Team of the Rugby World Cup (277)
- 22 Oct 07, 06:59 AM
Well, it’s all over folks. Forty-eight matches, 44 days, 12 different venues and one winner.
South Africa took the ultimate honour, but many other teams and players gave us plenty of memories to sustain us through until .
So if you were picking a composite side from all the 20 nations competing in France, who would make it into your team of the tournament?
I’ve canvassed the opinions of my colleagues in ±«Óătv Sport who have contributed to this blog over the last seven weeks, and this is our selection...
15 Jason Robinson (England) - One of England’s few genuine world-class players at the outset can be pleased with his farewell to Test rugby, despite the pain of being forced off injured in the final. A stirring one-man show in the battering by the Boks was followed by dazzling interventions in the shock victories over Australia and France. The game will be poorer without “”.
Honourable mentions: Chris Latham (Australia), Percy Montgomery (South Africa), Ignacio Corleto (Argentina).
14 Vilimoni Delasau (Fiji) - In a good tournament for wingers, the Clermont Auvergne player just about held off some strong competition, notably France’s own impish predator Vincent Clerc. But Delasau epitomised the attacking flair that took Fiji through to the quarter-finals with that thrilling victory over Wales, entertaining the crowds with his lightning forays down the flank.
Honourable mentions: Vincent Clerc (France), Drew Mitchell (Australia), Paul Sackey (England)
13 Seru Rabeni (Fiji) - A position where the main contenders beforehand – Ireland’s Brian O’Driscoll, France’s Yannick Jauzion, Australia’s Stirling Mortlock – failed to quite hit the heights despite the odd flashes. The dreadlocked Rabeni on the other hand was an inspirational figure in knocking out Wales and giving South Africa a quarter-final fright. Power and panache.
Honourable mentions: Stirling Mortlock (Australia), Jaque Fourie (SA), Tom Shanklin (Wales)
12 Felipe Contepomi (Argentina) - A guiding light in the Pumas’ run to the semi-finals, providing flashes of brilliance with ball in hand, a reassuring presence with the boot, landing most of his kicks at goal, and a fiery attitude in everything else he did. Not at his best against Ireland, but his Leinster team-mates still won’t thank him for helping knock out his adopted country.
Honourable mentions: Luke McAlister (New Zealand), Francois Steyn (South Africa)
11 Bryan Habana (South Africa) – Who else? Began with four tries against Samoa, including one scintillating solo effort, and finished as the World Cup’s leading try-scorer with eight, equalling Jonah Lomu’s tournament record. Awesome pace matched by speed of thought and eye for a gap; showed in the final he can do the dirty work as well. Pure box office, now a world champion.
Honourable mentions: Chris Paterson (Scotland – 100% with the boot), Shane Williams (Wales)
10 Juan Martin Hernandez (Argentina) – “El Mago” (The Magician) was also labelled “the Maradona of rugby” and certainly revelled in being handed the responsibility of directing operations for the Pumas after his switch from full-back. Booming high kicks and touchfinders mixed with sublime touch, balance and bravery. Not great in the semis, but still a star turn.
Honourable mentions: Jonny Wilkinson (England), Pierre Hola (Tonga), Nicky Little (Fiji)
9 Fourie Du Preez (South Africa) – The class act in a strong field, in which Andy Gomarsall enjoyed a stirring renaissance. Du Preez announced himself with a man-of-the-match display against England in the pool stages. Lightning pass, strong kicking game, darting breaks and alert brain, invariably making the right decisions at the right time. Fulcrum of the new world champions.
Honourable mentions: Andy Gomarsall (England), Agustin Pichot (Argentina), Mosese Raulini (Fiji)
1 Andrew Sheridan (England) - The cornerstone of an England pack that dragged the defending champions from pool stragglers to surprise finalists, giving a career-defining performance in the quarter-final victory over Australia with some formidably destructive scrummaging and barnstorming charges with ball in hand. No tight-head will enjoy facing him from now on.
Honourable mention: Rodrigo Roncero (Argentina - the other outstanding prop in the World Cup)
2 Mario Ledesma (Argentina) – One of the Pumas’ most experienced campaigners, the balding 34-year-old hooker was the spearhead of an Argentine pack that barely took a backward step from start to finish. Formidable in the set-piece and insipirational in the loose, his all-round contribution offered more than the man who eventually lifted the World Cup.
Honourable mention: John Smit (South Africa)
3 Martin Scelzo (Argentina) - The other member of an outstanding Pumas front row that had the edge on all their opponents at scrum-time and kept the tournament’s shock troops on the front foot throughout with some sterling driving work and tireless defence around the rucks. Carl Hayman can still claim to be the world’s premier tight-head, but his impact was not as great.
Honourable mentions Carl Hayman (New Zealand), Matt Stevens (England)
4 Simon Shaw (England) – A close call this one, and difficult to leave out Bakkies Botha, the Springbok who has added a skilful dimension to his hard-nosed aggression. But England’s gentle giant, finally playing in a World Cup at the fourth attempt, enjoyed an outstanding tournament, producing an array of fine touches with ball in hand to go with the donkey work around the field.
Honourable mentions: Bakkies Botha (South Africa), Mamuka Gorgodze (Georgia)
5 Victor Matfield (South Africa) - Underlined his status as the best lock in the world with a man-of-the-match display in the final, where his line-out dominance was something to behold. Head and shoulders above the rest, quite literally at times, the 30-year-old provided a crucial leadership cog in a Springboks pack that came up with the answers when required. Deserved his winners medal.
Honourable mentions: Ifereimi Rawaqa (Fiji), Patricio Albacete (Argentina)
6 Akapusi Qera (Fiji) - Gloucester fans are in for a treat if the dynamic contribution of Qera to the Pacific Islanders’ run to the quarter-finals is anything to go by. The big boys all came to the party – Schalk Burger was the pedigree choice, if not always brilliant, Jerry Collins showed flair to go with the brawn – but the pace and power of the 23-year-old Qera was quite something.
Honourable mentions: Schalk Burger (South Africa), Jerry Collins (NZ), Serge Betsen (France)
7 Nili Latu (Tonga) – Another highly competitive area, where France found a new back-row star in Thierry Dusautoir, and Juan Smith put in a fair shift for the Springboks. But the bald head of the Tongan captain Latu was always in the thick of the action with his support play, ball-handling and work at the breadown, playing through injury at times in a superb tournament for his country.
Honourable mentions: Thierry Dusautoir (France) , Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe (Argentina), Juan Smith (SA),
8 Gonzalo Longo (Argentina) - A position where you could make strong arguments for the formidably committed and coiffeured Finau Maka and the athletic Julien Bonnaire – the closest the hosts came to getting a player in this team. But Longo, after taking over from Juan Manuel Leguizamon at number eight, was a key part of a rampaging Pumas back-row in both attack and defence.
Honourable mentions: Finau Maka (Tonga), Julien Bonnaire (France), Vasco Uva (Portugal)
So there you have it. We’ve ended up with five Argentines, three South Africans (though there could easily have been more), three Englishmen, three one Tongan, and not a single All Black.
A nice reflection, perhaps, of the teams that brought the most to France 2007? As always, let us know your own thoughts...
Bryn Palmer is the ±«Óătv Sport website’s rugby union editor.
Comments Post your comment
What a thankless task...impossible to satisfy everyone! A lot of people won't we happy with only 3 SA's in the line up. I was very impressed with their openside smith.
I don't think anyone will fancy playing the Argies after this..how many times have they beaten France in a row now...6??
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Pray tell with the number of Fijians in the team, did they win the RWC?
I think Smith the RSA No 7 warrants a place and I'd pick Montgomery at 15 because of his penalty taking. You are correct no AB!
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Augustin pichot was in my opinion of a far higher class than du preez but other than that fair play although i would of though the fijian 7 would of got an honerable mention (mental blank and i can't remember his name) but he was lighning fast and a huge credit to the islanders.
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my world fifteen fot this tournament would be:
15.jason robinon
14.Vilimoni Delasau
13.Matthew Tait
12.Luke McAlister
11.Bryan Habana
10.Jonny Wilkinson
9. Fourie Du Preez
8. Finau Maka
7. Lewis Moody
6. Schalk Burger
5. Victor Matfield
4. Simon Shaw
3. Carl Hayman
2. John Smit
1. Andrew Sheridan
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What a thankless task...impossible to satisfy everyone! A lot of people won't we happy with only 3 SA's in the line up. I was very impressed with their openside smith.
I don't think anyone will fancy playing the Argies after this..how many times have they beaten France in a row now...6??
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Pray tell with the number of Fijians in the team, did they win the RWC?
I think Smith the RSA No 7 warrants a place and I'd pick Montgomery at 15 because of his penalty taking. You are correct no AB!
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Not bad at all, I've gotta agree with most of your selections. However Monty has to be there instead of Robinson, he may not be the best to watch but his boot won the tournament for s.africa so for me he's an automatic choice. Smit has to be in at 2, if only because his lineout throwing was miles better than Ledesma when it mattered. France are unlucky not to have anyone there but the likes of Bonnaire, Clerc and Ellisalde were probably all 2nd best in their positions. I propose a worst team of the tournament, Ireland 1-15 with Jauzion in for O'Driscoll.
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What about that American winger? The one who outpaced Habana?? Stick him in there instead of Delesau, and I would also put Steyn there instead of Contepomi and Burger for Qera.
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Pray tell with the number of Fijians in the team, did they win the RWC?
I think Smith the RSA No 7 warrants a place and I'd pick Montgomery at 15 because of his penalty taking. You are right no AB, who would have Adam n'Eved it before the RWC!
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Much as I love Billy Whizz, the No. 15 shirt has to go to Percy Montgomery. He was pretty much faultless the whole tournament, and put in a brave performance in the final when he clearly a bit crocked. Unfortunately for us England supporters...
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Robinson? Wilkinson?! Even as an England fan I think that's unrealistic. Robbo deserves a mention because he didn't let anyone down and was brave throughout but did he score 1 try? And Corletto how good was he? Also Montgomery wasn't too bad.
As for Johnny, he head a big impact on the players around him and tackled well but I think the performance he put in in the final was the most disappointing of his career.
Sheridan deserves his place, he is getting better and better but he should take a look at the Argentinian front row in the loose and tr and follow suit. Gomarsal was terrific - a great renaissance though subdued in the final.
England battled valiantly but other than Sheridan I wouldn't have any of them in the team
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No real complaints on this selection - in fact, most of the individual choices are remarkably clearcut. It's a pity to have to leave Roncero out - what a hero he is (I wonder could he play tight-head in the team). Juan Smith at 7 is also unlucky, although Tonga deserve a player. I thought Luke McAlister was outstanding at times, but Felipe did the business too, and would take the kicks in the team.
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No you're never going to please everyone, but if your picking a world cup XV then surely you have to put players in the position they have played in during the world cup?
Isn't Qera an openside?
Also, Some people will never understand that Burger is an openside and Juan Smith is a blindside. Why is it so hard to grasp?
Other than that the team is pretty solid. Though I'd perhaps gone with Corleto (15), Dusatoire (7), Albacete (5).
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Robinson ahead of Montgomery? I didn't see the first few England games. However in the ones I did watch I didn't see Robinson do too many exceptional things . He may well be a great player, but we are talking about this tournament . Bit of bias there I think . Montgomery was a major reason SA won this tournament.
Agree with Sheridan and Shaw though . The English scrum set the standard which nations like Australia will have to work on for the future.
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i think thats a pretty fair reflection
i would stick Jonny in, and Steyn at 12
the argies have a lot of old players, this gave them great experience, but now they need to start blooding some young guys in, will be very interesting to see their depth
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Two changes required to your team.
At fullback,Chris Latham is the outstanding world player,however we are talking about the tournament so it has to be between glamour boy Percy Montgomery or Ignacio Corleto.Percy just shades it.
One of the main reasons why SA won the Webb Ellis is because of their outstanding lineout, so Bakkies Botha has to join Matfield in the second row.
Dare I suggest a little emotion creeping into your choices?
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As the first poster said, an extremely difficult task, but Thierry Dusautoir of France would be a clear first choice for Flanker. How many tackles did he make against the mighty All Blacks - 70 or something. More than the entire NZ team altogether.
Otherwise a good selection, although Robinson is only there out of sympathy lets face it! Corleto and Montgomery both scored far more than points than him.
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jason robinson and simon shaw are you kidding? english bias!
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Seems weird to me - Fiji, Argentina and co have massive representation in this team yet came unglued against SA when they needed to prove that they are world class team, with world class individuals? Not a single Kiwi (have hardly lost in 4 years - sure they did when it mattered but they have stunning individual players) or Aussies. Looks very one eyed too me....
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Well I don't think you would have a terribly good case to argue against any of those. Although for leadership , the South African hooker must be up there.
That pack would frighten the ar*e of anyone though.
If we were including a coach in this, I would nominate whichever south African coach ( Eddie Jones?) came up with the unbelievably cunning ploy of defending a rolling maul by running backwards, thereby forcing the ref to give a 'Truck and trailor' penalty. Simple but brilliant.
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Too Argo-centric for my liking. They just did not show up for the semi, did they?
There HAS to be more SA in it as they did win it without losing a game. That means there should be a place for an Aussie too, the video ref has to get a mention!
It is not bad, but I think Jonny has to beat Hernandez and Botha has to get the nod on Shaw as the second row is a partnership.
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"What a thankless task...impossible to satisfy everyone! A lot of people won't we happy with only 3 SA's in the line up. I was very impressed with their openside smith."
Juan Smith is not really an openside. In SA they either play a left/right flanker combination or 6 is openside & 7 blindside.
Also how Marius Tincu isn't the 1st choice hooker I don't know. He scrummaged very well, winning tightheads, threw well into the lineout and both his rolling maul play and ball-carrying were superb. Even before this year's WC he was the best hooker in the world.
Additionally, despite Sheridan, Roncero, Milloud and (an ageing) du Randt's contributions, the best scrummaging loosehead in the world is still Woodcock. Sheridan's overhyping is amazing - his strength destroys weak scrummaging props but against good technical tightheads he always struggles.
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You can see this team has been picked by a bunch of Poms.
Montgomery (SA) at 15. Top points scorer, sound at the back and joins the backline on attack if need be.
At 14 would love to see the USA guy who smoked Habana. Could you imaging him playing with space and with other talented players around him.
Mortlock at 13 and Giteau at 12. Put these guys behind a decent pack. Great combination!
Front row has to be Roncero (Arg), Smit (SA) and Hayman (NZ).
Best lock pairing in the workd is Botha and Matfield. Like a true "enforcer", Botha does the hard work.
Smit and Burger are to of the best flanks in the world with a work rate second to none. Tough to leave out Mccall though. Maka (Tongo) gets my vote at 8.
On the bench - Sherridan (Eng), Chris Jack (NZ), Ledesma (Arg), Dusautoir (France), Grechan (Aus), Little (Fiji) and Contepomi.
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Too Argo-centric formy taste.
They did not show up for the semi, did they?
There HAS to be more SA players as you have to credit the men who won it for SA.
That means an Aussie has to make my team. Stuart Dickinson, step forward!
Your team is not bad, but Jonny has to beat Hernandez and Botha should be in for Shaw to partner Matfield. I think Pichot has a shout against Du Preez too. the back row should all be SA too.
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Do no Aussies get even a mention?
Nope, guess not.. heh heh
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Although Burger wears the 6 jersey he's actually an openside and Smith is the blindside. They wear the "wrong" jerseys in SA for some reason. Will that mean the team will change?
I wouldn't have Sheridan in there either - over rated lump in my opinion. I'd have whacked Os Du Randt in there, 36 and still going strong even if he has retired now.
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Not sure about the English bias comment. Both Simon Shaw and Jason Robinson have been lauded by SA, Aus and the French players. Who better to judge than there opponents.
Agree Juan Smith should be included, but otherwise pretty much spot on.
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I disagree.
u should have John Smit there as captain. Jaun Smith was by far the best loose foward. immense line out play and defence. plus Percy was the highest point scorer and played suberbly thourgh out the tournament.
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Although Burger wears the 6 jersey he's actually an openside and Smith is the blindside. They wear the "wrong" jerseys in SA for some reason. Will that mean the team will change?
I wouldn't have Sheridan in there either - over rated lump in my opinion. I'd have whacked Os Du Randt in there, 36 and still going strong even if he has retired now.
