They saved the world, twice… so what?
The real question for me is: how would they fare against the mighty All Blacks on a rainy night in Christchurch?
With this line-up, I think any rugby team in the world are in for a long night – maybe there will be some problems under the high ball.
Let’s get to it.
1. Thanos
I don’t think there is much to debate here. Absolute unit and you bet ya he will never forget to remind you of that one linebreak he had that made him feel like a wing on his way to the try line.
2. Korg
What a nice bloke. This guy has a heart of gold and would never let any of his teammates get hurt, so in a free-for-all situation, you know who’s got your back.
3. The Hulk
In more recent times he has learnt to control his emotions more and his hissy fits have been limited, so that is probably up for debate. But he has got brains now, which will improve his handling skills.
4. Groot
Groot is exactly what you want in a lock. Doesn’t have much to say and can reach any ball in a line out just by extending his index finger.
Also, a very hard man to tackle, so you would definitely want him as first receiver.
5. Vision
I honestly did not know where to put this guy, but I want him on my team. With the ability to lift 90 tonnes, who wouldn’t want to square this guy up against Maro Itoje?
6. Bucky Barnes
The guy is as tough as nails and has a metal arm. You know he will be winning you every single ball at the breakdown.
Also has the ability to turn into an absolute killing machine if need be.
7. War-Machine
Basically Iron-Man without Tony so he can fly and shoot stuff by just using his palm.
(Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)
8. Thor
In an interview once, a reporter asked him how it feels to be the strongest man in the universe, upon which he answered: “I don’t know, maybe you should ask Duanne Vermeulen?”
Unfortunately, Duanne is not an Avenger so we will have to settle for second best, which is the god of thunder.
9. Deadpool
So, I know he is not an Avenger and all, but he just as well could have been one if he didn’t look like an avocado with skin cancer without his suit on.
But I know this guy will be cheeky as hell with the other team’s forwards come scrum time.
10. Hawkeye
The most accurate man in the universe – the transition from bow to boot won’t be too hard for Clint. He also has shown that he can take control, and with his backline full of egos, you know he will have to.
11. Ant-Man
He can change the size of his body by pushing a button, so he will only be caught if he wants to be. I do have concerns with his capability under the high ball, so maybe a guy like Loki isn’t a bad shout either?
12. Iron-Man
I had to put him in – I mean, there is no way you can leave a superstar like him out of the first XV.
The man is a genius, so he will be no doubt spotting gaps before they even open with the help of F.R.I.D.A.Y (if you don’t know who that is, look it up).
13. Captain America
This guy will be captaining this team and I couldn’t really pick anyone else here, could I?
He gives me Brian O’Driscoll vibes just by looking at him and that’s why he’s my captain.
Wouldn’t you get goosebumps if this guy comes on at halftime when you’re 20 points behind and he gives a heartwarming speech and then ends it with… Avengers ASSEMBLE!
14. Black Panther
He could just as easily have been picked at 12 or 13 because of his strength, but we need pace in the wide areas.
Imagine you give this guy a little space with the ball in hand – he’ll never stop running!
15. Spiderman
Quick feet, can leap from buildings and can steal the ball out of the air with his webshooters – it’s a no brainer for me. The kid from Queens rounds out my team.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
You would nearly have to have the locks being brothers Clegane.
Andy F
Roar Rookie
Would love to see a Westeros/GOT team
piru
Roar Rookie
Not to mention the locks
MO
Guest
Reckon Black Widow would play 2 and the NZ front rowers union would be very supportive.
piru
Roar Rookie
They surely are Avengers, I hadn't thought of Drax, let's put him on the bench
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Wolverine and Juggernaut avengers? Surely there is room for Drax? Even the dude who plays him is a unit at 198cm and 130kg!
