The Rugby World’s Dream Team and Who Isn’t in It: A Cheeky Commentary
Ah, the World Rugby men’s 15s dream team of the year has landed, and like a well-placed drop goal, it’s both a thing of beauty and a source of endless debate. Rassie Erasmus’ Springboks have overtaken the selection with an impressive seven players. Seven! That’s more than a small village in South Africa—are they sending their cricket team next? After all, if they keep winning like this, they’ll have enough representatives to field an international side of their own!
Now, let’s dissect the numbers. Four countries made the cut. Ireland, bless their heart (and skills), managed to squeeze in four players; New Zealand came in packing three, and Argentina decided to bring one. Just the one. I imagine that must have been a rather awkward flight back home—“Sorry mate, it appears we forgot to book you a return ticket.”
Star-studded Pack of Springboks
Leading the pack is the newly crowned World Rugby Player of the Year, Pieter-Steph du Toit. Seriously, the man’s performance has been so stellar, he’s practically playing rugby while simultaneously knitting a sweater for the entire team. Alongside him are fellow South African warriors Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx, and Eben Etzebeth—making it a South African party in the pack! I can only assume they play a mean game of cards in the locker room, too.
The Backs’ Elite
Moving on to the backs—South Africa’s Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel, and Cheslin Kolbe also made it to this exclusive club. I mean, at this rate, South Africa is going to need a bigger trophy cabinet. Maybe they’ll just start stacking them in a local pub—‘We’ll have a pint and a few World Cups on the side, please!’
The Irish Contingent
On the Irish side, Caelan Doris leads the charge along with Tadhg Beirne, Jamison Gibson-Park, and James Lowe. That’s a formidable squad, no doubt, but there’s still that nagging feeling of ‘what if?’ lingering in the air. What if they’d taken the extra ten minutes for a cheeky pint before selecting their team?
The New Zealand and Argentina Representatives
Three kiwis represented by Tyrel Lomax, Damian McKenzie, and Will Jordan are there too! And having one Argentine—Pablo Matera—is like bringing a delightful spicy salsa to an otherwise predictable barbecue. “Hope you like it a bit zesty!”
Wrap-Up: The All-Stars List
So, if you’re keeping track, the full lineup is as follows:
- 15. Will Jordan (New Zealand)
- 14. Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa)
- 13. Jesse Kriel (South Africa)
- 12. Damian de Allende (South Africa)
- 11. James Lowe (Ireland)
- 10. Damian McKenzie (New Zealand)
- 9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland)
- 1. Ox Nche (South Africa)
- 2. Malcolm Marx (South Africa)
- 3. Tyrel Lomax (New Zealand)
- 4. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)
- 5. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
- 6. Pablo Matera (Argentina)
- 7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa)
- 8. Caelan Doris (Ireland)
In conclusion, this dream team selection is bound to ignite a flurry of discussions at pubs around the world. Fans will bicker, argue, and possibly even throw the occasional pint—“Why wasn’t my mate John included? He’s a beast!” Well, dear readers, fear not! The world of rugby is all about opinions, and everyone has one. The only thing we can agree on is that watching these gladiators clash on the pitch is the real treat!
Feel free to share this cheeky commentary while embracing the playful banter that comes with the beautiful game of rugby!
Rassie Erasmus’ Springboks have made a significant mark in the World Rugby men’s 15s dream team of the year, claiming an impressive seven spots in total. This remarkable feat stands out as only four countries were represented in this elite selection, with Andy Farrell’s Ireland contributing four players to the list, while New Zealand followed closely with three representatives, and Argentina managed to secure one place.
Among the South African forwards, World Rugby’s 2024 player of the year award winner Pieter-Steph du Toit was notably included in this prestigious selection, which was unveiled during a glittering ceremony held in Monaco on Sunday evening. He was joined in the pack by his compatriots Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx, and the towering Eben Etzebeth, all of whom have showcased exceptional talent this year.
The South African contingent featured three dynamic backs: Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel, and the electrifying Cheslin Kolbe. Notably, both Etzebeth and Kolbe were among those who competed for the player of the year accolade alongside Caelan Doris, who was instrumental in securing his place as part of Ireland’s four selections in the dream team.
From Ireland, Tadhg Beirne, Jamison Gibson-Park, and James Lowe rounded out the trio of Irish players selected, showcasing the depth of talent within that squad. On the other hand, the three notable representatives from New Zealand were Tyrel Lomax, Damian McKenzie, and the impressive Will Jordan. The final slot on this distinguished dream team was filled by Argentine forward Pablo Matera, underscoring the global nature of the sport.
World Rugby men’s 15s dream team of the year: 15. Will Jordan (New Zealand); 14. Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa), 13. Jesse Kriel (South Africa), 12. Damian de Allende (South Africa), 11. James Lowe (Ireland); 10. Damian McKenzie (New Zealand), 9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland); 1. Ox Nche (South Africa), 2. Malcolm Marx (South Africa), 3. Tyrel Lomax (New Zealand), 4. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa), 5. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland), 6. Pablo Matera (Argentina), 7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa), 8. Caelan Doris (Ireland).
How does the performance of the Irish squad compare to other rugby powerhouse nations in the all-star ensemble?
The Irish representation in this all-star ensemble. Their contributions during the year have showcased the strength and depth of the Irish squad, solidifying their reputation on the global stage.
New Zealand, while slightly behind the South Africans and Irish in numbers, featured prominently with three influential players: Tyrel Lomax, Damian McKenzie, and the agile Will Jordan. Each of these players has brought a unique edge to the All Blacks, exemplifying the prowess and flair that New Zealand rugby is renowned for.
Argentine captain Pablo Matera rounds off the selection, representing the Pumas and adding that much-needed spice to this illustrious lineup. His leadership and defensive skills were instrumental in showcasing Argentina’s competitive spirit throughout the season.
This diverse mix of players from four powerhouse rugby nations reflects not only individual brilliance but also the high level of competition each team faced throughout the year. It’s a celebration of the sport and its most remarkable talents.
In wrapping up, the selection of this dream team is sure to provoke spirited debates among fans and analysts alike. With each player deserving their spot based on incredible performances, the banter and discussions will continue long after the final whistle. Rugby’s beauty lies in its unpredictability and the passion it ignites amongst its followers. So here’s to the game, the players, and the conversations that bind them together!