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Only 3 south africans and not a single frenchman ? Utterly ridiculous ...
Here is my choice, inspired by planet-rugby.com ; their approach makes much more sense, as they made weekly selections, based on ratings given for each game.
15 Percy Montgomery - I agree it's a difficult choice, as Robinson was terrific against France and Australia
14 Vincent Clerc - Undisputable
13 Stirling Mortlock - Who else ?
12 Felipe Contempomi - Your choice also
11 Bryan Habana - No comments needed...
10 Juan Martin "El Mago" Hernandez - arguably the world's best player at the moment - your choice also
9 Fourie du Preez - who else ? - Your choice also
8 Gonzalo Longo - Your choice also
7 Thierry Dusautoir - The revelation of the world cup.
6 Juan Smith - Your choice also
5 Victor Matfield - Your choice also - If only he had played for England...
4 Simon Shaw - Your choice also
3 Andrew Sheridan Roncero and De Villiers are close
2 John Smit (captain) - Omitting him is a joke
1 Martin Scelzo - Edges out du Randt
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What a load of tosh...how the hell can you leave Percy out of the team...er he is the tournaments top scorer.Not taking anything away from Billy Whizz(he is awesome)but seriously now this is supposed to be the World Cup best XV. Where is Juan Smith? Where is OS? Vickery was really good until he came up against OS.Juan Smith ran rings around all the other loose forwards. Just because he is not a glory boy does not mean he is not arguably the best at what he does. Shame on you for this arrogant bias towards the English...and so many Islanders. I dont remember them in the rough end of the tournament. BOKKE BOKKE BOKKE
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Well Mosese Raulini from Fiji for No. 9 and Nicky Little at No. 10.
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Really tough to satisfy everyone and any team will come in for criticism. Here's my effort.
15. Chris Latham
14. Takudzwa Ngwenya
13. Seru Rabeni
12. Felipe Contepomi
11. Shane Williams
10. Juan Martin Hernandez
9. Agustin Pichot
8. Julien Bonnaire
7. Juan Smith
6. Serge Betsen
5. Victor Matfield
4. Bakkies Botha
3. Martin Scelzo
2. John Smit
1. Rodrigo Roncero
16. Andrew Sheridan
17. Dimitri Szarzewski
18. Simon Shaw
19. Theirry Dusautoir
20. Jean Baptiste Ellisalde
21. Mike Hercus
22. Bryan Habana
I've tried to include a few less obvious players and have also considered some players based on how important these individuals are to their teams, as opposed to simply their quality. Any thoughts?
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15 - If i were choosing a player to win a game - Percy Montgomery over Robinson
2 - John smit, for leadership and Lineout work. Although he does a lot of unseen work. Ledesma was fantastic though.
6/7 - Blindside flank Juan Smith. Was the best blindside in the tournement
I am south african so may be a bit biased.
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This is funny...
Only 3 South Africans make the cut? I have no idea how Juan Smith doesn't make it into the best 15, and this must be the first team of the tournament ever that does not include the winning captain.
Also, you don't know your openside from your blindside flanks - Jerry Collins is blindside, Dusautoir is openside, Betsen played blindside when playing with Dusautoir.
Plus, no honorable mentions for Doug Howlett, Richie McCaw, Ali Williams? Nor Jauzion? Nor Giteau or Tuqiri? And, best of all, not a word about Os du Randt?
Heh. Guess two winners medals don't count for much.
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I'd have picked Botha over Shaw, and beside Nili Latu, were the other Fijians picked based on 1 game?
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Bizarrely, I entirely agree with the team above, which I rarely do. Good calls on all of them. Also, I'd have Juan Martin Hernandez as player of the tournament.
Who would you have as the most disappointing players of the tournament?
I'd start with the entire Ireland team...
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hahaha
i watched every single match of the world cup and don't recognize half of THAT squad. Put that team up against any of the Boks, All Blacks, France or Aussies, and they'll get thrashed
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I agree with the previous poster - Jason Robinson doesnt belong in the list - Simon Shaw also isnt too hot, i think there were better players in the tournament than them.
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What utter nonesense. Surely, teher are far better teams than your selection. You are thinking with your heart my friend, not your otherwise fair rugby brain. Schalk for sure,, Juan Smith yes, Monty definately, Pichot unrivalled, Habana and Ngwenya? What a combination that would be. I can understand your allegiance to the Roses, but c'mon if you want to retain my respect for your journalism, be fair..........think Rugby!!!
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I disagree with this team as although the pacific islanders did well they did not win. this should be the team:
1. Andrew Sheridan
2. John Smit
3. Carl Hayman
4. Simon Shaw
5. Victor Matfield
6. Juan Smith
7. Schalk Burger
8. Gonzalo Longo
9. Fourie de Preez
10. Juan Martin Hernandez
11. Bryan Habana
12. Yannick Jauzion
13. Stiring Mortlock
14. Vilimoni Delesau
15. Jason Robinson
and captain is of course Smit
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percy montgomery deserved the full back place far more than jason robinson
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my 15 would be
15-rory lamont
14-chris paterson
13-seru rabeni
12-phillpe contempomi
11-brian habana
10-juan martin hernandez
9-augustin pichot
8-gonzalo longo
7-allistair hogg
6-schalke burger
5-victor matfield
4-simon shaw
3-carl hayman
2-john smit
1-andrew sheridan
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Where are the All Blacks? Surely one of the best team in the world can make the team? .... sigh
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In my view the unique style of the Fijians has certainly blinded you on this one. They produced some great performances and a flurry of impressive breaks but couldn't inflict that coup de gras that the world class teams are capable of.
For me Schalk Berger was one of the players of the tournament, not just for the yards he gained but for his untiring defensive work.
Simon Shaw over Bakkies Botha, sorry but many won't be able to swallow that one.
Otherwise it is a solid assessment, well done.
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These are always difficult, likely to be favoured to your own team and over sentimental. But here goes:
15 - Montgomery
14 - Howlett
13 - Mortlock
12 - P Contipomi
11 - Habana
10 - Hernandez
9 - Pichot
8 - Bonnaire
7 - Latu
6 - J Smith
5 - Matfield
4 - Botha
3 - Stevens
2 - Smit
1 - Sheridan
To play the nearly team of:
15 - Crichton
14 - Sackey
13 - M Contipomi
12 - Macallister
11 - Clerc
10 - James
9 - Gommarsall
8 - Maku
7 - Moody
6 - Dusatoir
5 - Thion
4 - Shaw
3 - Hasan
2 - Hore
1 - Roncera
Find of the tournament: Dusatoir
Dissapointment of the tournament: NZ selection (how could they leave Howlett out for the QF?)
Coach of the tournament: White
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Even though the fijians had a supurb tornament, i still feel there should be a few more players who reached the semi finals in there, esp SA. Here is my team
1. Andrew Sheridan
2. Mario Ledesma
3. Os Du Rant
4. Simon Shaw
5. Victor Matfield
6. Schalk Burger
7. Juan Smith (only just nicking it from Thierry Dusautoir)
8. Gonzalo Longo
9. Fourie Du Preez
10. Juan Martin Hernandez
11. Bryan Habana
12. Francois Steyn
13. Seru Rabeni
14. Vincent Clerc
15. Ignacio Corleto
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Interesting picks, but being English, there definitely is some bias in there. ;-)
Schalk Burger and Juan Smith both deserve a spot in your team, without a doubt.
Jason Robinson at 15? Really? For what? Montgomery played his socks off in the tournament. You don't rock up and score the most points in the World Cup for nothing.
Oh, and at No.2 John Smit also deserves the nod.
Interesting read none the less.
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my 15 would be
15-rory lamont
14-chris paterson
13-seru rabeni
12-phillpe contempomi
11-brian habana
10-juan martin hernandez
9-augustin pichot
8-gonzalo longo
7-allistair hogg
6-schalke burger
5-victor matfield
4-simon shaw
3-carl hayman
2-john smit
1-andrew sheridan
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Mr Palmer is displaying his ignorance I'm afraid.
To leave Juan Smith out of the team of the tournament is bad enough but to leave him out of the wrong position is even worse.
Smith was considered by Mr Palmer for the open-side flanker position when he is, in fact, a blind-side flanker.
As most people who follow rugby know, the South Africans give their open-side the number '6' jersey and their blindside the number '7' jersey.
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i prefer rhis team as the best 15 for the world cup
15- Percy Montgomery
14- Doug Howlett
13- Stirling Mortlock
12- Francois Steyn
11- Bryan Habana
10- Pierre Hola
9- Agustin Pichot
8- Finau Maka
7- Richie McCaw
6- Jerry Collins
5- Victor Matfield
4- Simon Shaw
3- Martin Scelzo
2- John Smit
1- Andrew Sheridan
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What a joke, no All Blacks, I would beat the house on the AB's beating that so called world 15. Obviously Im a kiwi but not include Morlock either shows what a joke those selection's are.
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In my view the unique style of the Fijians has certainly blinded you on this one. They produced some great performances and a flurry of impressive breaks but couldn't inflict that coup de gras that the world class teams are capable of.
For me Schalk Berger was one of the players of the tournament, not just for the yards he gained but for his untiring defensive work.
Simon Shaw over Bakkies Botha, sorry but many won't be able to swallow that one.
Otherwise it is a solid assessment, well done.
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You've got to be kidding me...
Robinson? He's lost his pace and is not as dangerous as he used to be...
Percy should definetly be there...
Schalk Burger as well, the best loose foward in the word...
Os Du Randt had a Sterling performance...
John Smith should also be there...and you can never leave out Bakkies Both....
I would probably also include Dan Carter and the USA winger who outpaced Bryan Habanna
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Too many Argentines, yes they were great and got the WC off top a scintillating start but, they were very poor when it came to the crunch against SA, lost all their composure. England and SA 3 players each, probably about right, SA not as good as we thought, England looked as likely if not more so. England are closing in on try nations, a lot of pressure on All B's for next WC home advantage and now behind Auz & SA cup wins. We need more games against the elite and Argentina to make 6 nations 7. Welsh and Scotish not getting enough sufficently competitive domestic games we need to sort our the structure at home and we will be even stronger.
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A few changes I'd make.
13. Probably Mortlock is the most deserving.
1. Roncero - Sheridan had a great game against Oz, but Roncero was consistently putting in top-notch performances.
6. Jerry Collins. As novel as it is to have a World XV with zero ABs, Collins is the blindside who impressed me the most.
7. Dusatoir. A French revelation.
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TEAM OF THE TOURENMENT
1. Sheridan - ENG
2. Smit (c) - RSA
3. Roncero - ARG
4. Shaw - ENG
5. Matfield - RSA
6. Smith - RSA
7. Dusatoir - FRA
8. Easter - ENG
9. Pichot - ARG
10. Hernandez - ARG
11. Habana - RSA
12. McAlister - NZL
13. Fourie - RSA
14. Paterson (Kicker) - SCO
15. Robinson - ENG
16. Ibanez - FRA
17. Os Du Randt - RSA
18. Bakkies Botha - RSA
19. Bonnaire - FRA
20. Du Preez - RSA
21. F Contepomi - ARG
22. Takudzwa Ngwenya - USA (The winger who ran around Habana)
In the 22;
South Africans - 8
Englishmen - 4
Argentinians - 4
Frenchmen - 3
Scotsmen - 1
Kiwis - 1
Americans - 1
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Hee, hee hee...not a Wallaby or an All Black in sight !!!!!!!!!!!!
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Jerry Collins at 6!...great going forward and awesome in defence. Shame NZ didn't go further this RWC to prove that he has the best all-round 6 game at the moment
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Pretty good selection. All my team of the tournament get at least an honourable mention.
15. Robinson (Eng)
14. Delasau (Fiji)
13. Fourie (SA)
12. Contepomi (Arg)
11. Habana (SA)
10. Hernandez (Arg)
9. Du Preez (SA)
1. Sheridan (Eng)
2. Smit (SA)
3. Scelzo (Arg)
4. Shaw (Eng)
5. Matfield (SA)
6. Collins (NZ)
7. Latu (Tonga)
8. Bonnaire (Fra)
16. Ledesma (Arg)
17. Roncero (Arg)
18. Botha (SA)
19. Maka (Tonga)
20. Rauluni (Fiji)
21. Hola (Tonga)
22. Latham (Aus)
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Only 3 from the winning team?
They ruled nr 4,5,6 and 7. There is more lineouts than scrums in a game so give them nr 2 aswell. Tough choise between Simon and Bakkies.
Percy (Prince Charming) Montgomery was the best and most reliable fullback.
Both Jonny and "El Mago" looked ordinary against Butch James.
15 - Montgomery
14 - Clerc
13 - Mortlock
12 - McAlister
11 - Habana
10 - Hernandez
9 - Du Preez
1 - Sheridan
2 - Smit (c)
3 - Scelzo
4 - Shaw
5 - Matfield
6 - Burger
7 - Smith
8 - Longo
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Most of the team looks pretty spot on but You missed out some players who were top class. Os Du randt for one and Carl Hayman for 3. Luke Mcallister was the best 12 in the tournament by far and simon shaw? whats he doing in there, Ba Botha was the best stealer of lineout ball every game, probably a major reason England lost the final.
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Not sure Argentina deserve 5 players. Fridays performance was scintillating, but there was no pressure - they cracked under immense pressure in the semis.
Juan Smit (also good in the lineouts) and Schalk Burger should be there, as well as Monty in place of Robinson.
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15.Jason Robinson
14.Paul Sackey
13.Stirling Mortlock
12.Luke Maclister
11.Bryan Habana
10.Johny Wilkinson
9.Fourie Du Preez
8.Gonzalo Longo
7.Lewis Moodey
6.Shaclk Burger
5.Victor Matfield
4.Simon Shaw
3.Carl Haymen
2.John Smit
1.Andrew Sheridan
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There are a whole bunch of people, it seems, who wouldn't have a single Englishman in there, despite England making it to the final. Of course, there are a whole bunch of people out there who would hate England, whatever. A reasonably fair selection, I'd say.
And as to the guy who asked why the Fijians were in there when they didn't win the tournament, this is about outstanding individuals. Three or four outstanding individuals won't win a tournament if the rest of their team aren't good enough.
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you forgot Shane Warne from Australia!
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I'm very sorry but Montgomery is the greatest full back in the world. B. Botha is much better than Shaw and Sheridan need to improve a lot as a prop.
And finally, what about J. Smith, T. Dussautoir and F. Steyn (20 years old ; if he was british...)
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Good work. I'm sure you enjoyed the holiday... presumably your WAGS would rather the ±«Óătv kept you at home. Your input of opinion and passion should be kept up. I look forward to hearing more from you guys during the 6 nations.
I agree with your inputs from Fiji especially; fortunate they don't have 7 Rabenis. Not one All Black! The smugness of this blog when France beat them was quite something... Luke McAlister is the best player in world rugby. FACT!
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hmm no abs they won something like 90 % of there games in 4 years and lose 1 game to france by 2 points and......Yeah u right abs and ozzie cant play rugby.lucky s.a didnt have to play france ozzie or abs aye.Easy road to victory in a lame tournament.
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i hope,some of these players you have mentioned.saffies excluded.
line up for the barbarians against the boks in December.
COME ON YOU BARBAR'S
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15.percy montgomery
14.Vilimoni Delasau
13.Jaque fourie
12.Filipe Contemponi
11.Bryan Habana
10.Juan Martin Hernandez
9. Fourie Du Preez
8. Gonzalo Longo
7. Juan Smith
6. Schalk Burger
5. Victor Matfield
4. Simon Shaw
3. Carl Hayman
2. John Smit
1. Andrew Sheridan
Subs:
Bakkies Botha
Mario Ledesma
Martin Scelzo
Nili Latu
Seru Rabeni
Augustin Pichot
Luke McAlister
How one would put the likes of Tait, Robinson and Wilkinson in the team , you're having a laugh.
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15.Jason Robinson
14.Lote Tuqiri
13.Stirling Mortlock
12.Felipe Contepomi
11.Bryan Habana
10.Juan Martin Fernandez
9.Augustin Pichot
8.Gonzalo Longo
7.Ritchi McCaw
6.Schalke Burger
5.Victor Matfield
4.Simon Shaw
3.Os du Rant
2.Mario Ledesma
1.Tim Sheridan
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Really tough to satisfy everyone and any team will come in for criticism. Here's my effort.
