Focusing on the summer tours involving the home nations, the Rugby Union Weekly team of Chris Jones and Ugo Monyepicked their World XV - and bench - based on the past few weekends.
Hear them explain their choices on the latest episode of the podcast.
#BACK-THREE:
- 15. Hugo Keenan (Ireland)
- 14. Louis Rees-Zammit (Wales)
- 11. Emiliano Boffelli (Argentina)
Monye on Rees-Zammit: "After a disappointing Six Nations he was back to his best. He showed what a world-class finisher he is with limited ball and limited opportunity."
#CENTRES:
- 13. Lukhanyo Am (South Africa)
- 12. Robbie Henshaw (Ireland)
Monye on Henshaw: "He is nailed-on. He is the 'domestique' type of rugby player who just gets on with his job. Defensively he is so abrasive, and he fulfils the simple tasks in attack. He rarely makes mistakes both sides of the ball."
#HALFBACKS:
- 10. Johnny Sexton
- 9. Kieran Hardy (Wales)
Monye on Sexton: "Captained Ireland to a series win in New Zealand. Played superbly. His importance and influence is undeniable."
#FRONT-ROW:
- 1. Ellis Genge (England)
- 2. Bongi Mbonambi (South Africa)
- 3. Trevor Nyakane (South Africa)
Monye on Nyankane: "Tight-head prop in the second Test, loose-head in the third. That is extraordinary versatility and the Springbok scrum was powerful throughout the series. The ever-outstanding Tadhg Furlong is on the bench, meaning we have a trio of Irish front-rowers in reserve, while the likes of Wales' Dillon Lewis, Scot Zander Fagerson and England's Will Stuart all get a nod."
Ellis Genge of England Rugby is tackled by Will Rowlands of Wales during the Six Nations Championship match between England and Wales at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 26th 2021. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
#SECOND-ROW:
- 4. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)
- 5. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
Monye said: " There are honourable mentions at lock for Wales duo Adam Beard and Will Rowlands, Ireland's James Ryan and England's Jonny Hill."
Eben Etzebeth of South Africa during the Autumn Nations Match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on 20 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#BACK-ROW:
- 6. Courtney Lawes (England)
- 7. Josh van der Flier (Ireland)
- 8. Caelan Doris (Ireland)
Monye on Lawes: "How good was he? At the end of the match in Sydney he was on one knee, knowing that England had won. He couldn't get up. There is no better sight for team-mates when they see their captain doing the very thing he wants you all to do. He emptied the tank."
Courtney Lawes, Captain of England celebrates after winning during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
