Onozawa, 10 Murray Williams, 9 Atsushi Hiwasa, 8 Takashi Kikutani (c), 7 Michael Leitch, 6 Itaru Taniguchi, 5 Toshizumi Kitagawa, 4 Hithoshi Ono, 3 Nozomu Fujita, 2 Yusuke Aoki, 1 Naoki Kawamata.
Replacements: 16 Hiroki Yuhara, 17 Kensuke Hatakeyama, 18 Yuji Kitagawa, 19 Sione Talikavili Vatuvei, 20 Tomoki Yoshida, 21 Shaun Webb, 22 Alisi Tupuailai.

Saturday, September 17

Argentina vs Romania

Argentina: 15 Lucas Gonzalez, 14 Gonzalo Camacho, 13 Martin Rodriguez, 12 Marcelo Bosch, 11 Horacio Agulla, 10 Santiago Fernandez, 9 Nicolas Vergallo, 8 Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, 7 Juan Manuel Leguizamon, 6 Julio Farias Cabello, 5 Patricio Albacete, 4 Manuel Carizza, 3 Juan Figallo, 2 Mario Ledesma, 1 Rodrigo Roncero.
Replacements: 16 Agustin Creevy, 17 Martin Scelzo, 18 Mariano Galarza, 19 Alejandro Campos, 20 Alfredo Lalanne, 21 Nicolas Sanchez, 22 Juan Jose Imhoff.

Romania: 15 Iulian Dumitras, 14 Madalin Lemnaru, 13 Csaba Gal, 12 Constantin Gheara, 11 Ionel Cazan, 10 Tiberius Dimofte, 9 Florin Surugiu, 8 Daniel Carpo, 7 Ovidiu Tonita, 6 Mihai Macovei, 5 Cristian Petre, 4 Valentin Ursache, 3 Paulica Ion, 2 Marius Tincu (capt), 1 Mihaita Lazar.

Replacements: 16 Bogdan Suman, 17 Silviu Florea, 18 Valentin Poparlan, 19 Daniel Ianus, 20 Valentin Calafeteanu, 21 Marin Dumbrava, 22 Florin Vlaicu.

South Africa vs Fiji

South Africa: 15 Pat Lambie, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Frans Steyn, 11 Odwa Ndungane, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Schalk Burger, 6 Heinrich Brüssow, 5 Danie Rossouw, 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 John Smit (captain), 1 Gurthrö Steenkamp.

Replacements: 16 Bismarck du Plessis, 17 Tendai Mtawarira, 18 Johann Muller, 19 Willem Alberts, 20 François Louw, 21 Ruan Pienaar, 22 Juan de Jongh.

Fiji: 15 Kini Murimurivalu, 14 Vereniki Goneva, 13 Gabirieli Lovobalavu, 12 Seremaia Bai, 11 Naipolioni Nalaga, 10 Waisea Luveniyali, 9 Nemia Kenatale, 8 Sakiusa Matadigo, 7 Akapusi Qera, 6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 5 Wame Lewaravu, 4 Leone Nakarawa, 3 Deacon Manu (c), 2 Sunia Koto, 1 Campese Ma’afu.

Replacements: 16 Talemaitoga Tuapati, 17 Waisea Nailago, 18 Netani Talei, 19 Sisa Koyamaibole, 20 Vitori Buatava, 21 Nicky Litle, 22 Ravai Fatiaki.

Australia vs Ireland

Australia: 15 Kurtley Beale, 14 James O’Connor, 13 Anthony Fainga’a, 12 Pat McCabe, 11 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia, 8 Radike Samo, 7 David Pocock, 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 James Horwill (c), 4 Dan Vickerman, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Sekope Kepu.

Replacements: 16 Tatafu Polota Nau, 17 James Slipper, 18 Rob Simmons, 19 Ben McCalman, 20 Scott Higginbotham, 21 Luke Burgess, 22 Drew Mitchell.

Ireland: 15 Rob Kearney, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Brian O’Driscoll (c), 12 Gordon D’Arcy, 11 Keith Earls, 10 Jonny Sexton, 9 Eoin Reddan, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 Sean O’Brien, 6 Stephen Ferris, 5 Paul O’Connell, 5 Donncha O’Callaghan, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Rory Best, 1 Cian Healy.
Replacements: 16 Jerry Flannery, 17 Tom Court, 18 Donnacha Ryan, 19 Denis Leamy, 20 Conor Murray, 21 Ronan O’Gara, 22 Andrew Trimble.

Sunday, September 18

Wales vs Samoa

Wales: 15 James Hook, 14 George North, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Shane Williams, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Mike Phillips, 8 Sam Warburton (c), 7 Toby Faletau, 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Alun Wyn Jones, 4 Luke Charteris, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Huw Bennett, 1 Paul James.
Replacements: 16 Lloyd Burns, 17 Gethin Jenkins, 18 Bradley Davies, 19 Andy Powell, 20 Tavis Knoyle, 21 Scott Williams, 22 Leigh Halfpenny.

