Best ball playing XV

Was trying to think of a team made up of the best handlers and most creative players currently playing. Would be exciting to see, but sure I've missed a lot of cracking players out . . .

1. Vunipola
2. Brits
3. Slipper
4. Gray
5. Hines
6. Croft
7. Fernandez Lobbe (c)
8. Parisse
9. Genia
10. Carter
11. O'Connor
12. Fofana
13. Smith
14. Wade
15. Dagg

Ooft, now that's one hell of a team
Although I'd swap Genia, great as he is, for Matawalu just to really get things going!

Surely for creativity Cooper overtakes Carter?

Tipuric in for Lobbe and Jenkins in for Vunipola.

wales606 wrote:Surely for creativity Cooper overtakes Carter?

Agree completely. I'd say Cruden would be ahead of Carter in that regard as well.

maestegmafia wrote:Tipuric in for Lobbe and Jenkins in for Vunipola.

Tipuric yes.

Jenkins no.

Ozzy3213 wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:Tipuric in for Lobbe and Jenkins in for Vunipola.

Tipuric yes.

Jenkins no.

You sure?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmch0xrHZIU

Tipuric maybe should be there!!!think I was swayed by Lobbes performance in the HC final, that catch and pass for the quick line out was awesome and he showed some great feet!

Cooper would be awesome for really chucking the ball around, but I just couldn't ignore Carter, was rewatching the 2005 Lions DVD with his break up the middle and hand offs to Henson and Wilkinson, awesome!

wales606 wrote:

Ozzy3213 wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:Tipuric in for Lobbe and Jenkins in for Vunipola.

Tipuric yes.

Jenkins no.

You sure?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmch0xrHZIU

Sure we can all find a clip to show our guy is the best if we want to. I could nominate my clubs Halani Aulika, but then I'd be accused of bias ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vP-rtldjZYk

wales606 wrote:

Ozzy3213 wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:Tipuric in for Lobbe and Jenkins in for Vunipola.

Tipuric yes.

Jenkins no.

You sure?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmch0xrHZIU

I would push Dagg out to 11 in place of O'Connor so Beale can come in at 15.

wanderingdragon wrote:I would push Dagg out to 11 in place of O'Connor so Beale can come in at 15.

JOC needs to be in that 15 somewhere, his attacking ability is utterly sublime

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IR6kUzhvt9o&list=PLEF0C7A369D744E85

Or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qRYIbdvkF4&list=PLEF0C7A369D744E85

or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSGmRuatkBQ

or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-i00iiwn0g

(obvs some overlap)

or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IU1aUL66Zv0

Also, keep an eye on Folau.

Not only has he pace to burn, he has a monster fend and an offload from heaven.

It's like time stands still... the vision and execution is almost beyond belief.

Linebreaker wrote:Also, keep an eye on Folau.

Not only has he pace to burn, he has a monster fend and an offload from heaven.

It's like time stands still... the vision and execution is almost beyond belief.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NkNQKXZA70

Blimey.. Is Folau likely to play vs the Lions? Remember him being awesome for the Kangaroos with Greg Inglis, amazing talent.

Best position in union, wing or FB?

I think he's been pencilled in at FB but as I've said to Ozzy before - he would be so destructive at 13 as well. I reckon we have decent options there though and Issy is very good under the high ball - AFL marking technique comes into play there. So FB it is then.

What is his defence like? Obviously he's a big guy, but in terms of playing 13 is his defence good enough positionally etc?

Pretty good defence. He knows how to tackle one on one. Don't forget in RL... defence is very sophisticated. He's proven at the highest level there.

What position did he play in League?

I only ever really watched league internationals and state of origin, so always remember him as a winger. Incredible under the high ball though, I really hope the Lions keep that in mind if he is starting

ChequeredJersey wrote:What position did he play in League?

Centre and wing.

NRL

2007: Dally M Rookie of the Year
2007: Australian Young Performer of the Year (Fairfax Sports Performer Awards)
2007: International Newcomer of the Year (RLIF Awards)
2008: State of Origin Man-of-the-Match (Game 3, 2008)
2008: Dally M Centre of the Year

Team

2007: Premiers (Melbourne Storm) (stripped)
2008: Minor Premiers (Melbourne Storm) (stripped)

Representative

2007: All-time Youngest Australian International Player (18 years and 194 days)
2007–2009: Australian Kangaroos Test Squad (3 Tests)
2008: Australian Rugby League World Cup Squad (5 Matches)
2008–2010: Queensland State of Origin Squad (8 Matches)