South Africa’s Francois Steyn, left, attempts a tackle against Australia’s Kurtley Beale, right, during the Tri-Nations Test match at Kings Park Stadium in Durban, South Africa, Saturday Aug. 13, 2011. Australia beat South Africa 14-9. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
The World Cup is only two days away, and it is time for the best players in the world to shine. A strong performance at a World Cup can increase a player’s pedigree. But a poor performance can see a player go from the top of the world to nothing.
This team is based on recent form and their potential to perform in the hardest of circumstances.
1. Andrew Sheridan
As one of the strongest loose-head props in the world, Andrew Sheridan has built a reputation as a destroyer. At 195cm and 125kg he runs rampant in attack and at the breakdown. Being one of the senior members of the squad, his leadership by example could lead England to great heights this year.
2. Bismarck du Plessis
It is unfortunate that the best hooker in the world isn’t even recognised as the best in his country. Bismarck du Plessis is head and shoulders above John Smit, and had a brilliant Super Rugby season for the Sharks terrorising opposition forwards.
Quite big for a hooker he is dominant at the breakdown and in contact. He is a rock of defence in the South African pack.
3. Gurthro Steenkamp
Labelled the best tight-head in the world for 2010, Gurthro Steenkamp also won the SARU player of the year. When Steenkamp gets a sniff of the line, the big forward can match the pace of a centre.
He is also known for making crucial tackles all over the field and his good handling is unheard of for a big unit such as himself. His primary job remains to supply a solid platform up front and this platform can help the South Africans at this World Cup.
4. Brad Thorn
A tough man with a fearsome work ethic and very hard on the field, his ability in set pieces is outstanding. The leadership he shows is a key part of holding the All Blacks’ tight five together. One of the oldest players at 36, he is still relied upon by the All Blacks and Crusaders to terrorise any defence he encounters.
5. Victor Matfield
The most capped Springbok of all time, Victor Matfield is still one of the most intimidating second-rowers in the world. The courageous leader continues to dominate world rugby even at 36 years of age. He is known for his unrivalled abilities in the lineout, and steam-train running in attack.
6. Jerome Kaino
Kaino is one of the most devastating loose forwards in world rugby, with his tenacious defence and slick ball-handling skills earning him many an All Blacks jersey. Huge hits in defence and powerful running. Standing at 196cm and 106kg he relishes the contest at the breakdown and in contact. Very close between him and Schalk Burger but Kaino gets the nod.
7. Richie McCaw
Almost the first man picked apart from Dan Carter when selecting a world XV. McCaw has the size and strength to be a punishing defender, the cool head and quick hands required to master the breakdown area, and the speed and handling skills to play a traditional tearaway’s linking role to superb effect.
He is the most capped All Black in history and an integral part of the latest dominance from New Zealand. He is the most influential member of the squad and leads by example in every match.
8. Sergio Parisse
No doubt one of the greatest to ever play the game, Sergio Parisse has made his name not by playing in a world beating team, but for Italy. Parisse has always stood out as a player whose skill under the most extreme pressure holds firm.
His handling ability is that of a back, with his deftness, vision, reliability and timing. The huge Italian No. 8 would walk onto the field against the All Blacks by himself and have no fear.
9. Will Genia
An absolute genius of world rugby, the combination of Genia and Cooper led the Queensland Reds to their first title in 14 years. At only 23 years of age he is already being dubbed as one of the greatest halfbacks in Australian history.
Unmatched vision means Genia can find gaps in any defence. A strong performance by him could bring home a World Cup for Australia.
10. Dan Carter
A true superstar of the rugby world, is regarded as the best first-five in the world and his achievements in rugby are staggering. The highest point-scorer in rugby history at only 29, he has been instrumental in guiding the New Zealand backline for the last five years.
He has the ability to control a whole game of rugby, slowing down when the pressure is on and applying the accelerator and creating unbelievable plays when the time is right, absolutely spot-on with every kick.
11. Digby Ioane
Digby Ioane was one the Reds greatest performers this season, and has brought this form onto the world stage with cracking performances against Samoa, New Zealand and South Africa. Probably Australia’s most consistent player already this year, Digby’s speed off the mark, strength in contact and mind-boggling sidestep allow him to dominate any defence and make line breaks with ease.
12. Ma’a Nonu
The most destructive centre in world rugby. An extremely powerful and explosive runner, he is able to break the line at ease but also has the awareness and composure to deliver a well-timed pass or a handy off-load. He adds another dimension to an already frightening All Blacks backline.
13. Brian O’Driscoll
There is no doubt that Brian O’Driscoll has been one of the best, if not the best, players in the world for the last 10 years. The inspirational captain of Ireland has been a one-man team for a lot of his career and continues to wear his heart on his sleeve.
