Team for Scotland

Front Row:

I'll start with the tighthead side, as I think my loosehead pick will be easier to explain given the rest of the front row.

Mike Ross has played a lot of rugby, and seems to get a number of knocks in every game. Declan Fitzpatrick is drastically short of match time. Logic dictates that Fitzpatrick should play. It'll give him match fitness and experience that could be vital, and help everyone be less worried about Mike Ross's backup, which will take pressure off Ross.

Rory Best is in great form, I would keep him in the team and allow him to continue, but with the intention to bring on Cronin early than Kidney has been doing.

Given that Healy could and should be cited, this makes things a little easier actually. I always wanted both Kilcoyne and Court to feature in this 6 Nations, and this could be the game where that happens. There isn't much between them, and with there being an Ulster hooker and tighthead, and with "doubts" about Fitzpatricks scrummaging ability, Court would slot in seamlessly, and provide a better scrummaging capability with Kilcoyne to come on at 50 or 60 minutes for a bit more impact in the loose.

Second Row

With McCarthy being ruled out, O'Callaghan will be brought into the XV with either Tuohy or Henderson on the bench. I'd almost consider bringing Tuohy in to the XV given that he's youngish and needs experience. He will be a future regular and has always impressed. Dropping O'Callaghan is harsh, especially as he has been good this season for Munster.

Back Row:

I would rest either Heaslip or O'Brien, and probably O'Brien, Heaslip needs as much exposure as captain to learn the job. Although is form on Sunday was shocking and could do with a week off. Henry to come in for O'Brien as a straight swap. Although I would like Tommy O'Donnell to be involved, but that is far too left field for Kidney.

Henry wouldn't bring as much ball carrying abilities as O'Brien, which means Heaslip needs to step up, and O'Brien to provide a big impact off the bench.

Scrumhalf:

No change. Murray was one of the few to slightly impress at the weekend and seems to be returning to something approaching acceptable form. He needs a chance to continue this. That and the fact that Reddan hasn't been good this season. Left field suggestion would be for Marmion to appear off the bench, but lets keep it (relatively) realistic.

Outhalf:

ROG will start. No question. One of my biggest preferences is for the bench player to offer something different than the player in the team that he is covering. Much like Boss/Reddan or Cronin and Strauss at Leinster. In that regard, I think that Jackson is too similar to O'Gara to be his cover. He most likely will be, but in my mind Jackson is a younger, less experienced and therefore less practised version of ROG. My preference would be for either Madigan who could be a gamechanger, although Keatley had a man of the match performance on Saturday.

One alternate option is, now that Luke Marshall is back to fitness, to have him cover both 10 and 12 on the bench. His injury was ill timed, and he should be involved at some stage in the championship. I also love the idea of having a bench player covering both 10 and 12 proficiently.

Inside Centre:

Having said all that about Marshall, I would still keep D'Arcy at 12. PROVIDED his is 100% fit. Otherwise I'd put McFadden straight into 12. D'Arcy is in great form, but there is no need to risk him after what appeared to be a few niggles against Scotland, and he will be needed elsewhere.

Outside Centre:

I really don't know what to say here. BOD will be having some fortnight. It's really up to the man himself whether he can play. A rest might benefit him, but Ireland still need his spark.

Wingers:

With Zebo out, and Gilroy not getting involved enough for my liking, albeit in unfavourable conditions. Both wings could be up for grabs.
Earls did enough on Sunday for Kidney to put him straight in, and it's unlikely Gilroy will lose his place. I would like to see Fitzgerald involved, and it's between McFadden and himself for a bench position.

Fullback

Rob Kearney needs a run of games to get his confidence up, and get match fit. He is on the road to best form, but is nearly there.

My 23:
1. Court, 2. Best, 3. Fitzpatrick, 4. Tuohy, 5. Ryan, 6. O'Mahony, 7. Henry, 8. Heaslip (C). 9. Murray, 10. O'Gara, 11. Earls, 12. D'Arcy, 13. O'Driscoll, 14. Gilroy, 15. Kearney.
16. Cronin, 17. Kilcoyne, 18. Ross, 19. Henderson, 20. O'Brien, 21. Marmion, 22. Marshall, 23. Fitzgerald

Ooh Ah Luke McGrath

Luke McGrath seems to me to be the main contender from this season's 20's that could make the step up to the professional ranks.

Sometimes I think I can be a bit biased about things, and I probably am, maybe even about this as McGrath went to my old school St. Michael's in Dublin.

Last year he shared scrum-half duties with Kieran Marmion, who has since gone on to bigger and better things with Connacht, with McGrath starting twice and Marmion three times in the 6 Nations, and Marmion gaining the upper hand in the JWC, starting all but one of the games.

Now, to me, It doesn't seem like a huge jump to suggest that Mike Ruddock, who would have the best chance at looking at the upcoming talent in the ranks, seemed to only slightly think that Marmion was better than McGrath.

Given what Marmion has gone on to achieve, it wouldn't be a huge step to conclude that McGrath might go on a do something similar. He's had two full Leinster caps already in the Rabo, as well as captained Ireland and Leinster at U18 and U20 level, suggesting huge leadership ability.

However, watching him and the rest of the 20's this season  you can clearly see that he is the heartbeat of the side, and without him they would be on the end of some hidings.

Watching him during the game, he controls is forwards the way Stringer did at his best, he has a good pass off both hands, and can pass without taking steps (even if that has started to creep into his game a bit recently). As he showed several times against Wales though, he isn't afraid to have a snipe around the fringes, and usually makes yards and retains the ball.

It's in defence that he really stands out. He covers the play extremely well, and isn't afraid at 5'9'' and 84kg to take on people a lot bigger than him, and stop them with great tackling technique. It's almost scary the amount of key covering tackles he makes which suggests that the rest of the team's defence isn't brilliant. At the breakdown as well, he is like D'Arcy or O'Driscoll and he small size makes it easy for him to get over the ball and generate a few turnovers.

