#1 BS Read vs #3 JP Wilkinson What a match-up to start our preview. These two are known as the best props in Seasonal Rugby, and could well be team-mates in the front row for the First XV. Wilkinson is all about scrummaging and we reckon he is the best at what he does but Benny Read brings the all-round game to the table. We’re going to have to back Read on this one, if we had to, although there is nothing in it.
#2 T Delonge vs #2 AJ Izett Both top quality hookers (it runs in Delonge’s family, it seems). Delonge is very good at the scrimmage and equally brilliant at the lineout. But Izett brings an excellent crash ball and he’s definitely below par in other areas of the game. We’ll give this one to Delonge though. He’s just a class above here.
#3 DW Lewis vs #1 DA Eggman This really is no contest. We honestly expect Eggman to shit down Lewis’ throat here. Eggman has it all but most importantly, he has raw power and strength. He’s certainly up there with the best and that’s why he’s been picked for the First XV. If you haven’t guessed already, we reckon Eggman takes this one.
Think the front row battle is close. Probably have the Spartans edging it on the basis the difference between Eggman and Lewis is much larger than the difference between Delonge and Izett IMO.
#4 J Torres vs #5 HT Davis This is the question on everyone’s lips. These two have both been really quite good over the course of their careers are they’re both steadily improving. Davis is a rock in defense and he’s like a salmon at the line-out. Torres is more of an attacking second row, with the crash ball being his deadliest weapon. I’m going to go with Davis in this battle, though. He’s been in phenomenal form lately and is rapidly improving.
#5 JB Dempsey vs #4 JR Denton Well, one’s in the World XV, one isn’t. One is one of the most dominant scrummaging locks in Seasonal Rugby, one isn’t. One is a demon at the line-out, one isn’t. Denton is the man with it all and he’s been rated as one of the best players in Seasonal Rugby, full stop, let alone lock. Dempsey may have the bonus of extra kicking but we’re definitely going to Denton here.
Dempsey may be the weaker player on paper, but he's still a quality option and one we'll have to be wary of. Think he's a better lock than Torres in many ways.