Although not the biggest of centres, he has the strength of an ox and unmatched tenacity in attack and defence. The great thing about him is that he can match and beat the best in the world even when his team is down. He is the perfect rugby player.
14. Chris Ashton
The English winger is now known as the best winger in the Northern Hemisphere. He has been a dominant figure in the Top 14, terrorising opposition defences with his lightning speed. He also has an uncanny knack of crossing the try line, and was the top scorer of the Six Nations by a distance.
15. Kurtley Beale
Has almost a complete game for a man only in his early twenties. His lightning speed, superb vision and great kicking game have put him at the very top of the Australian fullback pecking order. Along with Quade Cooper and James O’Connor, the trio hold the key to unleashing one of the greatest backlines in world rugby.
16. Stephen Moore
He has long been recognised as one of the best in the world but lately Stephen Moore has really hit his straps. He has been dominant against the Blacks and the Boks and had a great Super Rugby season in a disappointing Brumbies squad.
Cited by none other than Sean Fitzpatrick as the best in the world in 2008, he has been a stalwart at the front of the Wallaby pack and his set piece work is outstanding, along with dominant breakdown work and defence.
17. Martin Castrogiovanni
The Argentine-born Castrogiovanni is one of the true greats of modern rugby. The long-haired, bearded, colourful front-row player is colossal in the scrums and has ball-playing skills that some loose forwards would die for.
He is one of the few Italian players that would be considered for a World XV and is one of only a handful of props to have scored a hat-trick in international rugby.
18. James Horwill
The giant Queenslander led a young Reds team to the Super Rugby title in 2011. Leading by the example in every game, he has now replaced Rocky Elsom as Captain of the Wallabies.
Horwill can be relied on week in week out. Horwill goes into tackles and breakdowns without thought of his own pain but with the pride of doing what is needed for his country.
19. Radike Samo
The fuzzy-haired Queenslander had an outstanding season for the Reds at number 8, packing on big hit after big hit. In the last two games he has played for the Wallabies he has been absolutely terrific, man of the match in the Tri-Nations win against the All Blacks.
20. Fourie du Preez
Described by Spiro Zavos has the greatest halfback of the last 10 years, Fourie du Preez has helped the Blue Bulls and the Springboks to Super Rugby and World Cup Championships respectively.
Highly respected among his playing group, he holds the key to South African rugby this year. His skills are still among the best in the world and his experience and his influence on South African rugby will enhance a repeat of 2007 a great deal.
21. Conrad Smith
One of the most consistent performers playing at this level, combining great accuracy with vision and the uncanny ability to be in the right place at the right time. Although not always the most spectacular, he can be relied to produce a solid performance every weekend.
Smith has vision and the skill to set up his outside flyers when his own attacking options become limited. His defence is among the best in the world for a centre and he adds the perfect balance to the New Zealand side.
22. James O’Connor
The lightning utility scored a hat trick on debut in 2009 and hasn’t looked back since. Although he is only 21 years old, he is consistently putting out stellar performances for the Wallabies, including the winning points against New Zealand in Hong Kong, and ] 29 points in Australia’s 59-16 drumming of France.
He is the second-youngest player to score 100 Test points. One of the fastest men in world rugby, he also has great playmaking skills, regularly playing that sort of role even on the wing.
Adam-15
Roar Pro
also im pretty sure kieran read isn't a lock mate
Adam-15
Roar Pro
This squad was before the World Cup, HENCE THE TITLE
Iw Lew
Guest
Disgusting how you didn't include any Welsh or French players. Did you watch the World Cup? Cause I can remember Wales and France in the finals! Even bigger joke is that you have England players in your team! My 2011 RWC XV (after the tornument) 1. Gethin Jenkins 2. Kevin Mealamu 3. Martin Castrogeavani 4. Luke Charteris 5. Kieran Read 6. Thierry Dusuatoir 7. Sam Warburton 8. Toby Faletau 9. Mike Philips 10. Rhys Preistland 11. James O' Conner 12. Jamie Roberts 13. Ma'a Nonu 14. Israel Dagg 15. Kurtley Beale Now that's a 2011 RWC team!
Pete
Guest
I don't buy that, he's "missing" at the bottom of rucks in big games. It's pretty typical for a dominant 8 to run rampant when his team's on top, but to be completely preoccupied with the tight stuff in a tight game. Parisse is batting as far above his average to be on here as he is in his marriage. The only one close to Spies is Read, and the Wallaby backrow exposed Read's lack of pace in the last Tri-nations this year.....I might wanna put Castrogiovanni at tight head now though. I've never seen a better scrummaging performance by a tight head than his against Australia.
GPC
Guest
put horwill and kieren ried on the run on and then you have it right.