Comments from dementedmole:

"Luke McGrath stood in for the injured John Cooney for Leinster ‘A’ in the cracking British & Irish cup semi-final against Munster ‘A’ that went into extra time in the RDS on Good Friday. The youngster stepped up to the mark well and bagged a try, outplaying his 26-year old opposite number Duncan Williams for most of the game. With another season at this level in front of him, and another very capable scrum-half in Kieron Marmion in the squad for the tournament, The Mole thinks it likely that we’ll see both No9s used in the way that Leinster have used Eoin Reddan and Isaac Boss over the last two seasons.

EDIT: McGrath also made his senior Leinster debut this year, coming off the bench to replace Eoin Reddan for eleven minutes against Newport Gwent Dragons in early May."

"Luke McGrath – The highly regarded McGrath has another season at U20 next year. His defence against England was tenacious and he showed his kills earlier in the tournament with a neatly taken drop goal. McGrath put a reasonable tempo on the game in the 6 Nations and has had exposure at ‘A’ level for Leinster, as well as playing for UCD in Division 1B. Boss and Reddan have nailed down the first two slots in the Leinster depth chart but both players are closer to the end of their career than the beginning and McGrath will be hoping to get some squad exposure next season."

Ross Moriarty gets 7 Weeks for tip tackle

Ross Moriarty, the English under 20s flanker who was sent off for the tip tackle on Luke McGrath, has got a 7 week ban.

There has been outrage among the few twitter people that cared, but hang on.

This is 7 week ban, meaning he is out of the rest of the 6 nations. The only other 20's games this year are the JWC, which would mean the ban would either have to be split like Andrew Hore's or extremely long.

As mentioned in a previous post, not all under 20's make it in professional rugby. If this ban had covered both the rest of the 6 Nations and JWC, theoretically, that could be the end of someone's career. Is that still cause for outrage?

Admittedly, having looked Ross Moriarty up for this piece, I've found out he's 18 years old, meaning he has at least 1 more year of 20's, and he's played 5 times for Gloucester full team this season, meaning he probably will make some career in the professional ranks. This is a Gloucester side that is performing this season.

It also looks like Moriarty has previous in this line of offending:

Super Rugby Preview for the Northern Hemisphere supporter

Now that the Super Rugby season is upon us, we will be treated to a festival of fantastic rugby over the coming weeks. Super Rugby is historically the most entertaining Rugby competition in the world, despite what crowd attendances might suggest.

This is the second season with a full campaign, where not every team plays every other team. For all the skill that the Southern Hemisphere sides show, maybe this extended Super Rugby season contributed to fatigue in the November internationals?

And with more plans to expand, hopefully the skill level remains. One thing is for sure, while Rugby in general has shown a desire to improve, the powers that be usually realise mistakes eventually and fix any issues. Not playing every team seems ludicrous to me, as does the extending of the season, so hopefully things will be sorted sooner rather than later.

Anyway, I've compiled a preview of the Super Rugby teams, broken down into mini leagues based on their chances and what to expect from each team.

The top contenders in my view are:

1. Crusaders
2. Reds
3. Stormers

In all likelihood, the winner will come from on of these three, and at the very least, these three teams will be in the playoffs. The way the competition is set up, it favours the top team from each country, and in my view this is the top teams in each country, with New Zealand being the hardest to judge.

Reds

Certainly the strongest of the Australian teams. Will Genia, the world's best scrumhalf, is out until at least round 5. That will be a huge blow to them, and they can't afford another bad start like last season where they got hammered by the Blues and the Force in consectutive gameweeks to fall behind. Only a late revival snuck them into the play-offs where they lost to defeated finalists the Sharks. The loss of Higginbotham will hurt, but given that all the returning injuries will act as new signings, they will no doubt improve on last year.

Easily recognisable names include Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Digby Ioane and James Horwill, who are backed up by Rod Davies, Luke Morahan, Liam Gill and Jake Schatz. This is a young settled side.

An exciting youngster to watch out for would be Chris Feauai-Sautia. He had a small number of cameos under huge excitement from Aussie crowds, and could be another star in the future.

Best XV:
15. Davies / Morahan, 14. Shipperley, 13. Fainga'a 12. Tapuai, 11. Ioane, 10. Cooper, 9. Genia, 1. Daley, 2. Fainga'a, 3. Slipper, 4. Simmons, 5. Horwill, 6. Schatz, 7. Gill, 8. Samo.

Stormers

Another team that lost in the playoffs to the Sharks, unlike the Reds, the Stormers had an awesome start to last year winning their first 6 matchs and finishing on top of a difficult South African conference, and finishing on top of the regular season log. They have strengthened well with the arrival of Elton Jantjies, Jaco Taute and Pat Cilliers all on loan from the Lions, all three of which made their Springbok debuts in the last year. With only Quinn Roux of note leaving, this is a strong squad. Etzebeths injury for the first 2 months will be a blow considering his huge impact in the last 12 months, but they have enough quality across the squad to challenge.

Household names include Habana, Burger, de Villiers to name but three. Jantjies, Joe Pietersen, Elstadt, Siya  Kolisi and Steven Kitchoff are quality youngsters the Stormers need to perform to have a chance. These players would grace any NH team.

Best XV:

15. Pietersen, 14. Aplon, 13. de Jongh, 12. de Villiers, 11. Habana, 10. Jantjies, 9. Duvenage, 1. Cilliers, 2. Fourie, 3. Kitchoff, 4. Etzebeth, 5. Bekker, 6. Kolisi, 7. Burger, 8. Vermeulen

Crusaders

The most recognisable team of the Super Rugby competition from a NH point of view. They are always in the mix, and lost in the semi finals to the winner the Chiefs last year. They've lost Sean Maitland, Ben Franks and Zach Guildford, and probably Richie McCaw as well.

Interestingly, the fixture list has them not playing the Reds, which will suit both teams immeasurably.

There is a new influx of youngsters, which I admit I know nothing about, and outside of their starting XV they look thin, but knowing the Crusaders the youngsters will be the next McCaws and Carters. Matt Todd, Tyler Bleyendaal and Robbie Fruean are future household names.