Samoa: 15 Paul Williams, 14 Sailosi Tagicakibau, 13 George Pisi, 12 Seilala Mapusua, 11 Alesana Tuilagi, 10 Tusi Pisi, 9 Kahn Fotuali’I, 8 George Stowers, 7 Maurie Fa’asavalu, 6 Ofisa Treviranus, 5 Daniel Leo, 4 Kane Thompson, 3 Anthony Perenise, 2 Mahonri Schwalger (c), 1 Sakaria Taulafo.

Replacements: 16 Ti’i Paulo, 17 Census Johnston, 18 Joe Tekori, 19 Taiasina Tuifu’a, 20 Junior Poluleuligaga, 21 Eliota Fuimaono Sapolu, 22 Tasesa Lavea.

England vs Georgia

England: 15 Ben Foden, 14 Chris Ashton, 13 Manu Tuilagi, 12 Shontayne Hape, 11 Delon Armitage, 10 Toby Flood, 9 Ben Youngs, 8 Nick Easter, 7 Lewis Moody (c), 6 Tom Wood, 5 Tom Palmer, 4 Simon Shaw, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Dylan Hartley, 1 Matt Stevens.

Replacements: 16 Steve Thompson, 17 Alex Corbisiero, 18 Tom Croft, 19 James Haskell, 20 Joe Simpson, 21 Jonny Wilkinson, 22 Matt Banahan.

Georgia: 15 Revaz Gigauri, 14 Irakli Machkhaneli, 13 David Kacharava, 12 Tedo Zibzibadze, 11 Alexander Todua, 10 Merab Kvirikashvili, 9 Irakli Abuseridze (c), 8 Dimitri Basilaia, 7 Mamuka Gorgodze, 6 Shalva Sutiashvili, 5 Vakhtang Maisuradze, 4 Ilia Zedginidze, 3 David Kubriashvili, 2 Jaba Bregvadze, 1 David Khinchagishvili.

Replacements: 16 Akvsenti Giorgadze, 17 David Zirakashvili, 18 Levan Datunashvili, 19 Giorgi Chkhaidze, 20 Bidzina Samkharadze, 21 Givi Berishvili, 22 Lasha Khmaladze.

France vs Canada

France:15 Damien Traille, 14 Vincent Clerc, 13 David Marty, 12 Maxime Mermoz, 11 Aurélien Rougerie, 10 Francois Trinh-Duc,9 Morgan Parra, 8 Louis Picamoles, 7 Julien Bonnaire (C), 6 Fulgence Ouedraogo, 5 Romain, Millo-Chluski, 4 Pascale Papé, 3 Luc Ducalcon, 2 William Servat, 1 Jean-Baptiste Poux Poux.
Replacements: 16 Guilhem Guirado, 17 Fabien Barcella, 18 Julien Pierre, 19 Imanol Harinordoquy, 20 Dimitri Yachvili, 21 Fabrice Estebanez, 22 Maxime Médard.

Canada: 15 James Pritchard, 14 Ciaran Hearn, 13 DTH van der Merwe, 12 Ryan Smith, 11 Phil Mackenzie, 10 Ander Monro, 9 Ed Fairhurst, 8 Aaron Carpenter, 7 Chauncey O’Toole, 6 Adam Kleeberger, 5 Jamie Cudmore, 4 Jebb Sinclair, 3 Jason Marshall, 2 Pat Riordan (c), 1 Hubert Buydens.
Replacements: 16 Ryan Hamilton, 17 Scott Franklin, 18 Tyler Hotson, 19 Nanyak Dala, 20 Sean White, 21 Nathan Hirayama, 22 Conor Trainor.

Italy vs Russia

Italy: 15 Andrea Masi, 14 Giulio Toniolatti, 13 Tommaso Benvenuti, 12 Matteo Pratichetti, 11 Luke McLean, 10 Riccardo Bocchino, 9 Edoardo Gori, 8 Sergio Parisse (capt), 7 Mauro Bergamasco, 6 Paul Derbyshire, 5 Marco Bortolami, 4 Quintin Geldenhuys, 3 Lorenzo Cittadini, 2 Fabio Ongaro, 1 Salvatore Perugini.
Replacements: 16 Tommaso D'Apice, 17 Martin Castrogiovanni, 18 Cornelius van Zyl, 19 Alessandro Zanni, 20 Pablo Canavosio, 21 Luciano Orquera, 22 Alberto Sgarbi.

Hook's kick missed

After watching the video evidence repeatedly, this is the moment I believe the ball crosses the tryline, and then as it is falling, it swings around, but has already passed the posts.

