Quote Mystic Yed="Mystic Yed"Hock might be a head case but if you can see beyond that he's easily a top 10 in the world back rower, proper quality. People let his discipline and drug ban cloud the fact he's a very good player.'"
Tbf I don't think people dispute he is a very good player. Mostly the worry is that his discipline will bring trouble on us. McIlorum is another I can see causing us problems, if he plays. However, I can guess that McNamara has gone for a set of forwards who will not respect the opposition but get in their faces, assuming they all play to their potential, which IMO is a good option.
So far as halves are concerned, we don't grow them for some reason and while Smith would be great in wet weather and offers us another kicker, I can't see him troubling the Aussies too much, especially on a dry track. Sinfield at least has experience against the internationals which IMO is vital in a home world cup.
The position that most troubles me is centre. I do hope there is going to be a sound defensive structure in place, preferably before the opposition get anywhere near the tryline, because I think our centres will be our weakest links.