RWC 2015 Preview – Pool C

The pool with the least amount of intrigue, New Zealand are virtual locks to come out on top, with Argentina highly probable to finish second. Notably it’s the opening round that seems most interesting, with the All Blacks up against the Pumas and Georgia facing close competitors Tonga in what should be the most fiercely contested match in the pool. Poor Namibia look to be also-rans, and the focus of the rugby public should sway heavily elsewhere once the standings have basically been sewn up after the second week, if not the first.

FIXTURES

Sept 19	12:00	Tonga	Georgia	Kingsholm (Gloucester)
Sept 20	16:45	New Zealand	Argentina	Wembley Stadium (London)
Sept 24	20:00	New Zealand	Namibia	Olympic Stadium (London)
Sept 25	16:45	Argentina	Georgia	Kingsholm (Gloucester)
Sept 29	16:45	Tonga	Namibia	Sandy Park (Exeter)
Oct 2	20:00	New Zealand	Georgia	Millenium Stadium (Cardiff)
Oct 4	14:30	Argentina	Tonga	King Power Stadium (Leicester)
Oct 7	20:00	Namibia	Georgia	Sandy Park (Exeter)
Oct 9	20:00	New Zealand	Tonga	St. James Park (Newcastle)
Oct 11	12:00	Argentina	Namibia	King Power Stadium (Leicester)

 

ARGENTINA

After a difficult start to 2014, the Pumas have started to find success since their historic result over the Wallabies in Mendoza, followed up with a win over France in Paris and this year defeating the Springboks in Durban. They have competed at every previous World Cup and have steadily improved since their middling results up until 1995. A third place finish in 2007 is by far their greatest achievement to date.

Forward power remains a strong suit, but they have evolved their attack and are determined to use their slick-handling backs to make holes in the opposition defense. Discipline at the breakdown has proved an issue, and if they are to challenge for another semi-final spot they will have to address that problem. They should be clear favorites to get through the pool in second spot, with New Zealand still an overwhelming challenge that seems just a bit beyond their capability.

CAPTAIN: Few would have guessed that Agustín Creevy would go on to become one of the best hookers on the planet when he made his run-on debut as a flanker in 2005. He didn’t even start another test until 2013. Two years on and he has led his side to famous victories over Australia and South Africa, and put in numerous world class performances. When the best-of XVs start coming out following the tournament, you can bet his name will be in the conversation.

KEY PLAYERS: Marcos Ayerza is another whose worth has only really been appreciated since the last World Cup, having previously been understudy to another legendary Pumas prop, Rodrigo Roncero. There are no better scrummagers on the loosehead side than the Leicester favorite. Brave, talented, passionate, there are lots of good words for Nicolás Sánchez. An exceptional flyhalf who can break the line and control the game. A sublime finisher, Juan Imhoff has jet boots to go with footballing skills. His form heading into the tournament has been outstanding.

ONE TO WATCH: It’s hard to miss a guy who stands 201cm (6’7”) and weighs in the neighborhood of 130kg (286lbs). Tomás Lavanini has been earmarked for greatness since his teenage days. Like his predecessor Patricio Albacete, Lavanini revels in the gritty areas of the game. The impact he makes when arriving at the ruck is terrifying.

HEAD COACH: After the failed tenure of Santiago Phelan, the top role in Argentina went to highly rated Daniel Hourcade in October of 2013. Hailing from Tucuman, he enjoyed a four-year stint in Portugal, and a quick stop in France, before returning home to lead Argentina’s development sides in 2010. His style and selection practices seem to resonate with the players, and he will be looking to take the Pumas one step further than their quarter-final finish in 2011.