I think the officials actually made the right call. Both touch judges instantly agreed. I think the TV image actually confuses in this instance, and referring to the TMO would have been inconclusive at best.

Boks needs Bismarck!

For the second test in a row, Bismarck Du Plessis has smashed his obvious superiority over Smit into Peter de Villiers face, and again, I expect, he will go ignored. The only reasonable explanation is that PdV is a madman. Those pointing to Smit's leadership only have to look at one simple fact - while Smit was on the field, SA were losing, Wales enjoying almost 70 percent of the possession and looking rampant. Cue Bismarck, and suddenly SA can get their hands on the ball, make some progress across the gainline, and even go score a try. He almost single-handedly shifted the momentum of the game with some timely steals at the breakdown - a game which SA was almost certainly going to lose. "Leadership" is more than being able to smile at the press and look like a school prefect, it's about picking your team up out of the mire, and kicking a hole in the wall for them to follow through, and in that sense, Bismarck is twice the leader Smit is.

Wales dominance at the breakdown should be concerning to the Boks, but I think it came down to two notable ommissions - Bakkies and Bismarck. SA lacked mongrel, left to rely almost solely on Schalk Burger, who could not compete alone against the massive numbers Wales launched into every breakdown. Without his pack providing forward momentum, Brussow's ability to even get to the ball, let alone steal it, were severely limited. When Bismarck and Willem Alberts appeared, the tide turned - most crucially in an epic counter-ruck to steal Wales ball when they were marching onwards towards the Bok tryline yet again. That shifted the momentum of the match, and rattled Wales self-believe.

So the answer moving forward seems obvious - with Bakkies injured, it is even more essential to include some other vicious beasts in the starting line. Sorry Spies and Smit - it's the bench for you. Bismarck and Alberts must start against Samoa, and in the knock-out games. Brussow and Burger were awesome, but they can't be expected to take on eight men. They need some brutal back-up, especially against Samoa, who monstered the Aussies at the breakdown.

And a final word about Wales - their play at the breakdown was special. Warburton is a major find, but the other forwards really got stuck in and dominated the collisions, often through sheer numbers. Had their backs been equally effective, Wales would have won with ease. Based on performances in the first round, Wales is certainly the Six Nations team to watch, though they'll face a tricky path from here on out.

PS. Apologies for the homo-erotic picture of Bismarck, but I was hoping PdV would see it and change his mind, assuming he and John Smit truly are lovers.

All Blacks show their RWC colors

Sonny Bill Williams is being punished by Graham Henry. There was no other explanation for the pounding that man took last night. Henry knew the Tongans needed a sacrificial lamb to run nice and upright into their midst, and he didn't want to risk his precious Nonu, so he moved him out wide. To Williams credit, he took it like a man, and some of his moments were made in rugby heaven. My favorite was actually his "super flick" (what else do you call it?) out the side of his hand, halfway across the field, to Dagg for his 2nd try. No-one else can create opportunities like that. Unfortunately for Sonny (and us spectators), I don't think he fits into the real All Black game-plan.

But onto weightier matters. This All Black team looks like 2007 all over again. There is a simple truth that the Springboks have known for years, which a few other sides have cottoned on to - under sustained pressure, this All Black team falls apart. Tonga was nowhere in the first half - they were a nervous, confused rabble who gave the Kiwis far too much respect and never threatened the gainline. As a result, the ABs looked like magic. Carter merely had to swing it wide and huge swaths of field were consumed. Coach Isitolo Maka called it "stage fright", and no doubt whatever he said (or beat into them? the man is giant!) at half-time did the trick. They came out and played simple, direct rugby - kind of like the Boks - based on brutal defense and forward drives. Result: Carter and Co were nowhere to be found. My favorite moment of all was Taumalolo charging at Carter, causing him to drop the ball and disappear from the game - being subbed shortly afterwards. He reminded me of a Dan Carter way back in Cape Town 2003 - hammered by Matfield and a shadow of a man thereafter.

What did we learn from this opening fixture? This All Black side is imminently beatable (even Tonga kept the 2nd half to 12-7), but only if you keep it simple and win the collisions. The ABs gave up 13 penalties. That's a potential 39 points for someone like Wilkinson or Steyn! (Realistically about 20, as not all were kick-able - but still, that's gifting victory to a better team). Point is, Henry has learnt nothing, his team has learnt nothing. They are magnificent to watch, but the template to beat them remains simple. It just takes mountains of mongrel, which is admittedly in short supply around the world.

