Wales Online have selected what a World XV would look like based on the Autumn Nations Series so far.
Including England prop Ellis Genge in their selection, Simon Thomas wrote: “France’s Cyril Baille is always a strong contender for this position and that’s the case once again following his try-scoring shift against the Springboks, but Genge just edges it for me.
“He too was on the scoresheet at the weekend surging over the Japanese line in typical fashion while his scrummaging has been strong and assertive so far during the campaign.”
Somehow, England’s Freddie Steward misses out as one of the more baffling omissions.
Thomas instead selected Italian hotshot Capuozzo at fullback, writing: “Steward has been outstanding for England, but Capuozzo just gets the nod after his dazzling double in the Azzurri’s historic victory over Australia.
“Welsh fans will be all too familiar with the diminutive 23-year-old as he was the defence-splitting architect of Italy’s match-winning try in Cardiff back in March.”
Check out the World XV in detail by clicking here.
Wales Online World XV:
#BACK-THREE
- 15. Ange Capuozzo (Italy)
- 14. Damian Penaud (France)
- 11. Emiliano Boffelli (Argentina)
RUCK’s Selection: 15. Freddie Steward (England), 14. Ange Capuozzo (Italy), Damian Penaud (France)
#CENTRES
- 13. Garry Ringrose (Ireland)
- 12. Gael Fickou (France)
RUCK’s Selection: 13. George North (Wales), 12. Owen Farrell (England)
#HALFBACKS
- 10. Richie Mo’unga (New Zealand)
- 9. Aaron Smith (New Zealand)
RUCK’s Selection: 10. Johnny Sexton (Ireland), 9. Aaron Smith (New Zealand)
#FRONT-ROW
- 1. Ellis Genge (England)
- 2. Codie Taylor (New Zealand)
- 3. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
RUCK’s Selection: 1. Ellis Genge (England), 2. Codie Taylor (New Zealand), 3. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
#SECOND-ROW
- 4. Cameron Woki (France)
- 5. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)
RUCK’s Selection: 4. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland), 5. Maro Itoje (England)
#BACK-ROW
- 6. Ardie Savea (New Zealand)
- 7.J osh van der Flier (Ireland)
- 8. Taulupe Faletau (Wales)
RUCK’s Selection: 6. Jamie Ritchie (Scotland), 7. Josh vane der Flier (Ireland), 8. Ardie Savea (New Zealand)
“Our leader” – Eddie Jones reveals the five ‘nailed-on’ players for his World Cup XV
#1. Ellis Genge
- Age: 27
- Club: Leicester Tigers
- Position: Prop
“Ellis will tell you that he is from the wrong side of the tracks and we’re quite happy for him to stay on the wrong side of them,” Jones said.
“Can he take a formal leadership role? There’s no reason why he can’t, whether that’s in the future, or now.”
