Thaiday hasn't been picked because he hasn't been good enough.

Is Wood's really a poor pick? the dudes just won Daly M Prop of year. I know plenty thought he didn't deserve it & there's a bit of you either love him, or think he's average thing that goes on down under, but the guy's a workhorse, averages 160m a game and 28 tackles. For all the moans that Vaughn didn't get it, his stats are hardly any better than Woods at 144 meters a game and 30 tackles. Like they generally do down under, especially in the pack, they've gone with the more experienced and more consistant Prop over a few years. Vaughn's been a bit of a one season wonder so far in his career.

Agree with others Tedesco should have been in their at FB.

Agree, no way he should of been picked, if he had it would of been on just his rep. Also I'm not sure if he's not happy because he's not picked, or because he ddn't hear it straight from Mal Meninga after all his service to Aus

Just read his rant this morning, it sounds like he's more bothered about not being told in person but rather from a leaked news report. Can't argue with that tbf.

No Taumalolo or Harris or Luke in the Kiwi squad apparently. No Foran, Proctor or Jesse Bromwich either. Australia walkover then. Still, I'll enjoy watching.

I meant that if Scott was fit, he would be a certain pick.

If we don't make the final, something is really really wrong. Basically the players will have bottled it. We can have a real dig at Australia too. Just got to get over that psychological hurdle.

Sorry, mis-read what you meant!

In terms of the physiological side of things, like you I feel we could have a real go. Yes Australia have a good squad but we have come closer to beating better Aussie squads in the past. Let's see how the first group game goes. I can see us putting up a real fight. To capitulate in the last 10 minutes! Hopefully not though!

I think we'll struggle to match it with Australia. They beat us easily at home last year. Against NZ we have a better chance as their pack is weaker. Even then away from home it'll be tough. We should beat Tonga and Samoa even though they'll have a few Aussies and Kiwis in their line ups.

I think we have a better squad than people think. But if it's if they perform is the question. Difference between this year and in 08, we have a lot of players who play regularly against Thurston, Slater, Cronk etc and have performed outstanding in the league. So they shouldn't be in awe of them when we walk out on the field against them. Last year was a damp squid as the tournament was over after a narrow loss to NZ. I'm pretty certain we won't win the WC, but i hope we have a bloody good crack.

I think countries should not be able to pick players with girls names – Billy, Darius, Dane, Valentine, Cooper, Cameron, Boyd, Wade, Felise – are all sissy names & have no place in a physical sport. That’s how to beat em.

Just pick blokes called Brian eh?

Gary
Shane

Might have to fight off all the ladies (especially the Samanthas) but we'd trounce the ockers. Then drink em under the table.

I wouldn’t be surprised if either Samoa or Tonga beat New Zealand. It’s a shame group B games aren’t on the BBC.