Andrew's Team: Week One

Division: Facebook Super 14

Team: The Orcadians

FR Stephen Moore (AUS) $1,163,250

FR William Servat (FRA) $1,139,000

LK Julien Pierre (FRA) $757,000

LK Richie Gray (SCO) $602,500

LF Victor Vito (NZL) $825,550

LF Thierry Dusautoir (FRA) $1,142,750

HV Dan Carter (NZL) $1,275,000

HV Dimitri Yachvili (FRA) $960,000

CT Ma'a Nonu (NZL) $1,188,550

CT Fabrice Estebanez (FRA) $530,550

OB Vincent Clerc (FRA) $1,146,000

OB Israel Dagg (NZL) $1,100,250

Team Value: $11,830,410

Cash in Bank: $169,590

With trades sure to be a precious commodity I picked my starting team with half an eye on round two. France and New Zealand have arguably the easiest opening pair of games, the hosts playing Tonga and Japan, while the French take on Japan and Canada, so players from these nations make up the bulk of my team, with a healthy mix of bargain buys and old heads.

The front row can often prove one of the most profitable positions so I chose two veterans in William Servat and Stephen Moore. Although the Wallabies play their trickiest pool games first (Italy then Ireland), I think closely fought games can be a benefit where scoring the front rows are concerned, the more scrums and line-outs the better.

I saved money in the locks with Julien Pierre and Richie Gray. Both are guaranteed starters for their teams and, as such, grossly underpriced. Gray especially could well be one of the highest scorers of the round in this position. My only regret is having to sell him after the round locks as, thanks to the vagaries of the Testrugby system, Scotland have bye next week and their match against Georgia will not be counted.

With injuries to other players in the All Blacks backrow, Victor Vito is certain to start the first few games. His low price made him an obvious purchase. He's joined in the loose forwards by Thierry Dusautoir, who's captaincy gives him a shot at starting against Canada next round, I hope.

I couldn't help but pick Dan Carter in the halves. It might be a mistake and, strangely, this is the selection choice I'm having most regret about. There's a good chance that Henry will pull him off as soon as the games in the bag, plus I think Slade will probably start against Japan. Even so, the temptation of him racking up a lot of points in even part of this game was too good to miss. As designated kicker, Yachvili should see plenty of action in this round's game.

The centres see a mix of old and new. Ma'a Nonu could have a field day in an open game against Tonga, even if he is out of position. To partner him, I picked French debutant and league-convert Estebanez, who has an impressive try scoring record at club level.

More French/Kiwi action in the backs with Vincent Clerc and Israel Dagg, two of their respective teams most devastating try scorers. I just hope I can hold onto them for next week's game too.

Good luck everyone!

Kynan's Team: Week One

Division: Facebook Super 14
Team: No Pooftahs

FR   William Servat (FRA)          $1,139,000
FR   Rory Best (IRE)                  $1,137,500
LK   Richie Gray (SCO)             $602,500
LK   Julien Pierre (FRA)             $757,000
LF   Thierry Dusuatoir (FRA)      $1,142,750
LF    Pierre Spies (SAF)             $1,177,000
HV   Will Genia (AUS)               $1,007,500
HV   Dan Carter (NZL)              $1,275,000
CT   Frabrice Estebanez (FRA)  $530,555
CT   Joe Ansbro (SCO)             $507,000
OB   Israel Dagg (NZL)             $1,100,250
OB   Tommy Bowe (IRE)          $1,138,950

Cash in Bank:                             $484,995

I favored players in complete mismatches this week - the French against the Japanese, Irish against the USA, Scotland against Romania, etc, etc. They are more likely to be involved in massive numbers of tries, linebreaks, assists - all the good stuff that scores lots of points. I also tried to stick to players who are regulars in their starting line-ups, given the very limited number of trades we have.

We're trading blind through a lot of this tournament, so hopefully the coaches keep a consistent selection. Good luck everyone.

Selection Strategy

While I will not post my first weeks team just yet - I am waiting for Ireland to hopefully announce their squad before the deadline tonight - I have been tinkering and have come up with an interesting strategy.

For those regulars to Test Rugby, you'll no doubt be aware that the highest scorers inevitably come from your front row, loosies, halves, and occassionally outside backs. Centers and locks are always a money pit that usually yields comparatively little. So, I have decided to go with cheap, no-name brands at lock and center, freeing up cash for the important position; thus far I can report I have all the marquee names I want.

And that's not to say you can't find great locks and centers for cheap - look at Andrew's early bargain post and scour the lower recesses of the position listings. There's some great players there.

ROUND ONE: Teams

This post will be updated as teams are released:


Friday, September 9:

New Zealand v Tonga
(Eden Park, Auckland - Kick-off: 20.30; 08.30 GMT)

The teams:

New Zealand: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Richard Kahui, 13 Ma'a Nonu, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Isaia Toeava, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Victor Vito, 7 Richie McCaw (captain), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Corey Flynn, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Anthony Boric, 19 Sam Whitelock, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Colin Slade, 22 Cory Jane.