jeznez
Roar Guru
IDTIL, have enjoyed this exercise immensely. Am back to have a crack at my own version (shout out to Piru for his choice of hooker, to JDK for the call at 10 – definitely going with those). 1. Thing – rock hard and belligerent 2. Wolverine – never a backward step, skill for lineout throwing and can take a lot of punishment 3. Hulk – you nailed that one 4. She Hulk – will power that right side of the scrum with her cousin 5. Groot – yep with you on him 6. Jessica Jones – powerful, tough, might look short but can fly in the lineouts 7. Deadpool – I need him in the pack, those AB’s will be going for neckrolls at the ruck and we need someone who can take the damage and keep coming back 8. Thor – agree 9. Hawkeye – moving his accurate bullet passes in one 10. Doc Strange – an absolute magician in the playmaker role 11. Vision – I’m with you that we want him out there but let’s use his speed, power when needed and intagibility when we need elusiveness out wide 12. Captain Marvel – no one better on the crash line 13. Iron Man – he’ll read the opposition and boss the outside backs 14. Quicksilver – quite simply lightning in space 15. Spiderman – I like your pick, his Spidey Sense will have him in the right place at the right time on D and his skills and agility make him an ideal second playmaker in attack
piru
Roar Rookie
Would probably spend his spare time chaining himself to bulldozers and banging on about the environment Yes, imagine if we'd had a captain like THAT for the Wallabies!
piru
Roar Rookie
Ok I've rethought my position 1. Hulk 2. Colossus 3. Juggernaut 4. Mr Fantastic 5. Groot (agree with you on that one) 6. Captain America (c) 7. Dr Strange (was that offside? a different dimension? you don't know) 8. Thor 9. Wolverine (remembering comic book Wolverine was only 5'3") 10. Ironman - Need Tony Stark directing things, kicking accuracy can be built into the suit I'm sure) 11. Quicksilver 12. The Winter Soldier 13. War Machine 14. Spiderman 15. Vision (all the best fullbacks have great vision)
Mooty
Roar Rookie
Yes John Steed and Emma Peel, I naively thought this article was referring to them until I started reading it. Obviously I’ve missed something by not going to mainstream pictures for the last 30 years.
Sheikh
Roar Rookie
Definitely Peter Maximoff at 14, possibly making Black Panther switch wings as Ant-man can be slow to recover from knocks. Also, Spiderman at 15? Too lightweight, surely. I'd have Black Widow there as no-one's going to get past her.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Very good! Let’s not forget Emma Peel.
piru
Roar Rookie
Thanos and Korg aren't Avengers. You want the Hulk and Juggernaut at 1 and 3 Wolverine at 2
JGK
Roar Guru
Is Korg in there as the token Kiwi?
JGK
Roar Guru
Or the Jaguares.
Machooka
Roar Guru
Thanks ididthisinlockdown... and, yep, lockdown will do this to people. You are a person and not one of those other so-called super hero types thingys? :silly: I actually like your team... especially the spine of this selection. Although, in saying that, I'm a little worried about Hulk's discipline issues and fear he'd be a card magnet?! And if ever there was a halfback inflicted with that constant gobbing off at the mouth disease, plus a face that only a mother could love... then Deadpool (caveat accepted) is that man amongst other boyish 9s. Ffs... will you shut-up! :thumbup:
G Len N
Roar Rookie
Fury obviously the Coach. I’d have Quicksilver running the water.
JGK
Roar Guru
Yep. Captain Marvel should be picked ahead of Thanos. She’s stronger and faster.
JGK
Roar Guru
No spot for John Steed?
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
Great concept! You need Dr Strange at ten, he's an absolute magician. With Scarlet Witch causing all sorts of chaos at 12. As Jez said, you need Captain Marvel in the team, at 13 she will power through the defence like it's the Chitauri army. Rocket the racoon is my 9. The right height, and plenty of lip. With Thanos ineligible I've got W'Kabi the rhino man as my loosehead. So long as Okoye isn't on the other team I've got Drax at 6. Nobody is going down his channel.