Throughout RWC2015 Mark Jackson
has been offering his “Teams of the Week”
Click these links for his teams from...
week 1 week 2 week 3 week 4 QF SF Tournament
from earlier today - the Tier 2 team of the tournament
We have had the great and the good selections but not all of the players at the world cup had a time to remember. Some had good one off performances , some just didn't even turn up and should've stayed at home, expectation levels do play a large part in the selection of this XV . With the Southern Hemisphere domination of the 1/4 finals ( I know Scotland and Wales got close) there will be a lot of familiar names here for those of us used to Pro12/Top14 and Premiership action.
15. Rob Kearney (IRE) - I know I selected him in team of the week following the French victory but one swallow a summer does not make. His work in the air is dropping off and attacking wise he is easy to defend, the Argentinian attack exposed him and his brother ruthlessly.
14. Alex Cuthbert (WAL) - A shadow of his former self , only for the catalogue of injuries Wales suffered he would've been dropped. An international wilderness awaits.
13. Matthieu Basteraud (FRA) - Never the quickest centre , would probably struggle to beat some of quicker props these days . Anonymous
12. Brad Barritt (ENG) - There is more to the game than tackling . Exposed for the limited player he is.
11. Alesana Tuilagi (SAM) - Unlucky for his ban , but was a shadow of the player he was , definitely dropped a yard or two of pace.
10. Owen Farrell (ENG) - Nepotism ?? Just like his Saracens colleague in the 12 shirt more to the game than tackling . Sam Burgess copped a lot of flack for one of Australia's tries when Farrell shooting the line was the culprit. A yellow card machine as well , still too hot headed for his own good.
9. Kahn Fotuali'i (SAM) - His pack didn't help but seemed to play for himself too much , bit of a let down considering how good he has been over past season or two.
8. Ben Morgan (ENG) - Off form off fitness , ridiculous gamble never upto speed of the game , embarrassingly bad against Australia.
7. Chris Robshaw (ENG) - For me effort never lacking but effort is not enough at international level, not big enough for 6 certainly not quick or skilful enough for 7 a microcosm of all that is wrong with English rugby.
6. Damien Chouly (FRA) - Had to feel for Dusatoir and Picamoles having to play with this joker, very poor in his outings , a Saint Andre favourite that may struggle to see more action under Noves
5. Geoff Parling (ENG) - Are you Steve Borthwick in disguise ? No offence to Borthwick who is a great coach in the making. Offers nothing outside the lineout , even then didn't exactly rule the skies. Powderpuff compared to some of the locks
4. Pascal Pape (FRA) - Brought nothing but moaning to the table , you get what you deserve when you get touchy-feely Pascal .
3. Uini Atonio (FRA) - You would think 24 stone could at least hold his own at the scrum ?? You would be wrong , a shocking effort and didn't see anymore action post the Romanian debacle.
2. Tom Youngs (ENG) - The words cows backside and banjo come to mind. Hamstrung the England selection needing his ''lineout expert'' Parling to be in tow.
1. Joe Marler (ENG) - Struggled in the scrum all tournament especially against those noted scrummaging powerhouses of Australia and Fiji.
Mark Jackson (@markusjacksonus) An Irishman in London....lover of rugby , NFL and family n friends not always in that order..consumer of meat , best friend to Wayne Barnes . All views my own and always open for a lively debate . Ireland , Leinster and the New York Giants fanatic.
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