15. Chris Latham
14. Takudzwa Ngwenya
13. Seru Rabeni
12. Felipe Contepomi
11. Shane Williams
10. Juan Martin Hernandez
9. Agustin Pichot
8. Julien Bonnaire
7. Juan Smith
6. Serge Betsen
5. Victor Matfield
4. Bakkies Botha
3. Martin Scelzo
2. John Smit
1. Rodrigo Roncero
16. Andrew Sheridan
17. Dimitri Szarzewski
18. Simon Shaw
19. Theirry Dusautoir
20. Jean Baptiste Ellisalde
21. Mike Hercus
22. Bryan Habana
I've tried to include a few less obvious players and have also considered some players based on how important these individuals are to their teams, as opposed to simply their quality. Any thoughts?
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on the whole a good selection, altough i dont beleive robbo should be in it (at least at fullback) as much of a legend as he is. as many have said this is a tournament not a career XV.
think it would be daft to have any less than sherri and shaw in - both outstanding - and can hardly be called bias - how can a team that got to the final, beating both france and australia have less than 2 players in the tournament XV?! granted it was a mighty team effort, but those two stood out, and with more experience sherridan will possibly become the worlds best loosehead - having successfully propped against 2 of the 3 best tightheads in the cup.
anyhoo, congrats to SA for a deserved victory, enjoy it!
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Might anyone be able to describe the specific actions that led to the penalites in the World Cup Final. As an example, why was a penalty declared on Martin Tait (I think it was Tait)for holding the ball when he fell to the ground? Why was this a "penalty" ?
I watched the final hoping to be able to understand the rules and the dynamics of the game as it progressed, but regretfully, was just as unenlightened at the end of 80 minutes as I was at the start.
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Our Best 15 for the tournament is :-
1-Andrew Sheridan
2- John Smit (c)
3- Martin Scelzo
4- Victor Matfield
5- Bakkies Botha
6- Schalk Burger
7- Richie McCaw
8- Finau Maka
9- Agustin Pichot
10- Juan Martin Hernandez
11- Bryan Habana
12- Felipe Contepomi
13- Francois Steyn
14- Doug Howlett
15- Percy Montgomery
16- Mario Ledesma
17- Carl Hayman
18- Simon Shaw
19- Nili Latu
20- Fourie Du Preez
21- Dan Carter
22- Mils Muliaina
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How can you put Sheriden over Os Du Randt. For me the star players in the final were Du Randt, Matfield (with Botha), Smit and Smith. All of them played amazingly well and totally contained an extremely formidable English pack not to mention dominating Agrentina's infamous pack.
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Great and fair selection from a neutral perspective. Each of these players have fine attacking/defending ability. Without a doubt this Wold Cup was lit up by the passionate rugby played by Argentina, Tonga and Fiji and so yes, having 9 players out of 15 from these three countries is justified.
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Sheriden over Du Randt? Are you still talking about RWC 2007?
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Why does everyone keep throwing Jonny's name up there... He was average at best, behind a well performing pack. Hernandez out-performed him in every aspect this RWC.
Robinson at full-back? I'm a big fan and he was England's only real attacking option, but no way does he get the nod as best in the Cup.
As for your 6 and 7??? As well as they played in parts, they are not complete players, and simply were neither the best nor most valuable to the teams that performed when it mattered.
Lastly name a top level coach who wouldn't want Mortlock or O'Driscoll (a lone hand in a terrible performance) in their side? Yes Mortlock was injured for part of the RWC, so can be left out for that reason alone.
But mostly hard to argue.
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my back line:
15. P Montgomery (Robinson deserved something i know)
14. V Clerc (Ngwenya did burn Habana but its not always about speed, most of the time it is though!)
13. S Mortlock ( Jaque Fourie is probably the best 13 in the world but unfortunately did not show it in the WC. Tait was good too and Jauzion is awesome)
12. L McAlister (Contepomi also good but McAlister is a God , NZ lost because he got sin binned)
11. B Habana (who else?)
10. J Hernandez (would love to put DC in because he is the best 10 in the world, Nick Evans is amazing too but unfortunately the did not have a chance to shine. Steyn deserves a place aswell.
9. F Du Preez (pichot was good but nothing like Du Preez who took England apart in the 36-0 thrashing)
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I think at no 7 juan smit of south africa deserves this honour if my memory serves me right he had two man of the match performances in the group stages and that alone places him above the rest
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Which World Cup did you watch?
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A pretty good selection but I would change the following:
Full back - Jason Robinson is one of my favourite players (and I'm not English) but for me its a very very tough choice between Latham, Corleto and Montgomery. I'll go for Latham because behind a better pack he'd have cut England to ribbons in the QF.
Outside centre - For me Mortlock is a better option and he too would have had a bigger impact behind a better pack.
Second row: Simon Shaw should have won 100 caps for England but I think Bakkies Botha should be in the team of the tournament.
Is there a player of the tournament? Should be Matfield but presumably it will be a back that gets it.
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Juan Smith was the player of the tournament, and Rabeni was dreadful against SA. Other than that a pretty good selection
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Sheriden over Du Randt? Are you still talking about RWC 2007? SA easily coped with a formidable English pack and the infamous Argentinian one. Smit, Smith and Botha should also all be in the world XV.
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How did Rabeni get anywhere near this best XV team. He had one decent game. He dropped more ball than any other player. He is an amazing club player but he was found severely wanting in all but one of this world cup games.
BO'D once again showed his class in a truly awful team and Stirling Mortlock also never let anyone down.
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The ±«Óătv team is obviously not designed to win many games, rather to reward attacking flair in the case of Fiji, and honest toil that didn't quite make it - e.g. Robinson, the Argentinians. England's line out lost seven of its own throw-ins in the final - what is Shaw doing in the ±«Óătv selection? To my mind, this selection is practically xenophobic towards some teams - NZ,Aus,France,even SA - and too favourably-skewed towards others - especially Argentina and Fiji. Is this another tic of the ±«Óătv's often-criticised and tenuous grasp of reality? No Juan Smith or John Smit, winners both?
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Robinson at 15???? Are you kidding me? He brings nothing other than sliced kicking, suspect defence and a recurring tendancy to scuttle straight into the first up tackler. Definite bias!!!
15. Corleto
14. Delasau
13. Mortlock
12. Bai
11. Habana
10. Hernandez
9. Du Preez
1. Sheridan
2. Ledesma
3. Scelzo
4. Botha
5. Matfield
6. Burger
7. Latu
8. Longo
16. Tincu
17. Roncero
18. Shaw
19. Smith
20. Railuini
21. Wilkinson
22. Latham
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I was very impressed with their openside smith.
What a reaction...if i'd said their No.7 Smith would i have taken the same flak? I understand the thinking but come on lads...
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15. Percy Montgomery
14. Doug Howlett
13. Stirling Mortlock
12. Seremaia Bai
11. Bryan Habana
10. Juan Martin Hernandez
09. Fourie Du Preez
01. Rodrigo Roncero
02. Mario Ledesma
03. Martin Scelzo
04. Bakkies Botha
05. Victor Matfield
06. Jerry Collins
08. Julien Bonnaire
07. Juan Smith
Heroes welcome, proud country, etc, etc. Nobody seems to recall the shambolic capitulation against the Boks in the group, no better demonstrated by Lewsey half-heartedly tapping a ball into touch. South Africa ended as Champions, with the Pumas arguably deserving better than third place Roncero was THE prop of the RWC, and Juan Smith probably the player of the tournament.
And surely a 'disallowed try' is one that was a 'legitimate try', but that was ruled out because of something else (ie, foul play earlier in movement). Cueto's near miss was always a 'miss', and therefore it's not a disallowed try....
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15. Montgomerie
14. Delasau
13. Fourie
12. Contepomi
11. Habana
10. Hernandez
9. Du Preez
8. Longo
7. Smith
6. Collins
5. Matfield
4. Botha
3. Sheridan
2. Smit (C)
1. Scelzo
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So sad..Bakies and Juan Smith not in the team..and leave out the World Cup top points machine, the winning captain aswell.Well I suppose if u cold u would have had a english 22, but that would have made it to obvious that this world team is biased.Suck it up..when it mattered all the SA boys stood up and out played most of the players on that list.Especialy the Argentinian and Fiji players.
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I think the referee was rubbish.
England are the true champions in my eyes!
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Steve's comments at 23 show how subjective these choices are. He cannot believe Nothern Hemisphere players outperformed the Old Firm of NZ/SA/Aus. So one Englishman and one Frenchman on the bench is the limit of the representation he gives them. It would have been interesting in 2003 to see his reaction to a Team of the Tournament which included nobody from the beaten finalists or one of the semi-finalists (Australia and, for example, NZ).
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I think Nick Evans (NZ) was overlooked this world cup, and I would put him at Fly Half in my World XV, he was scintillating. Some of the best players in the world were never picked to go to this World Cup. It was poorer without Dimitri Yachvili and Ma'a Nonu. The only Englishman I would pick is Andrew Sheridan, the rest were outclassed by many players.
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Rubbish Bryn!! perhaps you were watching a different world cup to the one i seen !! your not president of the Argentina supporters club by any chance?!
no where near enough South Africans and far to many Argentines who lets face it have showed us they can play 1 style of rugby reasonably well and have no chance when they play against a team who can catch the 100 or so up and unders they kick each game!! IMO the most boring team to watch
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I think Nick Evans (NZ) was overlooked this world cup, and I would put him at Fly Half in my World XV, he was scintillating. Some of the best players in the world were never picked to go to this World Cup. It was poorer without Dimitri Yachvili and Ma'a Nonu. The only Englishman I would pick is Andrew Sheridan, the rest were outclassed by many players.
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As always with these opinion things - its just a bit of fun...
But my opinion on your opinion is that having so many Fijians and a Tongan is showing a bit much romanticism ahead of what actually happened. Fiji got knocked out by 17 points in the quarters and took a hiding in the pool games and gets 3 players? The All Blacks got beaten in a tight match in the quarters and scored 46 tries in the pool matches and got none? As an All Black fan it pains me to say this but I think you need to reward more SA players... they got the job done and at times looked like a well oiled rugby machine... well done to them and all the other teams who played out of their skins. And well done to my team - The All Blacks – ignore the press – you are a great team who just lost to another great team. No shame in that.
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Given how well the likes of Argentina, Tonga et. al played I can understand some of these decisions. However, when it comes to no.7 and Juan Smith, you have had a shocker. For me, he is quite clearly the player of the tournament. Fourie du Preez should be in the running, but given his errors in the final, Juan Smith is the one player who had a flawless and indeed nearly perfect World Cup. A little too much sentiment instead of sensibility in that choice.
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The most glaringly obvious mistake with the proposed 15 is that Juan Smith was not chosen at 7.He was man of the match in some games and in the top 3 in all the games he played. Second most obvious mistake is that the competition's highest point scorer (Percy Montgomery) is missing. Come on, his goal kicking was immaculate! Robinson did his usual brilliant runs but how do you compare against Percy's 105 points scored??
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I am staggered that some people are listing Wilkinson in their teams. After all if England had an average goal/drop kicker they would have beaten France and Australia with less considerably stress. Maybe saved a bit more for the final!
If the other England players (and crowd) respond better for him being there that shows their mental weakness. I know Hodgson, Barkley et al would have, and have, been booed off the pitch for better performances. This celebrity nonsense becomes a self fulfilling prophecy. No one asked Ashton to pick no adequate replacement in his squad - Catt/Farrell/Man Called Ollie (also injury prone).
Objectively he is a plus tackler. This world cup he was average or below average at everything else - tactical kicking, passing, running, dropping, goal kicking. Indeed we had to play a kicking 12 to cover for his short punts.
If England don't get over their obsession with, what on recent evidence is a below top class player, and continue to kill his replacements by measuring them against a gold standard our boy himself is nowhere near then we will waste another 4 years.
Indeed Wilkinson could make a case on purely objective grounds for replacement to O'Gara in the poor performance from a top 8 nation no 10.
It is important for English rugby to not get carried away. 3 games does not change 4 years of mostly futility. Just as the Commonwealth Bank Series win did not make England a good one day side come world cup.
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Dunderheads everywhere!
This is a team of the TOURNAMENT not a WORLD XV.
NZ beat nobody of any merit and got stuffed by the first major team they played despite having loads of time to kick a single drop goal to win, therefore NO Kiwis is right.
Australia laboured to a win over Wales and the Fiji game showed how good the Welsh were. England stuffed Australia up front and had Mortlock or Giteau or Latham won the game for Oz they would be the team but they didn't.
As for a "Pom bias"....this is a bl@@dy British website(of which nearly 90% of the population are English), try to remember that.
Sheridan without doubt should be in the side and Robinson could be well argued for but the SA locks were the two best in the World Cup.
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Regarding post #20 - that method of defending against the rolling maul was used by the Sharks against the Bulls in the Super 14 final. Perhaps Eddie Jones is getting too much credit.
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1.Sheridan (England)
2.Ledesma (Argentina)
3.Scelzo (Argentina)
4.Botha (South Africa)
5.Matfield (South Africa)
6.Burger (South Africa)
7.Juan Smith (South Africa)
8.Easter (England)
9.Du Preez (South Africa)
10.Wilkinson (England)
11.Habana (South Africa)
12.F.Contepomi (Argentina)
13.Steyn (South Africa)
14.Delasau (Fiji)
15.Latham (Australia)
Other notable performers that could have made it:
Robinson (England)
Qera (Fiji)
Longo (Argentina)
James (South Africa)
Clerc (France)
Dusautoir (France)
Barnes (Australia)
Shaw (England)
Kay (England)
Hernandez (Argentina)
Bai (Fiji)
Du Randt (South Africa)
Roncero (Argentina)
McAllister (New Zealand)
Pichot (Argentina)
F.Maka (Tonga)
Jauzion (France)
R.Lamont (Scotland)
J.Smit (South Africa)
I know there's a lot of players there but I thought that list of players and the actual team I've listed were all brilliant in the tournament, and there are a fair few others from Fiji,Japan and Tonga that provided the best moments of the tournament with either great breaks or big hits.Shows how poor Ireland's performance in the tournament was,and how much New Zealand underachieved...again!
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15 - montgomery
14 - howlett - mistake gh to leave him out
13 - fourie
12 - f contepomi A dr but with a very nasty side wouldnt like to be anywhere near him as a pt
11 - habbana 8 trys say no more
10 - hernandez magic indeed
9 - du preez
8 - taylor- does the dirty thankless tings
7 - mccaw - still majestic
6 - smith - player of tournament
5 - matfield - the best in the business
4 - shaw - great end to his england career which deserved more caps
3 - scelzo
2 - ledesma
1 - du randt Legend! 2 winners medals
not a welshman, please do not say s williams had a better world cup than habbana. you will be a laughing stock, i am welsh by the way
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B. Palmer must have been laughing up his sleeve when he picked that lot thinking of the predictable reactions. Misty eyed agreement from the poms & incredulity from everyone else.
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Hmmm, a lot of people are putting forward players for a team of the RWC based on their performance over the last four years (Mortlock, Gittheau et al). Since the author of this article clearly titled this "TEAM OF THE RWC" lets base it on those who performed in RWC and quite frankly there are no Aussies or NZers who performed when the time came.
Percy performed better than Robinson (despite how irritating his pretty boy image is). Possibly Steyn over Contemponi as well his pace and kicking were outstanding.
Overall well done England, after being given no hope, and acused of 'killing rugby' it proved taht other nation use kicking to win a world cup (no tries in the final!!). It may not be pretty, but then pretty rugby doesn't win you RWCs (NZ and AUS take note)
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For those people that can't read, this is meant to be the team of the world cup and not the best 15 players in the world. As such there should be only 1 all black in this team as the rest of them failed to live up to their potential. I'm a kiwi and none bar McAllister deserve to be in there.
My team would be;
15 Robinson (Montgomery is a kicker)
14 Delasau
13 Mortlock
12 McAllister
11 Habana
10 Hernandez
9 Du Preez
8 Longo
7 Berger
6 Juan Smith
5 Matfield
4 Botha
3 Scelzo
2 John Smit
1 Sheridan
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Interestingly, here is the team that would of easily won the fantasy rugby league which i was participating of a well known 4x4 vehicle manufacturer :o)
bearing in mind that you had a maximum of 4 players from every nation....
