Team of the tournament
So after a whirlwind six week’s of rugby, it’s all over. New Zealand rightly, albeit nervously won on Sunday against the French. Now the focus turns to the stand out players of the tournament, hopefully you guys will agree with my selection for the best side at the Rugby World Cup.
Full-back - Israel Dagg
Dagg had a fantastic World Cup and was a potent attacking for the AB’s as they won the Webb Ellis after 24 years of eluding the men in black. Dagg was truly devastating against the Wallabies, setting up Ma’a Nonu for the AB’S first try.
Wings- George North & James O’Conner.
I went with two young talents in the Wing positions, who had a huge impact for their sides in their first world cup tournaments. 21 year old O’Conner is the boy wonder of Australian rugby, and was the second highest points scorer in the tournament with 52 points. His star moment came against South Africa when he kicked a penalty for a narrow win for the Wallabies under massive pressure.
George North was one of Wales brightest lights for the Red Dragons in New Zealand, blessed with power, pace and dancing feet North had it all, as the Welsh made their way to the Rugby World Cup Semi finals. More worryingly he is only just 19 so expect him to star in a few more World Cup’s to come.
Outside-centre - Manu Tuilagi
Aside from a spot of swimming in Auckland harbour, wearing a branded mouth guard and getting involved with England’s mischief in Queenstown. Manu Tuilagi was England’s best player in an otherwise disappointing tournament for the former World Cup Winners. His bulldozing, uncompromising style was truly unique in a side devout of flair and creativity. Again youth is truly on his side, providing he can mature off the pitch, I can see him being a major part of the England set up.
Inside-centre - Ma'a Nonu
Nonu had a strong World Cup and stood out in a All Blacks side full of excellent ball carriers. Nonu’s pace and aggression was a key asset for the All Blacks, often dictating attacks for his side. However his distribution was at his best throughout the tournament, this particularly showed against the Wallabies. As the AB’s convincingly beat their Tasman rivals to get to the Rugby World Cup final.
Fly-half -Morné Steyn
Arguably this slot should have been for Dan Carter, but unfortunately injury ruled him out of the business end of the tournament. Much to the worry of the nation, but in his absence Morne Steyn of the Springboks stepped up as my Fly-half choice. An expert long kicker, and with 14 conversions in 5 matches he was the tournaments leading points kicker by some margin. Despite the defending champions crashing out in disappointing style in the Quarter Finals.
Scrum-half- Dimitri Yachvili
Yachvili was one of the French sides stand out players in the tournament, often starting the attacks for the bulldozing French side. But also his contribution with the boot was telling, often kicking his side out of trouble along with partner in crime Morgan Parra, both of whom where the major thrust for Les Blues.
Loose-head prop - Tony Woodcock
One half of the Woodcock brothers, the veteran was potent in the scrum of the AB’S. Solid throughout the tournament and particularly in the Semi final against the Wallabies, as the All Blacks absolutely demolished their pack. More importantly Woodcock also scored the AB’s only try in the tight victory over the French.
Hooker - William Servat
A master on the line-out, and well versed in the scrum Servat was my pick at hooker. He was strong in the tight exchanges and he formed a key element as the second oldest ever French side to reach a World Cup final. At 32 you can imagine that this could have been his last World Cup, but he will be proud of his efforts as he helped his side get to the Rugby World Cup final.
Tight-head prop - Nicolas Mas
Mas was sorely missed in his sides first match up with New Zealand as Les Blues where beaten convincingly. But in the final he returned to his best with a strong defensive display, in what was a tight and tense final. Just like team mate Servat, Mas was strong in the scrum, and was a defensive rock of strength for his side.
Second-rows: Danie Rossouw & Brad Thorn
Both Thorn & Rossouw where my certain choices in the second row, Roussouw in particular was devastating for the Springbok’s in the pool stages both in the tackle & with the ball breaking the line time and time again. Thorn again optimises the number 4 shirt, big, uncompromising & strong as a ox, whilst also dominant in the set pieces and scrum. Many people I asked about the All Blacks pointed to him as the colossus of the side. Now he is the oldest Rugby World Cup winner of all time. Blind-side flanker: Jerome Kaino
Kaino is now the 5th All Blacks team member in my squad, and is in as being the most complete number 6 in the tournament. Fantastic with the ball in hand, but crucially working hard with and without the ball for his side, making all of those hard yards and making doing the less glamorous jobs for his side.
Open-side flanker: Richie McCaw
It just had to be Richie hadn’t it? The All Blacks captain was dominant in the games he played, and whilst injured the nation prayed that he didn’t pull out of the squad. He done what every great leader does, which was carry on through adversity and he got the job done for the All Blacks. He also looks good wearing a silver cap & lifting gold trophies.
Number eight- Toby Faletau
Naturalised Welsh-man Toby Faletau is my choice at number 8. He came from strong rugby stock as his father Kuli played for Tonga at the Rugby World Cup. Faletau was fantastic for the Welsh and was a mainstay in the side throughout the tournament. With his defensive work combining with the flair of the Welsh side nearly pushing them to their first World Cup Final,at just 20 he has a big future in the Welsh set up. Coach of the tournament
Warren Gatland- For me Warren gets the nod as coach of the tournament. He crafted a young excited Welsh side in the mould of the great sides of yesteryear. Playing with a distinct southern hemisphere style, and taking the likes of South Africa & France down to the wire, the New Zealand native should be proud of what he has done. Perhaps a call from the All Blacks is on the cards?
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