NAME	POS	HGT	WGT	D.O.B.	CAPS	2014/15 CLUB
Ayerza, Marcos	PR	186	114	01/12/83	60	Leicester (UK)
Herrera, Ramiro	PR	193	123	02/14/89	13	Castres (FR)
Noguera Paz, Lucas	PR	179	108	10/05/93	16	Lince
Orlandi, Juan Pablo	PR	190	120	06/20/83	16	Newcastle (UK)
Tetaz Chaparro, Nahuel	PR	188	121	06/11/89	20	Lyon (FR)
Creevy, Agustín	HO	181	110	03/15/85	40	Worcester (UK)
Montoya, Julián	HO	184	105	10/29/93	9	Newman
Alemanno, Matías	LO	199	117	12/05/91	14	La Tablada
Galarza, Mariano	LO	203	118	11/12/86	24	Gloucester (UK)
Lavanini, Tomás	LO	201	130	02/22/93	21	Racing 92 (FR)
Petti, Guido	LO	195	109	11/17/94	6	SIC
Fernández Lobbe, Juan	FL	193	106	11/19/81	64	Toulon (FR)
Leguizamón, Juan Manuel	FL/N8	190	105	06/06/83	62	Lyon (FR)
Matera, Pablo	FL	193	110	07/18/93	16	Alumni
Ortega Desio, Javier	FL	193	108	06/14/90	16	Paraná
Isa, Facundo	N8	188	106	09/21/93	7	SLTC
Senatore, Leonardo	N8	191	106	05/13/84	29	Worcester (UK)
Cubelli, Tomás	SH	176	81	12/06/89	38	Belgrano
Landajo, Martín	SH	174	83	06/14/88	45	CASI
González Iglesias, Santiago	FH	178	91	06/16/88	16	Alumni
Hernández, Juan Martín	FH/CE	187	94	07/08/82	53	Toulon (FR)
Sánchez, Nicolás	FH	178	85	10/26/88	33	Toulon (FR)
Bosch, Marcelo	CE	186	95	01/07/84	35	Saracens (UK)
de la Fuente, Jerónimo	CE	184	97	02/24/91	13	Duendes
Moroni, Matías	CE	185	89	03/29/91	4	CUBA
Socino, Juan Pablo	CE	175	96	05/30/88	2	Newcastle (UK)
Agulla, Horacio	WI	181	93	10/22/84	60	Bath (UK)
González Amorosino, Lucas	WI/FB	185	93	02/11/85	43	Cardiff Blues (UK)
Imhoff, Juan	WI	186	90	05/11/88	27	Racing 92 (FR)
Cordero, Santiago	FB/WI	176	83	12/06/93	12	Regatas
Tuculet, Joaquín	FB	183	92	08/08/89	23	Cardiff Blues (UK)

 

GEORGIA

The best of the Tier 2 European Nations Cup teams, Georgia will be disappointed with their recent losses to both Canada and Japan. Don’t look too far into those results, however, as their lineups were mix-and-match and it’s fair to say that they were short of their best in both. Physically they are as capable as any side, but exposure to consistent top-level competition has been their biggest obstacle, as evidenced by their overwhelming at the hands of Ireland last year.

Their first-up match against Tonga will be massively important to set the tone for the tournament. A loss would be devastating, a strong win puts them in a good mindset to challenge Argentina in week two, another tantalising match in Gloucester. By then their story will be all-but written, with Namibia and New Zealand almost assuredly foregone conclusions.

CAPTAIN: The only surprise about Mamuka Gorgodze being named captain for the tournament is that he hasn’t led the team before. To most rugby followers ‘Gorgodzilla’ is the first player pictured when thinking of the Lelos, again no surprise given his propensity to smash his opponents like a hammer through drywall. One thing’s for certain, Georgia’s fearless leader won’t be taking any backward steps, with the ball or without it.

KEY PLAYERS: With injuries and inactivity ravaging Vasil Kakovin’s career, Mikheil Nariashvili has emerged as his country’s leading loosehead prop – and by some distance. His ability in the scrum and work rate around the tackle area have marked him as one of the premier front rowers in France. Former skipper Davit Kacharava is a rock in the midfield who relishes the confrontation. Defends like an extra flanker with huge upper body strength and runs hard lines on offense. Merab Kvirikashvili is one cap away from becoming Georgia’s leader in international appearances, and is far and away his country’s leading points scorer, sitting in 19th place all-time. At fullback he isn’t as quick as he once was, but his kicking alone has won tests, and always gives them a fighting chance.

ONE TO WATCH: Most lists are picking Vaso Lobzhanidze on account of his youth, but the guy they should be talking about is Merab Sharikadze. Kacharava’s centre-mate has been an automatic selection in the midfield since making his debut as an 18-year-old in 2012. An outstanding defender and tackle-breaker with ball in hand, those who haven’t heard of him yet will soon enough.

HEAD COACH: This will be Milton Haig’s first World Cup in charge of Georgia, a team he was appointed to lead following the 2011 tournament. The softly-spoken New Zealander has steered the Lelos to two consecutive European Nations Cup grand slams, though outside of Europe their results have not been so fruitful. Well liked by his players, his selection strategy seems to be geared towards building a competitive team for the 2019 World Cup.

