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Rugby World Cup 2015 has seen a return to running rugby, with those who have been prepared to chance their arm generally rewarded.
The southern hemisphere sides affirmed their perceived dominance taking all four semi final spots for the first time in tournament history.
As such, they dominate my team of the tournament, but there is room for a few players from north of the equator.
With just one game to go in the tournament – the Rugby World Cup final between Australia and New Zealand – here is my team of the tournament so far.
1. Scott Sio (Australia)
Young and powerful, he dominated the English and Welsh scrums. Has shored up the previously vulnerable Wallabies scrum and is good around the park.
2. Augustin Creevy (Argentina)
The Pumas skipper was a vital part of a dominant scrum, solid at the lineout, and led the Pumas and non-loose forwards with 8 turnovers in the tournament.
3. Ramiro Herrera (Argentina)
On form he is the best tighthead in the world at the moment. He had the edge over New Zealand and dominated the Irish and Australian scrums. Herrera does a lot of the tough carries and is a strong runner with no regard for self preservation.
4. Alan Wyn Jones (Wales)
Jones is the king of the lineout and busy around the park. He is a nuisance at the breakdown and inspired an understrength Wales to the quarters.
5. Brodie Retallick (New Zealand)
Brodie is a big, powerful runner with silky ball skills. Dominant lineout jumper and aggressive defender who doesn’t miss much.
6. Thierry Dusautoir (France)
Did well to earn nine turnovers in a seemingly dysfunctional team. Almost as influential as David Pocock at the breakdown, especially in France’s pool matches.
7. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
Still got it. His best work isn’t turnovers but the buisance he is all over the breakdown slowing ball. He showed his ball carrying skills have greatly improved.
8. David Pocock (Australia)
Pocock would be favourite for player of the tournament. Lead the way with turnovers and when he’s on the field had the most influence over the outcome of matches. Underrated work in attack controlling the Australian maul and carrying the ball.
9. Greg Laidlaw (Scotland)
Mr. Consistent. His goal-kicking was superb all tournament as was his general play kicking. He controls matches and comes up with big plays at big moments. Almost orchestrated a great upset over the Wallabies.
10. Nicolas Sanchez (Argentina)
Established himself as a world class 10. His kicking was superb, he was prepared to take on the line (with great success due to his great footwork), and topped Argentina’s tackle count. An outstanding contribution from the Pumas fly-half.
11. Julian Savea (New Zealand)
There was talk in the lead up to the tournament he was overweight and battling to make New Zealand’s starting line-up. Top try-scorer including a blockbusting hat-trick in the quarter has cemented him as the best winger in the world.
12. Matt Giteau (Australia)
Justified the ‘Giteau Clause’ with some outstanding performances. Adds a second ball playing option and a left foot kicker but more importantly great composure to a relatively inexperienced Australian side.
13. Jesse Kriel (South Africa)
The young gun topped the tournament for centres with nine clean breaks. Ran great lines in attack and was effective in defending the difficult 13 channel. Set for a bright future.
14. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Australia)
AAC has revelled in his role on the wing in the world cup. The best defensive outside back in world rugby, his contributions against Wales and through the finals made the difference between victory and defeat for the Wallabies.
15. Ayumu Goromaru (Japan)
He was very safe at the back, and picked his times well to inject into the Japanese attack. Averaged over 14 points per match for the Brave Blossoms.
Totals
Australia 4
New Zealand 3
Argentina 3
South Africa 1
Japan 1
Scotland 1
Wales 1
France 1
Honourable mentions
Rory Best (Ireland), Eben Etzebeth (South Africa), Scott Fardy (Australia), Michael Hooper (Australia), Schalk Burger (South Africa), Kieran Read (New Zealand), Juan Imhoff (Argentina), Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand), Ben Smith (New Zealand).
So there it is, the team of the tournament. Some tough choices but overall the dominance of the Southern Hemisphere sides sees them rewarded by dominating the side. Others suggestions also welcome below.
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.