|
No Springbok in world team
26/11/2006 22:05 - (SA)
London - The all-conquering All Blacks provide eight of the 15 players selected in the representative "team of the month" by Reuters reporters who covered
November's 20 internationals.
Flyhalf Dan Carter and flanker Richie McCaw, one of whom is
likely to be named the International Rugby Board's (IRB) player
of the year, were obvious inclusions, although
Argentina's Federico Todeschini was in contention for the
flyhalf berth.
Wingers Joe Rokocoko and Sitiveni Siviatu have proved
unstoppable, but could have been replaced easily by teammate
Rico Gear.
Argentina's impressive tour, which included a first win at Twickenham and a one-point defeat by France, is recognised by
the inclusion of livewire fullback Juan Martin Hernandez, who
edges out Australia's Chris Latham and South African youngster Francois Steyn at fullback.
The Pumas' powerful scrum provides hooker Mario Ledesma and prop Marcos Ayerza, New Zealand's ever-reliable Carl Hayman completing an awesome front row.
Ireland, the most impressive of the European teams with
their wins over South Africa, Australia and the Pacific Islands,
have lock Donncha O'Callaghan, No 8 Denis Leamy and
centre Gordon D'Arcy with flyhalf Ronan O'Gara and ferocious flanker Neil Best also in contention.
Denis Leamy gets the nod at No 8 ahead of
Argentina's Gonzalo Longo and South Africa's Juan Smith.
Mat Giteau's impressive conversion to scrumhalf was one of the few bright spots in Australia's tour and he edges out
Argentina captain Agustin Pichot for the No 9 shirt.
World champions England, who lost three of their four games,
and France, twice thumped by New Zealand, have no players in the
team.
Reuters team of the month - 15 Juan Martin Hernandez
(Argentina); 14 Joe Rokocoko (New Zealand), 13-Conrad Smith (New
Zealand) 12 Gordon D'Arcy (Ireland), 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu (New
Zealand); 10 Dan Carter (New Zealand), 9 Matt Giteau
(Australia); 8 Denis Leamy (Ireland), 7 Richie McCaw (New
Zealand, captain), 6 Jerry Collins (New Zealand), 5 Ali Williams
(New Zealand), 4 Donncha O'Callaghan (Ireland), 3 Carl Hayman
(New Zealand), 2 Mario Ledesma (Argentina), 1 Marcos Ayerza
(Argentina).
|
Rugby
