Dan Carter, World Rugby Player of the Year 2015
Gregor Paul selects his World XV for 2015 which features 6 All Blacks, 3 Australians and Argentinians, and 1 Fijian, Georgian and Scotsman — and nobody from South Africa, England, Ireland, Wales or France.
15 Ben Smith (New Zealand):
Ben from all accounts had an outrageously good season. He captained the Highlanders to the most unlikely Super Rugby title and then inspired the All Blacks to a World Cup victory. His aerial skills and footwork are unbelievable.
14 Adam Ashley-Cooper(Australia):
Ashley-Cooper is the Wallaby version of Smith. He’s a superb all-round footballer who continually does the right thing. Has pace, footwork, awareness and the ability to covert half-chances. Was deadly at the World Cup.
13 Mark Bennett (Scotland):
A rugged, tough ball runner with innate timing. Picked off the intercept try in the World Cup quarter-final that should have sunk Australia and contributed some big tackling and deft passing.
12 Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand):
Ended his All Black career in the best possible way. Most direct and destructive midfielder world rugby has known. And yet he’s more than bash and dash – throws a cracking long pass, has soft hands and a clever short kicking game.
11 Juan Imhoff (Argentina):
He found his best form at the World Cup and it was impressive. He’s got natural predatory instincts and the pace and power to make good on them. Scored a try against Ireland that was hugely under-appreciated – his timing, decision making and skill were all first class.
10 Dan Carter(New Zealand):
The old class returned once he had the confidence in his body. Vintage Carter. No one else could have snapped those critical goals, or kicked as accurately under pressure as he did. Ten years after he beat the Lions with his running game, he won a World Cup with his kicking game.
9 Aaron Smith (New Zealand):
Was electric for much of Super Rugby and while his passing and running were the headline acts, his kicking game developed into a world-class component of his armoury. Does anyone in the game have a better step?
8 Mamuka Gorgodze (Georgia):
This dude played only 45 minutes against the All Blacks at the World Cup and he was the official man of the match. He’s huge, agile, smashes people off the ball and, despite being the size of a house, motors around and keeps up with the ball.
7 Richie McCaw (New Zealand):
The old master played as well as ever and while some of his Aussie backrow mates won rave reviews, neither David Pocock nor Michael Hooper offered the same range of skills and overall influence as McCaw. He cleaned them both up in the World Cup final.
6 David Pocock (Australia):
He was shown up in the World Cup final for having only the one trick, but it is a magnificent skill he has. No one is as effective at the breakdown as Pocock and his ability to win as much ball as he did had a major impact on the World Cup.
5 Leone Nakarawa (Fiji):
The big Fijian showed an incredible ability to offload and yet not shirk his core roles. He won lineout ball, tackled like a loose forward and carried the ball like an outside back. Was named as the Pacific Island Players’ Association Player of the Year.
4 Sam Whitelock(New Zealand):
The more he played, the better he got. Was a towering force at the lineout and took some critical steals in the World Cup semifinal win over South Africa. What impressed most about him, though, was his tackle count. Whitelock racks up the same sort of numbers as the best loose forwards and he’s also become a world-class ball carrier.
3 Ramiro Herrera (Argentina):
Anchored an impressive Pumas scrum and also thumped about. A huge man but he wasn’t in any way lumbering. Gave the Argentines an air of intimidation.
2 Agustin Creevy (Argentina):
The Pumas captain is a late convert to the hooking role and there is still much of the loose forward about him. He gave Argentina much of their go-forward and added a sparkle to their play with his clever offloads. Threw well at the lineout and got his body into great positions over the tackled ball.
1 Scott Sio (Australia):
A strong, agile, mobile prop with the technical ability and skills to hold his own in the set piece and yet play a meaningful role elsewhere. The Wallabies haven’t had a player likes this for decades.
nzherald
236 @ Just For Kicks:
He sure is. Never seen him before these tests as I dont watch domestic cricket nor watched us inIndia so had no clue who he was playing great so far but don’t let us jinx him yet. 🙂
Puma wrote:
You should try Siri!
