Rugby World Cup 2011 team of the tournament. Where are they now?
With the World Cup edging nearer, RUCK.co.uk has had a look back at the 2011 team of the tournament. We’ve remembered why they were in the team but also had a look at what this XV are doing now four year’s on.
1. Tony Woodcock (New Zealand)
Why was he on the team?
Scoring a winning try in the Rugby World Cup final is an amazing achievement, especially when you are a prop. He also put in a fantastic performance in the semi-final, dismantling the Australia scrum and was always a solid presence throughout.
What is he doing now?
The most-capped All Blacks prop went on to become a centurion in November 2013 in a Test match in Wellington against Australia. He now, aged 34, is still a key member of Steve Hansen’s New Zealand squad and should be again a key part of the All Black’s for the upcoming World Cup.
Did you know: Off the field, Woodcock has a sheep and dairy farm near Kaukapakapa.
2. William Servat (France)
Why was he on the team?
The Les Bleus line-out was one of their real strengths throughout the 2011 World Cup, and William Servat’s near-perfect throwing technique was key to this. It also was a crucial part of how France hung in there against the ferocious All Blacks in the final.
What is he doing now?
He has now retired from the sport after a long and successful career. The hooker ended his playing career at the end of the 2011/12 season, taking over as a forwards coach at Toulouse.
Did you know: Servat was reportedly courting interest from fellow Top 14 side Toulon when he hung up his boots.
3. Nicolas Mas (France)
Why was he on the team?
Although the France scrum was missing Thomas Domingo through injury, Mas made up for the loss with a series of consistently impressive performances. Although there were other players, who could have been in this place the way the prop anchored the French scrum was terrific and earned his spot.
What is he doing now?
Tight-head prop Nicolas Mas is one of only seven France players from the squad that played in the final in 2011 to have made the cut for Philippe Saint-André’s training squad. He is now preparing for the 2015 edition in England, hoping to make the final cut.
Did you know: Mas has given Perpignan 14-years of service in the front row since joining from ES Catalane in 1999 before he subsequently joining Montpellier.
4. Brad Thorn (New Zealand)
Why was he on the team?
The veteran was outstanding throughout the 2011 World Cup as he took the New Zealand line-out to a new level. The lock also touched down against Argentina and was a key member of the All Black team that lifted the Webb Ellis Cup.
What is he doing now?
After struggling with injuries Thorn initially intended to retire at the end of the 2013/14 campaign but decided to prolong his career once again, signing a deal with Leicester Tigers. He then announced his official retirement at the end of the 2014/15 Premiership season.
Did you know: He previously played rugby league for ten years for the Brisbane Broncos in the National Rugby League.
5. Lionel Nallet (France)
Why was he on the team?
The former French Captain was a superb vice-captain to Dausautoir at the 2011 tournament. He was faultless at the line-out and defended bravely all over the field. The old-timer was the stand-out lock of the tournament.
What is he doing now?
After a career in rugby that spanned 17 years he finally, after putting it off a few times, retired at the end of the 2014/15 season, aged 38. He first considered hanging up the boots after having helped Lyon back into the Top 14 but decided to play for one more season to help them avoid relegation.
Did you know: He amassed 74 caps for France, captaining them 16 times and winning three Six Nations titles, including a Grand Slam in 2010.
6. Jerome Kaino (New Zealand)
Why was he on the team?
Somewhat the unsung hero of the All Blacks World Cup triumph as he played every single minute of their spotless campaign. The physical flanker tackled hard and was a leader on the pitch when iconic Captain McCaw had suffered an injury. He also scored a try against Tonga in their World Cup opener.
What is he doing now?
The 32-year old is likely to make the cut for the All Black squad again ahead of the 2015 World Cup despite admitting there was plenty competition for his position in the team.
Did you know: If Kaino had not come to New Zealand following the lead of his uncle, his parents assumed that he would have ended up in the United States Army.
7. David Pocock (Australia)
Why was he on the team?
Despite Australia not being at their best David Pocock impressed throughout and was later a finalist for the IRB International Player of the Year. He received praise from Wallabies head coach Robbie Deans for producing a series of fine individual displays at the World Cup to inspire Australia to a third place finish.
What is he doing now?
After playing a key role in Michael Cheika’s Wallabies side during The Rugby Championship, the 27-year old is set to light up the World Cup once again in 2015.
Did you know: Pocock is also one of the most visible campaigners in professional sports in Australia against homophobia, actively taking a stand both on and off the field.
8. Imanol Harinordoquy (France)
Why was he on the team?
He was France’s out and out hard man in his third and last World Cup Campaign. He was a crucial part of why Les Bleus went on to reach the final, as his bravery, commitment and astonishing performances more than earned him his spot on this team.
