Five All Blacks make World Cup team of the tournament
Reigning champions South Africa take on fellow three-time winners New Zealand in Saturday’s Rugby World Cup final.
Here, the PA news agency picks a team from the best performing players in the tournament.
15. Beauden Barrett (New Zealand): Two-time world player of the year set the standard for a playmaking full-back.
14. Damian Penaud (France): Daredevil wing who topped the try-scoring chart until Will Jordan ran amok against Argentina.
13. Waisea Nayacalevu (Fiji): The Islanders’ skipper stood out in a backline full of lethal runners.
12. Bundee Aki (Ireland): A player of the tournament candidate through his powerful running, clever lines and slick footwork.
11. Will Jordan (New Zealand): Ruthless finisher who is in the company of greats such as Jonah Lomu after amassing eight tries.
10. Richie Mo’unga (New Zealand): The game’s most complete fly-half with the creativity to match his game management.
9. Aaron Smith (New Zealand): One of the World Cup’s smallest players is also among its smartest.
1. Ox Nche (South Africa): The Springboks’ strongest scrummager may be on the bench but what an impact he makes.
2. Mike Tadjer (Portugal): A front row all-rounder who was especially influential in the shock victory over Fiji.
3. Ben Tameifuna (Tonga): Monster tighthead prop weighing in at 23st 11lbs yet has the carrying prowess to match his scrummaging.
4. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa): A snarling enforcer and still the game’s dominant second row despite an off-night against England.
5. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland): Ever-present for Ireland who provided fight whether playing at lock or in the second-row.
6. Courtney Lawes (England): A back-row warrior with a sharp rugby brain excelled in the biggest games.
7. Jac Morgan (Wales): Blockbusting flanker who showed maturity beyond his years to lead Wales into the quarter-finals.
8. Ardie Savea (New Zealand): Pushed very close by England’s Ben Earl but Savea is a class apart.
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There's a log jam at the moment of quality number sevens competing for an All Black jersey. I think Du Plessis Kirifi is certainly one of them and has now developed an accurate sharp and energetic game as compared to when he was first picked. Would love to see Billy Harmon get first dibs at the jersey (been outstanding in a struggling side for a few seasons now), as I believe we've seen enough of Papali'i to understand what he brings to the role. Lakai is young and will get his shot. Du Plessis would be a bolt off the bench but his lack of versatility may hinder his chances.
Go to commentsGood Luck Sam, enjoy Japan.
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