NAME	POS	HGT	WGT	D.O.B.	CAPS	2014/15 CLUB
Asieshvili, Karlen	PR	183	118	04/21/87	11	Brive (FR)
Chilachava, Levan	PR	188	125	08/17/91	25	Toulon (FR)
Kubriashvili, Davit	PR	183	122	03/12/86	40	Stade Français (FR)
Nariashvili, Mikheil	PR	186	118	05/25/90	28	Montpellier (FR)
Zirakashvili, Davit	PR	179	114	09/20/83	50	Clermont (FR)
Bregvadze, Jaba	HO	180	102	04/23/87	29	Kochebi
Maisuradze, Simon	HO	180	108	09/14/86	32	Valence (FR)
Mamukashvili, Shalva	HO	180	106	10/02/90	31	Sale (UK)
Chkhaidze, Giorgi	LO/N8	195	112	08/20/81	85	Lille (FR)
Datunashvili, Levan	LO	196	114	01/18/83	71	Aurillac (FR)
Mikautadze, Kote	LO	200	125	07/01/91	36	Toulon (FR)
Nemsadze, Giorgi	LO	196	120	09/26/84	51	Tarbes (FR)
Gorgodze, Mamuka	FL/N8	196	120	07/14/84	61	Toulon (FR)
Kolelishvili, Vito	FL	193	105	10/09/89	32	Clermont (FR)
Sutiashvili, Shalva	FL	193	102	01/24/84	49	Massy (FR)
Tkhilaishvili, Giorgi	FL	180	103	04/08/91	21	Batumi
Lomidze, Lasha	N8	195	110	06/30/92	13	Béziers (FR)
Begadze, Giorgi	SH	179	81	03/04/86	36	Kochebi
Khutsishvili, Vazha	SH	164	73	06/27/93	5	Kharebi
Lobzhanidze, Vaso	SH	175	75	10/14/96	6	Armazi
Khmaladze, Lasha	FH	179	82	01/20/88	39	Lelo
Malaguradze, Lasha	FH	185	92	01/02/86	58	Bagnères (FR)
Kacharava, Davit	CE	184	96	01/16/85	83	Yenisey (RU)
Mchedlidze, Tamaz	CE/WI	195	108	03/17/93	31	Agen (FR)
Sharikadze, Merab	CE	185	96	05/17/93	36	Aurillac (FR)
Aptsiauri, Giorgi	WI/FB	178	89	01/20/94	10	Aia
Giorgadze, Muraz	WI	182	85	06/28/94	7	Armazi
Pruidze, Giorgi	WI	195	105	06/02/94	4	Aia
Todua, Sandro	WI	185	92	11/02/87	48	Lelo
Kvirikashvili, Merab	FB	177	80	12/27/83	85	Montluçon (FR)
Tsiklauri, Beka	FB	179	87	02/09/89	20	Lokomotivi

 

NAMIBIA

The Welwitschias enter their fifth consecutive World Cup, and fourth in a row as the lowest ranked entrant. In their fifteen matches they have never tasted success, their closest match being a 32-17 defeat to Ireland in 2007. Though they have a winning test record over the past two years, the best of those results have come against the likes of Zimbabwe and Russia, and they have lost every game against a World Cup nation in that time.

Further putting a wrinkle on their preparations was the untimely resignation of popular coach Danie Vermeulen, who fell out with the NRU in June citing untenable work conditions. Despite the political unrest, the majority of Namibia’s best players are all available, though there are a couple eligible players who have not committed – Anton Bresler an example – and outside back Danie Dames missing through injury. A strong back row and some dangerous outside backs can’t paper over the cracks, however. This is going to be a tough three weeks for Namibian fans.

CAPTAIN: If ‘reckless abandon’ is a playing style, that’s the one that fits Jacques Burger. The Saracens dynamo is best known for firing his shoulders into anything in a different coloured jersey, regardless of the outcome on his own personal safety. Consequently his pace has slowed just a tad, but he remains an inspirational leader for his country entering his third World Cup.

KEY PLAYERS: Few outside of South Africa will know who Renaldo Bothma is, but they will soon find he is an impressive wrecking ball of a loose forward. Fearless and abrasive, the Sharks no8 will likely push PJ van Lill into the second row. Theuns Kotzé will be best remembered as a quality test kicker with a more than useful drop kick. He also happens to be the only specialist flyhalf in the group, and surely Namibia’s most irreplaceable squad member. Exeter fullback Chrysander Botha has recovered from a nasty leg break suffered against Canada in November to make his second World Cup. Don’t let his lithe physique fool you, he is an excellent counter attacker and more than capable of breaking tackles with a long fend if his legs don’t take him out of range first.