Tonga: 15 Vunga Lilo, 14 Viliame Iongi, 13 Suka Hufanga, 12 Andrew Ma'ilei, 11 Siale Piutau, 10 Kurt Morath, 9 Taniela Moa, 8 Viliami Ma'afu, 7 Finau Maka (captain), 6 Sione Kalamafoni, 5 Joe Tu'ineau, 4 Paino Hehea, 3 Taufa'ao Filise, 2 Aleki Lutui, 1 Soane Tonga'uiha.
Replacements: 16 Ephraim Taukafa, 17 Alisona Taumalolo, 18 Kisi Pulu, 19 Sione Timani, 20 Samiu Vahafolau, 21 Samisoni Fisilau, 22 Alipate Fatafehi.

Saturday, September 10:

Scotland v Romania
(Rugby Park, Invercargill - Kick-off: 13.00; 01.00 GMT)

The teams:

Scotland: 15 Chris Paterson, 14 Max Evans, 13 Joe Ansbro, 12 Sean Lamont, 11 Simon Danielli, 10 Ruaridh Jackson, 9 Mike Blair, 8 Richie Vernon, 7 John Barclay, 6 Kelly Brown, 5 Alastair Kellock (captain), 4 Richie Gray, 3 Geoff Cross, 2 Ross Ford, 1 Allan Jacobsen
Replacements: 16 Scott Lawson, 17 Alasdair Dickinson, 18 Nathan Hines, 19 Ross Rennie, 20 Chris Cusiter, 21 Dan Parks, 22 Rory Lamont.

Romania: 15 Iulian Dumitras, 14 Stefan Ciuntu, 13 Csaba Gal, 12 Tiberius Dimofte, 11 Madalin Lemnaru, 10 Marin Dumbrava, 9 Lucian Sirbu, 8 Daniel Carpo, 7 Ovidiu Tonita, 6 Mihai Macovei, 5 Cristian Petre, 4 Valentin Ursache, 3 Paulica Ion, 2 Marius Tincu, 1 Mihaita Lazar.
Replacements: 16 Bogdan Zebega Suman, 17 Silviu Florea, 18 Valentin Poparlan, 19 Sandu Burcea, 20 Florin Surugiu, 21 Ionel Cazan, 22 Florin Vlaicu.

Fiji v Namibia
(Rotorua International Stadium - Kick-off: 15.30; 03.30 GMT)

The teams:

Fiji: 15 Kini Murimurivalu, 14 Vereniki Goneva, 13 Gaby Lovobalavu, 12 Seremaia Bai, 11 Naipolioni Nalaga, 10 Waisea Sedre Luveniyali, 9 Nemia Kenatale, 8 Netani Edward Talei, 7 Mala Ravulo, 6 Dominiko Maiwiriwiri Waqaniburotu, 5 Wame Lewaravu, 4 Leone Nakarawa, 3 Deacon Manu (captain), 2 Viliame Veikoso, 1 Campese Ma'afu.
Replacements: 16 Sunia Koto, 17 Waisea Nailago, 18 Seko Kalou, 19 Akapusi Qera, 20 Vitori Tomu Buatava, 21 Albert James Vulivuli, 22 Iliesa Lomani Rakuka Keresoni.

Namibia: 15 Chrysander Botha, 14 Danie Dames, 13 Danie van Wyk, 12 Piet van Zyl, 11 Conrad Marais, 10 Theuns Kotze, 9 Eugene Jantjies, 8 Jacques Nieuwenhuis, 7 Jacques Burger (captain), 6 Tinus du Plessis, 5 Nico Esterhuyse, 4 Heinz Koll, 3 Raoul Larson, 2 Hugo Horn, 1 Johnnie Redelinghuys.
Replacements: 16 Bertus O'Callaghan, 17 Jane du Toit, 18 Pieter Jan van Lill, 19 Rohan Kitshoff, 20 Ryan de la Harpe, 21 Darryl de la Harpe, 22 Llewellyn Winkler.

France v Japan
(North Harbour Stadium, Albany - Kick-off: 18.00; 06.00 GMT)

The teams:

France: 15 Cedric Heymans, 14 Vincent Clerc, 13 Aurelien Rougerie, 12 Fabrice Estebanez, 11 Maxime Médard, 10 Francois Trinh-Duc, 9 Dimitri Yachvili, 8 Raphael Lakafia, 7 Imanol Harinordoquy, 6 Thierry Dusautoir (captain), 5 Lionel Nallet, 4 Julien Pierre, 3 Nicolas Mas, 2 William Servat, 1 Fabien Barcella.
Replacements: 16 Dimitri Szarzewski, 17 Jean-Baptiste Poux, 18 Julien Bonnaire, 19 Pascal Papé, 20 Morgan Parra, 21 David Skrela, 22 David Marty.

