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Picking a team of the tournament based only on form (and time played) in this year’s Rugby Championship is not that difficult in most positions.
When you look over the results and the stats, you get a clear idea of who should be in the combined side.
You start with Kieren Read, who played several matches at such a high level, it was easily fathomed.
You put Eben Etzebeth’s name down (one of four players to play every minute of the tournament, which is amazing for a tight forward).
He made the most runs (35), metres (211), tackle busts (10), linebreaks (2) and lineout wins (36) of any lock in the tournament.
You write down Ben Smith’s name, who just scores tries. This was sometimes as a finisher in the right spot, and sometimes (to get the crucial bonus try against Argentina) out of almost nothing.
Jean de Villiers is next, because played midfield rugby at the very highest level. He led all centres in line-breaks and assisted line-breaks and tackle busts, but also organised the Bok defence and led magnificently.
Conrad Smith joins him, because the man just doesn’t make mistakes in big Tests.
The Argentine scrum’s dominance forces you to write down at least one Spanish surnamed prop, regardless of general play.
I think Figallo at the tight-head claims the No. 3 jersey in a 2013 RC Team of the Tourney.
And it may seem unfair to the other flyhalves, but one of NZ’s revolving door of No. 10 playmakers must be named.
I’d write Beauden Barrett’s name down, which might be controversial, given the great form of Aaron Cruden, Tom Taylor, and Dan Carter; but his minutes on the field were crucial. He was fearless, and he beat the Boks.
Some of the other positions are more difficult, either because of limited schedules (Fourie du Preez, Adriaan Strauss/Bismarck du Plessis, and Richie McCaw come to mind) or nebulous position fits (Israel Folau and Willie le Roux) or a lack of a clear standout (fullback, openside, loosehead).
However, here’s my squad:
I. Dagg, B. Smith, C. Smith, J de Villiers (vc), B. Habana, B. Barrett, A. Smith, T. Mtawarira, B. du Plessis, J. Figallo, E. Etzebeth, S. Whitelock, L. Messam, F. Louw, K. Read (c).
Reserves (picked as if it is a real team):
Ayerza, Strauss, J. du Plessis, Luatua, Lobbe, F. du Preez, A. Cruden, W. le Roux.
But if I were the Team Selector for the “Southern Lions,” and everyone was healthy, I’d pick these 45 guys, with Read as captain:
Back three: Dagg, F. Steyn, B. Smith, Habana, le Roux, Savea, Jane, Ioane, Folau.
Midfield: JdV, Nonu, C. Smith, Bosch, JJ Engelbrecht, Adam Ashley-Cooper.
Flyhalf: Carter, Barrett, Cruden.
Scrumhalf: F. du Preez, A. Smith, W. Genia.
No 8: Read, Vermeulen, Higginbotham.
Blindside flanks: Messam, Kaino, Lobbe.
Opensides: Pocock, Louw, McCaw.
Locks: Etzebeth, Whitelock, Albacete, Retaillick, Horwill, Romano.
Props: Figallo, Beast, Ayerza, Woodcock, Fauimiana, J. du Plessis.
Hookers: Bismarck, Strauss, Moore.
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.