Some creativity needed on the wings, and a Bomb Squad 'finisher' getting a start.
World Rugby has shown some of their hand ahead of this Saturday's World Cup final, and the awards ceremony that follows, in Paris, on the next evening.
As is now tradition, the World Rugby end-of-year awards ceremony will take place in the same city that hosts the final, on the next night. We often get to see the captain and coach of the winning side in attendance, and a couple of other players that are dragged away from the celebrations.
The awards have been running since the start of the century. The winner of World Rugby Player of the Year has been from the victorious final team in 2003, 2007, 2015 and 2019. Only in 2011, when Thierry Dusatoir took the gong back to France, has that trend been bucked.
No player from a side not competing in the final has ever won the top men's accolade, in a World Cup year. That does not bode well for Antoine Dupont or Bundee Aki, who waved goodbye to the tournament at the quarter final stages, but both are deserving nominees. Saying that, Will Jordan and Damian Penaud were both unlucky to miss out.
The World Rugby 'Dream XV' will also be announced on the night, as well as sevens and women's rugby, and coaching awards. Four Ireland stars had that XV inclusion honour, last November, but there may be slimmer pickings despite 2023's Grand Slam success and 17-game winning streak.
[caption id="attachment_293751" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Bundee Aki was outstanding in Ireland's World Cup campaign. (Photo by Christian Liewig - Corbis/Getty Images)[/caption]
Selecting a World Rugby 'Dream XV'
In a World Cup year, the big dance holds more sway. Six Nations titles, Grand Slams and Rugby Championships can add to a player's case, but capturing attention, and imaginations, at a World Cup is huge.
To that end, we expect the World Rugby 'Dream XV' to be dominated with All Blacks and Springboks. England may have a couple of inclusions but, we feel, Argentina would be doing well to even have one.
Form from earlier in the year does still hold weight, hence Antoine Dupont and Bundee Aki both getting best player nominations. It is also the reason for our fullback call, with all due respect to Beauden Barrett. If the New Zealand fullback has another excellent knock-out game, on Saturday, we would be willing to make a switch.
We have included Damian Penaud [15 tries in 11 games] but on the left wing, just so we can accommodate him and Will Jordan. One of our biggest backline calls, though, sees Bundee Aki included at inside centre at the expense of another Barrett - Jordie.
We have made it up to the Barretts by selecting Scott in our pack. Courtney Lawes is our sole English inclusion [although Freddie Steward and Joe Marler were both considered] while the heart is ruling the head with two of those front row calls - Ox Nché has been a mighty punch off the bench, and Peato Mauvaka just edges out Bongi Mbonambi.
MY 'DREAM XV'
15. Hugo Keenan (Ireland)
14. Will Jordan (New Zealand)
13. Jesse Kriel (South Africa)
12. Bundee Aki (Ireland)
11. Damian Penaud (France)
10. Richie Mo'unga (New Zealand)
9. Aaron Smith (New Zealand)
1. Ox Nché (South Africa)
2. Peato Mauvaka (France)
3. Tyrel Lomax (New Zealand)
4. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)
5. Scott Barrett (New Zealand)
6. Courtney Lawes (England)
7. Pieter Steph du Toit (South Africa)
8. Ardie Savea (New Zealand)
The full World Rugby 'Dream XV' will be announced on Sunday evening, October 29
Bundee Aki was outstanding in Ireland's World Cup campaign. (Photo by Christian Liewig - Corbis/Getty Images)[/caption]
