Southern Hemisphere combined XV
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Southern Hemisphere combined XV
1. Marco Ayerza - The loosehead prop has impressed many this World Cup and is establishing himself as one of the best out there in his position. Key man for Argentina and proves his worth beating off Mtawaria, Crockett and Scott Sio.
2. Dane Coles - Has wrestled with Keven Mealamu for the hooker spot and has nailed down a starting place ahead of the 100+ cap All Black. Solid at the set piece and speed around the pitch makes him stand out above the rest.
3. Owen Franks. Franks is one of the most consistent tightheads in the Southern Hempishere and has been a vital member of the All Blacks side.
4. Eben Ezebeth - Just edges out fellow countryman Lood de Jaeger but Ezebeth is one of the best out there. Is a perfect fit in the Springboks side, great at the set piece and physicality is second to none. Still only 23 years of age which is quite a scary thought.
5. Brodie Retallick - The 2014 World player of the year is the best second row in the business no questions asked. Is one of the first names on the team sheet for the All Blacks and one of the more established members of the squad.
6. Michael Hooper - Part 1 of the Pooper combination, in a less familar role at 6 but Michael Hooper can be found anywhere on the pitch as he goes from winning rucks to making line breaks. Like any good back row he has the correct balance of pace and power around the pitch.
7. David Pocock - Part 2 of the dream team, David Pocock was dearly missed in the close shave against Scotland last weekend and this was clear with Scotland winning numerous turnovers and Australia not looking as solid in the maul of the lineout. McCaw unlucky to miss out but age plays a big factor Vital part to the Wallabies team.
8. Kieran Reid - Proved in the last few years why he is one of the best 8s out there, strong carrier, fantastic footballer and has got a fantastic rugby brain. Such a key member of this current All Blacks team and has proved in the last few years that he will be able to take over the captaincy reigns when Richie McCaw retires.
9. Aaron Smith. The Highlanders man is one of the most exciting players in World Rugby, consistently good with a fantastic range on his pass, dazzling feet and outrageous pace he is undoubtedly the best 9 in the Southern Hemisphere right now.
10. Dan Carter. A household name in rugby who is just too good to leave out. Coming towards the end of his career but still one of the most reliable players for the All Blacks. In his last year as an All Black, his game management and his ability hasn't changed since cap 1.
11. Julian Savea. 'The Bus' has proven over the last few weeks why people consider him to better than Jonah Lomu. 38 tries in 39 games is out of this world and he's showing no signs of stopping. Savea's pace and power is quite frightening and is almost certain to go down as one of the best wingers to wear the All Blacks jersey.
12. Matt Giteau - The prodigal son of Australian rugby has showed what they've been missing before the change of rules on overseas players earlier this year. Giteau has been instrumental in the playmaking no.12 role so far.
13. Ma'a Nonu - Monster of a man, all the skills for a centre. An All Black legend who made his 101st cap against France last week, powerful centre who's all round rugby game is impressive.
14. Juan Imhoff - This guy is one of the most lethal finishers in World Rugby at the moment and after another try scoring appearance against Ireland last weekend, he's right on form. With 16 tries for Los Pumas, he can cause any team problems at any time.
15. Israel Folau - Even as impressive as the Southern Hemisphere options at back 3 are, there could only be only one man was going to be named at 15 in this side. The league/AFL convert has been one of the world's players since making his name in the 2013 Lions tour for the Wallabies.
