BACK ROW
Honourable Mentions: Siya Kolisi (South Africa), Sam Cane (New Zealand), Charles Ollivon (France)
6. Marcos Kremer (Argentina)
7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa)
8. Ardie Savea (New Zealand)
From a pure on-field perspective, there is no better defensive duo to start on the flanks than Argentina’s Marcos Kremer and South Africa’s Pieter-Steph du Toit. It was an incredibly difficult decision to leave Siya Kolisi out of the side, given what he stands for as South Africa’s immortal back-to-back Rugby World Cup winning Captain. However, when looking at key statistics in how the players performed at the Rugby World Cup, no flankers come close to the insane efforts of Kremer and du Toit.
Beginning with the blind-side Puma, Marcos Kremer’s stock has risen insurmountably following the Rugby World Cup, with Clermont Auvergne likely to receive offers for the flanker from top European clubs before too long. Kremer was nothing short of sensational at the World Cup, as he led the tackle charts with a staggering 92 hits. This stood 12 tackles better than second place Ben Earl, who rightly takes the replacement back-row option on our substitutes bench.
Kremer played in every second of Argentina’s Rugby World Cup campaign, as his incredible work-rate knows no bounds. This outstanding effort sees Kremer make history, as his 92 tackles is the most from a single player at any Rugby World Cup. A phenomenal effort from the Argentine, who slots in on our blindside flank to make even more clattering hits for our Team of the Tournament. Partnering Kremer is now two-time Rugby World Cup winner, Pieter-Steph du Toit.
The 2019 World Rugby Men’s Player of the Year had an epic tournament in France, and often took the South African spotlight away from his back-row captain Kolisi. Du Toit was excellent in attack but unstoppable in defence, and got on the score-sheet with an opening round try against Scotland. Du Toit left his starring match for the World Cup Final, as he made an immense 28 tackles against New Zealand and smashed his way through countless rucks.
The All Blacks were left battered and bruised by du Toit, who made his own personal challenge to give Richie Mo’unga his toughest day at fly-half. Named as the World’s Best when South Africa lifted the Web Ellis trophy back in Japan, du Toit missed out on this year’s award, but makes it onto our Team of the Tournament. Wrapping up the side is the man who took the World Rugby Men’s Player of the Year Award, as Ardie Savea was incredible in France.
Taking the prestigious accolade at Sunday’s World Rugby Awards, Savea’s efforts were recognised despite the heroic number eight leaving Paris without the Web Ellis trophy. He made immense contributions in New Zealand’s run to the Rugby World Cup Final, and often captained his side due to the repeated absence of Sam Cane. Savea led the All Blacks out for their opening two pool stage matches, as Cane recovered from a lately sustained back injury.
Savea scored twice in the closing pool stage obliteration of Italy, and added a crucial try in the quarter-final win over Andy Farrell’s Ireland. A true leader of men, Savea took over the reins in the Final, following the first half sending off to Cane. The number eight led his side to a one-point loss to the Springboks, and left it all on the line in an exhaustive Rugby World Cup campaign. An epic contribution from the newly crowned best player in the world.
REPLACEMENTS
16. Steven Kitshoff (South Africa)
17. Bongi Mbonambi (South Africa)
18. Tomas Francis (Wales)
19. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)
20. Ben Earl (England)
21. Antoine Dupont (France)
22. Owen Farrell (England)
23. Damien Penaud (France)