Here’s my team of the World Cup – let me know what you think.
One or two controversial selections, but the wealth of talent on show meant there was always going to be disappointment for those that missed out.
1. Andrew Sheridan (England)
First name on the teamsheet, primarily because I started at the top, but also because he’s now the most-feared scrummager in World Rugby.
2. John Smit (South Africa)
The World Cup-winning captain led his team with pride and courage, and I would have liked to have seen Thabo Mbeki hoisting the big hooker onto his shoulders, rather than the other way around.
3. Census Johnston (Samoa)
Gave the Samoan pack its teeth. Several teams of the tournament have selected Carl Hayman, but surely only on reputation rather than impact at this World Cup.
4. Victor Matfield (South Africa)
The best lineout forward in the world, and made a big contribution in the loose. Was responsible almost single-handedly for dominating England at the set-piece.
5. Simon Shaw (England)
Powerful tight game and prolific loose game. A revelation for England in this World Cup, and helped give Sheridan the necessary shove to destroy Australia.
6. Schalk Burger (South Africa)
Despite wearing the number 7 shirt, he was far and away the best blindside in the tournament. Marshalled South Africa’s defence in the final, and regularly contributed to their score throughout the competition.
7. Thierry Dusatoir (France)
A star of the French victory over the All Blacks, Dusatoir emerged as an outstanding openside, winning the battle of the breakdown with Richie McCaw.
8. Finau Maka (Tonga)
Spearheaded Tonga’s famous victory over Samoa, and almost carried them through to the knockout stages. Big guns, big hair, big game player.
9. Fourie du Preez (South Africa)
Now widely regarded as the best scrum-half in the world, and deserved to lift the trophy. His tactical nous took some of the pressure away from Butch James.
10. Juan Martin Hernandez (Argentina)
My player of the tournament, without question. Executed the Pumas’ gameplan expertly, dropping the ball onto a sixpence whenever required.
11. Bryan Habana (South Africa)
The record-equalling try-scorer had a great World Cup. Several of his tries required a lot of finishing, and luckily he’s now on the same dream team as Takudzwa Ngwenya.
12. Luke McAlister (New Zealand)
The only kiwi representative, but deserves his place. Always looked dangerous with ball in hand, and some might say he was unlucky to be sin-binned against France!
13. Stirling Mortlock (Australia)
Looked a class act throughout with hard, direct running and nearly rescued his team despite the watching forwards crumbling around him.
14. Takudzwa Ngwenya (USA)
Bryan Habana couldn’t get near him, and makes this team for that searing break alone. He lit up the World Cup, and will be dining out on it for years to come.
15. Percy Montgomery (South Africa)
Percy epitomised calmness under pressure in the final, slotting four penalties for the winners, and standing firm at the back.
Wales didn’t even qualify from their group, which puts them on the same level as Canada, USA and Portugal. None of their players made the Dream Team either.
i think you have been really unfair to the all blacks there is a reason why they are noticed as the best team in the world but on the other hand the fact its the team that function so well it can be a bad habbit picking too many from their team and not noticing other better players.
I think that this is the best team that you could have picked except if you had just added the whole springbok team as they performedoutstanding. GO BOKKEEE!!!
were th e fuck is paul sackey
you got it all wrong you should have it like this
1: Phil Vickery 2:John Smit 3:Andrew Sheridan
4: Chris Jack 5: Victor Matfield
6:Schalk Burger 7:Richie Mccaw 8:Jerry Collins/George Smith
9:Ericky Januaire 10:Daniel Carter
12:Gavin Henson 13:Brian O’Driscoll (c)
11:Shane Williams 14:Bryan Habana 15:Percy Montgomery
Why isnt Mike Phillips at scrum half he has good passing good speed and is hugely strong.
1. Gethin Jenkins
2. John Smit
3. Andrew Sheridan
4. Victor Matfield
5. Paul O’Connell
6. Jerry Collins
7. Martyn Williams
8. Sergio Parisse
9. Mike Phillips
10. Dan Carter
11. Shane Williams
12. Matt Giteau
13. Brian O’Driscoll
14. Bryan Habana
15. Percy Montegomery
Now that is the team you need
thats a shit team bro my all black dream team would maul them. 1)benfranks 2)kevan mealamu 3)tony woodcock 4)brad thorn 5)issac ross 6)liam messam 7)richie mccaw 8)nasi manu 9)jimmy cowan 10)dan carter 11)hosea gear 12)maa nonu 13)casey laulala 14)corey jane 15)mils mulianina
jl up there wheres jonah lomu ? u have to have him
AIdan bro suppose i would put him in at 11 and move hosea to 14 then put corey at 15?