Best XV Not At The World Cup

Tuesday 30 August 2011

As the world cup draws ever closer, players from each nation are finding out whether they have made the final squads which will compete for rugby's ultimate prize in New Zealand. As with any selection there will be players who have missed out for various reasons, so I have put together a team of the best players who will not be in New Zealand.

1 Thomas Domingo (France) “ The little prop was one of the players of the Six Nations, despite his country having a difficult campaign. His brilliant scrimmaging and ability with ball in hand make him a real handful for any team. He looked a certainty for France's squad, but he picked up a knee ligament injury whilst playing for Clermont Auvergne has forced him to miss the tournament.

2 Schalk Brits (South Africa) “ One of the best players in the whole of Europe last season. The South African was the heartbeat of the Saracens side that won the Aviva Premiership, setting up the only try in the final vs. Leicester. His work in the tight is brilliant, but it is in the loose where he has made his mark in England, his ball carrying and handling skills are as good as any back.

3 Carl Hayman (New Zealand) “ Still regarded as one of the best tight-head props in the world, has been a key man for the All Blacks in the past. The powerful Kiwi is a destructive ball carrier in the loose and is extremely powerful in the scrum. He would probably made into Graham Henry's squad had he not opted to stay in Europe and play for Toulon.

4 Andries Bekker (South Africa) “ The 6ft 10 lock was in magnificent form the Stormers this season, and looked nailed on to be part of Peter de Villiers squad. He is imposing in the lineout, but for such a big man he blessed with great pace and hands. He was part of the squad which beat the Lions in that epic series in 2009, but a knee injury has forced him out of the World Cup.

5 Dave Attwood (England) “ The powerful second row, is one of the most promising forwards in England. He is aggressive with in both attack and defence, his style of play caught the eye of Martin Johnson last season. But his indiscipline cost has him, a disgraceful stamping incident ruled him out of the Six Nations and he has been unable to force his way back into the squad. But he will be a big play for England in years to come.

6 Liam Messam (New Zealand) “ It is a testament to the strength in depth New Zealand has, when one of the most talented back-row players in the Southern Hemisphere can't make the final squad. His handling has always been a massive part of his game, but his tight play has improved immensely. His versatility has made him a useful tool for Graham Henry in recent years, but he has missed out on the World Cup.

7 Martyn Williams (Wales) “ Despite his age the Welshman is still one of the most intelligent open-sides in the world. His ability to win turnovers allied with his brilliant ball handling, have made him a mainstay in the Welsh set-up for the last 10 years. But the emergence of Sam Warburton has meant that the man with 103 caps has missed out.

8 Joe van Niekerk (South Africa) “ The Toulon captain was one of the best players in the Heineken Cup last season. When fit he is one of the best back-row forwards in the world, his powerful and aggressive style of play makes him a handful for defences. Had he been playing in the Super 15 i think this man would be a shoe in for the Boks.

9 Dwayne Peel (Wales) “ When he is on form the Sale scrum-half is one of the best in the world. He has brilliant rugby brain, his distribution is razor sharp and his speed makes him a lethal weapon around the ruck. He has fallen out of favour with Warren Gatland, and despite claims that he was fit for selection the Welsh coach decided not to pick him.

10 Juan Martin Hernandez (Argentina) “ The magical Argentinean was arguably the stand-out player at the 2007 World Cup. He has all of the attributes a top fly-half needs pace, skill and a wonderfully diverse kicking game. Once again he was going to be the key man for the Pumas, but a knee injury he suffered playing for Racing Metro ruled him out of the tournament.

11 Sitiveni Sivivatu (New Zealand) “ The All Black winger is one of the deadliest finishers in world rugby, with 33 tries in 48 games. His pace, strength and ability to counter-attack from deep has terrorised defences all over the world. But a fractured eye-socket suffered against Australia has forced him out of Graham Henry's plans.

12 Matt Giteau (Australia) “ The fly-half/centre is one of the most talented players of his generation. He has the ability to open up any defence with his brilliant passing and running skills, combine this with his accurate kicking and you have one of the world's best players. But he has fallen out of favour with Robbie Deans, and has found himself missing out on the World Cup. A big mistake in my opinion.

13 Yannick Jauzion (France) “ The talismanic French centre is still one of the top players in Europe, and scored the try that knocked out New Zealand in 2007. His huge physical presence perfectly complements his classy handling skills; make him such dangerous player even at 33. With him missing from the squad France have lost a huge player, he has stacks of experience and can change a game in an instant.

14 Rupeni Caucaunibuca (Fiji) “ It is hard to believe that possibly the most talented attacking player in the world only has eight international caps. But his off-field problems have led to the Fijian management team giving up on him. But when he is in the mood Rupeni is the best player in the world, his speed and power make him nearly impossible to defend. If he could sort himself out, I'm sure everybody would agree it would be brilliant to see him back in international rugby.

15 Isa Nacewa (Fiji) “ The versatile back has nailed down the full-back position after Rob Kearney's injury, and is now one of the top players in Europe. His counter-attacking game is superb, and under the high ball he is as good as anybody. He isn't the quickest player but his intelligence makes him so dangerous when he has the ball, and his kicking game is very solid. His big game experience could have been vital for Fiji.

Let us know what you think of the selections, and who would be in your team.