Brian Smith – former Wallaby and international coach – selects his RWC Team of the Tournament for Richard Edwards.
Brian selected his team based on performance during the tournament, particularly in attack. He also picked the team with a strong eye on the future and expects most of the players will make a massive impact in 2019 and over the next four years.
Not one player is from the Northern Hemisphere
His team comprises 5 Wallabies, 7 All Blacks, 2 Springboks and 1 Puma. Wouldn’t it be great to see this team line up against the best from the North? Promoters take note.
[one_third last=”no”]
1. Scott Sio
One heck of an athlete who put in some really dominant scrum performances. Will only get technically better under the guidance of Mario Ledesma.[/one_third][one_third last=”no”]
2. Agustin Creevy
Fearless leader of the Pumas as they took on the world. A better scrummager than Coles and Moore.[/one_third][one_third last=”yes”]
3. Sekope Kepu
Everything you want in a prop. He scrums, runs and tackles his heart out. And what about his step?[/one_third][one_third last=”no”]
4. Brodie Retallick
Reminds me of the terminator in way he smashes runners. The backbone of the Kiwi tight five. A really tough player.[/one_third][one_third last=”no”]
5. Eben Etzebeth
Big, nasty and athletic. He’s the next Bakkies Botha for the Springboks.[/one_third][one_third last=”yes”]
6. Kieran Read
Always wins the collisions. Would captain my team, but would play at 6 as a jumping back rower to make room for the Pooper.[/one_third][one_third last=”no”]
7. Michael Hooper
Massive workload in all games and combined well with Pocock to put opposition teams under huge pressure. Collectively, they may have changed the way future back rows are constructed.[/one_third][one_third last=”no”]
8. David Pocock
Player of the tournament who single handedly took apart most oppositions.[/one_third][one_third last=”yes”]
9. Aaron Smith
The best 9 in the game by a long shot. His up-tempo game gives the All Blacks a huge edge.[/one_third][one_third last=”no”]
10. Dan Carter
His contribution in the big moments was so extraordinary he had to be included, even though he doesn’t meet the ‘eye for the future’ criteria.[/one_third][one_third last=”no”]
11. Julian Savea
Played like a run away train. Was unstoppable in the French match. No defensive system can contain a strike player with his power when at his best.[/one_third][one_third last=”yes”]
12. Ma’a Nonu
Quick, powerful and elusive. Scored a brilliant try in the final. Keeping Sonny Bill Williams out of the starting team speaks volumes of his ability.[/one_third][one_third last=”no”]
13. Damian de Allende
Has size and agility and would love to see him play outside Nonu. [/one_third][one_third last=”no”]
14. Nehe Milner-Skudder
Had the best footwork at the World Cup. Would be the closest thing we’ve seen to Jason Robinson.[/one_third][one_third last=”yes”]
15. Kurtley Beale
Outplayed Israel Folau, Willie le Roux and other big name 15’s. One of the best attackers in the RWC, with the final a highlight.[/one_third]
How’s that fit with yours?