Best XV:
15. Dagg, 14. Guildford / A Whitelock13. Fruean. 12. Crotty, 11. McNicholl, 10. Carter. 9. Ellis. 1. Crockett, 2. Flynn, 3. Franks, 4. Romano, 5. S Whitelock, 6. G Whitelock, 7. McCaw / Todd, 8. Read

Playoff Hopefuls/ Dark Horses:

4. Chiefs
5. Sharks
6. Bulls
7. Hurricanes
8. Highlanders
9. Waratahs
10. Brumbies

Chiefs

The defending champions nearly came out of nowhere last season to win. A big part of that was Sonny Bill Williams, who has returned to Rugby League via Japan and boxing. That is the main reason why I dont think they will have the same impact. That and the loss of Sona Taumalolo, one of their top try scorers from loosehead prop who was a relevation last year. They still have a string squad, and are in the playoff mix. Gareth Anscombe and Ross Filipo will improve them, and Tim Nanai-Williams and Sam Cane will be ones to watch out for. Aaron Cruden produces magic at this level and is well worth getting up early in the morning to watch.

Something else to watch out for is sub hooker Mahonri Schwalger who frequently knocks people out with ferocious hits as can be seen here

Best XV
15. Robinson, 14. Masaga, 13. Kahui, 12. Ngatai, 11. Nani-Williams, 10. Cruden. 9. Kerr-Barlow, 1. Afeauki, 2. Elliott, 3. Tameifuna, 4. Clarke, 5. Retallick, 6. Latimer, 7. Cane, 8. Messam.

Sharks

Another reason to watch Super Rugby this year

The Natal Sharks showed last year how you don't have to finish top of your conference to make the final. The defeated finalists will feel they have something to prove, and haven't brought too many players in. Butch James will provide some experience and help a still young Pat Lambie. While Franco van der Merwe will be there for the season bringing steel to the engine room of the second row. This is a quality team with some outstanding backrowers like Marcel Coetzee, Keegan Daniel and Ryan Kankowski keeping Willem Alberts out of the side.

This will be the biggest threat to the Stormers in the South African conference. All eyes will be on Marcell Coetzee to see if the 22 year old can back up an impressive 2012.

Best XV:
15. Viljoen, 14. JP Pieterson, 13. Joubert, 12. Steyn, 11. Mvovo, 10. Lambie, 9. McLeod, 1. "Beast" Mtwarira, 2. B. du Plessis, 3. J du Plessis, 4. van der Merwe, 5. Bresler, 6. Coetzee, 7. Daniel, 8. Kankowski

Bulls

The Bulls have lost outstanding flanker CJ Stander to Munster, and with Morne Steyn and Juandre Kruger announcing their intention to leave after this season, it seems that this is an important season for them. They will want a strong season to attract quality replacements. They still have a good side, and in Francois Hougaard, Bjorn Basson and Pierre Spies have world class players.

One to watch out for is 18 or 19 year old Handre Pollard. I've never heard so much about one player since Sonny Bill Williams. This kid is meant to be the real deal and a reason why the Bulls don't seem to unhappy with Morne Steyn leaving.

Best XV:
15. Kirchner, 14. Engelbrecht, 13. Olivier, 12. Pollard, 11. Basson, 10. Steyn, 9. Hougaard, 1. Greyling, 2. Ralepelle, 3. Kruger, 4. van der Merwe, 5. Kruger, 6. Stegmann, 7. Potgieter, 8. Spies

Hurricanes

The 'Canes are an exciting young team. As well as star young performers last year like Andre Taylor, Julian Savea, Beauden Barritt and TJ Peranara in the backs they have experience in Victor Vito and Conrad Smith. The loss of Cory Jane through injury will hurt them, but they've signed some exciting young talent in (from PlanetRugby) "Lock/loose forward Blade Thomson, who was part of New Zealand's 2010 IRB Junior World Championship-winning team and versatile James Marshall, who was Taranaki "Back of the Year" for 2012" They will be hoping for Ardie Savea to make as much of an impact in 2013 as his older brother Julian did in 2012.

Their fixture list is favourable with only two away games in South Africa, but being in the New Zealand conference with 4 strong teams, anything is possible.

Best XV:
15. Taylor, 14. Jane, 13. Smith, 12. Bateman, 11. Savea, 10. Barritt, 9 Peranara, 1. Franks, 2. Coles, 3. Toomaga-Allen, 4. Eaton, 5. Thrush, 6. Thomson, 7. Savea, 8. Vito

Highlanders

The Highlanders appeared very impressive last year before fizzling out towards the end, unknown starts like Kade Poki shown in 2011, before being injured last year and will hopefully return to dazzling form. Backing up the talents of Colin Slade, Aaron Smith and Hosea Gear will be new recruits Ma'a Nonu, Brad Thorn and Tony Woodcock. This should probably add some steel to the Highlanders and make sure there is no slip up in form.

Watch out for AB fringe players like Ben Smith and Tameti Ellison, and the outstanding Lima Sopoaga at sub outhalf.

Best XV:
15. Smith, 14. Poki, 13. Ellison, 12. Nonu, 11. Gear, 10. Slade, 9. Smith, 1. Woodcock, 2. Hore, 3. Fia, 4. Thorn, 5. Hoeata, 6. Dixon, 7. Hardie, 8. Manu

Waratahs

For the apparent strength that that 'Tahs have in their squad, they seem to underachieve most years. It's an exciting team down in Sydney with ex-Leinster coach Michael Cheika taking up the reins, and some exciting signings in Israel Folau and Michael Hooper, who had an outstanding 2012 for the Brumbies and the Wallabies. They have lost big names in Elsom, Dean Mumm and Chris Alcock, but appear stronger overall.

They will start the season with a number of injuries to Drew Mitchell and Berrick Barnes among others, but appear to have the depth to cope with it. They will be challenging the Brumbies for a crack at the Queensland Reds at the top of the Australian conference, with it being likely that only one of the Australian teams reaches the playoffs.

Tom Kingston is an exciting young winger/ outside centre worth keeping an eye on, and Israel Folau is a 22 year old code hopper, with a lot of hype surrounding them. A strong season for either mean that they could be "bolters" for the visit of the British and Irish Lions.