What is he doing now?
The now 35-year old was named the player of the season for Stade Toulousain for the past season and is expected to sign on for another season. He made 82 caps for Les Bleus with his last coming in 2012.
Did you know: At the end of 2010, Harinordoquy made the shortlist for IRB Player of the Year and was the only player from the Northern Hemisphere to do so.
9. Mike Phillips (Wales)
Why was he on the team?
He was time after time one of the Welsh’s most influential and dynamic players of the competition as they reached the semi-final. The scrum-half scored the only try of the game in their controversial 9-8 loss to France. It was good to see the talented scrum-half, who had come into the competition with dark clouds over his career, get his swagger back and compete with the world’s finest players.
What is he doing now?
For now he is still in the Wales reckoning but faces a tough challenge to displace first choice Rhys Webb. He also faces competition from Scarlets scrum-half Gareth Davies and Lloyd Williams of Cardiff Blues for a place in Wales’ 31-man World Cup squad.
Did you know: The British and Irish Lions Test player has made 93 appearances for Wales, winning two Grand Slams and a Six Nations title.
10. Rhys Priestland
Why was he on the team?
Welsh youngster Rhys Priestland may have missed a drop-goal against the Wallabies, however, on the whole, showed he can worry opposition defences throughout the tournament. The fly-half turned in performances far beyond his tender years.
What is he doing now?
He has signed a deal to join Bath Rugby this summer and the fly-half admitted moving to the English club may harm his Wales career. This problem is due to head coach Warren Gatland in the past favouring Welsh-based players for his squad. Nevertheless, Priestland is currently still a part of Wales’s training group for the 2015 World Cup.
Did you know: Priestland made 147 appearances for Scarlets, scoring 1,059 points.
11. George North (Wales)
Why was he on the team?
The teenage star was in commanding form for the Welsh using his natural strength and rapid pace to a devastating effect. The winger made 451 metres up to the bronze final and finished the tournament with a respectable three tries.
What is he doing now?
During the Six Nations in 2015, North became the youngest player to attain 50 international caps at the age of 22. He is one of Wales superstars and although he has had a few injury scares he should be one of the must-watch players at the 2015 World Cup.
Did you know: North, aged 18 years, 214 days, became the youngest player ever to score a try in his debut for Wales.
12. Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)
Why was he on the team?
His centre partnership with Conrad Smith was simply electric during the 2011 World Cup but it was Nonu who stood out as the exceptional performer. It was his try against Australia which set the ball rolling as the All Blacks steamrollered into the final where they lifted the Webb Ellis Cup.
What is he doing now?
He is now world renowned as rugby’s finest line-breaker and following another impressive Rugby Championship is set to take the field again in his third World Cup.
Did you know: On 20 December 2014, it was announced Nonu would be joining Top 14 side Toulon after the 2015 Rugby World Cup on a two-year deal.
13. Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Why was he on the team?
Despite Ireland failing to progress to the semi-final’s once again their Captain Brian O’Driscoll was again a class act. He lead the emerald green army with pride and consistently put in first-rate performances as he had done for his entire international career.
What is he doing now?
He retired from international rugby after Ireland’s 2014 Six Nations triumph. The year before he had been part of the British and Irish Lions series victory in 2013.
Did you know: O’Driscoll is the most-capped player in rugby union history, having played 141 test matches – 133 for Ireland (83 as captain), and eight for the British and Irish Lions.
14. Vincent Clerc (France)
Why was he on the team?
The lightening quick Clerc finished joint top try-scorer with England’s Chris Ashton. The winger single handedly saved Les Bleus from an upset against Canada with a late flurry of tries before following that up with another fantastic performance against England, which included another score. That try got France’s momentum in full swing heading into the later stages of the competition, guiding them to the final.
What is he doing now?
The 34-year old has since become France’s second highest try-scorer in a 29-22 victory against Argentina in 2012, which would prove to be his last Les Bleus appearance. Since stepping back from the international scene but continues to play Top 14 rugby for Stade Toulousain.
Did you know: He scored five tries during the first two games of the Six Nations Championship’s in 2008 against Scotland and Ireland.
15. Israel Dagg (New Zealand)
Why was he on the team?
The fullback was first class throughout the World Cup, scoring a superb five tries. Although his kicking game was limited, his dynamic running give the All Blacks a fresh look compared to his predecessor Mils Muliaina.
What is he doing now?
The 27-year old is still a key cog in the All Blacks machine. He has developed his kicking game but has maintained his pace and stunning sidestep. After playing a major role in New Zealand’s Rugby Championship campaign, he is in line to play a major part again on Rugby’s greatest stage.
Did you know: An all-round sportsman, Dagg is a former Central Districts Under-17 cricket representative.