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So as the southern hemisphere season comes to a close, and the northern hemisphere season has kicked off again. Who has put their hand up for inclusion in a current World XV?
Ireland and South Africa have taken most of the cup honours with the Grand Slam, Triple Crown, Heineken Cup, Magners League, S14, and Tri-Nations sitting in their respective cupboards.
But inevitably, certain players shine no mater what. Many people would have put Australian, Rocky Elsom, as a shoo-in for a jersey after his season’s performance with Leinster finished with a Heineken Cup medal in his pocket.
However, the rigours and foibles of his national team-mates in the Tri Nations took the sparkle off what had been a good start to the year.
Sergio Parisse was one of the top players in the 6 Nations and at club level, despite Italy coming nowhere once again including their summer tour down south.
Argentina did well against England during the summer, and their players shone at various levels in the Top 14.
The Super 14 featured South Africa and New Zealand in the business end of the competition, with the South African Bulls walking away with the final, scoring tries for fun in a truly lop-sided game. Half the Bulls side were destined to walk into the national Bok side for the Lions’ tour visit.
The four home nations got a chance to shine on their tour to South Africa. They went home defeated 2-1, but their reputations as a touring team was restored with players like Simon Shaw, Tommy Bowe, Rob Kearney, Jamie Heaslip, and Mike Phillips discovering new playing heights.
South Africa continued to dominate the headlines winning all of their Tri-Nations home matches, with players like Broussow, Morne Steyn, Fourie as well as Habana, Smith, du Preez making waves. They went on to win two of their away matches too, whitewashing the All Blacks in the process.
Australia and New Zealand fought it out on the last day to see who would get the unwanted wooden spoon, with very few players receiving plaudits from their media and fans for their performances.
Still, form is temporary, and class is permanent, so who would you put into your current World XV?
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.