R Roncero ARG
A Sheridan ENG
O Hasan ARG
A Williams NZ
V Matfield SA
G Longo ARG
J Collins NZ
J Smith SA
JB Elissalde FRA
F Contepomi ARG
M Giteau AUS
L McAlister NZ
C Latham AUS
B Habana SA
P Montgomery SA
this would of finished a whole 40 points above the overall winner of the tournament!!
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Hmmm, a lot of people are putting forward players for a team of the RWC based on their performance over the last four years (Mortlock, Gittheau et al). Since the author of this article clearly titled this "TEAM OF THE RWC" lets base it on those who performed in RWC and quite frankly there are no Aussies or NZers who performed when the time came.
Percy performed better than Robinson (despite how irritating his pretty boy image is). Possibly Steyn over Contemponi as well his pace and kicking were outstanding.
Overall well done England, after being given no hope, and acused of 'killing rugby' it proved taht other nation use kicking to win a world cup (no tries in the final!!). It may not be pretty, but then pretty rugby doesn't win you RWCs (NZ and AUS take note)
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I disagree with a lot of the above mentions. How can no New Zealanders or Australians make it into a world 15? To me that seems biased. And to put Jason Robinson infront of the tournaments top scorer Percy Montgomery definitely doesn't seem right.
Personally I would've gone with:
15: Percy Montgomery (SA)
14. Vilimoni Delasau (FIGI)
13. Sterling Mortlock (AUS)
12. Felipe Contepomi (ARG)
11. Bryan Habana (SA)
10. Juan Martin Hernandez (ARG)
9. Fourie Du Preez (SA)
8. Gonzalo Longo (ARG)
7. Juan Smith (SA)
6. Jerry Collins (NZ)
5. Victor Matfield (SA)
4. Ali Williams (NZ)
3. Carl Hayman (NZ)
2. Mario Ledesma (ARG)
1. Andrew Sheridan (ENG)
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For what it's worth (does anyone ever read these things?) I think you're absolutely spot on, with the exception of Longo at number eight. He had a poor game in the semi against SA, so he's dropped in favour of Maka in my team. Other than that, I agree entirely.
I think Tait played himself onto the bench for the World XV with his performance in the final.
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this is my top 15 players:
15.Montgomery
14.Clerc
13.Mitchell
12.Contepomi
11.Habana
10.Hernandez
9.Du preez
1.Sheridan
2.Smit
3.Haymans
4.Williams
5.Matfield
6.Burger
7.Mccaw
8.Bonnaire
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I've read a few of these "Teams of the World Cup" so far and most them are naturally biased towards the writer's home nation. When I began reading this I thought I may be onto something good. But it all fell apart when I got to numbers 6 and 7, come on! (With all due respect to Fiji and Tonga) The names you were looking for were Juan Smith and Schalk Burger, arguably the best loose forward combo in the world today.
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Robinson might have been England's most effective back, but surely he didn't contribute as much to the world cup as Corletto - or even Percy.
My fifteen reads:
1. A Sheridan Eng
2. J Smit SA
3. O Du Rant SA
4. S Shaw Eng
5. V Matfield SA
6. N Latu Tonga
7. J Smith SA
8. J Bonnaire Fra
9. A Pichot (Arg)
10. JM Hernandez (Arg
11. B Habana SA
12. F Contepomi Arg
13. S Rabeni Fiji
14. P Sackey Eng
15. I Corleto Arg
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Mark G no Fiji did not win the RWC but neither did Argentina.
But what would Fiji have done with this tight five or actually any tight five (I thought their scrum was particularly poor).
Plus a bit of luck with Nicky Little fit for South Africa?
I think it is broadly fair enough but would have Smit at 2.
Plus I think Shaw is a bit lucky.
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I've read a few of these "Teams of the World Cup" so far and most them are naturally biased towards the writer's home nation. When I began reading this I thought I may be onto something good. But it all fell apart when I got to numbers 6 and 7, come on! (With all due respect to Fiji and Tonga) The names you were looking for were Juan Smith and Schalk Burger, arguably the best loose forward combo in the world today.
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The English bias accusations against Shaw and Sheridan are a bit strong. England made the World Cup final despite having decidedly average backs. I don't think 2 tight five forwards in that context is exactly profligate since they were carrying the team. Robinson is a tougher call. I thought he was superb, his running,defense, catching and (would you believe) his kicking were excellent and his work rate incredible, but did he shine in comparison to the fairly horrible first couple of English supporters or shine absolutley?
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In my biased opinion, this would be my team of the tournament:
15. Percy Montgomery
14. JP Pietersen
13. Jacque Fourie
12. Francois Steyn
11. Bryan Habana
10. Butch James
9. Fourie Du Preez
8. Danie Rossouw
7. Juan Smith
6. Schalk Burger
5. Victor Matfield
4. Bakkies Botha
3. CJ Van der Linde
2. John Smit
1. Os du Randt
(all South African) I can't help it!!
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How can you not have the best kicker in the tournament? 17 out of 17? Based on high defence and low try scores, step forward Chris Paterson.
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Number 23... Mortlock and Giteau ???!!! What a sense of humour !!! A great combination they might be ( or might have been once ). Might as well put Darcy and O'Driscoll...
The Contepomis were far better.
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wc winning team would be;
argentina front row (no doubt, although they scrum-in eligally; perhaps smit at 2 for leadership)
4,5 and 6 (blindside flank Juan Smith) all SA (almost complete dominance in broken play and line outs against all teams);
7 Richie McCaw (had a great tournament and still better than any at open side flank - great shame AB's lost because the ref missed 1 forward pass and off-side calls aplenty against the hosts)
8 Longo (only option; pity Pierre Spies didnt make it to the WC)
9 Du Preez
10 Dan Carter (Hernandez is great but was a massive flop against SA shows lack of bmt; jonny and butch were a close second great kicking, passing and defence, but pipped by DC's attacking ability)
12 McAlister (too many options but the AB is a head above all others - F Steyn dropped the ball too much; Jauzion looked average in most games; Gitau is second best but lacks the explosiveness of the AB)
13 Mortlock (Rabeni in close second outstanding with ball in hand, but defence is diabolical)
11 Habana
14 Tuqiri (Sackey's a poorman's Tuqiri)
15 Latham (monty scored more points but from goal kicks - Latham is better in every facet of full back play)
sure the roses pipped the wallabies & france but both had relatively weak forwards
france were put through by a very poor ref against a vastly superior NZ team - had france deserved their win england would have been destroyed
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With all due respect to Mr Robinson. There is no way he had a better tournament than Percy Montgomery at full back
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my back line:
15. P Montgomery (Robinson deserved something i know)
14. V Clerc (Ngwenya did burn Habana but its not always about speed, most of the time it is though!)
13. S Mortlock ( Jaque Fourie is probably the best 13 in the world but unfortunately did not show it in the WC. Tait was good too and Jauzion is awesome)
12. L McAlister (Contepomi also good but McAlister is a God , NZ lost because he got sin binned)
11. B Habana (who else?)
10. J Hernandez (would love to put DC in because he is the best 10 in the world, Nick Evans is amazing too but unfortunately the did not have a chance to shine. Steyn deserves a place aswell.
9. F Du Preez (pichot was good but nothing like Du Preez who took England apart in the 36-0 thrashing)
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the world 15 at the moment is
1. Sheridan (ENG)
2. Ibanez (FRANCE)
3. Carl Hayman (NZL)
4. Victor Matfield (SA)
5. O'Connel (IRE)
6. Lewis Moody (ENG)
7. Richie McCaw (NZL)
8. Chabal (FRANCE) DNT NO HOW HE DUSNT START
9. Fourie Du Preez (SA)
10. Wilkinson (ENG)
11. Habana (SA)
12. McAllister (NZL)
13. O'drisscol (IRL)
14. Ngwenya (US)
15. Robinson
feel free to challenge it
Cianan whelo
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i think that smith the SA openside played an awesome tournament and definetly deserves a place in the team. Alson there should be more SA s in the team as the last time i checked they won the world cup!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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You are joking - not one All Black !! How then did they manage to put 70 + points on Italy and lose by the narrowest of margins to France due to an appalling and blatantly obviously wrong call from the referee? Why did the French coach call them the best team in the Tournament and the only one to play any rugby ? I quote him " they have the power and the genius "
Another British reporter who can't face the fact that the All Blacks regularly beat England and therefore you rejoice in their misfortune.
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The team of the tournament MUST include Englishmen (seriously, finalists =])! Should include loads of Boks though!
Team of the tournament
15 - Montgomery
14 - Clerc
13 - Fourie
12 - McAllister (OK, Kiwis, you got one)
11 - Habana
10 - Hernandez
9 - du Preez
1 - Sheridan
2 - Ledesma
3 - Roncero
4 - Botha
5 - Matfield
6 - Smith
7 - Dusautoir
8 - Bonnaire
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I have been a champion on Simon Shaw for years. Since the last World Cup and possibly before he has been the outstanding lock in England - Martin Johnson apart. Undoubtedly the unluckiest player in England.
BUT to consider anyone but Botha and Matfield as a pairing is mad.
That is THE engine room in the WC.
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The only thing that disappointed me this world cup was not seeing Caucau playing for Fiji, if you think Habana and Ngwenya are quick - this guy would rip them apart. Speed, strength, vision - he is the whole package - I know the team was based on this world cup - but bring on NZ 2012 - I hope that he will be playing then - have people forgotten his try against France in the last world cup??!!
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I have enjoyed 6 weeks of fantastic Rugby! So so entertaining. I loved watching teams such as Tonga, Fiji, Georgia, and Portugal play. The passion and desire of which they played with was truly inspirational. However I have heard that the IRB are thinking about reducing the number of teams allowed to quilify for the next World Cup from 20 to 16. Can someone explain why this would be? I can't see any benifit of doing this, financially or for entertainment value. By doing this it would be taking away the opportunity for such teams mentionaed above to play on the ultimate stage. So after we have had probably the best World Cup tournement ever, it is very frustating for a Rugby fan such as my self to see this possibly happen...
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351074915- Ignacio Corleto(Argentina)
Sub- Percy Monty (S.A)
14- Chris Paterson (You have to have a 100% kicker)
Sub- TakudzwaNgwenya (USA) (no one can catch him)
13- Stirling Mortlock (Aus)
Sub- Seru Rabeni (fiji)
12- Mat Giteau (Aus)
Sub-Francois Steyn (S.A)
11- Byran Habana (S.A)
Sub- Vilimoni Delasau (fiji)
10-Juan Martin Hernandez (Argentina)
Sub- Dan the man Carter (N.Z)
09-Fourie du Preez (S.A)
Sub- Agustin Pichot (Argentina)
08- Finau Maka (Tonga) It is the Hair
Sub- Chabal (France) It is the Hair
07- Juan Smith (S.A)
Sub-Lewis Moody (in ga land)
06-Schalk Bulker (S.A) Hard as Nails
Sub- Jerry Collins (N.Z) how big are his arms
05-Victor Matfield (S.A)
Sub- Jerome Thion (France)
4- Bakkies Botha (S.A)
Sub- Simon Shaw (In ga Land)
3-Carl Hayman (N.Z)
Sub- Martin Scelzo (Argentina)
2-John Smit (S.A)
Sub-Raphael Ibanez (France)
1-Rodrigo Roncero (Argentina)
Sub-Andrew Sheriden (In ga land)
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Jason Robinson??? Better than Corleto and Montgomery??? You must be joking.
I am not surprised that there are so many Argentinians - they were the best team.
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15- Ignacio Corleto(Argentina)
Sub- Percy Monty (S.A)
14- Chris Paterson (You have to have a 100% kicker)
Sub- Takudzwa Ngwenya (USA) (no one can catch him)
13- Stirling Mortlock (Aus)
Sub- Seru Rabeni (Fiji)
12- Mat Giteau (Aus)
Sub-Francois Steyn (S.A)
11- Byran Habana (S.A)
Sub- Vilimoni Delasau (Fiji)
10-Juan Martin Hernandez (Argentina)
Sub- Dan the man Carter (N.Z)
09-Fourie du Preez (S.A)
Sub- Agustin Pichot (Argentina)
08- Finau Maka (Tonga) It is the Hair
Sub- Chabal (France) It is the Hair
07- Juan Smith (S.A)
Sub-Lewis Moody (in ga land)
06-Schalk Bulker (S.A) Hard as Nails
Sub- Jerry Collins (N.Z) how big are his arms
05-Victor Matfield (S.A)
Sub- Jerome Thion (France)
4- Bakkies Botha (S.A)
Sub- Simon Shaw (In ga Land)
3-Carl Hayman (N.Z)
Sub- Martin Scelzo (Argentina)
2-John Smit (S.A)
Sub-Raphael Ibanez (France)
1-Rodrigo Roncero (Argentina)
Sub-Andrew Sheriden (In ga land)
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I agree 100% with Bryn's team.
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Surely at least a mention for Nick Easter, probably one of the most solid performers of the tournement?
Shout out to everyone at the Eiffel Tower for the final. One of the most enjoyable and dissapointing nights of our lives at the same time!
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There are some shocking world 15 teams above...how can one justify Jason Robinson ahead of Percy Montgomery? Did you watch the same world cup as the rest of us? Monty played flawless rugby throughout and a must in any world 15 team.
Secondly does Tait's 1 line-break in the final justify his spot? i doubt it. The AB backline would have run circles around him. The Saffas, besides for 1 line break, controlled him with ease and if anything, attacked his and Catt's channel's due to the frail defensive abilities. Definitely NOT the best number 13 in the world.
Loose trio, based on world cup form, IMO, would be Mccaw, Smith and burger (at no. 8). any loose trio you pick besides the above would be a joke! Mccaw played admirably throughout the tournament, and even when they lost, had a great game.
IMO, sheriden and hayman shoudl be the props with either Smit or Ledesma as the hooker. Matfield and Botha were the best locks on show with Shaw not that far behind.
5 Argentineans? are you mad?
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TEAM I'D BACK AGAINST ANYONE
1. Roncero (ARG)
2. Smit (SA) - Capt
3. Hayman (NZ)
4. Victor Matfield (SA)
5. Botha (SA)
6. Collins (NZ)
7. McCaw (NZ)
8. Longo (ARG)
9. Du Preez (SA)
10. Carter (NZ)
11. Habana (SA)
12. McAllister (NZ)
13. Mortlock (AUS)
14. Rococoko (NZ)
15. Montgomery (SA)
17. Ledesma (ARG)
16. Scelzo (ARG)
18. Williams (NZ)
19. Smith (SA)
20. Giteau (AUS)
21. Steyn (SA)
22. Hernandez (ARG)
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With all due respect, I find the argument that Argentineans should not be counted amongst the best players in the world because Argentina wilted under pressure against SA in the Semis extremely funny BECAUSE IT BUTTRESSES THE NEED FOR ARGENTINA TO PLAY IN THE 3 OR 6 NATIONS.
Every team and athlete in the world can have a bad day, especially if you are not used to knock-out competitions.
The semis were that day for Argentina, but let's not lose sight of what they did in this WC: they won 4 games against Tier 1 nations (1 more win against Tier 1 teams than what SA achieved - though of course, it's not SA's fault that Wales got bumped by Fiji), including 2 victories against the home-side (France).
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A reflection of the teams that brought the most to the World Cup is a great idea and opens up the debate along many lines, not least of which nationalism takes pride of place. However what about a reflection of the teams that brought the least to the World Cup, surely a composite of Wales, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand would hog 100% of the places. The semi-finalists and minnows cannot be included because of their a) place in the best four in the world, suggests something better than the rest and b) shear guts, audacity and flair shown by these lower ranked nations.
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you all got to be kidding me the best team to win this will be this line up
15 percy montegomery
14 takudzwa ngwenya
13 jake forie
12 france steyn
11 bryan habana
10 juan martin henandez
9 fourie du preez
8 chabal of france
7 juan smith
6 schalk burger
5 victor matfield
4 simon shaw
3 martin scelzo
2 john smit
1 andre sheriden
i think this would be a winning combination to have more boks in your lineup after all they did win the world cup didn't they?peace from ukz westville
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Team of the tournament
15 - Montgomery
14 - Rokocoko
13 - Fourie
12 - McAllister - only kiwi to shine
11 - Habana
10 - Hernandez
9 - Du Preez
1 - Sheridan
2 - Smit (capt)
3 - Roncero
4 - Shaw
5 - Matfield
6 - Berger
7 - Smith
8 - Bonnaire
Subs
Hayman
Botha
Collins
Moody
Mccaw
Wilkinson
Carter
Tait
Robinson
Clerc
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Best Rugby World Cup in the history of the universe................ever!
