Oh well, probably time to do it I guess since my mate, Aquinas Hall RA and Dunedin Technical shot-stopper, Stephen Downey has come up with his XV.
- Tony Woodcock, New Zealand
- Keven Mealamu, New Zealand
- Owen Franks, New Zealand
- Danie Roussow, South Africa
- Lionel Nallet, France
- Jerome Kaino, New Zealand
- David Pocock, Australia
- Toby Faletau, Wales
- Mike Phillips, Wales
- Tusi Pisi, Samoa
- Vincent Clerc, France
- Ma'a Nonu, New Zealand
- Jacque Fourie, South Africa
- Cory Jane, New Zealand
- Israel Dagg, New Zealand
Bismarck du Plessis, South Africa
Gethin Jenkins, Wales
Paul O'Connell, Ireland
Sam Warburton, Wales
Will Genia, Australia
Francois Steyn, South Africa
Jamie Roberts, Wales
By the way yes I did notice Stevo's team only featured teams in the knockout stages but there were quite a few outstanding players who missed out playing knockout football, i.e. Tusi Pisi was magnificent in piloting the Samoan backline. I was tempted to put Carter in if he hadn't been knocked out - it hasn't really been a great tournament for first fives to be honest.
On the other hand, it's been a brilliant tournament to be a halfback - Kahn Fotuali'i, Dmitri Yachvilli, Morgan Parra and Piri Weepu were unlucky to miss out.
PLAYERS OF THE TOURNAMENT (for me): The All Black front row. Have not put a foot wrong during this tournament and have totally outplayed anyone they faced in the scrums. And they're good going forward too.
Tusi Pisi is a huge call, but there haven't been too many top first fives in the competition. I went for Morne Steyn since he has been the top points scorer. I think there have been some strong individuals for the minnows, but they don't get the respect Kleeburger, Tincu and Leitch. I also think that open-side is the toughest to pick while there aren't many locks or first fives to stand up.
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