Best XV:
15. Foley, 14. Kingston, 13. Ashley-Cooper, 12. Carter, 11. Mitchell, 10. Barnes, 9. McKibbin; 1. Robinson, 2. Polata-Nau, 3. Kepu, 4. Douglas, 5. Timani, 6. Dennis, 7. Hooper. 8. Palu.

Brumbies

The ACT Brumbies nearly shocked everyone by taking last season by storm and narrowly missing out on the  playoffs with a defeat on the last day of the regular season. This squad of "nobodies" certainly made a name for themselves with Christian Lealilifano and Jesse Mogg in particular firing. Add to that the world class talent of David Pocock, the Brumbies will be hoping for more of the same. Stephen Moore is one of the best hookers in the world, and watch out for a return to rugby after 3 years for Clyde Rathbone.

Best XV:

15. Coleman, 14. Tomane, 13. Mogg, 12. McCabe, 11. Speight, 10. Lealilifano, 9. White, 1. Alexander, 2. Moore, 3. Murphy, 4. Fardy, 5. Oostheizen, 6. Vaea, 7. Pocock, 8. Mowen.

Improving / Outside Playoffs

11. Blues
12. Rebels
13. Cheetahs

Blues

It's fair to say that 2012 was a disaster for the Blues. After recruiting heavily they only won once in the first ten games and finished 12th. They have lost a number of All Blacks in Kaino, Nonu, Daniel Braid, Alby Mathewson, Munro, Rudi Wulf, Benson Stanley, Tony Woodcock and Isia Toeava.

Not many are expecting much from the Blues, who are the weakest of the NZ teams. However, Piri Weepu seems to be returning to form, and John Kirwan will take over, it can't be as bad as last year.

They still have some quality players, and will be looking to do better, and maybe be in the playoff mix. Perhaps a little soon for them though.

Best XV: Not going to lie this wasn't easy with so many departures, it would be something like:

15. Piutau, 14. Halai ,13. Ranger, 12. F. Saili 11. Moala10. Noakes 9. Weepu. 1. McCartney 2. Mealamu, 3. Faumina, 4. Boric 5. Williams, 6. Luatua 7. Braid, 8. P. Saili

Rebels

The Rebels are a team that are improving. 2012 didn't see much of Beale and O'Connor in tandem, and with both fit for the start of the season and new Wallaby recruit Scott Higginbotham joining, they are a much better side. The rest of the team now have a few years Super Rugby experience under their belts and will be better for it. Unfortunately there are still so many teams that are better than them, but I think we can expect a few more wins and more competitiveness than before from the Melbourne side.

Best XV:
15. Beale, 14. Vuna, 13. Inman, 12. Sidey, 11. Mitchell, 10. O'Connor, 9. Phipps; 1. Henderson, 2. Robinson, 3. Weeks, 4. Pyle, 5. Neville, 6. Higginbotham, 7. Saffy, 8. Delve, 

Cheetahs

The Cheetahs are one of the most exciting sides in Super Rugby to watch. They will never fail to entertain. The news that Juan Smith retired this week will be a blow, but considering he only played a handful of games for them in the last year, won't make too much difference

Heinrich Brussouw is the most known player, who has his own injury worries, but on his day some consider the best fetcher in the world. Ashley Johnson will be a big loss, but hopes are high for Johan Goosen(20), who was so impressive last year before an injury derailed the Cheetahs season. Willie Le Roux was electric last season as well.

Sarel Pretorious is back from a year with the Waratahs which promises to be very exciting. Expect them to claim scalps, and be very entertaining while doing it.

Best XV:
15. Smit, 14. Benjamin, 13. Ebersohn, 12. Sadie, 11. Le Roux, 10. Goosen, 9. Pretorious; 1. Oosthuizen, 2. Strauss, 3. Adriaanse, 4. Uys, 5. Landman, 6. Brussouw, 7. Viljoen, 8. van der Walt

Struggling:

14. Force

The Force have lost a world class player in David Pocock, which would be bad enough. Except that they lost one the year before as well in James O'Connor, and they haven't adequatedly replaced either. Not to mention the retirement of one Nathan Sharpe and this is a team who have lost most of their key men. This team reminds me of Italy a number of years ago, in that they have a strong pack capable of maintaining parity with the best teams, but have a backline of schoolboys.

Ben McCalman will feel like a new signing after being injured, and will need to step up to fill Pococks shoes in the backrow. Alby Mathewson, Hugh McMenamin, Chris Alcock and Sias Ebersohn are intelligent signings that will ensure that the Force will be competitive, and will be a distance away from the Kings at the bottom, but with too much quality lost, its 14th place for them it looks like.


Best XV:
15. Norton-Knight, 14. Cummins, 13. Stanley, 12. Hayward, 11. Stubbs, 10. Ebersohn, 9. Mathewson; 1. Cowan, 2. Charles, 3. Ma'afu, 4. McMenamin, 5. Wykes, 6. Hodgson, 7. Alcock, 8. McCalman.

Basement Dwellers:

15. Kings

The newest team in the competition. First off, I think it's wrong the way the SARU have treated the Golden Lions. They clearly had improved in the last number of years, and the way they destroyed the Kings in a recent warm up game shows that they are significantly the better team. The Lions were just about competitive in this competition, I don't think the Kings will be at all.

They have two ex fringe players from Toulouse at scrumhalf (Vergallo) and hooker (Lacombe) as well as the only recognisable names Luke Watson (ex Bath) ans Steven Sykes (ex Leinster), which seem to be their go to men. This is going to be one year in the big time before they lose the playoff to the Lions. Lucky to get two wins.

Best XV: Not even going to try.


Now you know everything, give this amazing fantasy league a try. It'll mean that you pay more attention and are more informed come Lions time. 

Super Rugby teams Round 1

Every week I'll post the Super Rugby teams as they come in for Fantasy Rugby.