15. Corleto
14. Delasau
13. Rabeni
12. Contepomi
11. Habana
10. Hernandez
9. Du Preez
1. Du Randt
2. Smit
3. Scelzo
4. Botha
5. Matfield
6. Burger
7. Smith
8. Bonnaire/Maka
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Iain (posts 133-4) - are you in love with Jerry Collins' arms?
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(subs)
15: P.Montgomery (J.Robinson)
14: P.Sackey (JP Pietersen)
13: S.Rabeni (M.Tait)
12: F.Contepomi (F.Steyn)
11: B.Habana (V.Delasau)
10: J.Hernandez (J.Wilkinson)
9 : F.Du Preez (A.pichot)
8 : N.Easter (S.Chabal)
7 : L.Moody (J.Smith)
6 : S.Bulker (S.Betsen)
5 : V.Matfield (J.Thion)
4 : S.Shaw (A.Williams)
3 : C.Hayman (M.Scelzo)
2 : J.Smit (M.Ledesma)
1 : A.Sheridan (R.Roncero)
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A reflection of the teams that brought the most to the World Cup is a great idea and opens up the debate along many lines, not least of which nationalism takes pride of place. However what about a reflection of the teams that brought the least to the World Cup, surely a composite of Wales, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand would hog 100% of the places. The semi-finalists and minnows cannot be included because of their a) place in the best four in the world, suggests something better than the rest and b) shear guts, audacity and flair shown by these lower ranked nations.
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I am not bother how few or how many Boks you want in your top 15 /22 players, the fact of the matter is that the South African World Cup squad of 30 players contributed and won the tournament. Rugby afterall is a team game and it the combination of members of the team that make up the overall effectiveness of that team. Would the talented goal kicker Jonny W have scored all the points he has to date in International rugby if it were not for the English packs over the years that placed pressure on other teams, who then displayed poor discipline and give away penalties in field positions for Jonny to convert?
In summary it does not matter what you think the best 15 players are The Boks won the WC end of
Bok supporter
Ashford Surrey
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What the hell...no Monty, not one SOuth African loose forward and I'm sorry but James deserves that fly half place because he did not fail miserably in a big game..like "El Mago" messed up big time in our Semi against the argentines
Agree with everything else, but either Smith, Rossouw or Burger has got to make the World Cup XV
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Team of the tournament
15 - Montgomery
14 - Rokocoko
13 - Fourie
12 - McAllister - only kiwi to shine
11 - Habana
10 - Hernandez
9 - Du Preez
1 - Sheridan
2 - Smit (capt)
3 - Roncero
4 - Shaw
5 - Matfield
6 - Berger
7 - Smith
8 - Bonnaire
Subs
Hayman
Botha
Collins
Moody
Mccaw
Wilkinson
Carter
Tait
Robinson
Clerc
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Best Rugby World Cup in the history of the universe................ever!
15. Corleto
14. Delasau
13. Rabeni
12. Contepomi
11. Habana
10. Hernandez
9. Du Preez
1. Du Randt
2. Smit
3. Scelzo
4. Botha
5. Matfield
6. Burger
7. Smith
8. Bonnaire/Maka
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I cannot believe this so-called 'team of the tournament'. On the basis that Fiji and Tonga scored a few dramatic tries against South Africa, you've loaded the team full of them! Not to mention naming 5 Argentines, all of whom were shown up by the vastly superior Boks in the 37-13 drubbing SA dished out to them!
For a start, how on earth can you name Ledesma over Smit when the Bok captain was the best leader and best line-out thrower of the tournament? How can you name Robinson ahead of Montgomery when Percy was the top points scorer, most successful kicker and most skillful fielder of high balls and defensive tackler? How on earth can you name Latu, Qera and Longa as the loosies? Those three would be destroyed by Burger, Smith and Rossouw (let alone loosies from England or NZ)!
This team should be renamed the "Politically correct we don't like South Africa team of the tournament".
South Africans were the best in no less than 8 positions in this tournament:
15. Montgomery
11. Habana
9. du Preez
7. Burger
6. Smith
5. Matfield
4. Botha (who dominated Shaw in both the Eng-SA matches, thank you very much)
2. Smit
And honorable SA mentions must go to 1. du Randt, 13. Fourie and 10. James.
The team of the tournament should reflect the results. South Africa were the only unbeaten team - and they destroyed 3rd place Argentina and beat 2nd place England by a combined scored of 51-6 over 2 matches. Therefore they should dominate the team of the tournament.
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I cannot believe this so-called 'team of the tournament'. On the basis that Fiji and Tonga scored a few dramatic tries against South Africa, you've loaded the team full of them! Not to mention naming 5 Argentines, all of whom were shown up by the vastly superior Boks in the 37-13 drubbing SA dished out to them!
For a start, how on earth can you name Ledesma over Smit when the Bok captain was the best leader and best line-out thrower of the tournament? How can you name Robinson ahead of Montgomery when Percy was the top points scorer, most successful kicker and most skillful fielder of high balls and defensive tackler? How on earth can you name Latu, Qera and Longa as the loosies? Those three would be destroyed by Burger, Smith and Rossouw (let alone loosies from England or NZ)!
This team should be renamed the "Politically correct we don't like South Africa team of the tournament".
South Africans were the best in no less than 8 positions in this tournament:
15. Montgomery
11. Habana
9. du Preez
7. Burger
6. Smith
5. Matfield
4. Botha (who dominated Shaw in both the Eng-SA matches, thank you very much)
2. Smit
And honorable SA mentions must go to 1. du Randt, 13. Fourie and 10. James.
The team of the tournament should reflect the results. South Africa were the only unbeaten team - and they destroyed 3rd place Argentina and beat 2nd place England by a combined score of 51-6 over 2 matches. Therefore they should dominate the team of the tournament.
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No sycophantic fan of the ABs am I, but the bias of this article is incredible, and doesn't deserve web or print space. 'Agent provocateur' methinks, sticking the boot in. It could however lend credence to the notion that the ABs are not kindly regarded. Could that be something to do with their perceived arrogance, the theatrics of the haka, the 'we're the ones to fear and emulate' attitude? A lot of good that did them!
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did every1 forget dan carter even tho nz lost poorly he woz outstanding in th group stages. i would like 2 see brian habana at newcastle falcons haha
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jonny wilkinson is possibly the best player in my tree
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I cannot believe this so-called 'team of the tournament'. On the basis that Fiji and Tonga scored a few dramatic tries against South Africa, you've loaded the team full of them! Not to mention naming 5 Argentines, all of whom were shown up by the vastly superior Boks in the 37-13 drubbing SA dished out to them!
For a start, how on earth can you name Ledesma over Smit when the Bok captain was the best leader and best line-out thrower of the tournament? How can you name Robinson ahead of Montgomery when Percy was the top points scorer, most successful kicker and most skillful fielder of high balls and defensive tackler? How on earth can you name Latu, Qera and Longa as the loosies? Those three would be destroyed by Burger, Smith and Rossouw (let alone loosies from England or NZ)!
This team should be renamed the "Politically correct we don't like South Africa team of the tournament".
South Africans were the best in no less than 8 positions in this tournament:
15. Montgomery
11. Habana
9. du Preez
7. Burger
6. Smith
5. Matfield
4. Botha (who dominated Shaw in both the Eng-SA matches, thank you very much)
2. Smit
And honorable SA mentions must go to 1. du Randt, 13. Fourie and 10. James.
The team of the tournament should reflect the results. South Africa were the only unbeaten team - and they destroyed 3rd place Argentina and beat 2nd place England by a combined scored of 51-6 over 2 matches. Therefore they should dominate the team of the tournament.
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The majority of the decisions I can understand, given that the likes of Argentina, Tonga et al performed far beyond what was expected of them. However, when it comes to the no.7, you have had an absolute shocker. Juan Smith was in my eyes the player of the tournament. Fourie du Preez (who you have, at least, included in your 15) is in contention, but Smith was pure class, virtually flawless throughout the entire campaign. He played with pride, power and incredible maturity, and scored a large tally of tries for a back-row. HE was the driving force behind South Africa. It seems that this one decision was made based on sentiment rather than sensibility.
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Sorry I can't get away from Kiwis and Aussies in the Backline.
1. Fat Bloke
2. The one with the square head and broken nose.
3. Smelly Fat Bloke
4. The tall one with the silly hat.
5. The tall that thinks he's a ballete dancer
6. The Muddy Fella
7. The Bloody Fella
8. Hair
9. Mouth
10. That Girl from the Timotai advert
11. That Bloke from the Timotai advert
12. Couldn't quite make it as a fly half
13. Couldn't quite make it as a flanker
14. He's a bit quick
15. James Bond
Coach. That French bloke who looks like an owl with a perm.
Team of the tournament. Georgia, they never had a chance but they gave it everything.
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I like the look of some of the sides been brabded about so far so here is mine :-
15. Montgomery
14. Patterson
13. Rabeni
12. Mortlock (C)
11. Habana
10. Hernandez
9. Du Preez
1. Du Randt
2. Ledesma
3. Hayman
4. Botha
5. Matfield
6. Burger
7. Smith
8. Bonnaire
Subs
16. Smit
17. Roncero
18. JM Fernandez Lobbe
19. Dusatoir
20. Ellisalde
21. Wilkinson
22. Clerc
Coach - The Argentina coach, who now gone to Leicester(forgot his name)
Captain - Sterling Mortlock
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Lewis Moody should be in the world cup XV. He came into the cup as a bench player and by the end established himself as the strating openside. He shows the determination needed in order to succeed at such competitons. He is one of the best back-row players in the world and should be recognised!
Very glad to see the ommission of Schalk Burger. A player that is very over-rated. whould like to have seen Julien Bonnaire and juan smith included. Otherwise pretty much agree with the line up that has been selected.
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Well the full back Robinson was chosen with an English bias, R Lamont was better, my bias, but Percy Mongomerie has to be the man - 105 points. unbelievable but brilliant even when injured in the final and being pushed over the camera. Perhaps that was the only way England thought they could win - get him off the field.
the other well possibly but like so many comments before, how did some miss the selection.
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My star team of the world cup would be:
1 Sheridan
2 Smitt
3 Scelzo
4 Williams
5 Shaw
6 Collins
7 Mccaw
8 Longo
9 Pichot
10 Carter
11 Habana
12 McAlister
13 Tait
14 Sackey
15 Robinson
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That is a laughable team of the World Cup. How can it not be dominated by Saffie players?
Montgomery is a shoe-in a full back, as is Jaun Smith at 7, John Smit at 2 and Botha at 4.
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Think this was definately a choice made with the heart not the head...
I'm a kiwi and can't believe Juan Smith of South Africa wasn't hooker of the tournament. Like it or not Montgomery influenced the tournament much more than Robinson also...Robinson is a legend but sad as it might be Montgomeries left boot kept the England team pinned back in their own half...
Find it hard to look past Jerry Collins for 6 or Carl Heyman for prop, having said that I didn't witness much of Qera for Fiji so can't honestly compare him to Collins.
On the other hand I thought that Nick Evans at 15 impressed me as much if not more than Jason Robinson, but am surprised that Luke McAlister is even given a mention, thought he was very hit and miss. Those who predicted the All Blacks might suffer in midfield were sadly proved right, though that wasn't the extent of our shortcomings...
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Lewis Moody should be in the world cup XV. He came into the cup as a bench player and by the end established himself as the strating openside. He shows the determination needed in order to succeed at such competitons. He is one of the best back-row players in the world and should be recognised!
Very glad to see the ommission of Schalk Burger. A player that is very over-rated. whould like to have seen Julien Bonnaire and juan smith included. Otherwise pretty much agree with the line up that has been selected.
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TEAM OF THE TOURNAMENT
15. Montgomery (SA - Corleto probably had more moments of brilliance, but Percy was overall the more dependable performer and also finished top points scorer for tournament. Kicker.
14. Clerc (Fra) - Lightening in a bottle. Two superb tries against Ireland when his team were facing elimination in the groups, and was a Joe Worsley tap-tackle away from scoring a winning try in the semi versus England. Would have loved to pick a Howlett or a Drew Mitchell, but how could I when their own coached would'nt pick them for their own QFs?
13. Fourie (SA) - Unsatisfactory choice, as I think O'Driscoll and Mortlock are better players, but never saw enough game-time to get the nod. Jacques was not at his best, but good enough.
12. F. Contepomi (Arg) - Immense presence in the Argentinian back-line, his goal-kicking was great, and his brace in the 3rd/4th play-off topped things off.
11. Habana (SA) - Only player who was certain to be in the team.
10. Wilkinson (Eng) - At the end of the day, even carrying an injury through the tournament and kicking at only 60%, without Jonny England would not have beaten France or Australia, and may not have even got out of the group. Winner.
9. Du Preez (SA) - Man of the match in first England game, and was never second best against Pichot or Gomarsoll.
8. Longo (Arg) - Replacement who went on to have great world cup, best of an average crop of No. 8s
7. Smith (SA) (Blind) - Two man of the match awards in Groups, plenty of determination and hussle in the loose, and a winner's medal to cap things off.
6. Dusautoir (Fra) (Open) - when Elvis (Vermeulen) left the building, replacement Dusautoir filled those boots with incredible results. NZ game capped his world cup - top tackler, crucial try, supreme in the loose, and all done in a game when his opponent was the (Still) undisputed no. 1 openside in the world, Richie McCaw.
5. Matfield (SA) - Leader in the pack, flawless in the line-out, proved himself to be the best second row in world rugby right now.
4. Botha (SA) - Matfield's partner in crime. You can't pick Simon Shaw (impressive as he was) when Botha bested him twice in the same tournament!
3. Scelzo (Arg) - THe bulwark in the best scrummaging force in world rugby, again the top pick in a below average sampling - Would probably have been Hayman if ABs had got past the quarters.
2. Smit (SA)(c) - World Cup winning captain, the kind of guys who leads by example in the Fitzy mould, and hits all his line-out jumpers too (which is more than you could say for some in this tournament...)
1. Roncero (Arg) - again, a rock in the Pumas front row - I would have loved to pick Os Du Randt for his superb displays at 36 years old, but I'm sure he can console himself with his two world cup winners' medals!
Bench:
16. Sheridan (Eng) - destructive force off the bench, his performance against Australia was the single most awesome scrummaging performance of the tournament.
17. Ledesma (Arg) - Bad, bald, and belligerant, he'd cause a lot of problems off the bench.
18. Albacete (Arg) - Again, more for his ability in loose play, would be very effective after the Bok second rows had dominated line-out and scrum for 60 minutes.
19. Corry (Eng) - Most underrated performer of the world cup, written off in his own country not 6 months ago, but freed of the shackles of captaincy he shone as the tournament progressed.
20. Pichot (Arg) - the most inspiring of all the world cup captains, he stayed resolute to his belief that Argentina could win the biggest tournament of them all, and he was nearly right too...
21. Hernandez (Arg) - With a lack of genuine quality at ten, I go for El Mago. Could also fill full-back off the bench, his boot is enormous and he also has his bag of tricks, although frankly I think he's as likely to cost you a game rather than win it - with 10 minutes to go against Scotland, for example, he tried a crazy no-look flip pass in his own half, and but for Felipe Contepomi miraculously diving backwards to get a hand on the ball the Pumas could have gone out at the Quarters.
22. Delasau (Fiji) - Habana aside, he was without doubt the most dangerous back of the tournament in open play, and could cause a lot of danger at any time in the match, let alone in the last 10-15 minutes against tiring legs!
So there you have it! Yes, I know there are no All Blacks and Aussies in this team, but at the end of the day it's supposed to be a team of the tournament, and AB's and Aussies just didn't do it when it mattered - so there!
NB - as a Scot, I'd like to also give honourable mention to Mossie and his perfect kicking boot - he only fals to make it because one of them was off the post!!!
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Think this was definately a choice made with the heart not the head...
I'm a kiwi and can't believe Juan Smith of South Africa wasn't hooker of the tournament. Like it or not Montgomery influenced the tournament much more than Robinson also...Robinson is a legend but sad as it might be Montgomeries left boot kept the England team pinned back in their own half...
Find it hard to look past Jerry Collins for 6 or Carl Heyman for prop, having said that I didn't witness much of Qera for Fiji so can't honestly compare him to Collins.
