RUCK picks their World XV based on performances during the Autumn Internationals
Rugby NewsSunday, 25 November 2018 at 19:43
Ireland may dominate but there is also room for plenty of All Blacks, Englishman and Welshman while Israel Folau and Teddy Thomas fly the flag for Australia and France.
Fullback: ISRAEL FOLAU (Australia)
Back at fullback, Folau looks threatening every time he touches the ball. Very much one of the best in world rugby.
Honourable mentions: Damien Mckenzie (New Zealand), Rob Kearney (Ireland)
Winger: JACOB STOCKDALE (Ireland)
Hero of the moment. The Ulster wingers game-clinching try against the All Blacks will never be forgotten. 12 tries in 14 tests say everything that needs to be said.
Honourable mentions: Ben Smith (New Zealand), Sbu Nkosi (South Africa)
Centre: GARRY RINGROSE (Ireland)
He is developing into a wonder player at international level, and is able to form strong partnerships with whoever is inside him. Somewhat strangely the only player retained in the side to face the USA, but delivered with a virtuoso performance in playing a key role in Andrew Conway’s hat-trick.
Honourable mentions: Ryan Crotty (New Zealand), Jonathan Davies (Wales)
Centre: OWEN FARRELL (England)
You can’t keep him down. His galvanising presence and cool goalkicking make England a really tough team to beat. He also kicks spectacularly.
Honourable mentions: Bundee Aki (Ireland), Damien de Allende (South Africa)
Owen Farrell, Co Captain of England kicks the penalty during the Quilter International Match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium, Richmond, London on November 3. - PHOTO: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK[/caption]
Winger: TEDDY THOMAS (France)
Underlined his sparkling form this season with a brace of tries against Argentina. One of the most dangerous finishers in the game.
Honourable mentions: Jonny May (England), Sean Maitland (Scotland)
Fly-half: JOHNNY SEXTON (Ireland)
The Leinster fly-half combines beady competitive instinct with hard-earned tactical awareness and both were in full effect as he guided his side to a historic victory against the All Blacks.
Honourable mentions: Handre Pollard (South Africa), Beauden Barrett (New Zeland)
Scrum-half: Greig Laidlaw (Scotland)
May be off the radar playing in France but he is back to his best as Scotland’s first-choice No 9. Has looked lively all autumn and as reliable as ever kicking for goal to lift that responsibility off half-back partner Finn Russell.
Honourable mentions: Aaron Smith (New Zealand), Kieran Marmion (Ireland)
Prop: STEVEN KITSHOFF (South Africa)
Not the best loosehead prop in the world yet, but he’s heading in the right direction fast. The dynamic Springbok scrummager is also a good carrier.
Honourable mentions: Ben Moon (England), Cian Healy (Ireland)
Hooker: KEN OWENS (Wales)
The seasoned Scarlet has been one of Wales most consistent performers in the last 24 months and he continued that yet again this Autumn. Solid at the lineout and can be devastating in the loose.
Honourable mentions: Rory Best (Ireland), Stuart McInally (Scotland)
25.06.16 - New Zealand v Wales - Steinlager Series, Third Test -Ken Owens of Wales takes on Sam Cane and George Moala of New Zealand.[/caption]
Prop: TADHG FURLONG (Ireland)
The force of Furlong's carries and tackles were seismic. He hit the world's best side with everything he had in a monumental effort that lasted just shy of an hour. 10 carries and 12 tackles, with 20+ rucks hit and a pack that demolished the opposition at scrum-time. Best prop in the world.
Honourable mentions: Kyle Sinckler (England), Owen Franks (New Zealand)
Lock: MARO ITOJE (England)
Relentlessly physical as always, but has added an effective ball carrying side to his game. He seems to get better and better.
Honourable mentions: Alun Wyn Jones (Wales), James Ryan (Ireland)
Lock: BRODIE RETALLICK (New Zealand)
The mobile ball-playing giant was singled out for special attention from both England and Ireland but is still the very best line-out poacher in World Rugby. His second-half performance against the English at Twickenham will live long in the memory of All Blacks fans.
Honourable mentions: Devin Toner (Ireland), Scott Barrett (New Zealand)
Flanker: PETER O'MAHONY (Ireland)
Inspirational. The Munster blindside is not the biggest or the fastest but his ball radar is exceptional and he is fearless as he showed against New Zealand.
Honourable mentions: Mark Wilson (England), Michael Leitch (Japan)
Flanker: JUSTIN TIPURIC (Wales)
His versatility and dynamism have shone throughout the Autumn as Warren Gatland continues to experiment ahead of the Rugby World Cup next year.
Honourable mentions: Sam Underhill (England), Ardie Savea (New Zealand)
Number 8: CJ STANDER (Ireland)
Honourable mentions: Duane Vermeulen (South Africa), Kieran Read (New Zealand)
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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