Springboks and All Blacks dominate French publication’s Rugby World Cup XV

Jared Wright
Springboks Eben Etzebeth, Jesse Kriel (South Africa), All Blacks Ardie Savea (New Zealand) and England's Owen Farrell during the Rugby World Cup.

Springboks Eben Etzebeth, Jesse Kriel (South Africa), All Blacks Ardie Savea (New Zealand) and England's Owen Farrell during the Rugby World Cup.

Highly respected French publication Midi Olympique have revealed their Rugby World Cup Team of the Tournament.

The bi-weekly newspaper has included five players from World Cup winners South Africa and five from fellow finalists New Zealand.

While the Springboks and All Blacks fill up ten spots collectively, there is still space for two Frenchman, with Wales, England and Ireland rounding out the team.

Boks dominate the pack

Midi Olympique’s writers were particularly impressed by South Africa’s front-rowers, with Ox Nche and Frans Malherbe both receiving the most votes in the prop positions. They are joined up front by the impressive Les Blues hooker Peato Mauvaka.

World Rugby Player of the Year nominee Eben Etzebeth claims a spot in the second-row and is joined by fellow World Cup finalist Scott Barrett.

In a somewhat surprising selection, Wales captain Jac Morgan claims a spot in the back-row along with South Africa’s brilliant blindside flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit, who claimed the player of the match award in the final.

Midi Olympique stated that just one position was unanimous amongst their writers, with Ardie Savea receiving a full house of votes for the number eight jumper.

Three All Blacks in backline

Surprisingly, Antoine Dupont is snubbed for the number nine jersey as All Blacks scrum-half Aaron Smith was voted in ahead of the Les Bleus skipper.

England captain Owen Farrell gets the nod at fly-half with the midfield consisting of Ireland’s Bundee Aki and South Africa’s Jesse Kriel.

After equalling Jonah Lomu, Bryan Habana and Julian Savea’s record of eight tries in a Rugby World Cup, Will Jordan is selected on the one wing and is joined by fellow countryman Mark Telea – despite the incredible performances of France winger Damian Penaud.

The team is completed by France’s sharpshooter Thomas Ramos at full-back.

Midi Olympique’s Rugby World Cup Team of the Tournament: 15 Thomas Ramos, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 Mark Telea, 10 Owen Farrell, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Jac Morgan, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Peato Mauvaka, 1 Ox Nche

READ MORE: State of the Nation: Hosts France fail to deliver maiden World Cup title

France Aaron Smith Ardie Savea Bundee Aki Eben Etzebeth Frans Malherbe Jac Morgan Jesse Kriel Mark Telea

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