Coral Rugby World Cup Team of the Tournament

Centre: Matt Giteua (Australia)

Perhaps unlucky to be on the losing side, the Australian is a class act. Able to pass both ways, he is a defenders’ worst nightmare in a one-on-one situation and is a master at creating space for his teammates.

Fly half: Dan Carter (New Zealand)

We could not leave him out. Recently named World Player of the Year, Carter assumed full responsibility in the final and duly delivered on the big stage. His drop-goal highlighted how much of a class above everyone else that he is and it knocked the stuffing out of the Wallabies, who were just starting to get back into the match.

Scrum half: Gareth Davies (Wales)

One of the stand out players for Wales and partly responsible for their progression from the group, scoring five tries along the way. Davies was brilliant in the defeat of England and easily the best number nine at the World Cup.

Openside flanker: Michael Hooper (Australia)

One of the best in the world. His performances at the tournament were outstanding and he ran the show up front for the Aussies. Regimented and classy at line-outs his combination play with our next pick made Australia tick.

Number 8: David Pocock (Australia)

Teamwork makes the dream work. At least that’s how it is for Pocock, who’s partnership with Hooper had the rugby ‘die hards’ swooning. At 27 he probably has one more tournament left in him and is likely to be an automatic selection in five years time.

Blindside flanker: Francois Louw (South Africa)

Lock: Sam Whitelock (New Zealand)

His experience proved to be vital against Australia with the 27-year-old crushing the Wallabies at line-out’s never giving them a moment. All-action in style, Whitelock’s energy proved to be a huge factor behind the All Black’s success.

Lock: Lodewyk de Jager (South Africa)

It’s hard to believe that the South African is only 22-years-old. Along with teammate Louw, he made the most amount of tackles at the tournament, with 77 in total, while also scoring a try as well.

Tighthead prop: Ramiro Herrera (Argentina)

One of the best Argentina players at the World Cup, Herrera did all of the grunt work, which created space for their backs to perform. He never stopped running and was a tackling machine.

Hooker: Dan Coles (New Zealand)

Exceptional throughout and his lineouts were consistently brilliant for the All Blacks. He was also a very willing runner and took pressure off the rest of teammates.

Loose-head prop: Tendai Mtawarira (South Africa)

On more than one occasion, South Africa’s “Beast” carried his nation into the semi-finals. There is a case for Scott Sio being selected here, though he was put under great pressure against Scotland while Mtawarira never wavered.

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