Biggest selection dilemmas for my mind are 6/8, 9, 14 and reserve backs.
1. 7As (Allan Ala'alatoa)
2. FF (Folau Fainga'a)
3. Sio
4. Phillip
5. LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto)
6. Valetini
7. Hooper
8. Samu
9. McDermott
10. JOC (James O'Connor)
11. Marika
12. To'omua
13. Petaia
14. Daugunu
15. DHP
16. Jordan
17. Tupou
18. Slipper
19. Simmons
20. Wilson
21. White
22. Paisami
23. Hodge
My current thoughts on this. First game after quite a disrupted year. Going with combinations to start. Makes sense to start the Brumbs front 3 rather than split them up. I would also rather have Tupou & Slip in the 2nd 40 to see out the game.
Impossible to go combos in 2nd row. I've gone with physicality to start. Also with Simmons on the bench up our sleeves if the lineout starts to struggle.
Valetini and Samu for combo. Wilson on with 30 to go for either of these 2 depending on their games. Great player to see out a match.
Rounding out my thoughts on the starting pack is that is a very very physical starting 8. Every single one of those players is capable of getting one over their opposite in contact. Finish with a more mobile/attacking/skillful pack.
9/10 again gone combination. White on the bench incase McDermott is struggling. Would rather that than the other way around.
12. More for versitility/experience and leadership. Gets him over Simone
13. Obvious choice
Marika in his usual position with DHP at the back. Combo again.
Daugunu rounding it out also combining with 9/10/13
Bench piggies pick themselves for my mind. Exception perhaps loosie but have explained that above.
21 obvious
22/23 is the hardest to pick. Petaia's injuries are a concern so I feel we need a competent 13 the reserves. I am very reluctant to put JOC (James O'Connor) there even as a stopgap. This leaves only Paisami and Hodge. Hodge only in by being capable to play 12 - 15. If a winger goes off i'd shift Petaia to wing and Paisami to 13 for example. If 10/12 goes off then Hodge to 12. Every base covered. I thought about many combos here and just seems to work best for this match IMO.
Today's thoughts! Will probably change another 5 times before the team is announced.