Don't forget to join http://ballhandlinghooker.blogspot.ie/2013/02/fantasy-super-rugby.html

Rebels vs Force, Friday 8.40 am GMT

Melbourne Rebels: 15 James O'Connor, 14 Lachlan Mitchell, 13 Mitch Inman, 12 Rory Sidey, 11 Richard Kingi, 10 Kurtley Beale, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Gareth Delve (c) 7 Scott Fuglistaller, 6 Scott Higginbotham, 5 Luke Jones, 4 Hugh Pyle, 3 Laurie Weeks, 2 Ged Robinson, 1 Nic Henderson.
Replacements: 16 Shota Horie, 17 Paul Alo-Emile, 18 Cadeyrn Neville, 19 Jarrod Saffy, 20 Nic Stirzaker, 21 Alex Rokobaro, 22 Tom English.

Western Force: 15 Will Tupou, 14 Patrick Dellit, 13 Winston Stanley, 12 Kyle Godwin, 11 Alfie Mafi, 10 Sam Christie, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Ben McCalman, 7 Chris Alcock, 6 Angus Cottrell, 5 Toby Lynn, 4 Sam Wykes, 3 Tetera Faulkner, 2 Nathan Charles, 1 Pek Cowan (c).
Replacements: 16 Heath Tessmann, 17 Kieran Longbottom, 18 Phoenix Battye, 19 Richard Brown, 20 Mick Snowden, 21 Sias Ebersohn, 22 Junior Rasolea.

Brumbies vs Reds, Saturday 8.40am GMT

ACT Brumbies: 15 Jesse Mogg, 14 Henry Speight, 13 Andrew Smith, 12 Christian Lealiifano, 11 Clyde Rathbone, 10 Matt Toomua, 9 Nic White, 8 Ben Mowen, 7 David Pocock, 6 Peter Kimlin, 5 Sam Carter, 4 Scott Fardy, 3 Dan Palmer, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Ben Alexander.
Replacements: 16 Siliva Siliva, 17 Ruaidhri Murphy, 18 Colby Faingaa, 19 Fotu Auelua, 20 Ian Prior, 21 Joseph Tomane, 22 Robbie Coleman.

Queensland Reds: 15 Mike Harris, 14 Dom Shipperley, 13 Aidan Toua, 12 Ben Tapuai, 11 Digby Ioane, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Ben Lucas, 8 Jake Schatz, 7 Liam Gill, 6 Eddie Quirk, 5 Rob Simmons, 4 Adam Wallace-Harrison, 3 James Slipper (c), 2 Saia Faingaa, 1 Greg Holmes.
Replacements: 16 Albert Anae, 17 James Hanson, 18 Ed O'Donoghue, 19 Jarrad Butler, 20 Nick Frisby, 21 Jono Lance, 22 Chris F'Sautia.

Fantasy Super Rugby

This is the way fantasy rugby should be.

Check out my preview here

You get more than just points for tries and wins, it's about actual measures of good performances.

And I'm setting up 3 leagues, one for the Irish rugby folk, one for the Northern Hemisphere pretenders and one for everyone, Join as many or as little as you like and invite others;

Irish: 9274-5409
Northern Hemisphere:9274-5410
All:9274-5411

Scoring Rules

During the 2013 Super Rugby season, the players will be allocated a Fantasy point score after each match, based on their performances in the 2013 Super Rugby matches and the scoring system below. Only player performances in official 2013 Super Rugby matches are included in the scoring for Fantasy Super Rugby. The Fantasy points will be calculated using statistics supplied by the Promoter's data provider. The Promoter will not enter into any correspondence relating to the allocation of Fantasy points to players. The Promoter accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of this data and the Promoter's decision is final and binding.

Actions occurring in extra time count towards points scored. Points are awarded as set out in the table below:

Action	Points
Playing 1 - 60 minutes	1
Props that play more than 60 minutes	4
Hookers, locks and backrowers that play more than 61 minutes	3
All other positions playing more than 61 minutes	2
For each try scored by a prop or hooker	15
For each try scored by a lock or backrower	12
For each try scored by a scrum-half, fly-half, centre or outside back	10
For each try assist	5
For each try save	5
For each conversion	2
For each conversion miss	-1
For each penalty goal	3
For each penalty miss	-1
For each drop goal	3
For each drop goal miss	-1
Yellow card	-5
Red card	-15
For each run	1
For each tackle bust	2
For each offload	1
For each linebreak	5
For each linebreak creates	3
For each error	-3
For each tackle made by a prop or hooker	2
For each tackle made by all other positions	1
For each tackle miss	-2
For each lineout take on own throw	1
For each lineout steal on opposition throw	4
For each lineout error, includes not straight, throw error or jump error	-3
For each tight head won, awarded to entire front row	7
For each tight head lost, awarded to entire front row	-3
For each pilfer	4
For each turn over forced	3
For each penalty - long arm	-4

Assists

A try assist may be awarded to a player assisting in scoring the try, but not every try scored may be awarded a try assist.

Pilfers

When a defensive player steals the ball from a fully formed ruck.

Forced Turnovers

When an attacking player is forced to concede a ruck or maul penalty resulting in a turnover in possession.

The importance of the Under 20's

As featured on Harpin On Rugby

Links galore here; Check out Heaney's link in particular -> great video.

After the impact that Simon Zebo and Craig Gilroy are making on the Irish team of late, so recently after graduating from the Under 20's, now is a great time to see if this has been one of graduations, or is the Irish under 20's identifying talent, and nurturing them through for long distinguished careers.

2012

15. Shane Layden
14. Conor Finn
13. Chris Farrell
12. JJ Hanrahan
11. Sam Coughlan Murray
10. Paddy Jackson
9. Luke McGrath Luke McGrath
1. Kyle McCall
2. Niall Scannell
3. Peter Reilly
4. Iain Henderson
5. Daniel Qualter
6. Conor Gilsenan
7. Aaron Conneely
8. Jack Conan

16. James Rael
17. Des Merrey
18. Diarmuid Higgins
19. Tadhg Beirne
20. Jordan Coughlan
21. Kieran Marmion
22. Cathal Marsh
23. Foster Horan Foster Horan Try

Last year's group includes names that should already be known to those interested in the first teams of the provinces.