Japan: 15 Shaun Webb, 14 Kosuke Endo, 13 Koji Taira, 12 Ryan Nicholas, 11 Hirotoki Onozawa, 10 James Arlidge, 9 Fumiaki Tanaka, 8 Ryukoliniasi Holani, 7 Michael Leitch, 6 Takashi Kikutani (captain), 5 Toshizumi Kitagawa, 4 Luke Thompson, 3 Kensuke Hatakeyama, 2 Shota Horie, 1 Hisateru Hirashima.
Replacements: 16 Yusuke Aoki, 17 Nozomu Fujita, 18 Hitoshi Ono, 19 Itaru Taniguchi, 20 Atsushi Hiwasa, 21 Murray Williams, 22 Alisi Tupuailai.

Argentina v England
(Otago Stadium, Dunedin - Kick-off: 20.30; 08.30 GMT)

The teams:

Argentina: 15 Martin Rodriguez, 14 Horacio Agulla, 13 Gonzalo Tiesi, 12 Santiago Fernandez, 11 Gonzalo Camacho, 10 Felipe Contepomi (captain), 9 Nicolas Vergallo, 8 Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, 7 Juan Manuel Leguizamon, 6 Julio Farias Cabello, 5 Patricio Albacete, 4 Manuel Carizza, 3 Juan Figallo, 2 Mario Ledesma, 1 Rodrigo Roncero.
Replacements: 16 Agustin Creevy, 17 Martin Scelzo, 18 Mariano Galarza, 19 Alejandro Campos, 20 Alfredo Lalanne, 21 Marcelo Bosch, 22 Juan Jose Imhoff.

England: 15 Ben Foden, 14 Chris Ashton, 13 Manu Tuilagi, 12 Mike Tindall (captain), 11 Delon Armitage, 10 Jonny Wilkinson, 9 Richard Wigglesworth, 8 Nick Easter, 7 James Haskell, 6 Tom Croft, 5 Courtney Lawes, 4 Louis Deacon, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Steve Thompson, 1 Andrew Sheridan.
Replacements: 16 Dylan Hartley, 17 Matt Stevens, 18 Tom Palmer, 19 Tom Wood, 20 Ben Youngs, 21 Toby Flood, 22 Matt Banahan.

Sunday, 11 September

Australia vs Italy

Australia: 15 Kurtley Beale, 14 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 13 Anthony Fainga’a, 12 Pat McCabe, 11 Digby Ioane, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia, 8 Radike Samo, 7 David Pocock, 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 James Horwill (c), 4 Dan Vickerman, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Sekope Kepu.
Replacements: 16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 James Slipper, 18 Rob Simmons, 19 Ben McCalman, 20 Scott Higginbotham, 21 Luke Burgess, 22 James O’Connor.

Italy:
1. Andrea Lo Cicero 2. Leonardo Ghiraldini 3. Martin Castrogiovanni 4. Carlo del Fava 5. Cornelius van Zyl 6. Alessandro Zanni 7. Robert Barbieri 8. Sergio Parisse (c) 9. Fabio Semenzato 10. Luciano Orquera 11. Mirco Bergamasco 12. Gonzalo Garcia 13. Gonzalo Canale 14. Tommaso Benvenuti 15. Andrea Masi
Replacements: 16. Tommaso D'Apice 17. Lorenzo Cittadini
18. Marco Bortolami 19. Paul Derbyshire 20. Edoardo Gori 21. Riccardo Bocchino 22. Luke McLean

South Africa vs Wales

South Africa: 15 Frans Steyn, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Schalk Burger, 6 Heinrich Brüssow, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Danie Rossouw, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 John Smit (c), 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: 16 Bismarck du Plessis, 17 Gurthrö Steenkamp, 18 CJ van der Linde, 19 Johann Muller, 20 Willem Alberts, 21 Francois Hougaard, 22 Butch James.

Wales – 15 James Hook, 14 George North, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Shane Williams, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Mike Phillips, 8 Toby Faletau, 7 Sam Warburton (c), 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Alun-Wyn Jones, 4 Luke Charteris, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Huw Bennett, 1 Paul James.
Replacements: 16 Lloyd Burns, 17 Ryan Bevington, 18 Bradley Davies, 19 Andy Powell, 20 Tavis Knoyle, 21 Scot Williams , 22 Leigh Halfpenny.

Ireland vs USA

Ireland: 15 Geordan Murphy, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Brian O’Driscoll (capt), 12 Gordan D’Arcy, 11 Keith Earls, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Jamie Heaslip,7 Shane Jennings, 6 Stephen Ferris, 5 Paul O’Connell, 4 Donncha O’Callaghan, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Rory Best, 1 Tom Court
Replacements: 16 Jerry Flannery, 17 Tony Buckley, 18 Donnacha Ryan, 19 Denis Leamy, 20 Eoin Reddan, 21 Ronan O’Gara, 22 Andrew Trimble.