ONE TO WATCH: One of the new generation of talented Namibians, Johan Deysel looks a certainty to start in the midfield. He’s certainly got the pedigree, his father Johan Sr. won 16 caps for the country as a centre in the early ‘90s. A balanced runner who plays his domestic rugby for the Leopards in the Currie Cup, look for him to surprise some people in his first exposure to the big time.

HEAD COACH: With Vermeulen stepping down, former Cardiff Blues supremo Phil Davies has taken up the leadership mantle. The Seven Sisters native won 46 caps as a forward for Wales over a 10 year international career that ended in 1995, and was already on the books for Namibia as a World Rugby appointed ‘consultant’ since November 2014. With some strange squad selections and a less than ideal build-up, it’s not clear how Davies will turn turmoil into any kind of success.

NAME	POS	HGT	WGT	D.O.B.	CAPS	2014/15 CLUB
Coetzee, Aranos	PR	186	122	03/14/88	5	Brive (FR)
de Klerk, A.J.	PR	186	136	12/09/91	6	Wanderers
Engels, Jaco	PR	185	130	12/17/80	12	United
Larson, Raoul	PR	185	120	05/14/84	6	SWD Eagles (SA)
Redelinghuys, Johnny	PR	184	127	02/02/84	48	Wanderers
Viviers, Casper	PR	185	116	06/01/88	14	United
van der Westhuizen, Louis	HO	180	101	02/25/95	2	Leopards (SA)
van Jaarsveld, Torsten	HO	176	100	06/30/87	7	Cheetahs (SA)
Uanivi, Tjiuee	LO	201	108	12/31/90	11	Brive (FR)
van Lill, P.J.	LO/N8	193	116	12/04/83	40	Dax (FR)
Venter, Janco	LO	194	106	09/19/94	9	Maties (SA)
Burger, Jacques	FL	188	105	07/29/83	35	Saracens (UK)
Conradie, Wian	FL	185	104	10/14/94	1	U of Johannesburg (SA)
Damens, Leneve	FL/N8	187	105	05/30/93	4	Wanderers
du Plessis, Tinus	FL/N8	190	104	04/03/84	45	Wanderers
Kitshoff, Rohan	FL	182	98	09/13/85	22	Western Province (SA)
Bothma, Renaldo	N8	190	110	09/18/89	7	Sharks (SA)
Buitendag, Eneill	SH	187	99	06/21/89	14	Wanderers
Jantjies, Eugene	SH/FH	179	90	10/08/86	46	Dinamo (RO)
Stevens, Damian	SH	165	68	06/02/95	1	Western Province (SA)
Kotzé, Theuns	FH	181	90	07/16/87	26	Bressane (FR)
de la Harpe, Darryl	CE	183	98	10/02/86	27	Western Suburbs
Deysel, Johan	CE	184	94	09/28/91	9	Leopards (SA)
Greyling, J.C.	CE	187	92	06/21/91	9	United
Smit, Heinrich	CE/WI	175	89	11/21/90	12	NWU Pukke (SA)
van Wyk, Danie	CE	189	96	03/30/86	14	United
Marais, Conrad	WI	193	103	04/26/89	8	Béziers (FR)
Philander, David	WI	175	93	01/04/87	23	Spotswood United (NZ)
van Wyk, Russell	WI	180	87	08/12/90	5	Western Suburbs
Botha, Chrysander	FB	187	89	07/13/88	34	Exeter (UK)
Tromp, Johann	FB	183	91	12/23/90	19	Wanderers

 

NEW ZEALAND

Defending champions and tournament favorites once again, a recent loss to Australia shows that they aren’t invincible but that doesn’t diminish their standing as the team to beat. Injuries to Aaron Cruden and Patrick Tu’ipulotu affect their depth only slightly, though there’s a fair argument that Cruden was in good shape to challenge Dan Carter for a starting role.

The All Blacks should have little trouble getting through the pool, with the first-up match against the Pumas the only legitimate challenge. Expect them to be up for it, and cruise through the rest giving all of their squad some playing time and an opportunity to make the run-on side for the finals run-in.

CAPTAIN: How does he do it? Now in his 15th year of international rugby, Richie McCaw is still the greatest. The only question is will he sign off on his world adventures with another Webb Ellis Cup raised above his head?