On the other hand I thought that Nick Evans at 15 impressed me as much if not more than Jason Robinson, but am surprised that Luke McAlister is even given a mention, thought he was very hit and miss. Those who predicted the All Blacks might suffer in midfield were sadly proved right, though that wasn't the extent of our shortcomings...
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Bryn You have really lost the plot the best 15 would be the NZ side.. Yeh yeh yeh I know they lost but anyone who knows anything about this game will tell you that 9 times out of 10 they would win the world cup without even stretching themselves.
The game against France was an anomoly never to be repeated again - I cannot see NZ ever losing another game when they have 70% possession! like they did that day.
By the way allwing myself to get drawn into debate - robinson before Latham are you completely and utterly insane?
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people should remember south africa reverse their flanker numbers. openside is 6, blind side 7.
i would play berger at blind side, and the tonga openside at open side. also hernendez had a shocker in the semis. nicky little of fiji should be in at 10.
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wheres the best kciker of the tournament -- Chris Paterson??
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What about Takudzwa Ngwenya!?
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Ok, so Montgomery was the leading points scorer but does anyone remember him pose any sort of threar with the ball in hand?
Any surging runs? Did he get over the gainline and make any try scoring passes?
Dammit - does anyone actually remember seeing him come into the line in attack?
He stayed at the back, was well protected by his team and rarely tested by high balls.
He's got a great left foot, particularly from dead balls but that is it.
He was leading points scorer for the tournament but he does not get near the first XV.
End of rant.
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i think matthew tait has definatly got to be in there, witht the starting 15, without a doubt, he and mike catt might as well have been the only two players on the pitch against south africa in the final. and also sackey has to be in the team his tries put us through the group stages.
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thas rubbish roncero was immense and jason robnson hes an english nobb head percy was da man GOD
HERNANDEZ IZ THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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15 Percy Montgomery
14 Paul Sackey
13 Felipe Contemponi
12 Mike Catt
11 Bryan Habana
10 Juan Martin hernandez
9 Fourie Du Preez
8 Vasco Uva
7 Lewis Moody
6 Schalk Burger
5 Victor Matfield
4 Sebastien Chebal
3 Martin Scelzo
2 Mark Regan
1 Andrew Sheridan
subs
16 Raphael Ibanez
17 Matt Stevens
18 Simon Shaw
19 Richie McCaw
20 Andy Gomarsall
21 Jonny Wilkinson
22 Nicky Little
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So not a single Irish player even mentionned - brief ref to BOD - and a sad reminder of the mountain Ireland have to climb going forward.
Would have 2 England players at most - no Contepomi please - Montgomery yes he won the Cup -
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1. A. Sheridan
2. J. Smit
3. C. Haymen
4. B. Botha
5. V. Matfield
6. S. Burger
7. J. Smith
8. G. Longo
9. F. Du Preez
10. J. Hernandez
11. B. Habana
12. F. Contemponi
13. S. Rabeni
14. T. Ngwenya
15. P. Montgomery
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I wish Scottish fans would stop asking after every tournament, "Why isn't Chris Paterson in the team of the tournament?" So what if he kicks a few goals? He gets every one of his kicks cos Scotland don't score many tries, not many conversions, and don't win many penalties. He's a very average player who, like Montgomery, does nothing with ball in hand unless it's against mediocre teams. He gets hammered in the tackle if Scotland are playing a decent side. Also, why are there no All Blacks in the team? OK so they went out in the quarters but they played the best rugby, and Rokocoko and Sivivatu deserve a mention, and Luke McAlister, the NZ centre, had a good tournament. I think it's great that there are so many Argentinians in the team, now let's let them play in the Tri Nations, or even the Six Nations! They're good enough, give them a chance!
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I wonder how many of the selection(s) above would have been made prior to the warm up games or the start of the RWC. I mention the warm up games as I think Argentina showed their potential class during these games.
I suspect not many at all.
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My recipe for the team of the year is different. I would take SA as world champions (I'm from SA btw), for their discipline, strength, fitness and accuracy (which is what won them the game). Into that I would mix in some of the All Blacks for their good running rugby and 4 year record, but not too much as their attitude can lose you a WC. For binding I would add in some of the English for their fight-to-the-last-minute attitude and resilience. Finally, for seasoning, I would add in a touch each of the Wallabies, Fiji and Argentina, and on top of it all a French cherry for those weird moments when you need some luck.
Burp.
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15. Corletto (great at strategic play)
14. Ngwenya (he smoked habana very fast hope he plays for saracens so we see more of him )
13. O'Driscoll (Captain, best centre in the world)
12. Francois Steyn (massive boot keep him for long range kicks)
11. Paterson (best kicker in the world)
10. Hernandez (undisputable)
9. Gomarsall (he played wonderfully)
8. Vasco Uva (great ball carrier)
7. Nili Latu (outstanding player all rounder)
6. Jerry Collins ( just his presence is fear)
5.Ifereimi Rawaqa ( played the games of his life)
4. Mamuka Gorgodze ( played well dispite Georgian)
3. Scelzo (best prop of the tournament)
2. John Smit ( no comment he is just the best hooker in the world)
1. Andrew Sheridan ( huge strength and power makes him an ideal prop for England)
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Love the team you have selected, Just feel the "in-Forcer", Bakkies Botha should be there with his buddy Victor,each bring something special, but not the same. As for Poor John not making your number 2 spot. He is what keeps the SA team together, His English backround,growing up in Pretoia, playing rugby against the Big Afikaans schools, but still having a New South Africa relationship with new black talent,not to mention goverment intervention and quota systems.
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I mean come on this is like an alternative team with a spine of the best players.
Argentina 5 players, what?? they only got to the semi and dealt with comfortably by the boks while there.
Fiji 3 uh?
Simon Shaw looked decidedly average against and just plain bad in the games against the boks.
And Jason Robinson? You are judging on this world cup arent you? It is a difficult choice but there is some bizare choices in there. Trust me revise it, you might look undecsive but at least you wont look stupid!
Anyway here's mine
15 - Corleto (v close Montgomery)
14 - Clerc (v close Pietersen )
13 - Mortlock
12 - Rabeni
11 - Habana
10 - Hernandez
9 - Du Preez (v close Pichot)
1 - Sheridan (v close duRant/Roncero)
2 - Smit (v close Ledesma)
3 - Hayman (v close Scelzo)
4 - Botha
5 - Matfield
6 - Berger
7 - Smith (v close Dusautoir)
8 - Bonnaire
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N.Z still the best in the world. my world cup team
1 sheridan (eng)
2 Smit (s.a)
3 Hayman (nz)
4 Williams (nz)
5 matfield (s.a)
6 Qera (Fiji)
7 Mcaw (nz)
8 Longo (arg)
9 De Preez (sa)
10 Wilkinson (eng)
11 Habana (sa)
12 Tait (eng)
13 Fourie (sa)
14 Robinson (eng)
15 Miliana (nz)
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You have got to be kidding. No NZ or Aus players in this??? NZ are the best team in the world, only some bad refereeing decisions couple with a poor game cost them. I wouldnt have any england players in this. What a joke.
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This team seems to be heavily biased towards the English pool where obviously the correspondents saw most of the action. How different the team would have been had Stirling Motlock landed that penalty and the whole English team would have been slated by the English media. Well done to the English team for displaying such guts. NZ had no chance of getting players selected because their pool games were too easy and they lost a very close game so didn't get a chance to see the best of them. SA were worthy winners but isn't it a shame we never got to the major teams play each other more - Eng vs. NZ, Argentina vs. Aust, SA vs. France etc.In 6 WC's, England has only ever played NZ twice. SA have played NZ once. I think this needs addressing. I would like to see teams having bigger squads and maybe playing more frequently in the tournament so we get to see more even matches between the bigger teams. And have a "plate" tournament for the 1st round losers so they they have something to aim for rather than just trying not to lose by 100 points?
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ITS THE WORLD CUP AND THE BEST TEAMS WIN, THAT WOULD INDICATE THAT THEY HAVE THE PLAYERS IN FORM AND MENTALLY FOCUSED. SO MY TEAM OF THE RWC COME PREDOMINATELY FROM THE SEMI FINALS WITH A COUPLE OF EXCEPTIONS TO GOOD TO IGNORE
15= LATHAM (AUS)
14= CLERC (FR)
13= RABENI (FIJI)
12= MCALLISTER(NZ)
11= HABANNA(SA)
10= WILKINSON (ENG)
9= DU PREEZ (SA)
8=BONNAIRE (SA)
7=MCCAW (NZ)
6=BURGER (SA)
5=BOTHA (SA)
4= MATFIELD (SA)
3=SHERIDAN (NZ)
2=LEDESMA (ARG)
1=RONCERO (ARG)
THION (FR)
HAYMAN (NZ)
SMIT (SA)
HERNADEZ (ARG)
PICHOT (ARG)
SMITH (SA)
STEYN (SA)
ROBINSON (ENG)
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This team seems to be heavily biased towards the English pool where obviously the correspondents saw most of the action. How different the team would have been had Stirling Motlock landed that penalty and the whole English team would have been slated by the English media. Well done to the English team for displaying such guts. NZ had no chance of getting players selected because their pool games were too easy and they lost a very close game so didn't get a chance to see the best of them. SA were worthy winners but isn't it a shame we never got to the major teams play each other more - Eng vs. NZ, Argentina vs. Aust, SA vs. France etc.In 6 WC's, England has only ever played NZ twice. SA have played NZ once. I think this needs addressing. I would like to see teams having bigger squads and maybe playing more frequently in the tournament so we get to see more even matches between the bigger teams. And have a "plate" tournament for the 1st round losers so they they have something to aim for rather than just trying not to lose by 100 points?
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Yeah, the team should definately have more South Africans since they won the tournament. Robinson at fullback is ridiculous tbh. Montgomery was probably the best fullback and one player who hasnt even got a mention is Rory Lamont who had a terrific tournament for a Scotland team who performed terribly. He was certainly more threatening than "Billy Whizz" Was shocked to see King Jonny wasnt chucked in despite being horrific. Certainly not covering those players who impacted with the most tries or best kicking anyway.
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How about a 15 who underachieved the most. Here's my selection
15 Girvan Dempsey
14 Shane Horgan
13 Brian O Driscoll
12 Gordon D'Arcy
11 Denis Hickie
10 Ronan O Gara
you can guess the rest
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Morgan Williams of Canada at scrum half was simply outstanding... definately deserves a mention (In no way am i canadian by the way...)
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So many choices for a number of positions, but here is my take on the team of the tournament:
15. corleto
14. delasau
13. rabeni
12. steyn
11. habana
10. hernandez
9. pichot
8. longo
7. dusautoir
6. burger
5. matfield
4. botha
3. hayman
2. smit
1. sheridan
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This is the most biased team i have ever heard, you praise sheridan for one outstanding game against a pretty awful australian front row, and he gets in ahead of Os du Randt who is 35 and more than held up against sheridan and Co in the final and in all the games he played!How easily we forget englands 36 nil loss to SA. Montgomery at full back, robinson was solid but only made a handful of decent breaks and his kicking isnt anything near as good as percy.
My team would have the SA No's 2(smith) 3(du randt) 4(botha) 5(matfield) 6(berger) 7(smit) 11(habana) and 15(montgomery). they were the best team in this world cup they deserve that many. Also have pichot at 9 with hernadez and contepomi at 10 and 12.NZ had one below par game but up to that were the most exciting team to watch so haymen and howlett would make it in at 1 and 14.
Lastly since im irish and cant pick o'driscoll at 13 i would have mortlock who even in the game against england was the one outstanding aussie player.
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15 and 4 are just wrong. corleto had a much better tournament than robinson who i suspect has been included for sentimental value. botha clearly outperformed shaw. also where's sackey?.....
i'm joking. he won't even get a game for england once strettle's back, never mind a world 15
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So many choices for a number of positions, but here is my take on the team of the tournament:
15. corleto
14. delasau
13. rabeni
12. steyn
11. habana
10. hernandez
9. pichot
8. longo
7. dusautoir
6. burger
5. matfield
4. botha
3. hayman
2. smit
1. sheridan
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PEOPLE SEEM TO FORGET that N. Zealand are still by far the best team in the world. They have one poor game against a fantastic defence, and yes, they do choke, but they don't become bad players overnight! my world 15 is as follows;
1.Roncero
2. smit
3. vICKERY
4. Matfield
5. Shaw
6.Smith
7.Maccaw
8.Collins
9.Pichot
10.Carter
11.Shane Williams
12.steyn
13.rabeni
14.habanna
15. montgommery
subs; Sheridan, ledesma, vickery,burger,a. williams, du preez, hernandez,
contemponni,delasau.
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I love reading all the bitter aussies and AB. The selection is based on this WC not the 4 years of unbeaten AB play before hand!! As for Mortlock, he single handedly missed his kicks and got england into the Semis. Just because a player is the best in his position before the WC and quite possibly will be after doesn't mean that during they performed well enough to get into the best 15. As for the ±«Óătv blogger's team i have much respect for them even attempting this impossible task. Cant fault you much for your choices. Maybe Percy in at 15 and smith or burger in the scrum but otherwise seems fine to me.
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SERU RABENI!!! You gotta be kidding me! he dropped the ball almost everytime he ran with it every game he played!! I'd put money on the fact he got turned over more times than he won ball for them. He just gets talked about a lot when fiji play as he's a leicester boy and the supposed star of the team but he was actually not that great. Granted not many stars at outside centre due to a lot of teams changing players but come on, i'd rather have Sousa from Portugal, least he cares about what he was doin not just trying to be the big dog like rabeni.
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My Team of the Tournament would be:
15. Percy Montgomery (RSA)
14. Vilimoni Delasau (FIJ)
13. Stirling Mortlock (AUS)
12. Felipe Contepomi (ARG)
11. Bryan Habana (RSA)
10. Jonny Wilkinson (ENG)
9. Fourie du Preez (RSA)
1. Andrew Sheridan (ENG)
2. John Smit (RSA)
3. Phil Vickery (ENG)
4. Bakkies Botha (RSA)
5. Victor Mattfield (RSA)
6. Shalke Burger (RSA)
7. Juan Smith (RSA)
8. Julien Bonnaire (FRA)
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"I wish Scottish fans would stop asking after every tournament, "Why isn't Chris Paterson in the team of the tournament?" So what if he kicks a few goals? He gets every one of his kicks cos Scotland don't score many tries, not many conversions, and don't win many penalties. He's a very average player who, like Montgomery, does nothing with ball in hand unless it's against mediocre teams."
Since when, Nicky G, did a team not scoring many tries make converting a penalty from the touchline any easier? (And he's scored over twenty international tries with limited ball and, previously, in weak sides, which isn't too shabby.) Patterson's kicking stats are immense, although I'm not sure that's enough to get him in the team. His versatility makes him a good bench player maybe, and he's certainly all Scotland can cling to in terms of individual brilliance at this World Cup. Very disappointing, but we have a good side in the making.
Well done England for displaying icredible fight and spirit to make the final - a case of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. With so many retirements, resignations, and sackings, an interesting Six Nations awaits all the sides now.
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Thanks Bryn,
For your blogs thoughout the tournemant and for you educated opinion on the world XV.
Would agree with most postings that Smit and Monty should be in but it's nice to read fans from all nations, apreciating athletes of all nations, for giving body and soul to the cause.
This is what makes me proud of this great sport. No drum to bang, no colour to wear. Just glad of a great few weeks sharing this with like minded, passionate people.
See/ read/ argue the toss with you all in four years time!!
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there are one or two that no one mentioned!
15-Montgomery-Goal kicking genius.
14-Corletto-easily best winger in wc
13-Tait-Majestic v sa.
12-Contemponi-Good world cup.
11-Habana-No doubt.
10-Hernandez-Close with a few.
9-Gomorsall-Again what a cup.
8-Maka-Great player.
7-Smith-What a world cup.
6-Berger-close moody.
5-Matfield-Best in world.
4-Shaw-Great v aus & France
3-Scelzo- best prop in tournament.
2-Smit-Close to ledesma
1-Roncero-Again close one.
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Anyone not including Sheridan is a fool. Du randt? are you kidding me?
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Not surprise at all, especially with the inclusions of CONTEPOMI and HERNANDEZ.
But if I'm a surprise, than it has to be the inclusion of Mario LEDESMA ahead of Springboks captain John SMIT.
The only thing that bothers me about this team is the lack of an Agustin PICHOT to fire them up.
