I am not sufficiently knowledgeable to speak to the ARG or French players, and I am going to be a bit loose with some positions (props, locks). Also, I am assuming that all players are healthy and game-fit. But here goes: 1 Healy (IR) 2. B de Plessis (SA) 3. Jenkins (Wales) 4. POC (IR) 5. Grey (SCO) 6. McCaw (NZ): I *know* he prefers 7) - C 7. Warburton (Wales) 8. Reid (NZ) 16. Best (IR) 19. Hooper (AUS) I would like to have put Woodcock in at tighthead, and maybe after the Championship he would be back there. But his Super-15 was poor. The Beast at No 3? Hmm, could be, but I like the technique of Gethin Jenkins. Placing Grey ahead of AW Jones is harsh, but I like the way Richie commits on a team that is not top-drawer. I don't see a blind-side flanker currently in the mold or at the level of Jerry Collins in his prime, so I'll take advantage of having both Warburton and McCaw on the pitch (and I actually expect to see McCaw move to No. 6). You have to have a second qualified Hooker, and I'll back Hooper at openside. Overall, I am impressed by NH tight-five talent and commitment. I know many/most SH supporters think NH rugby is boring 10-man shove stuff. But that is in part a result of the superior training and skill that they have in their forwards.