Paddy Jackson started at out-half for the Under 20's in last years 6 nations, before going on to claim the starting 10 jersey for Ulster and playing in a Heineken Cup final; Iain Henderson has already gone on to win his first caps for the full Irish team last Autumn; and Kieran Marmion has claimed the 9 jersey as his own for Connacht this season.

And after only a year gone, there will definitely be more from that group making a name for themselves soon such as JJ Hanrahan who was nominated for JWC player of the tournament, Shane Layden and Conor Finn who impressed in last season's 6 Nations, Sam Coughlan - Murray who is highly thought of in the Leinster academy, and has been earmarked since appearing for Newbridge in schools rugby. Daniel Qualter, Chris Farrell and Conor Gilsenan are also promising members of the Connacht, Ulster and Leinster academies respectively.

While Jordan Coughlan has been identified by Joe Schimdt to change position and become a bruising inside centre.

I found it interesting to find out that 21 of the 23 mentioned were still playing the game with a provincial or an English side, while acknowledging that not all will continue to have a career in the game, it seems to me that more of the Under 20's are getting a chance to further their careers.

2011 JWC squad JWC squad 2011 2011 2011

15 - Michael Sherlock (Clontarf/Leinster)
14 - Craig Gilroy (Dungannon/Ulster)
13 - Alex Kelly (UCD/Leinster)
12 - Luke Marshall (Ballymena/Ulster)
11 - Andrew Boyle (UCD/Leinster)
10 - Paddy Jackson (Dungannon/Ulster)
9 - Blane McIlroy (Ballymena/Ulster)
1 - James Tracy (UCD/Leinster)
2 - Niall Annett (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster) (capt)
3 - Martin Moore (Lansdowne/Leinster)
4 - Michael Kearney (Clontarf/Leinster)
5 - Daniel Qualter (Buccaneers/Connacht)
6 - Shane Buckley (Garryowen/Munster)
7 - Aaron Conneely (Corinthians/Connacht)
8 - Jordi Murphy (Lansdowne/Leinster)

Replacements:

16 - David Doyle (UCD/Leinster)
17 - Tadhg Furlong (Clontarf/Leinster)
18 - Iain Henderson (Queen's University/Ulster)
19 - Cathal O'Flaherty (Cork Constitution/Munster)
20 - Mark Dolan (Corinthians/Connacht)
21 - JJ Hanrahan (UL Bohemians/Munster)
22 - Tiernan O'Halloran (Galwegians/Connacht)



Even the year before we start to see more familar names such as Gilroy. We also see Andrew Conway who has recently signed for Munster from Leinster, and James McKinney who earned a move to Rotherham Titans from Ulster during the summer.

Other names feature again, and would go on to star for the Under 20s the following year include Henderson, Hanrahan, Qualter and Jackson.

Luke Marshall has impressed with Ulster this season and featured in the Irish XV vs Fiji. He has a very bright future ahead of him.

Other names such as Niall Annett, who is starting to feature for Ulster, Mick Kearney, of Connacht, who is knocking on the door of a second row place, and Eoin McKeon who seems to have nailed down his place in Connacht as well as Tiernan O'Hallorhan who frequently looks Connacht's best player in Heineken Cup games.

Jordi Murphy is another who made the step up, and has featured well for Leinster in Heineken Cup games, and is challenged Kevin McLaughlin for that blindside jersey

Brendan Macken, , Martin Moore, , Blaine McIlroy, James Tracy,  Andrew Boyle all still feature for their academies, with Macken getting the most game time. Surely time is running out for them soon though.

2010

The starting team in 2010 vs England was:

IRELAND U-20:

15. Andrew Conway (Blackrock College/Leinster);
14. Darren Hudson (St. Mary's College/Leinster),
13. Brendan Macken (Blackrock College/Leinster),
12. Nevin Spence (Ballynahinch/Ulster),
11. Simon Zebo (Cork Constitution/Munster);
10. James McKinney (Queen's University/Ulster),
9. John Cooney (UCD/Leinster);
1. Bryan Cagney (UCC/Munster),
2. Niall Annett (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster),
3. Jack O'Connell (Lansdowne/Leinster),
4. David O'Callaghan (UCC/Munster),
5. Ben Marshall (UCD/Leinster),
6. Rhys Ruddock (UCD/Leinster) (capt),
7. Dominic Ryan (Lansdowne/Leinster),
8. Patrick Butler (Shannon/Munster).

Replacements: Duncan Casey (Shannon/Munster), Stewart Maguire (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Brian Hayes (Cork Constitution/Munster), Robin O'Sullivan (Bective Rangers/Leinster), Michael Heaney (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster), Brian Kingston (Blackrock College/Leinster), Eoin Griffin (Corinthians/Connacht).

This highlights more than most, how many good players are coming through the ranks of Under 20's. Darren Hudson is still in the Leinster academy, and Nevin Spence was a star for Ulster with a huge future ahead of him before his untimely death. Add to that Heaney and Griffen from the bench and you can see the strength of this year's time.

For me, this also highlights the ongoing problem Ireland have with developing props. You look at the pack and pick out star names like Ruddock, Ryan, Dave O'Callaghan and Butler, but not one of the names identified have been a prop no matter what year we've looked at.

Out of interest, here is the English team from that night, with the names I recognize highlighted.

ENGLAND U-20: Jack Wallace (London Wasps); Will Hurrell (Leicester Tigers), Jonathan Joseph (London Irish), Tom Casson (Saracens), Jonny May (Gloucester); Freddie Burns (Gloucester), Sam Harrison (Leicester Tigers); Lee Imiolek (Sale Sharks), Jamie George (Saracens), Shaun Knight (Gloucester), Danny Wright (Gloucester), Charlie Matthews (Harlequins), Jackson Wray (Saracens), Jacob Rowan (Leeds Carnegie) (capt), Alex Gray (Newcastle Falcons).
Replacements: Arthur Ellis (London Wasps), Joe Marler (Harlequins), Kieran Brookes (Newcastle Falcons), George Kruis (Saracens), Jordi Pasqualin (Gloucester), Jake Sharp (Saracens), Christian Wade (London Wasps).