Pumas Fan
Please visit my blog @
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Great selection....this team would show what rugby is all about and will display pride and passion for what rugby stands for.
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I believe Argentine players are ok in this selection. They played almost all hard matches: France twice, Ireland, Scotland, SA. No other team had so many hard matches. And always (except Scotland) the other team were the best choice. Even when they didn't have a decent competition, they played better than his rivals (except SA).
We must consider this, because in other matches, several players wasn't forced to play at they best form.
Sorry the language, i'am argentinian.
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I'm glad none of the above choose actual teams. You play too many fantasy games
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What world cup were you watching? The BOKS dispatched the Argentines (and the English - twice). South Africa is spelt "AFRICA", not AMERICA! As for Robinson. Come on, you can't be serious. He limped off twice against the BOKKE, and then was mediocre the rest of the time. Bakkies, Juan Smith, Smit, Monty and half the rest of the SA team were much better than most. Not just a biased opinion, just reality mate!
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One thought. The BOKKE dispatched with the Argentines! Yes they played very well, and it was great to watch, but wake up and smell the French cigars.
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15. Chris Latham (Aus)
14. Vilimoni Delesau (Fiji)
13. Seru Rabeni (Fiji
12. Luke McAllister (NZ)
11. Bryan Habana (RSA)
10. Juan Martin Hernandez (Argentina)
9. Fourie du Preez (RSA)
8. Finau Maka (Tonga)
7. Ritchie McCaw (NZ) VICE CAPTAIN
6. Juan Smith (RSA)
5. Victor Matfield (RSA)
4. Simon Shaw (Eng)
3. Carl Hayman (NZ)
2. John Smit (RSA) CAPTAIN
1. Andrew Sheridan (Eng)
16. Doug Howlett (NZ)
17. Jonny Wilkinson (Eng)
18. Mario Ledesma (Argentina)
19. Bakkies Botha - RSA
20. Gerry Collins (NZ)
21. Felipe Contepomi (Argentina)
22. Martin Scelzo (Argentina)
Coaches: Jake White, Brian Ashton
& David Campese
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I am proud for my country of Fiji and my countrymen for making the Quarter Finals, my joy is an overwhelming bliss, all cheerios to South Africa they endured to the end and now they are the world champs.
Cheers for the teams that took part in one of the greatest games on the face of the earth. I personally believe that rugby is now getting the exposure it deserves. The dynamics are changing and so is the way the game is being played.
Let us all look forward to New Zealand 2011 with vigor and anticipation, this time I believe that many more nations will be well and better prepared.
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This either a joke, sour grapes at being beaten twice by SA, or an inability to appreciate rugby players. Perhaps there is a job for you as an england selector.
You have ignored 3 of the best loose forwards in the world, Burger,Smith and Rossouw. One of the 2 best 2nd rowers - Botha.
Jason Robinson at full-back? Based on what? because you just couldnt justify putting him in place of Habana?
Sorry to be so direct, the problem with picking a team by consensus as you have done is that it is full of compromise and therefore all you get is a poor side.
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Gorgodze the georgian lock and Portugal number 8 Vasco Uva caught your eye Bryn. With both them playing for the weaker countries in the tournament i dont know alot about them so i'm wondering do they play for big european teams? and if not well why not? good see these countries producing talent and i hope personally my local team Newport Gwent Dragons are scouting talent from these developing rugby nations.
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I disagree on a couple of choices, but in general it is a fair selection. What do you think will happen in a 3 test series between this 15 and the All Blacks. I bet the All Blacks would win!
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You are all tripping! World 15 would have to be the one that started for S.A. and won the cup. Just ask the IRB - voted best team.
If not look at
1 Andrew Sheridan England
2 John Smit South Africa
3 Carl Hayman New Zealand
4 Bakkies Botha South Africa
5 Fernandez Lobbe Argentina
6 Schalk Burger South Africa
7 Juan Smith South Africa
8 Finau Maka Tonga
9 Fourie du Preez South Africa
10 Juan Martin Hernandez Argentina
11 Bryan Habana South Africa
12 Felipe Contepomi Argentina
13 Jaque Fourie South Africa
14 Paul Sackey England
15 Percy Montgomery South Africa
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"As for a "Pom bias"....this is a bl@@dy British website(of which nearly 90% of the population are English), try to remember that."
Idiot. This is not a British reflection. Little wonder we are so unpopular.
Its ±«Óătv not EBC, a world wide respected institution.
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1. roncero
2. ledesma
3. sheridan
4. matfield
5. botha
6. Juan smith
7. Berger
8. Longo
9. du press
10. le magician hernandez
11. habanna
12. contempomi, felipe
13. rabenni
14. delesau
15. montgomery
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I don't know you English are such sore losers. First in the build up to the final you all talk about England and not acknowledging the Boks. Well i don't know the best team of the tournament South Africa World Champions. Twice in four attempts. Really the only English player worth mentioning is Matthew Tait. Andrew Sheridan had a once off against Australia who i think of all the teams @ the world cup had one of the worst scrums. Shaw over Bakkies Botha. Well yes no wonder in the final England had to cut out their front jumpers and go to the back because of the way they were destroyed by Bakkies & Victor Matfield. Robinson really which game did he impack. Doesn't mean cause he handled up and unders from France who kicked horribly that night he was good. Percy Montgomery didn't wilt in the final even though all of you English predicted he would under the high ball. JP Pieterson, Frans Steyn better than all your backs.
15 Monty
14 Pieterson what a great defender
13 Tait
12 Steyn
11 Habana
10 Hernandez
9 Du Preez
8 Russouw
7 Smith
6 Burger
5 Matfield
4 Botha
3 Heyman
2 Smit
1 Os Du randt
Worthy mention: Jauzion, Carter, Gitteau, Mortlock, Dussatoir, Fourie, Pichot, Ledesma, Qera, Howlett, Mccalister
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Just a couple of comments......
Juan Smith in addition to being great as a traditional flanker, did fantastic lineout work. No other flanker came close there.
Many people agree on the Matfield/Botha combination. However, lineout forwards are only as good as the hookers who throw the ball in. Smit has to be head & shoulders above the other hookers there. And it isn't easy regularly finding a man at the back of the lineout (Juan Smith).
Smit was the fulcrum around the SA lineout success. Add to that the captaincy..............
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I don't know you English are such sore losers. First in the build up to the final you all talk about England and not acknowledging the Boks. Well i don't know the best team of the tournament South Africa World Champions. Twice in four attempts. Really the only English player worth mentioning is Matthew Tait. Andrew Sheridan had a once off against Australia who i think of all the teams @ the world cup had one of the worst scrums. Shaw over Bakkies Botha. Well yes no wonder in the final England had to cut out their front jumpers and go to the back because of the way they were destroyed by Bakkies & Victor Matfield. Robinson really which game did he impack. Doesn't mean cause he handled up and unders from France who kicked horribly that night he was good. Percy Montgomery didn't wilt in the final even though all of you English predicted he would under the high ball. JP Pieterson, Frans Steyn better than all your backs.
15 Monty
14 Pieterson what a great defender
13 Tait
12 Steyn
11 Habana
10 Hernandez
9 Du Preez
8 Russouw
7 Smith
6 Burger
5 Matfield
4 Botha
3 Heyman
2 Smit
1 Os Du randt
Worthy mention: Jauzion, Carter, Gitteau, Mortlock, Dussatoir, Fourie, Pichot, Ledesma, Qera, Howlett, Mccalister
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What a joke. I'm from UK but couldn't see many of our players getting into a RWC team. Sheridan perhaps, and maybe an honourable mention for Johnny but more for his influence than his playing form. Same argument could be made for Gareth Thomas though.
Much as you evidently can't abide them, to not have any players from the best team (still the All Blacks according to most unbiased observers) in the world is shameful.
Well done to Fiji and Argentina, but your selections of so many of their players in a World XV is nothing more than patronising. Perhaps Contepomi and Roncero should be honourably mentioned, at a push Longo also, but that is about it.
The Springboks were a good bet before the tournament started, they lived up to the hype in every match and deserved to win the Cup. They should have about half of their players in this selection - it is a team sport after all.
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I think your selections suffered from a severe case of sour grapes.
There is no ways any level-headed sane person who actually watched 90% of the World Cup games could pick those players you did ahead of Percy Montgomery, Frans Steyn, Juan Smith, Bakkies Botha and John Smit.
Three English players in your side who effectively lost 51-9 on aggregate to the Springboks during the tournament is seriously delusional. I'm surprised you didn't find a place for Jonny Dearest.
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I think a lot of people didnt watch the games to closely.
Im an Australian but Giteau and Tuqiri were poor.
Jauzion was poor and Montgomery would only be in the squad for his goalkicking, Corleto was one of the outstanding players of the tournament. England would only get one player at the most. The pack would be dominated by Springboks and Puma players.
Smith, Burger, Botha, Matfield, Smit, Roncero, Ledesma, Leguizamon, J. Frenandez Lobbe, Longo.
Some saying the Pumas didnt nothing in the semi against SA, but SA scored 3 opportunist tries, not from good team play.
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Hi Bryn, I'm afraid this is the worst tournament 15 I've seen on ANY site.
* ALL the other rugby sites out there have picked either Montgomery or Corleto at 15. I guess it's called the BRITISH Broadcasting Corporation for a reason.
* Your entire front row is shocking. Os Du Randt?? Not even mentioned... Pieter de Villiers?? Not even mentioned... Smit = world cup winning captain, missed like one line-out jumper in the whole of the last two matches. But you go for Ledesma? Scelzo ahead of Du Randt? Crazy.
* But then you manage to make the worst blunder of all by leaving out the Springboks' star man Juan Smith -- player of the tournament in many peoples' view. You say he "put in a fair shift"?!?!?! He was the best Bok out there!!
When you ended up with as many Fijians and Englishmen as South Africans you really should have gone back and started from scratch!!!
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Totally disagree with your team of the world cup!! How can Jason Robinson be in - he only played a handful of games as he was injured!! Poor choice, too many Fijians as well! What more do you expect though from an English supporter still drowning his sorrows after hidings from the Springboks - THE NEW WORLD CHAMPIONS and rightly deserved!
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Interesting really...put that team up against the All Blacks and it would probably get hammered. I hope the next tournament allows the beautiful game (rugby) to be showcased, there is only so much that the tension of an event can bring,,,,imagine if it had been three tries to two with other scoring chances going begging to each team in the last quarter, it would be so much more memorable to all.
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Totally disagree with your team of the world cup!! How can Jason Robinson be in - he only played a handful of games as he was injured!! Poor choice, too many Fijians as well! What more do you expect though from an English supporter still drowning his sorrows after hidings from the Springboks - THE NEW WORLD CHAMPIONS and rightly deserved!
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You inclusion of Jason Robinson means you don't have a clue about anything rugby related. Stick to supporting your football team, they need all the support they can get!!
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This article looks like a bit (or a lot) of sour grapes from an England fan. Jason Robinson was definitely not better than Percy Montgomery...Percy had a much bigger impact on the World Cup as a whole. And how could JP Pietersen not even get an honouble mention? Simon Shaw in place of Bakkies Botha? Oh well at least the World Cup is where it belongs.
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My favourite comments are from the NZ faction. They broadly follow the Fitzpatrick line that what the World Cup lacked was an extra two games featuring NZ. Any other view is symptomatic of bias
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Jeez, it's irritating to read poor sarcasm like:
'Which World Cup did you watch?'
as in Gavin #83
This is a very fair stab at individuals who excelled over the past 6 weeks.
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My team of the world cup would be...
15 Percy Montgomery (Corletto came very close)
14 Vincent Clerc (Well played Paterson and Delasau though)
13 Stirling Mortlock (you cant give it to Rabeni or Tait - both really had only one stand-out performance)
12 Luke McAllister
11 Bryan Habana
10 Butch James (STILL does not get the recognition he deserves - outclassed both Hernandez AND Wilkinson in the tournament)
9 Fourie du Preez
8 Gonzalo Longo
7 Thierry Dusautoir
6 Juan Smith
5 Victor Matfield
4 Bakkies Botha (way way way better than Simon Shaw)
3 Pieter de Villiers (Scelzo close)
2 John Smit
1 Os Du Randt (Roncero close)
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What a joke... which World Cup were you watching? Please try and remain objective.
Zee, I'm with you!
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A few years ago, no Argentinean three-quarter would have had a chance to shine and now they're at the top of the pile! I think you've got to give an honorable mention to Horacio Agulla - an amateur - who really stood up to South Africa and played out of his skin as the Pumas crushed France on Friday.
Wouldn't have any England backs in there - been the weakness throughout this tournament. Think honorable mentions at best for Matthew Tait and Jason Robinson.
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1.Sheridan
2.Smit
3.Heyman
4.Shaw
5.Matfield
6.Burger
7.Juan Smith
8.Longo
9.Du Preez
10.Hernandez
11.Habanna
12.McAllister
13.Mortlock
14.Sackey
15.Montgomary
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for all those people who are asking where are the mentions for the kiwis and Aussie players, the fact is that they performed well but only against the smaller nations, ofcourse the kiwis will look good against teams like Romania, Portugal and to be fair Scotland (no offence Scotland, you played some good rugby but not in the same class as New Zealand!yet!) the Aussies struggled against a welsh team that was no way near there best! it is all well and good romping home by a cricket score but when it comes down to the nitty gritty end of the competition, they couldn't handle it. the French and English display in the quarter finals were worthy of winning the competition alone!
New Zealand were everybody's favourite to win, including myself, some of the tries scored against Italy were great, but against a good tactical team, they were out played, and yes the France try was dubious but hey, so was the england try in the final, these things happen.
Montgomery can be poor when he is shaken but this comp he has been a world class player and worthy of a winners medal, and should have a place in this team. Smit should be in there based on his performances and not in there purely because he is captain of the winning side.
so, to my point, there is no place for the likes of Mortlock, Giteau, Howlett, McCaw and Carter because they simply were not good enough through out the entire competition! there were flashes of brilliance but flashes do not make up a team, the team that has been chosen is not just based on individual brilliance, this is why there is a lack of Aussie and Kiwi and more from the best teams, SA, Fiji and yes England! Sheridan and Shaw were immense through out and it was the pack that got england through!
one last mention to the team of the competition, Argentina! They had teams all over the pitch, the pack, the half backs, the centres! all combining to be hands down the best teams in the world cup!
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My team of the world cup would be...
15 Percy Montgomery (Corletto came very close)
14 Vincent Clerc (Well played Paterson and Delasau though)
13 Stirling Mortlock (you cant give it to Rabeni or Tait - both really had only one stand-out performance)
12 Luke McAllister
11 Bryan Habana
10 Butch James (STILL does not get the recognition he deserves - outclassed both Hernandez AND Wilkinson in the tournament)
9 Fourie du Preez
8 Gonzalo Longo
7 Thierry Dusautoir
6 Juan Smith
5 Victor Matfield
4 Bakkies Botha (way way way better than Simon Shaw)
3 Pieter de Villiers (Scelzo close)
2 John Smit
1 Os Du Randt (Roncero close)
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In reponse to Gary Leroy at 219. I find it almost humerous that your clear grudge against england which by the way you let become obvious has clouded your judgement. Having written down all those players and not crediting a single england player is firstly representative of a lack of thorough knowledge and also on a basic level rather imature and frankly petulant.
Sorry to rain on your rant mate but Sheridan out performed all of his opposite numbers and Jason Robinson is leauges better than Percy when it comes to open play and running. Percy is a pin up and a kicker.
sorry old boy
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What a load of rubbish
South Africa showed the most flair in the RWC - yet there are only three players from the team in your final fifteen. And England have an equal number...
With Argentina topping the list with five players.
Does this panel actually know anything about rugby ??
