In the New Zealand Herald on 13 December, Gregor Paul picked his World Team of the Year.
It was:
15. Adam Ashley-Cooper, Australia
14. Cory Jane, New Zealand
13. Brian O’Driscoll, Ireland
12. Jamie Roberts, Wales
11. Bryan Habana, South Africa
10. Dan Carter, New Zealand
9. Fourie du Preez, South Africa
8. Sergio Parisse, Italy
7. Richie McCaw, New Zealand
6. Thierry Dusautoir, France
5. Victor Matfield, South Africa
4. Bakkies Botha. South Africa
3. Martin Castrogiovanni, Italy
2. Bismarck du Plessis, South Africa
1. Benn Robinson, Australia
I think this is an excellent team.
My only disagreements with Paul would be that I would have selected Rob Kearney of Ireland as full-back (although Ashley-Cooper would be the first back reserve selected – he is a better winger and centre than a full-back), Louis Picamoles from France would replace Parisse as No. 8 (Picamoles was missing in France’s two test losses against New Zealand in 2009, after starring in the first test in NZ as well as against SA in Toulouse).
I also think Polata-Nau from Australia offers more than Bismarck du Plessis around the field. He is also not the puffed-up bully that du Plessis tries to be.
What do Roar readers think of this team?
Wavell Wakefield
Guest
1. Barcella, 2. Hore, 3. Marconnet, 4. Shaw, 5. Matfield, 6. JM Fernandez Lobbe, 7. McCaw, 8. Heaslip, 9. Du Preez, 10. Carter, 11. Jane, 12. Roberts, 13. O'Driscoll, 14. Bowe, 15. Kearney
oslo
Guest
Unfortunately Rocky played quite poorly in almost every international for Australia this year so to pick him in an international XV of 2009 is not a goer. If Polata-Nau is not a selection - who could you pick as hooker ? Andrew Hore - ordinary player - Shute Shield standard at best. Swaswreiscki from France is probably the most talented but like Polata-Nau he has to play as second string in the French national side - behind Servat. My reserves would be - Swaswreiscki (France), Barcella (France), Thorn (NZ) and Spies (SA) and Genia, Giteau and Ashley-Cooper (all from Australia)
andrew
Guest
I agree with Mr Sport Ashley-Cooper is not the best fullback in the southern hemispheres, so you are way of the mark with that on. Polata-Nau can not hit a barn yard door with his lineout throwing so he has to be no chance. Also from seeing the Heineken Cup, Rocky would go close, even thou he was a bit inconsistent for Australia.
jus de couchon
Guest
An alternative team to play them. 15 Steyn 14 Siviatu 13 Williams 12devilliers 11Gitteau 10 Hernandez 9 Gennia 8 Harrinordeque 7 Moody 6 Thorn 5 S.B.Williams 4 Chabal 3 Hayman 2 Smith 1 The Beast
James D
Guest
Hmm my fifteen would go. 15 - Mils Muliana (On his form against France) - NZ 14 - Corey Jane - NZ 13 - BOD - Ireland 12 - Jamie Roberts - Wales 11 - Cedric Heymans - France 10 - Dan Carter - NZ 9 - . Fourie du Preez - SA 8. Sergio Parisse - Italy 7. Richie McCaw - NZ 6. Rocky Elsom - Aust 5. Victor MAtfield - SA 4. Paul O’Connell - Ireland 3. Martin Castrogiovanni - Italy 2. Tatafu Polota Nau - (Def better than Moore and Du Plessis) 1. Benn Robinson - Aust Bench would have Johnny Wilkinson (still has it) - Dave Pocock - Rob Kearney (Irish Fullback) - Will Genia - Ben Alexander (both sides of the scrum) - Bakkies Botha and Louis Picamoles. I think thats a pretty good line up.
Bay35Pablo
Roar Guru
Didn't see enough NH rugby to comment, but 2 Italians making that list is interesting.
Mr Sports
Roar Pro
I'm afraid i don't see enough northern hemisphere rugby to comment on a complete world XV. However i can say that there is no way Ashley-Cooper would even make my best of the southern hemisphere team (Mils Muliana is well ahead of him for starters). Also as much as i love Polata-Nau as a Waratahs fan there is no doubt in my mind that Bismarck is the best hooker in the southern hemishpere at the moment.
Dasher
Guest
Maybe Paul O'Connell over Matfield.