2009

The class of 09's biggest winner is clearly Peter O'Mahony, who with Ferris injured so much, has just about claimed his shirt on the Irish team. It's interesting to note here that most of the other teams didn't feature props that would go on to have a career in the game, while Jack McGrath and Paddy McAllister are still plucking along. Jack McGrath is now a loosehead and fancied to step up to fill Heinken van der Merwe's sizeable shoes should he leave fro Stade Francais as is being reported.

I'm only after noticing Conor Murray at sub scrum half here, Matt Healy is still making a name for himself, as a winger for Lansdowne if this video is anything to go by. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48ZYg4oIlt4

15 - David Kearney (Lansdowne/Leinster)
14 - Ronan O'Mahony (Garryowen/Munster)
13 - Ian McKinley (UCD/Leinster)
12 - Eamonn Sheridan (Lansdowne/Leinster)
11 - Michael Keating (Clontarf/Leinster)
10 - Ian Madigan (Blackrock College/Leinster)
9 - Matthew Healy (Lansdowne/Leinster)
1 - Paddy McAllister (Ballynahinch/Ulster)
2 - Thomas Sexton (Old Belvedere/Leinster)
3 - Jack McGrath (St. Mary's College/Leinster)
4 - Ciaran Ruddock (Neath/Exiles)
5 - James Sandford (Queens University/Ulster)
6 - Rhys Ruddock (Millfield School/Exiles)
7 - Dominic Ryan (Lansdowne/Leinster)
8 - Peter O'Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster) (capt)

Replacements:
16 - David McGregor (Ballynahinch/Ulster)
17 - Adam Macklin (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
18 - Mark Flanagan (UCD/Leinster)
19 - Michael Noone (Seapoint/Leinster)
20 - Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster)
21 - Andrew Burke (Garryowen/Munster)
22 - Shane Gahan (Lansdowne/Leinster)

2008

IRELAND UNDER-20 TEAM & REPLACEMENTS (v Scotland Under-20s, RBS U-20 Six Nations, Dubarry Park, Athlone, Friday, February 22, kick-off 7.30pm):

15 - David Kearney (Lansdowne/Leinster)
14 - Sean Scanlon (UCC/Munster)
13 - Eoin O'Malley (Old Belvedere/Leinster)
12 - Eamonn Sheridan (Lansdowne/Leinster)
11 - Chris Cochrane (Queen's University/Ulster)
10 - Martin Dufficy (Dublin University/Leinster)
9 - David Moore (Blackrock College/Leinster)
1 - Paul Karayiannis (Queen's University/Ulster)
2 - Jason Harris-Wright (Greystones/Leinster)
3 - Ben Barclay (UCD/Leinster)
4 - James Sandford (Queen's University/Ulster)
5 - Eoin Sheriff (Lansdowne/Leinster)
6 - Kieran Essex (UL Bohemians/Munster)
7 - Paul Ryan (Blackrock College/Leinster) (capt)
8 - Patrick Mallon (Lansdowne/Leinster)

Replacements:
16 - Stephen Douglas (Ballymena/Ulster)
17 - Stephen Archer (UCC/Munster)
18 - David Nolan (Galwegians/Connacht)
19 - Ian Nagle (UCC/Munster)
20 - Ian Porter (Queen's University/Ulster)
21 - Ian Madigan (Blackrock College/Leinster)
22 - Conor Cleary (Greystones/Leinster)

2008 emphasizes how important it seems to be to have at least two years of Under 20's experience under your belt to make it in this game. Madigan and Kearney feature in both 08 and 09 and other than that, Eoin O'Malley, Harris-Wright, Nagle and Archer are the only other names I've heard before.

Harris Wright made a name for himself in England with Bristol before returning to Connacht, a route that a few of this side and others have taken, like Eoin Sherriff at Saracens and James Sandford at London Irish,

2007

More recognisable names Jones, Cave, Earls, Keatley, O'Donoghue, Healy, Hagan, Browne (back at Connacht) O'Brien, O'Donnell, O'Connor and more names that have been exiled but continue to have strong careers, like Shane Monahan now at Gloucester or Ruadhri Murphy now at Brumbies.

I count 5 Internationals, one Lion, and 2 potential internationals on this team.

15. Felix Jones (Seapoint/Leinster);
14. Shane Monahan (Dublin University/Leinster),
13. Darren Cave (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster),
12. Aidan Wynne (Buccaneers/Connacht),
11. Keith Earls (Thomond/Munster);
10. Ian Keatley (UCD/Leinster),
9. Paul O'Donohoe (UCD/Leinster);
1. Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster),
2. Richard Sweeney (St. Mary's College/Leinster),
3. Jamie Hagan (Greystones/Leinster),
4. Conor McInerney (UCD/Leinster),
5. Andrew Browne (Galwegians/Connacht),
6. Thomas Anderson (Dungannon/Ulster),
7. David Pollock (Queen's University/Ulster) (capt),
8. Sean O'Brien (UCD/Leinster).

Replacements used: Tommy O'Donnell (UL Bohemians/Munster) for O'Brien (32 mins), Ruaidhri Murphy (Lansdowne/Leinster) for Hagan, Neilus Keogh (UCC/Munster) for McInerney (both 78). Not used: Ger Slattery (Young Munster/Munster), David Drake (Ballymena/Ulster), Niall O'Connor (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster), Kyle Tonetti (Blackrock College/Leinster).

ENGLAND U-20: David Doherty (London Wasps); Ollie Dodge (Leicester Tigers), Tom Youngs (Leicester Tigers), Adam Powell (Saracens), Selorm Kuadey (Sale Sharks); Seb Jewell (NEC Harlequins), Danny Care (NEC Harlequins) (capt); Charlie Beech (Northampton Saints), Matt Mullan (Worcester Warriors), Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), Dave Attwood (Bristol Rugby), Phil Hoy (Northampton Saints), Alex Shaw (Leicester Tigers), Chevvy Pennycook (Bristol Rugby), David Tait (Sale Sharks).

Replacements used: Matt Cox (Worcester Warriors) for Attwood, Frankie Neale (Saracens) (both half-time), Hugo Ellis (London Wasps) for Tait, Jordan Turner-Hall (NEC Harlequins) for Neale (both 48), Tom Stanfield (London Irish) for Mullan, Mullan for Cole (80+1). Not used: Tom Mercey (Saracens), Richard Bolt (Exeter Chiefs).