USA: 15 Blaine Scully, 14 Taku Ngwenya, 13 Paul Emerick, 12 Andrew Suniula, 11 James Paterson, 10 Roland Suniula, 9 Mike Petri, 8 Nic Johnson, 7 Todd Clever (capt), 6 Louis Stanfill, 5 Hayden Smith, 4 John van der Giessen, 3 Shawn Pittman, 2 Phil Thiel, 1 Mike MacDonald.
Replacements: 16 Chris Biller, 17 Matekitonga Moeakiola, 18 Scott LaValla, 19 Pat Danahy, 20 Tim Usasz, 21 Nese Malifa, 22 Colin Hawley.

Samoa vs Namibia

Samoa: 15 Paul Williams, 14 Sailosi Tagicakibau, 13 George Pisi, 12 Seilala Mapusua, 11 Alesani Tuilagi, 10 Tusi Pisi, 9 Kahn Fotuali’i, 8 George Stowers, 7 Maurie Faasavalu, 6 Taiasina Tuifua, 5 Kane Thompson, 4 Daniel Leo, 3 Anthony Perenise, 2 Mahonri Schwalger (capt), 1 Sakaria Taulafo.
Replacements: 16 Ti’i Paulo, 17 Census Johnston, 18 Joe Tekori, 19 Ofisa Treviranus, 20 Junior Poluleuligaga, 21 Eliota Sapolu Fuimaono, 22 Tasesa Lavea.

Namibia: 15 Chrysander Botha, 14 Danie Dames, 13 Danie van Wyk, 12 Piet van Zyl, 11 Llewellyn Winkler, 10 Theuns Kotze, 9 Eugene Jantjies, 8 Pieter Jan van Lill, 7 Jacques Burger (capt), 6 Jacques Nieuwenhuis; 5 Henk Franken, 4 Heinz Koll, 3 Raoul Larson, 2 Hugo Horn, 1 Johnnie Redelinghuys.
Replacements: 16 Bertus O’Callaghan, 17 Jane du Toit, 18 Nico Esterhuyse, 19 Rohan Kitshoff, 20 Ryan de la Harpe, 21 Darryl de la Harpe, 22 TC Losper.

Tonga vs Canada

Tonga: 15 Kurt Morath, 14 Fetu’u Vainikolo, 13 Siale Piutau, 12 Alipate Fatafehi, 11 William Helu, 10 Taniela Moa, 9 Thomas Palu, 8 Samiu Vahafolau, 7 Sione Vaiomounga, 6 Finau Maka (c), 5 Tukulua Lokotui, 4 Sione Timani, 3 Kisi Pulu, 2 Ephraim Taukafa, 1 Alisona Taumalolo.
Replacements: 16 Aloisio Ma’asi, 17 Soane Tonga’uiha, 18 Halani Aulika, 19 Viliami Ma’afu, 20 Sione Kalamafoni, 21 Viliame Iongi, 22 Alaska Taufa.

Canada: 15 James Pritchard, 14 Ciaran Hearn, 13 DTH Van Der Merwe, 12 Ryan Smith, 11 Phil Mackenzie, 10 Ander Monro, 9 Ed Fairhurst, 8 Aaron Carpenter, 7 Chauncey O’Toole, 6 Adam Kleeberger, 5 Jamie Cudmore, 4 Jebb Sinclair, 3 Jason Marshall, 2 Pat Riordan (capt), 1 Hubert Buydens.
Replacements: 16 Ryan Hamilton, 17 Scott Franklin, 18 Tyler Hotson, 19 Nanyak Dala, 20 Conor Trainor, 21 Sean White, 22 Nathan Hirayama.

Scotland vs Georgia

Scotland: 15 Rory Lamont, 14 Max Evans, 13 Nick De Luca, 12 Graeme Morrison, 11 Sean Lamont, 10 Dan Parks, 9 Rory Lawson (captain), 8 Kelly Brown, 7 Ross Rennie, 6 Al Strokosch, 5 Jim Hamilton, 4 Nathan Hines, 3 Euan Murray, 2 Scott Lawson, 1 Allan Jacobsen.
Replacements:16 Ross Ford, 17 Geoff Cross, 18 Alasdair Dickinson, 19 Richie Gray, 20 Richie Vernon, 21 Chris Cusiter, 22 Chris Paterson.

Thursday, September 15

Russia vs USA

Graham Henry making all the same mistakes again

The New Zealand side has been announced, and as usual there's a whole host of changes from the team that lost the Tri-Nations. I think there are nine changes in all. NINE! Henry has admitted that he doesn't know what his best side is, and seems content to chop and change until he figures that out.

