Former 2X Super Bowl-winning New York Giants defensive end and current London NFL ambassador Osi Umenyiora
recently told The Mirror what his All World Cup NFL side would be:
“It has been fascinating for me being here at the Rugby World Cup,” he said. “I have been watching closely for players who could potentially translate across as NFL players, and have definitely seen a few.
“Some of the skill sets are similar but what I really look at are: the way the players run, do they have a low centre of gravity? How do they tackle: do they get low and explode into it?
“Another key is how aware are they of the space around them on the field? Rugby is a game where everything is played in front of you whereas the NFL is a 360 degrees game so players need to have good sense of their surroundings and great vision.”
So what are they?
Offence
Wide receiver: Mike Brown (Eng), Julian Savea (NZ)
Tight end: George North (Wal)
Centre: Dane Coles (NZ)
Guard: Cian Healy (Ire), Gethin Jenkins (Wal)
Offensive tackle: Sean O'Brien (Ire), Sam Warburton (Wal)
Quarterback: Dan Biggar (Wal)
Running back: Greg Laidlaw (Sco), Aaron Smith (NZ)
Kicker: Owen Farrell (Eng)
Defence
Defensive end: Bismark du Plessis (SA), Ross Ford (Sco)
Defensive tackle: Marcos Ayerza (arg), Dan Cole (Eng)
Cornerback: Jonathan Joseph (Eng), Anthony Watson (Eng)
Outside linebacker: Dan Lydiate (Wal), James Haskell (Eng)
Middle linebacker: Jamie Heaslip (Ire)
Safety: Jerome Kaino (NZ), David Pocock (Aus)
Not a bad side all around. Based on this World Cup, Scott Sio might also make it as a guard, and I wouldn't mind seeing Ma'a Nonu at fullback (he'd be great at short yardage and as a blocking fullback). Could also see Ben Smith and a fit Israel Folau at cornerback, and Nemani Nadolo or Samu Manoa at tight end (Manoa either there or at tackle, as a pulling lineman). I'd think you'd want a bit more speed in the safeties, but I'm not going to question a pro defensive end.