2023 July and Pre-World Cup Internationals (excluding TRC)

[mikedogz]

3 core counties players.

[Stargazer]

The players switching allegiance, this year:
Charlie Faumuina
Steven Luatua
Christian Leali'ifano
Lima Sopoaga

[mikey07]

@Stargazer How good is it to have two world class 10s in that squad.

[Higgins]

@Stargazer said in 2023 July and Pre-World Cup Internationals (excluding TRC):

@Tim As expected, that's half the 2022 Magpies' backline unavailable for the 2023 NPC.

Well look at that, my intensely proud and pro Manu Samoa whangai grandkids have got not only Staci Ili but also captain Michael Ala'alatoa and Melani Matavao from their village in the team. I have probably run into their aiga, albeit unknowingly, on my visits up there with them!

[Stargazer]

Rugby Australia  /  Jun 19, 2023

Australia A to take on Tonga in July

[ACT Crusader]

@African-Monkey said in 2023 July and Pre-World Cup Internationals (excluding TRC):

Havili will have to play 10.

I'll give my starting Tongan lineup.

1. S Fisi'ihoi

2. P Ngauamo

3. T Koloamatagi

4. A Coleman

5. L Fifita

6. V Fifita

7. S Havili

8. S Funaki

9. S Takalua

10. W Havili

11. C Piutau

12. P Ahki

13. M Fekitoa

14. G Moala

15. I Folau

16. S Sakalia

17. F Fotuaika

18. B Tameifuna

19. S Mafi

20. L Timani

21. A Pulu

22. O Mausia

23. S Kata

That would be my side anyway to start off with.

They definitely have quality. They could be tempted to start Kata for that extra bit of pace and have a midfield of Fekitoa and Moala.

[African Monkey]

@ACT-Crusader Yeah I think they would go with that, I just don't like Moala at 12 as he doesn't distribute, but at the same time, have always rated him very highly. Much better centre/wing imo.

[ACT Crusader]

@African-Monkey Fekitoa played some 12 whilst he was still in NZ so they can keep Moala at centre if they need.

There are some willing breakdown merchants in that Tongan squad and hopefully with some solid coaching and on field leadership, they could turn a few heads.

[Stargazer]

French wtg named for training camp in early July.

[Tim]

Rugby Australia  /  Jun 19, 2023

Australia A to take on Tonga in July

[Stargazer]

venina.tinaivugona@fijirugby.net  /  Jun 26, 2023

Raiwalui names Fiji Water Flying Fijians extended squad  - Fiji Rugby Union

[NTA]

[NTA]

That's is fucking beautiful

[MiketheSnow]

@NTA said in 2023 July and Pre-World Cup Internationals (excluding TRC):

Los Pumas se van

[Stargazer]

Americas Rugby News  /  Jun 28, 2023

National Pride and Independence at heart of Argentina 2023 Jerseys - Americas Rugby News

National pride and independence are at the heart of Argentina’s 2023 rugby jerseys. Unveiled on Wednesday, Los Pumas showed what they will be wearing throughout the year. In sticking to tradition, the UAR has retained the white and sky-blue hooped jersey as the main jersey. This has been the case...

[Machpants]

@NTA said in 2023 July and Pre-World Cup Internationals (excluding TRC):

Ugh that is so shit, WTF is wrong with their hoops? Not even their trad colour, closer to ABs and/or modern France

Edit - oh alt strip

[Tim]

Maybe it's just me, but a country with their history playing in a military uniform design isn't a good look.

[Stargazer]

@Tim Yeah, I was thinking the same thing.

[NTA]

Bit of a "fuck you" to the French tho

[Machpants]

At least they have replaced the jaguar with a puma