So, for starters, there is a whole new backline: Kahui, a center, is on the wing, partnered with Toeava, a fullback cum center on the other wing. Nonu, an inside center is now playing on the outside. Dagg gets a deserved run at fullback and Cowan is back in the drivers seat. Only Carter remains intact from the Aussie game.

In the scrum, we see four changes. Hore returns, pushing Mealamu out of the match 22 altogether. Thorn and Williams resume their old partnership. Kaino and Vito take the place of the injured Read and Thompson, and Whitelock is now blindside flank cover (???).

The cardinal All Black sin has always been playing key players out of position during the RWC - think Cullen at center, a mistake repeated a few years later with Muliaina at center. Their other favorite mistake is leaving experienced players in the stands during crunch games in favor of young hotshots - think McAlister's implosion vs France in 2007 while Aaron Mauger looked on helplessly in his suit and tie.

And this first team up against Tonga - trademark All Black RWC selection confusion - players out of position, hotshot in place of an established combination; exactly what we in the rest of the rugby world love to see. Cue the implosion.

Looking For An Upset

With mere days to go till the Rugby World Cup kicks off I find myself wondering where the upset's going to come from. You know it's bound to happen, it always does, one of the higher ranked teams is going to fall victim to an unfancied opponent. It just wouldn't be a World Cup without it. Let's look at the likely candidates in the group stage.

GROUP A (New Zealand, France, Tonga, Canada, Japan) - On paper the most straightforward group. It's hard to see New Zealand or France being troubled by these three minnows but the head-to-head should be interesting. Of all the Northern Hemisphere teams, France know how to hurt the All Blacks, having beaten them on their home turf four times. The pressure on New Zealand to perform is immense (the thought of living up to their "RWC chokers" tag in front of their home support must be almost inconceivable), but their last couple of Tri Nations games won't have done much for their confidence. And then there's the small matter of "that" quarter final in 2007. There are rumours that Lievremont is planning to rest his key players for the match (something Scotland did to the All Blacks in 2007 and which a lot of Kiwis felt was to blame for their team's early exit) but hopefully that won't happen. Of course the home team should win but it's sure to be one of the stand out matches of the group stages.

GROUP B (England, Scotland, Argentina, Romania, Georgia) - England's defence coach, Mike Ford, calls this the Group of Death. That might be overstating things a little but there's definitely three teams who are all capable of knocking over each other on the day. Argentina seem on the wane but they've always saved their best performances for the World Cup; England have eventually recovered some of their old form; Scotland have never failed to make it past the group stages. You'd imagine that Scotland v England on October 1st is going to determine the final rankings, with the loser likely having the dubious honour of facing New Zealand in the quarter final. England's build-ups been stronger but Scotland always save their best games for the Auld Enemy and the last six meetings between the two have seen 3 wins to England, 2 to the Scots and one draw, so nothing's certain. The joker in this group is Georgia - a dangerous team on the rise who could easily trip up one of the higher ranked teams, just as they almost did in 2007 where they gave Ireland an almighty fright.

GROUP C (Australia, Ireland, Italy, USA, Russia) - It's hard to see the high-flying Wallabies having much trouble in this group. Ireland however are a different matter. They've had a dire build-up, losing their four warm-ups and with the memory of exiting at this stage four years ago at a time where they were being heralded as possible world champions (mainly by themselves it must be said) forever seared on their collective consciousness. Ireland's self-proclaimed "golden generation" has so far failed to deliver on the world stage and this will be the last chance for ageing stars like O'Driscoll, O'Gara and O'Connell to make their mark. The USA are no match for them on paper but how many teams would fancy playing the Americans on the 10th anniversary of September 11th?! Italy look the most likely to trip up the Irish. It's not many months since a 78th minute O'Gara drop goal was needed to avoid an ignominious defeat at the hands of the Azzurri. This year's Six Nations also saw the Italians beat France so nobody should write them off.

GROUP D (South Africa, Wales, Samoa, Fiji, Namibia) - For me, this is the real Group of Death. South Africa are defending champions and should easily top this pool. I say should, but the Boks are an ageing bunch, short on both confidence and form, plus saddled with the most clueless coach in world rugby, so nothing should be taken for granted. For Wales, this group is a nightmare, quite literally. They went out at the group stage in 2007 at the hands of Fiji, and Samoa knocked them out at the same stage in 1991 (and beat them again in 1999 when Wales hosted the tournament). With their confidence-boosting win against the Wallabies in July you know the Pacific Islanders are targeting a place in the quarter finals. Can Wales conquer the ghosts of RWCs past this time? I say no. Their dismal RWC track record will continue and the biggest upset of the group stage will happen here when they're pipped by Samoa.

What does everyone else think? Any other upsets on the horizon?