Midi Olympique's Team of the Year: Five Frenchman, Three All Blacks, One Irishman

December 27, 2021
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Ultimate Rugby

Renowned French bi-weekly rugby newspaper Midi Olympique have released their 2021 Team of the Year.

The publication has included one Irishman, one Australian, one Scotsman, two South Africans, two Welshman, three New Zealanders, and five Frenchman.

The Toulouse and France duo of Cyril Baille and Julien Marchand crack the nod in the front row with Tadhg Furlong selected at tighthead.

Surprisingly, the veteran duo of Alun Wyn Jones and Sam Whitelock have been selected in the second row.

World Rugby Player of the Year nominee, Michael Hooper has been snubbed in the loose trio with Frenchman Anthony Jelonch picked alongside Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and All Blacks' back-rower Ardie Savea.

The 2021 World Player of the Year Antoine Dupont has been selected at scrumhalf with New Zealand's Richie Mo'unga at flyhalf ahead of Romain Ntamack. Springbok Lukhanyo Am and Wallaby midfielder Samu Kerevi make up the centre pairing.

Wales' Louis Rees-Zammit and France's Damian Penaud have been selected on the wings with Scotland captain Stuart Hogg named at fullback.

Midi Olympique's Team of the Year

1. Cyril Baille (France)

2. Julien Marchand (France)

3. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)

4. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)

5. Sam Whitelock (New Zealand)

6. Anthony Jelonch (France)

7. Siya Kolisi (South Africa)

8. Ardie Savea (New Zealand)

9. Antoine Dupont (France)

10. Richie Mo'unga (New Zealand)