McCaw vs Warburton

Firstly this thread has nothing to do with the red card..

It is very disappointing that Wales were put out, and I was really looking forward to a Wales vs NZ final, and it is the final I was hoping for. France have not been in good form this tournament, and Australia have not been great either. So Wales vs NZ I thought would be a great spectacle.

The main battle I was looking forward to was the battle of the 7s and captains, Richie McCaw and Warburton. Two outstanding captains and players, one experienced, one an up and coming star. Now that we will not see this match up, we can only speculate. So in your opinion who is currently the better player? Or who do you believe would have won the battle of the 7s? Which would you currently rather have in your team (if any)?

Heinrich Brussouw.

Hmm.. do you really prefer Brussouw? I would have picked Pocock over Brussouw probably.

I wanted to see Pocock v's Warburton. Think they're top of tree right now.

I do. I prefer him over the other guys, although I couldn't complain about any of them being in my side!

If I had to rank them it would probably be Brussouw > Pocock > Warburton > McCaw. That is purely as a 7. But McCaw is the most crucial to his side, especially with no Carter.

I think Pocock is possibly the best fetcher in the world right now, but I think McCaw and Warburton are more all rounded players and since they are both captaining their side I thought it would be the best comparison and match-up.

Yeah, I will agree with that. Although I would have Brussouw as a better classic 7 than Pocock, McCaw and Warburton are the most crucial to their sides as they probably offer a bit more ball carrier ability and tackling than the other two not to mention their leadership.

You might see it yet depending on tomorrow. I just know that whatever the case I won't be rooting for France in the final. Just sick of em lucking out

I think Brussouw has been injured too much for me to make a comparison, but I definitely rate him, Pocock, McCaw and Warburton as the top 7s in the world right now. Not sure who else competes.

Knowsit17 wrote:You might see it yet depending on tomorrow. I just know that whatever the case I won't be rooting for France in the final. Just sick of em lucking out

Good point actually, the play offs if NZ lose..

McCaw will probably prove me wrong tomorrow but for me the current ranking of opensides is

Pocock
Warburton
McCaw

Warbs is the better tackler..... ......

Cardiff Taffy wrote:Warbs is the better tackler..... ......

Ignoring what you meant by this, I actually do think he is the best tackler of the lot from what I have seen.

I'd take Warbs anytime. He's a phenomonal player and still so inexperienced. With years head of him I believe he'll put down a new marker for opensides everywhere similar to McCaw's influence.

Warburton will probably be banned for the 3rd placed play off won't he?

Looseheaded wrote:I'd take Warbs anytime. He's a phenomonal player and still so inexperienced. With years head of him I believe he'll put down a new marker for opensides everywhere similar to McCaw's influence.

I probably agree actually. I think Warburton is a very similar player to McCaw, but younger and dare I say possibly has more potential?

Rory_Gallagher wrote:

Looseheaded wrote:I'd take Warbs anytime. He's a phenomonal player and still so inexperienced. With years head of him I believe he'll put down a new marker for opensides everywhere similar to McCaw's influence.

I probably agree actually. I think Warburton is a very similar player to McCaw, but younger and dare I say possibly has more potential?

I genuinely believe he will be a greater and more influential player than McCaw.

I wouldn't argue with that, only time will tell!

Pocock has to be the best with Warbles a close second, and while i'd like to give an opinion on Mccaw, i've never seen him play a game within the rules and hence it would be unfair to speculate on how good or poor he is.

As someone ( Mccaw) who ahem, breaks, bends and smashes the rules, well, there is no-one in his league, but then again who would want to be?

I've just seen Warburtons parents were English.

Bet Eng wish they could have got hold of him. Not sure they have an open side as with anywhere near as much potential maybe if they did what Wales did and brought their talented U20's through then they might find someone who's better than the current options though.

Reckon we're looking at a decade of welsh dominance of england like the 70's under him then?

english warrior wrote: Pocock has to be the best with Warbles a close second, and while i'd like to give an opinion on Mccaw, i've never seen him play a game within the rules and hence it would be unfair to speculate on how good or poor he is.

As someone ( Mccaw) who ahem, breaks, bends and smashes the rules, well, there is no-one in his league, but then again who would want to be?

I would love to see an young Irish openside in his league.. would do wonders for us.

McCaw undoubtedly the maestro of world 7 play. However, he is playing in the evening of his career carrying a foot injury. In his pomp easily the best in the world.

McCaw is superior, but hasn't been at his best this tournamnet due to injury problems. Even in his current state he would shine more if he was in any other team, you have to be impeccable to stand out in an AB team. Pocock has been the best openside this tournament.