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I'm not sure what people are going for here? I think we are talking about the best team from the world cup (i.e. which players achieved the most at the tournament taking into account their own, and their teams expectations at the outset), my 15 would be:
15) Montgomery (RSA)
14) Delesau (FIJ)
13) Contepomi (ARG)
12) Steyn (RSA)
11) Habana (RSA)
10) Hernandez (ARG)
09) Du Preez (RSA)
08) Maka (TON)
07) Dusautoire (FRA)
06) Smith (RSA)
05) Matfield (RSA)
04) Shaw (ENG)
03) Roncero (ARG)
02) Smit (RSA)
01) Sheridan (ENG)
RSA = 7
ARG = 3
ENG = 2
FRA = 1
FIJ = 1
TON = 1
However, if you are just talking about the best possible 15 in the world (as some of you seem to be doing). The team would undoubtadly look exteremley different. Mine would be:
15) Latham (AUS)
14) Rokocoko (NZL)
13) Mortlock (AUS)
12) McAlister (NZL)
11) Habana (RSA)
10) Carter (NZL)
09) Du Preez (RSA)
08) Spies (RSA)
07) McCaw (NZL)
06) Smith (AUZ)
05) Matfield (RSA)
04) Borta (RSA)
03) Haymans (NZL)
02) Ibanez (FRA)
01) Sheridan (ENG)
RSA = 5
NZL = 5
AUS = 3
ENG = 1
FRA = 1
I am English and I have tried to be as unbiased as I could. The fact remains that many of my World 15 would have been dissapointed with their RWC performance (specifically Ibanez, George Smith, Rokocoko and to a lesser extent Carter). It was also a shame that Spies was unfit. Definitley the best ball carrying number 8 in my opinion.
That being said I have no doubt as to which of these teams would be victorious if they were to meet....
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Juan Smith needs to be in hat team, as good as Latu was, Smith did it when it counted in the KO phase.
Also Delasau at wing ? No thanks, Clerc is the man for me there, again he did it when it counted, Delasau had a mare of a first game.
I agree no all blacks in the team, they did not perform well enough. I would however back them to beat this team fairly comfortably ina match, which just goes to show you that individuals arent all they crack up to be in rugby
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jason robinson over montgomery is a joke.
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Sheridan
Smit
Haymens
Matfield
Shaw
J.Smith
Burger
Spies
Du Prees
Carter
Delasau
Steyn
Tait
Habana
Robinson
Fairly harsh on Pichot, Vincent Clerc, Borta and Hernandez but this is a team with a lethal pack and lightning back line. South Africa's back row was imperious and was a massive part in their victory, as was the Holy Trinity in 2003.
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seriously english bias going on here. we're talking about players that would make up the best team and sorry altho england got to th final, there is no way that they would appear on a team ahead of aussie or kiwi players. it's not about leaving out great players just becuase their teams got knocked out of the wc early. brian o driscoll should at least get in at no 13.
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best team
15.Montgomery
14.Mitchell
13.Mortlock
12.McAlister
11.Habana
10.Hernandez
09.Pichot
08.Longo
07.Dusoutoir
06.Smith
05.Botta
04.Matfield
03.heymans
02.Smith
01.Sheriden
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To keep it simple it the scrum...
I'll take the front row of the Pumas, the 2nd row of the Boks, the flankers of the Blacks and the (should be) no. 8 of the French (Chabal)
Backs require a bit more thought
9 - du Preez
10 - Contempomi
11 - Habana
12 - Contepomi
13 - Tait
14 - Vincent-Clerc
15 - Montgomery
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This is my first outing on here and having watched most of the tournament I would post the following:
15 - Montgomery. Utter class. Tough on Robinson
14 - Delasau
13 - Mortlock. Say no more.
12 - McAllister. How fast?
11 - Habana. Give him room - boom...
10 - James. An unsung hero.
9 - Du Preez - Outstanding.
8 - Longo
7 - J Smith - Tackling maniac
6 - Burger. Crazyhorse tackling maniac
5 - Matfield - Redefined lineout play
4 - Botha - The enforcer
3 - Roncero
2 - Smit (c)
1 - Sheridan
I'm English by the way but don't feel we had any outstanding players apart from Robbo and Sheridan.
9 SA is about right. 2 Arg, 1 Eng, 1 Aus, 1 NZ, 1 Fiji. Front row is just plain tough. Formidable scrummagers and good in the loose. Lock pairing should not be separated. Back row was a difficuly choice! Juan Smith had a great tournament with Burger.
James may not be the bookies favourite but he bossed many games as a good No. 10 should. Not as skilful as Hernandez but reliable. Mortlock and McAllister.... Wow that would be good. Strong runners and great tacklers. Wings speak for themselves and Percy (apart from having a truly beautiful wife) was solid in all areas.
I believe that this tournament showed the way to win a world cup was passion, on the field leadership, field position and grinding out a win. Not champagne rugby (which is not good) but do SA really care now Mr Ellis is sunny his golden sides in the SA sunshine? I suggest not.
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what about Hernandez at 10? a lot better than Jonny and Montgomery is far more useful than Robinson who's lost the edge over the past few years. Sheridan looked good against poor aussies but I did not see him very much when the opposition got tougher!
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It is easy to pick the usual suspects in the forwards but one guy has been overlooked and should be in the team on merit for what he achieved with Namibia and that is the frizzy haired one Burger,a real throwback to Jean Pierre Rives(the French could have done with someone like that!) My team would be;
1)Os du Randt
2)John Smit
3)R Roncero
4)B Botha
5)V Matfield
6)Juan Smith
7)J Burger
8)G Longo
9)F du Preez
10)J Hernandez
11)B Habana
12)M Catt
13)F Contepomi
14)D Howlett
15)I Corleto
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How about choosing a Barbarians team to play the South Africans this November from the players of the world cup remaining in the Northern Hemisphere.
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Simon 108, yes you are correct in stating that it is the team of the RWC but surely even you can agree this is bias towards the english team. As for your comment about australia taking note, I'm not sure it would be a good idea, seeing as their style of playing has won them 2 WCs and has lead them to play in 4 out of 6 RWC finals.
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Ultimately, a very good selection. The argentinians were great; they brought the tournament to life so great to see them up there. Also, the pacific islanders: delesau, maka, latu, rauluni, were all class acts. I'd like to see the odd georgian in there though (e.g. machkhanelli, shkinin). Who could forget there near win against the irish - just wait until nz 2011!
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Gotta have montgomery, far and away the best player at full back-being the top points scorer for RWC says it all. Wouldnt have that many fijians...they played really for their country, but werent the best
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Looks as though the Argies won the WC, wow, why does every one dslike the Souuth African's so much ?seems like sour grapes to me.
Monty should be there ,as well as Smith , Smit , Oss du Rant and Botha ( Bakies ).
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i am from fiji and I'm surprised by qera getting the nod over smith.richie mcaw should be mentioned too and mortlock. but anyway watching the performances of those guys it is a good solid team.
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Pack only ...
I'd like to get someone's opinion from SA about what they define as open and blind. 6 & 7 appear to play differing roles to the traditional open=7, blind=6. I would have always considered Burger more of a traditional 7, than 6. Anyway, I'd have Easter, Dusautoir and Juan Smith as my no 8, open and blind respectively. Burger missed a few matches in the business end of the tournament and was relatively quiet in the final. The boks second rowers dominated all tournament and really outshone the English when it came to the crunch. Does anyone in the world hit rucks harder than Bakkies Botha? Front row has so many candidates. Sheridan dominated the Aussies, the Ox was still running around, the Argies were extremely abrasive. Smit is the obvious choice for hooker.
Interestingly enough, the teams that made up the finalists of Northern and Southern provincial championships came from SA and Eng-er-land.
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Not to include Juan Smit in any WC 15 is a complete travesty. My player of the WC. Tackles and defends like no other, plus has all the skills of a backline player. I'm sure he's even the top try scorer among forwards in the competition.
My 15:
1 - Sheridan (the fear factor)
2 - Smit c
3 - Roncero
4 - Botha (take no prisoners)
5 - Matfield (pure class)
6 - McCaw
7 - Juan Smit
8 - Gonzalo Longo
9 - Fourie du Preez
10 - Johnny W (still a force)
11 - Habana
12 - Luke McAllister
13 - Mortlock
14 - Vincent Clerc
15 - Jason Robinson
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Team of the tournament:
15-Jason Robinson
14 - Vilimoni Delasau
13 - Matthew Tait/J Fourie (hard one to call as there where no stand out players at 13)
12 - Luke McAllister
11- Bryan Habana
10 - Juan Martin Hernandez
9 - Du Preez (player of tournament)
8 - Finau Maka
7 - Juan Smith
6 - Thiery Dusoutoir
5 - Victor Matfield
4 - Bakkies Botha
3 - Os Du Rant
2 - Mario Ledesma
1 - Andrew Sheridan
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Not to include Juan Smit in any WC 15 is a complete travesty. My player of the WC. Tackles and defends like no other, plus has all the skills of a backline player. I'm sure he's even the top try scorer among forwards in the competition.
My WC 15:
1 - Sheridan
2 - Smit c
3 - Roncero
4 - Botha
5 - Matfield
6 - McCaw
7 - Juan Smit
8 - Gonzalo Longo
9 - Fourie du Preez
10 - Johnny W
11 - Habana
12 - Luke McAllister
13 - Mortlock
14 - Vincent Clerc
15 - Jason Robinson
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This is purely based on performances throughout the tournement.
15.Percy Montgomery(RSA)
14.Jason Robinson(ENG)
13.Matthew Tait(ENG)
12.Francois Steyn(RSA)
11.Bryan Habana(RSA)
10.Juan Martin Hernandez(ARG)
9.Agustin Pichot(ARG)'Vice Captin'
8.SĂ©bastien Chabal(FRN)
7.Richie McCaw(NZL)
6.Serge Besten(FRN)
5.Victor Matfield(RSA)
4.Alun Wyn Jones(WALES)
3.Os Du Randt(RSA)
2.John Smit(RSA)'Captin'
1.Andrew Sheridan(ENG)
16.Raphael Ibanez(FRN)
17.Carl Hayman(NZL)
18.Bakkies Botha(RSA)
19.Jerry Collins(NZL)
20.Fourie du Preez(RSA)
21.Matt Gituea(AUST)
22.Joe Rokocoko(NZL)
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Far too many english in that team for me. Yes they did well to get to the final, but no stand out performances. SA win it and get 3 players, and whats with all the fijian players?? Juan Smith and Schalk Burger should definately be in the back row. Percy Montgomery would get the nod over robinson any day of the week. And no mention of JP Pieterson on the wing?? Francois Steyn??????? Richie McCaw???? Daniel Carter???????? What happened to all these names? I think you must have been watching a deifferent WC to everyone else?
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My Team is this: My RWC best player in the tournament was Jason Robinson, he is brave, quick and amazing!!!!!
TEAM Replacements
15.Juan Martin Hernandez(ARG) 16.John Smit(RSA)
14.Jason Robinson(ENG) 17.Os Du Ra(RSA)
13.Sterling Mortlock(AUS) 18.Bakkies Botha(RSA)
12.Francois Steyn(RSA) 19.Seb Chabal(FRN)
11.Bryan Habana(RSA) 20. Daniel Carter(NZL)
10.Jonny Wilkinson(ENG) 21. Mathew Tait(ENG)
9.Fourie Du Preez(RSA) 22.Joe Rokocoko(NZL)
8. Finau Maka(TGA)
7.Richie McCaw(NZL)
6.Shalk Burger(RSA) Too many south Africans!
5.Victor Matfield(RSA)
4.Simon Shaw(ENG)
3.Carl Haymen(NZL)
2.Mario Ledesma(ARG)
1.Andrew Sheridon(ENG)
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My Team is this: My RWC best player in the tournament was Jason Robinson, he is brave, quick and amazing!!!!!
TEAM Replacements
15.Juan Martin Hernandez(ARG) 16.John Smit(RSA)
14.Jason Robinson(ENG) 17.Os Du Ra(RSA)
13.Sterling Mortlock(AUS) 18.Bakkies Botha(RSA)
12.Francois Steyn(RSA) 19.Seb Chabal(FRN)
11.Bryan Habana(RSA) 20. Daniel Carter(NZL)
10.Jonny Wilkinson(ENG) 21. Mathew Tait(ENG)
9.Fourie Du Preez(RSA) 22.Joe Rokocoko(NZL)
8. Finau Maka(TGA)
7.Richie McCaw(NZL)
6.Shalk Burger(RSA) Too many south Africans!
5.Victor Matfield(RSA)
4.Simon Shaw(ENG)
3.Carl Haymen(NZL)
2.Mario Ledesma(ARG)
1.Andrew Sheridon(ENG)
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A few good runs and J Robinson is full back? He had a good world cup but it has to be put into perspective!
Take Percy Montgomery.Almost faultless throughout the tournament,top scoring with over 100 points!!
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1. CJ VAN DER LINDE (SA)
2. JOHN SMIT (SA)
3. PHIL VICKERY (ENG)
4. SIMON SHAW (ENG
5. VICTOR MAT FIELD (SA)
6. JERRY COLLINS (NZ)
7. RICHIE MC’CAW (NZ)
8. SABASTIAN CHABAL (FRANCE)
9. SIMON RAULUNI (FIJI)
10. JONNY WILKINSON (ENG)
11. BRYAN HABANA (SA)
12. LUKE MCALISTER (NZ)
13. SERU RAMBENI (FIJI)
14. DOUG HOWLETT (NZ)
15. JASON ROBINSON (ENG)
SUBS
16. ANDREW SHERIDEN (ENG)
17. CARL HAYMAN (NZ)
18. FINAU MAKA (TONGA) (NO.8)
19. SERGE BETSEN (FRANCE)
20. CHRIS PATTERSON (SCO)
21. JOE ROCKOKOKO (NZ)
22. JOSH LEWSEY (ENG)
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Looks Weak!!!
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Best team:
15-Ignacio Corleto
14-Lucas Borges
13-Manuel Contempomi
12-Felipe Contempomi
11-Horacio Agulla
10-Juan Martin Hernandez
9-Agustin Pichot
8-Gonzalo Longo
7-Juan F. Lobbe
6-Juan Leguizamon (who, bye the way, destroyed Chabal)
5-Patricio Albacete
4-Ignacio F. Lobbe
3-Martin Scelzo
2-Mario Ledesma
1-Rodrigo Roncero
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obviously the fijians n the argentinians played with passion, great reward. I believe these team can beat any team on any day.
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Started reading and immediately struck by your bias.
Best fullback by far:
Percy Montgomery
Who scored the most points in the World Cup?
Percy Montgomery
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Out of 15 south africans, 15 french and 15 english to take the field in the semis and final you find 6 players out of 45 to make the top 15 from this cup and even they are questionable. From 3 of the 4 semi finals teams 6 players???
Reflects the quality of the finals alright. No one stands out in boring non attacking defensive kicking games.
World class alright. Centre stage and they still cant stand out.
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I am very thankful for the selectors of this team fof doing such a good job... I am a Fijian and am proad to see three fijian faces in the side... it also pleases me to see the other smaller nation players appearing.. soon rugby will be contested by all and the gap difference will eventually vanish....
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15.Robinson
14.Delasau
13.F.Contepomi
12.Steyn
11.Habana
10.Hernandez
9.Du Preez
8.Longo
7.Qera
6.Burger
5.Matfield
4.Shaw
3.Van Der Linde
2.Ledesma
1.Sheridan
16.Smit
17.Roncero
18.Botha
19.Latu
20.Pichot
21.Wilkinson
22.Pietersen
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3 Fijians! A sign of talents into the world 15. Everybody must have notice that whenever Fiji played the crowd gets loud. I still believe in Rauluni to be #9. The set up he did against Australia, the fending of Burger then the offload to Bobo that lead to the try. He lead Fiji to the first QF in 20 years and a good performance against South Africa.
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How can u miss out chris paterson?!?! he was the best kicker in the whole tourniment n never complained about being unable to practise with match balls or about a niggly right ankle, hintin at wilkinson coz if he had a bad ankle...why was he playing?!?! any excuse from him.
but seriously chris paterson in the team for sheer kicking ability, 100% record in the tourniment and being the mostv accurate kicker in the world!
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where is josh lewsey posibly the best wing in world rugby
this would be my team
1sheridan
2 smit
3 VAN de linde
4 shaw
5 matfield
6 meanger
7 moody
8 burger
9 du preez pichot
1o wilko
11 habana
12 steyn tait
13 contipomi
14 howlett
15 lewsey robinson close behind
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15. Montgomery (SA)
14. Robinson (Eng)
13. Mortlock (AUS)
12. McAlister (NZ)
11. Habana (SA)
10. Hernandez (ARG)
9. Du Preez (SA)
8. Masoe (NZ)
7. McCaw (NZ)
6. Smith (SA)
5. Matfield (SA)
4. Jack (NZ)
3. Heyman (NZ)
2. Ledesma (ARG)
1. Sheridan (ENG)
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