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Right. Time has come. Watched every
game. IMHO the form players of the Tournament in their respective positions.
1. Sheridan ENG
Part of an unforgettable England revival and proved once more that he's the best
loosehead in the world. Immense player.
2. John Smit
South African lineout was flawless. Won the world cup. Every team needs a
captain. He's the one who makes it into this team.
3. Hayman NZL
At least 2 All Blacks have to get on the board. Sorry if I get flamed for being
one eyed. Hayman's never put a foot wrong. He has the reputation and he didn't
let anyone down. Vickery gets an honorable mention.
4. Simon Shaw ENG
Player of the Tournament a mon avis. Was absolutely immense for England in every
way. Hard bastard who never stopped trying.
5. Victor Matfield RSA
Destroyed the England lineout in the final. Touted by many as the player of the
tournament. Obligatory selection really. Ali Williams gets an honorable mention
for 2nd Row as does Sabastien Chabal.
6. Jerry Collins NZL
Corry didn't impress me as much as I hoped he would in the final. Burger might
be unlucky. But tough. Jerry was one of our best this tournament.
7. Juan Smith RSA
Practically faultless for South Africa with the good all round robust game that
suits their style of play. IMHO was lucky McCaw was knocked out, though.
Honorable mentions go to Lewis Moody, Dusatoir and the Argentine 7 (someone give
me his name!).
8. Longo Elia ARG
Loved watching this man play. Good way to retire. Really wanted to see Spies at
this world cup but didn't happen. Makes A LOT of metrage up close. Honorable
mention Nick Easter.
9. Mosese Rauluni FJI
This was the hardest selection. I almost picked Pichot on an emotional selection
as he's, a mon avis, now one of the all time greats of the game and one of the
best captains I've ever seen. Truly brilliant world cup. Then there's FdP,
everyone's favourite son. Undeniably the best in the world, and everyone's
raving about his world cup, but Rauluni's performances against Wales and South
Africa were better than any of his, with his first England performance being his
best. Still the best in the world, just not the best I've seen this World Cup.
Big honorable mention to Gomarsall who's been brilliant for the poms and has
given the best service of any half this cup.
10. Juan Martin Hernandez ARG
Funnily enough, played his best attacking rugby in the last 10 against France
when he was moved to fullback. Still, Wilkinson's been instrumental in an
England revival but I don't think he was as accurate with the boot as Hernandez
or as tactically proficient. Hernandez had a bit of a howler against South
Africa, but he's been untouchable in every other performance. I really want to
see this guy play a full game at 15. Think this guy deserves to win that PotY
award, despite Habana's efforts. Honorable mention goes to Butch James for an
amazing final performance.
11. Brian Habana RSA
Will probably get PotY. Scored lots of tries and was scintillating against South
Africa. Great defence v England too... But I'm still not sure about him. Maybe
it's his work rate. Honorable mention Paul Sackey.
12. Felipe Contepomi ARG
Without a shadow of a doubt for me, the best 12 in World Rugby. Again, one of
the Argentinian greats already. Fantastic player. I don't know what more I can
say. Oh yeah, I loved all his niggle in the last two matches. Capped off a
fantastic world cup with two beautiful tries. Honorable mention goes to Francois
Steyn for his WC Final effort. Would be delighted if he won PotY, but I doubt
it.
13. Jacques Fourie RSA
Again, few centres have had much impact in this world cup. I still think Conrad
Smith should've occupied this spot, but I can't change Henry's mind... or
history. Picking Fourie again for solidity.
14. Vilimone Delasau FJI
Most exciting player to watch in this tournament. Universally dangerous. If only
we in New Zealand were the poachers the Brits are sure we are... Honorable
mention to Dougie for being the best winger in NZ by a mile and half and still
managing to not get selected. Hope he goes down in the history books as one of
the best ever. Deserves to be up there with Lomu and Kirwan.
15. Percival Montgomery RSA
I honestly hate this selection. If England had won the World Cup Corleto would
be here. But Percy was immense in the final. Game was won between he and
Matfield. Robinson and Corleto get honorable mentions.
And that's that. Again, not everyone
will agree. Here's the summary.
ARG: 3
ENG: 2
FJI: 2
NZL: 2
RSA: 6
I think this is a fairly good
reflection. South Africa clearly dominated the finals stages... Fiji were a surprise package this tournament... England's success was more due to an immense
amount of team spirit and composure than individual brilliance... Argentina were
the heart of this tournament and achieved a level of brilliance that nobody will
ever forget.
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