240 @ Just For Kicks:
If we save this test to a draw Amla for sure he saved our butts. With the help of Faf and Ab. Like this little fella playing right now too. Bavumba. Playing really well out there.
Missed this whole day almost. Wanted to relax and just watch the cricket but something came up. Now back watching.
242 @ Just For Kicks:
I have given up with the touch screen make way too many typos bud. Will bring out the laptop in future. Dont make typos there that no one can make out what I am saying on this touch screen. Phone the same drives me nuts.
Someone mentioned that Morrie isn’t an alrounder. I’d be interested in what constitutes one. Morris’s bowling on this flat pitch has been put into perspective now that the England frontliners have shown their prowess on this pitch. His fielding has been solid – took a great catch. His batting has looked as solid as many others. Why isn’t he an alrounder?
242 @ Just For Kicks:
Where you staying JFK in the UK Scotland or England?
I bought myself a great holiday apartment in Inverness. Will spend 3 to 4 months there every year from this year. And if this country truly bombs I have us a place over there. Cant wait to go again this year. Was only there a month this year looking for a place to buy and found this superb place. Feel excited about the whole thing and its a great investment too.
244 @ Puma:
Never worry about your typos – we all understand you, and that’s all that’s important. Besides, what would we have to giggle at if you mastered the art of touch typing!!!
246 @ Puma:
I live in Stirling, Scotland – just down the drag from you. Love it up here great people, and when the weather plays ball, a great country.
You must tell us when you are coming over and with bulscot, we must all get together (Bully is a class bloke too)
Bavumba on 76 pff 84 balls. Good grief thatbis awesome wonderful from the brave new little champ. Take my hat off to him.
pff = off – thatbis = that is
229 @ nortie:
Been all over the news here, out to break the records in the end, but did bring smiles to a number of commentators – especially David Gower, who, I think, likes to give it a bit to any bowlers out there.
248 @ Just For Kicks:
Will do JFK. Its a great place and a magnificent investment. As i let it out thole not there. A bloke staning in the building that owns 3 apartments takes care off matters like advetising and getting it srvices daily. He does take a huge cut but what the heck its worth it knowing its looked after. Clean and always full with renters. Got over 600 pound a night over the
Commentators saying Bavuma is getting under the Poms skins. Nice. Just how we like it.
Damn sent it before finising, got that over the New year per night. Never in my life thought it woukd rent out for that. And everyday since I bought it is rented out looked after cleanes daily. They even painted the place for me while I was here. Awesome position and a truly lovely apartment. Can’t wait to go this year already booked. While I we are there no one can rent. But will be serviced daily. So like home from home.
Meant: finishing
253 @ Just For Kicks:
For sure. I am truly enjoying him bat the little fella has surprised me, take my hat off to him. He has now worked his place in this team for sure.
Puma wrote:
Good stuff. Sounds awesome
Bavuma just dropped on 77
252 @ Puma:
Too many typos even I cant make out what I am saying there. Going tomorrow bring out the laptop,
…and Broad gets a warning to boot. Bavuma living on the edge, but really riling them now!
258 @ Just For Kicks:
Bwahahaha. Loved that. Okay bud I have to dash. We have something on for tonight. Will catch up tomorrow and when in Scotland will make a plan to meet up with both you and Bullscot.
Cheers and good to catch up again.
Pums, I agree, this is the first time I, too, have seen Bavuma, and he certainly seems to have the talent and the ability. Lets hope this gives him the confidence to go and become a great player. No better pitch to get it on, thats for sure.
@ Puma:Cheers, Puma
Some seriously negative bowling from Anderson and England at Bavuma now. Will the lad get through it?
England fielding as bad as us, 6 drop catches, dropping amla 3 times.
Morris gets his 50 on debut. Well done lad. Excellent stuff
10 drops now
Lol another drop. England may even have won this game had they not dropped all these chances.
MacroPolo wrote:
We needed a bit of luck for a change!!
@ Just For Kicks:
When we drop catches it isnt bad luck its just poor fielding letting the opposition off.
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