Argentina v Australia combined XV
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Argentina v Australia combined XV
Ahead of this weekend's Rugby World Cup semi final on Sunday between Argentina & Australia we have selected our combined XV. Here is our team :
1. Marcos Ayerza - The argentine veteran has been in fine form for Argentina during this World Cup and with New Zealand's Tony Woodcock's campaign ending early through injury which leaves Ayerza as the stand out loose head in the Southern Hemisphere.
2. Stephen Moore - The Wallabies captain received his 100th cap last weekend against Scotland but has proven to be a real leader in the aussie camp and has produced some bruising performances so far.
3. Sekope Kepu - Kepu who was raised in Aukland and made his name for himself at Wesley College where Jonah Lomu also attended as a student. Kepu has been a key component of an impressive aussie tight 5 so far.
4. Kane Douglas - After a disappointing stint at Leinster, Kane Douglas returned to Australia just in time for the World Cup and has shown his true talent in a green & gold jersey since his return.
5. Tomás Lavininni - At only 22 years old this young second row has produced displays beyond his years for Los Pumas so far. The Racing 92 man has a big future ahead of him as part of a young Argentina team.
6. Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe - We've named him at an unfamiliar role at no.6 but the Argentina captain has been a highly influential player for club and country in recent years with work horse like traits to his game.
7. Michael Hooper - Part 1 of the Pooper combination, Michael Hooper can be found anywhere on the pitch as he goes from winning rucks to making line breaks. Like any good 7 he has the correct balance of pace and power around the pitch.
8. David Pocock - Part 2 of the dream team, David Pocock was dearly missed in the close shave against Scotland last weekend and this was clear with Scotland winning numerous turnovers and Australia not looking as solid in the maul of the lineout. Vital part to the Wallabies team.
9. Will Genia - After going through a patch of poor form after the Lions tour in 2013, Genia has really upped his game & formed a strong partnership with Bernard Foley in this year's World Cup and looks the player we all know once again.
10. Nicolás Sanchez - Was a tough call between Sanchez & Foley but going on last weekend's performances we had to give our no.10 spot to Sanchez. Scoring an impressive total of 23 points against Ireland and was the man who linked up the excellent work from the argentine pack to release their electric backs.
11. Juan Imhoff - This guy is one of the most lethal finishers in World Rugby at the moment and after another try scoring appearance against Ireland last weekend, he's right on form. With 16 tries for Los Pumas the Wallabies will need to keep tabs on this flyer.
12. Matt Giteau - The prodigal son of Australian rugby has showed what they've been missing before the change of rules on overseas players earlier this year. Giteau has been instrumental in the playmaking no.12 role so far.
13. Juan Martin Hernandez - Known at the El Mago (The Magician), not a natural 13 by any means but could do a job just about anywhere in any backline. A star of the 2007 World Cup, Hernandez hasn't lost any of his flair since and still is one of Argentina's most exciting players.
14. Drew Mitchell - One of the best wingers in Rugby World Cup history has been impressive once again in this year's tournament and is now just 2 tries short of Jonah Lomu's try scoring record. If the Wallabies manage to overcome the stern test of Argentina this weekend, Mitchell could well go on to become the tournament's top scorer of all time.
15. Israel Folau - Even as impressive as the Argentine back 3 have been only one man was going to be named at 15 in this side. The league/AFL convert has been one of the world's players since making his name in the 2013 Lions tour for the Wallabies.
