Looking at the squads the teams are putting together, you'd say Australia, England and the Kiwis are in front of this group of teams, but I honestly think looking at the squads they're closer than they've ever been. I think Cook Islands and USA are a bit behind, but the others are all extremely close, which of this lot will make the semis? I can't choose between the lot of them...



I've enabled re voting if you change your mind!

i have gone for wales, think there forward pack will push them on and i think they will be more settled than any of the other make shift teams. the only player who i think wont be meeting up regular for wales would by tyson frizel.

I've gone for Fiji...but in reality, with the exception of may PNG, it is dependant on how many NRL players each nation can find relevant grandparents for.

You see! I did a list of these teams on RLP and I had Fiji and Wales as my bottom 2!

Really can't split them tbh,just looking forward to the matches!



EDIT: Thinking about it more I think I'd put Ireland last (which is a shame considering their group!). Then Scotland.



At the top it's between France, Wales, Fiji, Samoa, Italy imo

2 posts before we get the now customary moan about international eligibility.



You guys are slipping.

PNG are probably the strongest side but they don't travel that well historically.

Papua for me there a settled side Wales are poor and just because some of the lesser teams have nrl players in them it doesn't improve them that much to make a difference

I have gone with Italy just because of the quality of nrl and super league players they have got in their squad eg the minichiellos, craig gower, kade snowden,Shaun Berrigan and Terry Campese

France? I seem to say it every year and they disappoint but they look strong on paper.

FIJI only because they announced today that if fit John Sutton will be playing for them. The Sims brothers are in the pack so a lot of talent there.



Scotland will shock people though and I reckon are on for the 1/4 finals with Wallace and Brough kicking to some quality Aussies as well. Linnet is very under rated.

Tonga could be the surprise package of this world cup, could potentially have a very powerful team.