2006 U21

The 20's were only formed in 2006/07, but it's worth looking at the last few years of U21 too to see how much of a difference there is. I count 5 french that I recognise; Medard, Mermoz, Beauxis, Montes and Ouedraogo, compared to 14 Irish.

Admitedly, some of those 14 Irish, like Duncan Williams and Billy Holland, are still not featuring prominently for Munster, which at this stage they should be. It's more a case of 8 internationals from this side ( and Paul Marshall, who is knocking on the door). Which is a good return.

FRANCE U-21: Maxime Medard; Yann Fior, Thibault Lacroix, Maxime Mermoz, Gregory Puyo; Lionel Beauxis, Fabien Cibray (capt); Florian Cazalot, Laurent Sempere, Yohan Montes, Julien Ledevedec, Loic Jacquet, Fulgence Ouedraogo, Nicolas Bontinck, Fabien Alexandre.

Replacements: Arnaud Heguy, Laurent Cabarry, Carpentier, Steve Malonga, Damien Neveu, Thomas Anies, Julien Jeuvray.

IRELAND U-21: Fionn Carr; Peter Durcan, Darren Cave, Conan Doyle, Matthew Williams; Jonathan Sexton, Paul Marshall; Darragh Hurley, Stuart Philpott (capt), Paul Doran-Jones, Daniel Tuohy, Devin Toner, Ross Noonan, Ejike Uzoigwe, Billy Holland.


Replacements: Sean Cronin, Callum Black, David McGowan, Sean O'Brien, Duncan Williams, Tom Gleeson, Fergus McFadden.

2005 U21 2005 U19

Final year that we go back features some Lions in Tommy Bowe and Stephen Ferris not to mention Trimble, and Chris Henry, while Stevenson, Caldwell and Andress are prominent for their sides.

(15) Mark Kettyle (Belfast Harlequins) (14) Tommy Bowe (Belfast Harlequins) (13) Andrew Trimble (Ballymena) (12) Greg Stafford (Lansdowne) (11) Paul McKenzie (Belfast Harlequins) (10) Barry Keeshan (Cork Constitution) (9) David O'Leary (UCC) (1) Michael Diffley (Buccaneers) (2) Stuart Philpott (Saracens) (3) John Andress (Belfast Harlequins) (4) Lewis Stevenson (Belfast Harlequins) (5) Ryan Caldwell (Dungannon) (6) Brett McNamee (Northampton) (Captain) (7) Oisin Hennessy (Dungannon) (8) Stephen Ferris (Dungannon)

Replacements used: Eamonn Bracken (Buccaneers) for Ferris (29-41 mins), Kieran Geraghty (London Irish) for Kettyle (53), Joseph Merrigan (Corinthians) for Philpott (61), Chris Henry (Malone) for Hennessy (68), Bracken for Andress (76). Not used: Mark Melbourne (Garryowen), Paul Marshall (Ballynahinch), Jonathan Sexton (St. Mary's College).

Coach: Mark McDermott Assistant Coach: Brian Walsh Manager: David Haslett

ENGLAND UNDER-21: O Morgan (Gloucester); T Biggs (Leeds), M Cornwell (Leicester), R Davis (Bath), T Varndell (Leicester); T Flood (Newcastle), B Foden (Sale Sharks); M Cusack (Leeds), N Briggs (Rotherham), A Croall (Saracens), R Blaze (Worcester), T Ryder (Leicester), J Haskell (Wasps), D Seymour (Saracens), M Hopley (Worcester).


Replacements used: M Hampson (Leicester) for Cusack (48 mins), T Ojo (London Irish) for Varndell (64), S Cox (Sale Sharks) for Ryder (70), S Mackie (Newcastle) for Briggs, L Dickson (Newcastle) for Foden (both 73), S Whatling (Worcester) for Davis, R Thorpe (London Irish) for Hopley (both 76).

2013

And on to this year's breed.

15 - Stuart Olding (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
14 - Alexander O'Meara (Hartpury/Exiles)
13 - Tom Daly (Lansdowne/Leinster)
12 - Rory Scannell (Dolphin/Munster)
11 - Rory Scholes (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
10 - Steve Crosbie (Old Belvedere/Leinster)
9 - Luke McGrath (UCD/Leinster) (capt)
1 - Brian Scott (UCC/Munster)
2 - George McGuigan (Newcastle Falcons/Exiles)
3 - Chris Taylor (Malone/Ulster)
4 - John Donnan (Ballynahinch/Ulster)
5 - Gavin Thornbury (UCD/Leinster)
6 - Peadar Timmins (UCD/Leinster)
7 - Ryan Murphy (Dolphin/Munster)
8 - Conor Joyce (Malone/Ulster)

Replacements:

16 - John Andrew (Ballymena/Ulster)
17 - Peter Dooley (Lansdowne/Leinster)
18 - Jake Caulfield (Malone/Ulster)
19 - Sean McCarthy (Shannon/Munster)
20 - Josh van der Flier (UCD/Leinster)
21 - John Creighton (Malone/Ulster)
22 - Darren Sweetnam (UCC/Munster)
23 - David Panther (Corinthians/Connacht)

Olding, McGrath and van der Flier are the only players returning from last year suggesting that they have the best chance of making a career out of this. McGrath in particular looked a class apart last Friday, and there has been a lot of talk about him for a long time. I was also impressed with Crosbie, Scholes, Scannell and Daly in the back line and Conoy Joyce looked powerful at 8.

Olding has impressed me when he played at 10 for Ulster, but didn't get in the game enough for me last Friday, and van der Flier is returning from injury so didn't show what he could do. And to think that Henshaw could be in this side. Darren Sweetnam is meant to be highly regarded down in Munster, having turned his head from hurling.

Whatever happens, It seems that Ireland are making a great use out of the Under 20 side, with a lot of graduates going on to make good careers out of the game, especially in recent years. Why not tune in on Friday to see the next crop of Irish players?