KEY PLAYERS: Not many rated Dane Coles when he first arrived as an All Black contender, but even less can imagine contending a World Cup without him now. He has maintained his athleticism but added excellent technical skills and is now one of the premier hookers in world rugby. Kieran Read isn’t too shabby a player either. Vice-captain, link man, a thinking man’s no8, and a first class bloke. Then there’s Aaron Smith, on form the best scrumhalf in the world bar none. The speed of his service alone is worth the price of admission.

ONE TO WATCH: The murmurs started when he ripped up the ITM Cup with Manawatu, and then grew in a crescendo as he did the same in Super Rugby with the Hurricanes. It’s been a sensational 12 months for Nehe Milner-Skudder, who was nowhere in the picture when the Rugby Championship kicked off in 2014. Two caps in and he’s side-stepped his way past Israel Dagg and into the World Cup. Say no more.

HEAD COACH: The natural successor to Graham Henry, Steve Hansen ensured continuity both in selection and playing style. If anything, the team might be even better under his rule. A record that reads 42 wins, 3 losses, and 3 draws since the last World Cup is the envy of every coach in world rugby.

NAME	POS	HGT	WGT	D.O.B.	CAPS	2014/15 CLUB
Crockett, Wyatt	PR	193	117	01/24/83	40	Crusaders
Faumuina, Charlie	PR	185	127	12/24/86	27	Blues
Franks, Ben	PR	183	117	03/27/84	43	Hurricanes
Franks, Owen	PR	185	119	12/23/87	72	Crusaders
Woodcock, Tony	PR	184	119	01/27/81	115	Blues
Coles, Dane	HO	184	103	12/10/86	30	Hurricanes
Mealamu, Keven	HO	181	106	03/20/79	126	Blues
Taylor, Codie	HO	183	106	03/31/91	3	Crusaders
Retallick, Brodie	LO	204	120	05/31/91	41	Chiefs
Romano, Luke	LO	199	115	02/16/86	20	Crusaders
Whitelock, Sam	LO	203	116	10/12/88	66	Crusaders
Cane, Sam	FL	189	104	01/13/92	24	Chiefs
Kaino, Jerome	FL	196	113	04/06/83	60	Blues
McCaw, Richie	FL	187	106	12/31/80	142	Crusaders
Messam, Liam	FL	190	108	04/25/84	42	Chiefs
Read, Kieran	N8	193	110	10/26/85	77	Crusaders
Vito, Victor	N8	193	110	03/27/87	28	Hurricanes
Kerr-Barlow, Tawera	SH	187	91	08/15/90	15	Chiefs
Perenara, T.J.	SH	183	94	01/23/92	15	Hurricanes
Smith, Aaron	SH	170	82	11/21/88	41	Highlanders
Barrett, Beauden	FH	187	92	05/27/91	30	Hurricanes
Carter, Dan	FH	180	91	03/05/82	106	Crusaders
Slade, Colin	FH	183	90	10/10/87	20	Crusaders
Fekitoa, Malakai	CE	183	99	05/10/92	11	Highlanders
Nonu, Ma’a	CE	183	108	05/21/82	97	Blues
Smith, Conrad	CE	186	95	10/12/81	88	Hurricanes
Williams, Sonny Bill	CE	193	108	08/03/85	26	Chiefs
Naholo, Waisake	WI	186	96	05/08/91	1	Highlanders
Savea, Julian	WI	192	105	08/07/90	35	Hurricanes
Milner-Skudder, Nehe	FB/WI	180	90	12/15/90	2	Hurricanes
Smith, Ben	FB	190	93	06/01/86	41	Highlanders

 

TONGA

The mighty Ikale Tahi are arguably the most physical of the Pacific Island teams. They are certainly the biggest. That size advantage hasn’t always been used effectively, however, and in the past they have relied too much on their forwards to carry the ball up. With an impressive collection of strike runners out wide, they have looked to play more positive rugby in their recent Pacific Nations Cup outings.

Form is on their side, with four straight wins heading into the tournament, including an important victory over Romania in Bucharest. Given that Georgia play a similar style, that should boost their confidence heading into the opener against the Lelos on Saturday. Argentina and New Zealand look a few steps ahead at this point, but Tonga can at least put up a considerable front-on challenge and wear them down before the knock-out stages.

