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| Gorgodzilla |
Given the response I have had on Planet Rugby for my article on the 'Rise and fall of Romania' (as can be found here:
I have decided to compile what one could describe as a ‘Rest of the World’ Team, for the Nations not involved in either the ‘Six Nations’ or the newly named ‘Rugby Championship’. I’m sure there are a few selections which one could dispute, but to make a nice mix, there is a reasonable balance of players from the nations available.
* My apologies to Japanese supporters: your team plays a very exciting brand of rugby and I am looking forward to see how they progress under Eddie Jones, but seeing as I don’t have access to watching their domestic league I have chosen to omit them from the selection process.
1. Soane Tonga’uiha (Northampton and Tonga)
Arguably the best loose head prop in world rugby. Conistently dominating his opponents in the Aviva Premiership and the Heineken Cup, Tonga’uiha has been the cornerstone of the Saints pack in recent years. He’s an immovable object in the scrum and rampaging with the ball in hand.
2. Marius Tincu (Perpignan and Romania)
Tincu is a vastly experienced player with Perpignan and has played in his fair share of World Cups too. Anyone who has seen the Perpignan pack in actions will know why this bruiser gets automatic selection in the team. He almost helped Romania to a famous victory over Scotland in the last World Cup too.
3. Davit Kubriashvili (Toulon and Georgia)
Georgia’s performances in the World Cup were impressive, testing England Scotland and Argentina far more than anyone had expected. He’s a tough nut up front and really challenges you physically. His name is almost as challenging too and thus warrants a place in the side.
4. Kane Thompson (Chiefs and Samoa)
Thompson is a vastly underrated player. Dave Rennie and Wayne Smith have recognized his value though, including him in their Chiefs squad for this year’s Super 15. Thompson is athletic around the park and more than useful in the lineout.
5. Jacques Burger (Saracens and Namibia)
The Saracens faithful will tell you just what a team player Jacques Burger is. He could warrant a place in the squads of most national sides. For pure aggression he plays the enforcer role in the team. Technically a loose forward, I think he is more than capable of switching to lock for the balance of this side.
6. Todd Clever (Suntory and USA)
Clever is a well known name in South Africa where he has plied his trade for many years in Super Rugby and the Currie Cup. One of the standout players for the USA Eagles over recent years, Clever adds experience at the top level as well as some American bravado!
7. Adam Kleeberger (London Scottish and Canada)
It was hard not to recognize Kleeberger during the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand. Chabal was not selected for France which left a gaping hole for someone to assume the status of ‘Caveman’. Kleeberger’s beard helped him get recognized…. then we were able to see just how destructive he was on the field. Kleeberger is the Cult hero of the team.
8. Mamuka Gorgodze (Montpellier and Georgia)
Known as ‘Gorgodzilla’ by his Montpellier teammates, Mamuka is a real monster of a player. Incredibly versatile, he started his career at lock but has most recently specialized at number 8. He has scored 19 tries for his national side already and was voted best foreign player in the French Top 14 last year.
9. Kahn Fotuali’i (Ospreys and Samoa)
Fotuali’I is a really electric halfback. He never looked out of place playing for the Crusaders along Dan Carter and was inspirational for them during the World Cup. He helped inspire a stunning victory for Samoa over the Aussies last year too. He adds real quality to the backline.
10. Tusi Pisi (Hurricanes and Samoa)
Tusi Pisi is a player who has moved around a lot in his short career. He has added a lot of elements to his game and looked a very sharp player for Samoa in the World Cup. He has been rewarded with a contract with the Hurricanes this year. Whether he will get an opportunity to play ahead of the impressive Beauden Barrett is another story…
11. Alesana Tuilagi (Leicester and Samoa)
Year in, year out Tuilagi scores tries for fun. He was among the top try scorers in the 2011 World Cup and is often the point of difference for Leicester in tight games. Tuilagi is a big time player and brings pure strike power. He would be a real threat against any opposition…. just ask Australia.
12 Seremaia Bai (Castres and Fiji)
I thought hard about including Seilala Mapasua in this position, but decided to opt for Bai instead, purely because he’s Fijian and should add a little flair. Bai is quick and strong and is a name often seen on the Barbarian’s team sheet in the Autumn Internationals.
13. George Pisi (Northampton and Samoa)
Pisi was a player with real promise in New Zealand. Once considered a potential All Black by many pundits, Pisi decided to move offshore young and has been a star performer for the Northampton Saints since he signed for them. He should (hopefully) form a telepathic understanding with his brother Tusi too at flyhalf.
14. Vasily Artemyev (Northampton and Russia)
The Russian with an Irish accent; Artemyev was a real handful for the opposition defence during the World Cup and gave a few eye-catching displays. He was a rewarded with a contract at the Saints this year and looks to be a main-stay in the improving Russian side for years to come.
15. Takudzwa Ngenwya (Biarritz and USA)
The Zimbabwean born USA Eagle is one of the best broken field runners in World Rugby. Frequently he is a candidate for try of the season and his skinning of Bryan Habana during the 2007 World Cup was truly something to behold. Yes he is normally a winger, but in this ‘fantasy team’ I’m giving him licence to run every ball back from Fullback! No kicking allowed…that’s an order.
I’m sure there will be readers who disagree with some selections but this is a team with a nice mix of nationalities. Notable absentees include Sona Taumololo (Chiefs and Tonga), Seilala Mapasua (Samoa) and Akapusi Qera (Glucester and Fiji).
Please leave any suggestions below if you believe you could form a better team!
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