Ben S
Roar Guru
The same Franks that Sheridan sat down on his bum recently? Woodcock is a busted one-trick pony. His boring-in tricks aren't working anymore, and Mas is a 3, not a 1. Sheridan is a better athlete than all the players you list, he is a better lineout lifter, a better tackler too. All over the place...
Ben S
Roar Guru
Played off the park? That's your response?! Good grief... And btw, he didn't play 5 mid-week games either...
mattamkII
Guest
yep he injured his leg but had play 5 mid week games and been played off the park.
mattamkII
Guest
Mas, Tonga'uiha, Franks, Woodcock are just a few name that spring to mind that are much more complete props that Sherry and Guthro.
mattamkII
Guest
correct.
Nick_KIA
Guest
Spies is a flat track bully that goes missing in the tough games. He's not the best 8 in SA.
Pete
Guest
I don't mind your team....mine would beat it. 1. Jenkins 2. B. Du Plessis 3. Franks 4. O'Connell 5. Matfield 6. Bergamascu 7. Pocock 8. Spies 9. Genia (c) 10. Carter (if he had Genia's service he'd be putting Cooper to shame) 11. Ioane 12. Nonu 13. Rougerie 14, Clerc 15. Beale 16. Tongahuia 17. Ledesma 18. Read 19. Brussow 20. du Preez 21. Cooper 22. Tuilagi If O'Driscoll gets back to his best, obviously Cooper gets dropped and Rougerie goes to the bench. That's a massive if at this stage and his age. I know the inclusion of Bergamascu contradicts this, but he's in a different position and he's so fast to start with. Rocky Elsom is in the same category as O'Driscoll for the 6 though. Anyone who saw Tuilagi's recent performance against Australia would want him. Also, if you don't have Spies at 8 you've gone mad.
Adam-15
Roar Pro
OK well instead of just telling me who obviously isnt good enough, who would you have replace them? Actually what would your team be?
Ben S
Roar Guru
Agree with para 3. On form he is simply a very good forward, capable of doing things that other props can't. I'm far more comfortable with him back in the side rather than Corbisiero. On another note, I am assuming that Deacon is a better scrummager than either Lawes or Palmer. England scrummaged very well with him in the engine room during the 6N.
Viscount Crouchback
Guest
Didn't Sheridan break his leg against the NZ Maori on that tour? I don't think he played a single Test, so it seems a bit daft for mattamkll to judge him on '05. I read an interesting interview with Mike Ross recently in which he described being absolutely monstered by a very angry Sheridan at Sale a couple of years ago. He said if you get it even slightly wrong against Sheridan, he'll just destroy you with his sheer brute strength. Fit and fired up, I think he probably is the best loosehead in the world, but if you were picking a World XV on consistent performance, there's no way he'd feature.
Derm
Roar Guru
For those wanting to know what conditions their team is likely to be facing in upcoming RWC matches, I’ve posted a list of stadia locations and weather forecasts for upcoming matches on the Roar Rugby World Cup page – it’s beneath the fixture list. http://www.theroar.com.au/rugby-union/rugby-world-cup-fixtures/ I’ll update this on a regular basis to take into account matches coming up in next ten days within forecast range.
Ben S
Roar Guru
Actually, in 2005 the NZ scribes felt Sheridan scrummaged poorly, whereas the UK scribes felt Sheridan scrummaged well. Personally, I thought the boy done good, but his reputation has always been exaggerated by lowest common denominator fans and a misinformed media. That said, he is still a very good prop, and to define him solely by his scrummaging is pretty narrow. Also, I seem to recall Sheridan giving Owen Franks a bit of a touch up the last time the two sides met. I also recall Sheridan performing well against NZ in 2005 at Twickenham. Btw, bearing in mind the best props in world rugby play in the NH when has Sheridan 'done nothing against quality'? I doubt the toughest tour he ever faced was the 2005 Lions tour. NZ rugby isn't exactly overflowing with good props.
mattamkII
Guest
Adam - your props are a joke. Sorry, sounds harsh but its true. Sheridan has done nothing against quality. The toughest tour he had was the Lions to NZ and he got owned....And yes, Steenkamp doesn't actually play tight head. Spot on at Hooker though...Bismark is quality and really get held back with the Saffers un-natural love of Smit. Matfield has been out of for for 2-3 years and I think if you want t hard man lock you'd go for Bakkies over Thorn...he just offers more in tight if you ask me. Kaino? meh. Much like Collins before him, he's a hard running big hitting destroyer but really lacks it when it comes to tight play at crunch time.
Ed
Guest
Drico has the same skill set (if not better, see that one handed pick up against the AB last autumn) and is much better in the tackle and at the breakdown. Jacque Fourie is a great carrier and defender but he hasn't got the skills in my opinion.
Ed
Guest
Parisse is the man.