2007 world cup XXII
Thought I'd have a bash based on performances in the WC so far:
1) Sheridan (ENG)
2) Smit (SA) (c)
3) Hayman (NZ)
4) Matfield (SA)
5) Shaw (ENG)
6) Elsom (AUS)
7) Dusautoir (FRA)
8) Maka (TON)
9) du Preez (SA)
10) Hernandez (ARG)
11) Habana (SA)
12) F Contepomi (ARG)
13) Mortlock (AUS)
14) Robinson (ENG)
15) Montgomery (SA)
Replacements: Prop: Stevens (ENG), Hooker: Ledesma (ARG), Lock/No 8: Chabal (FRA), Flanker: Collins (NZ), Scrum-half: Gomarsall (ENG), Fly-half: Wilkinson (ENG), Wing: Clerc (FRA).
Better explain myself, I suppose.
Front-row: Sheridan at loose-head is a no-brainer; as is Smit at hooker and captain, despite him being probably the most objectionable player so far (no small feat in any tournament containing Schalk Burger). Hayman makes tight-head as he really can't be blamed for NZ's shortcomings and his main competition (de Villiers) was going backwards on Sat. Stevens makes the bench as he covers both sides and a decidely useful player to bring on with twenty minutes left. Ledesma the replacement hooker as he's been the better all-round performer than any others who might come under consideration.
Locks: Ali Williams desperately unlucky here, missing out really because Shaw & Matfield have taken their teams further. Shaw's been quietly outstanding for us, giving us real impetus with his ball-carrying and Matfield has shown why he's the world's best line-out operator.
Loosies: Elsom was amazing for Australia in the group stages, so gets the blindside despite going missing in the QF. Dusautoir has been the stand-out openside (even if France have effectively played with two) & Maka was little short of a force of nature for Tonga in their two best performances (v SA & Samoa). Chabal provides cover for No 8 & second row from the bench. Collins was exceptional for NZ in the group stages too, so as I've included Elsom he makes it onto the bench.
Halves: du Preez has shown why he considered the world's best 9 and Gomarsall has been instrumental in getting us to the final. Hernandez was great when Argentina beat France, even if he's been less effective in the knock-out stages he's got enough credit in the bank to keep Jonny on the bench for now.
Centres: Contepomi has provided a nice alternate kicking outlet at 12 for Argentina and Mortlock did enough to prove he's the world's leading 13. No place kicking for him tho.
Outsides: Habana has proved to be the most deadly finisher on display, Robinson England's main (only) counter attacking option and I've stuck him on the wing to make room for Perce at 15. Clerc makes the bench ahead of Howlett & Mitchell as it seems counter-intuitive to include players left out of their respective teams' XVs for the quarter-finals.