The best XV of 2020 has been named - and it's very 'anti-English'

BACK-THREE

• 15. Beauden Barrett (New Zealand) - #9: "Quite simply a joy to watch - often seeing opportunity where others see risk."
• 14. Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa) - #3: "Had the remarkable ability to step anyone on a sixpence."
• 11. Marika Koroibete (Australia) - #26: "Came up with one of the individual performances of the year for Australia in their win over New Zealand in November."

CENTRES:

• 13. Virimi Vakatawa (France) - #13: "The French centre is in a real purple patch at the minute."
• 12. Semi Radradra (Fiji) - #1: "Whether it's for Bristol Bears or Fiji, he has the ability to create havoc for defences."

HALFBACKS:

• 10. Richie Mo’unga (New Zealand) - #15: The Super Rugby Aotearoa player of the tournament, Mo'unga also had his moments at Test level, most notably with a devastating two-try display in the 43-5 hammering of Australia on Halloween.
• 9. Antoine Dupont (France) - #2: "If you switch off in defence for even a second, you can expect to see Dupont running off a shoulder to score."

FRONT-ROW:

• 1. Mako Vunipola (England) - #36: "The England loosehead is a player who can give his team 25 tackles and 15 carries while contributing to a strong scrum."
• 2. Dane Coles (New Zealand) - #14: "Arguably redefined the role of a modern hooker when he burst onto the scene. The All Black is still going strong."
• 3. Frans Malherbe (South Africa) - #32: "His country may not have played Test rugby in 2020, but his opponents will vouch for Malherbe's quality."

SECONF-ROW:

• 4. Maro Itoje (England) - #4: "He has the intelligence and athleticism to spoil any form of ball your team might have - be it in the lineout, the breakdown or open phase play."
• 5. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa) - #19: "Boasts the physical edge and abrasiveness you expect from a South African second row, while he’s a real lineout technician at 6ft 8ins tall."

BACK-ROW:

• 6. Siya Kolisi (South Africa) - #5: "Look up the meaning of the word 'inspiration' in a dictionary and there's a reasonable chance you'll encounter a picture of this guy."
• 7. Pieter Steph du Toit (South Africa) - #6: "His destructive counter-rucking is key to the Springboks' game plan and his ability isn't in question."
• 8. Taulupe Faletau (Wales) - #38: "Not always been used well, but when he was, Faletau showed he's World XV quality on his day."

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