I’ve tried many times to select a World XV but I find that hard to do as there’s an abundance of world-class athletes in this professional era of rugby.
So instead I’ve selected a Northern and Southern XV.
Who would emerge triumphant were they to play an exhibition match?
Southern XV
1. Tendai Mtawarira: The Beast is a good scrummager, as strong as an ox and given a chance with ball in hand can has shown he has substantial pace as well.
2. Bismarck Du Plessis: Does the job consistently at set piece and is a force to be reckoned with in the ruck/maul.
3. Charlie Faumuina: Very underrated, doesn’t do any flashy stuff but gets the job done at the highest standard. Should be starting for All Blacks.
4. Eben Etzebeth: When in form one of the most formidable players in world rugby, with immense strength and great burst speed in the open field.
5. Brodie Retallick: A big, strong lock who gets around the park like a man half his size and is great at the more subtle areas of the game too.
6. Jerome Kaino: A human wrecking ball who was the best player at World Cup 2011.
7. Richie Mccaw: Were you expecting someone else?
8. Duane Vermuelen: Not as skilful as Kieran Read but my team is going to leave the skill to the backs and steamroll with the forwards.
9. Aaron Smith: Fast and doesn’t muck around at the base of the ruck, he always provides quick ball.
10. Nicolas Sanchez: Shocking I know, but he was the top point-scorer of the Rugby championship. A great goal kicker as well as a great player, which is hard to find.
11. Julian Savea: The man is just scary, he scores tries at will and he’s a hard man to put down.
12. Sonny Bill Williams: Hate all you want he’s a tank-magician hybrid; hard to stop but when you do he still pulls a rabbit out of his hat.
13. Conrad Smith: Mr Reliable, I could count how many tackles he’s missed in his career on two hands.
14. Manuel Montero: Seriously impressed with his size, speed and finishing ability. Maybe not a popular choice but he fits my team’s ground-and-pound style nicely.
15. Ben Smith: More slippery than an eel and the skill and technique to rival any athlete in the world. He is the most exciting player with the dullest name.
Northern XV
1. Joe Marler: Maybe I’m blinded by his immaculate mowhawk but every time I’ve watched him play he’s been solid in set piece and general play.
2. Richard Hibbard: Maybe not held in the same stead as some southern hookers but I regard the Welsh veteran one of the finest in the position.
3. Uini Atonio: One of the biggest rugby players of all time, standing at 6 ft 5 and weighing in at 155 kilos, he was a monster in his debut for France.
4. Samu Manoa: The best American player – he smashes people backwards in attack and defence and can play number 8 too.
5. Paul O’Connell: The engine room of the Irish team is a great, aggressive player and is very tactically aware.
6. Chris Robshaw: Cool heads prevail and as well as being a great player full of heart Robshaw’s calm demeanour allows him to keep the team discipline in check.
7. Sam Warburton: Not unlike Robshaw, Warburton is a relentless player who will always go the extra mile for his team.
8. Taulupe Faletau: He may not be the biggest number 8 in the world but he has really impressed me with his work rate and is always where he needs to be.
9. Fumiaki Tanaka: He’s not that far behind Aaron Smith with his ability to get quick ball for his team. His small stature allows him to dart around the sides of rucks in the blink of an eye.
10. Jonny Sexton: I had my doubts about him but he was faultless against the Boks and really took control of the game.
11. Alex Cuthbert: The size of a lock with the pace of a winger, what more could I ask for?
12. Manu Tuilagi: A frightening specimen capable of smashing through even the most solid defence.
13. Mathieu Bastareaud: The French cannonball complements my team well.
14. George North: The guy fireman carried Israel Folau while carrying the ball – plus he scores tries.
15. Mike Brown: Easily in the top three Fullbacks in the world. Brown is almost a carbon copy of Ben Smith – both athletic freaks and both names you would expect to belong to the local milkman.
Southern would win, although not by much. I’d say the score would be around 33-28 or something like that. There is not much between those players so it is hard to say.
I’d be interested to know your thoughts Roarers – both on my teams and prediction, as well as who would make your team.