CAPTAIN: It’s been a while since Nili Latu was called one of the best rugby players in the world, but the old fella still has some miles left on his legs. He’s kept himself reasonably fresh with a lighter workload in Japanese rugby, and looks keen to get stuck into only his second World Cup, having been left out in the cold for absurd political reasons in 2011. An all-action flanker who never gives less than everything on the pitch, look for him to turn some heads once again regardless of what happens on the scoreboard.

KEY PLAYERS: A fan-favourite while at Leicester, Steve Mafi has taken his international career to new heights since returning to Super Rugby this past season. Tall and agile, he brings a different dimension to the Tongan forward pack, whether on the side of the scrum or in the middle of it. Speaking of dimensions, Sione Kalamafoni has a lot of those packed on his 121kg (266lbs) frame. A tank of a man built for heavy combat, the Gloucester stalwart will be a leading ball carrier in the Tongan back row. Out wide it’s Fetu’u Vainikolo who will do the damage. A damaging runner with explosive acceleration, Scottish fans can tell you what kind of a finisher he is.

ONE TO WATCH: One of the stars of the Pacific Nations Cup, Tane Takulua has exploded into test rugby since making his debut last June. Powerfully built and with a low centre of gravity, he is a real danger man around the fringes and keeps the defense on their toes, or finds his way through them. He is still finding his feet at Newcastle Falcons after signing late last season, but they will have a serious talent on their hands when he returns after the tournament.

HEAD COACH: It’s hard to say where Mana Otai fits in terms of coaching influence. He is certainly a strong character, but Tonga’s success has leaned heavily on the experience of his assistants, names like Jake White and Jim McKay. It would not surprise many if this was his last go leading the Ikale Tahi.

NAME	POS	HGT	WGT	D.O.B.	CAPS	2014/15 CLUB
Aulika, Halani	PR	185	130	08/31/83	13	London Irish (UK)
Mailau, Tevita	PR	185	115	04/25/85	16	Mont-de-Marsan (FR)
Puafisi, Sila	PR	184	120	04/15/88	19	Gloucester (UK)
Taumalolo, Sona	PR	185	118	11/13/81	17	Racing 92 (FR)
Tonga’uiha, Soane	PR	191	130	01/21/82	18	Oyonnax (FR)
Lutui, Aleki	HO	180	110	07/01/78	36	Gloucester (UK)
Ngauamo, Paul	HO	182	117	02/19/90	3	Oyonnax (FR)
Taione, Elvis	HO	180	112	05/25/83	18	Exeter (UK)
Kolo’ofai, Uili	LO	198	120	09/29/82	5	Newcastle (UK)
Lokotui, Lua	LO	196	118	12/31/79	24	Béziers (FR)
Mafi, Steve	LO/FL	200	114	12/09/89	14	Force (AU)
Tu’ineau, Joe	LO	203	120	08/18/81	22	Lyon (FR)
Kalamafoni, Sione	FL/N8	194	121	08/14/88	25	Gloucester (UK)
Latu, Nili	FL	180	100	02/19/82	40	NEC (JP)
Ram, Jack	FL	190	100	01/14/87	2	Northland (NZ)
T-Pole, Hale	FL	194	105	04/30/79	31	Harbour Hawks (NZ)
Fonua, Opeti	N8	197	135	05/26/86	5	London Welsh (UK)
Ma’afu, Viliami	N8	186	109	03/09/82	24	Oyonnax (FR)
Fisilau, Samisoni	SH	184	100	11/29/87	15	Jersey (UK)
Ma’ake, Sosefo	SH	172	84	09/15/91	1	Havelu
Takulua, Tane	SH	176	95	11/01/91	10	Newcastle (UK)
Fosita, Latiume	FH	187	97	07/25/92	12	Doncaster (UK)
Morath, Kurt	FH	185	89	11/13/84	26	Biarritz (FR)
Helu, Will	CE/WI	189	100	04/19/86	20	Wasps (UK)
Piukala, Sione	CE	182	100	08/06/85	14	Perpignan (FR)
Piutau, Siale	CE	185	98	10/13/85	20	Yamaha (JP)
Tahitu’a, Viliami	CE	180	105	09/10/92	2	Northland (NZ)
Halaifonua, Tevita	WI	188	104	07/05/87	13	Gloucester (UK)
Vainikolo, Fetu’u	WI	182	97	01/30/85	22	Exeter (UK)
Veainu, Telusa	WI/FB	180	90	12/26/90	4	Rebels (AU)
Lilo, Vungakoto	FB	193	107	02/28/83	38	Tarbes (FR)