Combined XV: Rugby World Cup Final
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And then there were just two...
The Rugby World Cup Final will see a repeat of the 2007 Final with England and South Africa squaring off.
Both sides have been superb on their way to the final with a number of outstanding performances from key individuals.
England have named an unchanged side for the Final after Eddie Jones' side knocked the defending champions, New Zealand out. Meanwhile, Rassie Erasmus has made just one change to his starting XV with Cheslin Kolbe coming into the side.
View this post on InstagramThe Springboks pocket rocket speedster is back for the #RWCFINAL 🏆🔥🔥 #ENGvRSA
We have selected our combined XV from the two starting line ups, based on their form during the Rugby World Cup.
1. Tendai Mtawarira - South Africa
The man more commonly known as 'The Beast' has returned to some of the best form of his career during the competition.
He just edges Mako Vunipola for a place in the side with nothing really separating the two star front-rowers.
2. Bongi Mbonambi - South Africa
Jamie George has been exceptional for England but Mbonambi has formed a key part of an exceptional Springbok pack that has lost just one lineout the entire Rugby World Cup.
Mbonambi has also cemented his position in the Springbok starting XV taking over from 2018 World Rugby Player of the Year, Malcolm Marx.
3. Kyle Sinckler - England
Frans Malherbe has quietly gone about his work for the Springboks with his solid ball carries and tackles while solidifying the South African scrum.
But where Malherbe has quietly been working away for the Springboks, Sinckler has been one of England's brightest stars during the World Cup.
He scored a super try against the Wallabies in the quarter-final but his overall performances could go someway in redefining the tighthead prop position.
His slick ball-handling has kept defences guessing while he hasn't shied away from the nitty-gritty that his role traditionally entails nor has he let his down when it comes to producing at scrum time.
4. Eben Etzebeth - South Africa
Etzebeth has produced trademark performances this World Cup. He has been abrasive, aggressive and excellent in the lineout.
He beats the hard-hitting Courtney Lawes to the side with both players enjoying stellar form during the competition.
5. Maro Itoje - England
A menace at the lineout, breakdowns and in the mauls, Itoje has been sensational this Rugby World Cup and is certainly in the running for Player of the Tournament.
He beats Lood de Jager to a place in the side despite the Bok lineout specialist performing superbly for the Boks.
6. Pieter-Steph du Toit - South Africa
It was always going to take something special to spilt the 'Kamikaze-Twins' (Tom Curry and Sam Underhill) in our combined XV.
And simply put Pieter-Steph du Toit has been special. The former lock has been in sensational form since Rassie Erasmus took over the national side.
And he has brought that form into the Rugby World Cup.
7. Sam Underhill - England
With Tom Curry losing out the blindside role to Pieter-Steph du Toit, Underhill beats Siya Kolisi to the openside role.
Underhill has worked superbly in the back row with the likes of Billy Vunipola and Tom Curry.
He has ran some stellar support lines, weighed in with a few huge hits and won some excellent turnovers.
8. Duane Vermeulen - South Africa
Another incredibly close call between Vermeulen and Billy Vunipola with both players displaying world class form.
Vermeulen's overall game gives him the slightest edge over Vunipola with Springbok being a threat over the ball, with ball in hand and on defence.
Here is @BrianODriscoll's Team of the #RWC2019
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) October 28, 2019
1⃣x 🇫🇯
1⃣x 🇳🇿
2⃣x 🇿🇦
3⃣x 🇯🇵
3⃣x 🏴
5⃣x 🏴 pic.twitter.com/q1rp5wMC4s
9. Ben Youngs - England
Two key players going head to head for the 9 jersey but Youngs gets the nod over his blonde-headed counterpart.
Both sides have relied heavily on their kicking games and accuracy, with Youngs just narrowly getting edge in tightly fought position.
10. George Ford - England
Pollard was flawless from the tee and played a major role in South Africa's semi-final against Wales.
However, George Ford has been consistently brilliant for England throughout the World Cup and put in another sublime performance against the All Blacks to secure England a place in the Rugby World Cup Final.
11. Anthony Watson - England
Another incredibly close call between Makazole Mapimpi and Anthony Watson. Mapimpi has been in stellar try scoring form scoring 5 in 5 during the World Cup. However, Watson has been just as impressive despite scoring just one try during the World Cup.
His work-rate has really impressed as too has his ability to beat defenders. He has beaten a massive 26 defenders in just 5 games and has missed just one tackle the entire World Cup.
12. Damian de Allende - South Africa
This might just be the hardest call of the combined XV.
Owen Farrell has been exceptional in all facets of the game for England but misses out to Damian de Allende by the smallest of margins.
De Allende cracks the nod purely on how impactful his performances have been on the Springboks run to the final.
One of the biggest match up's this weekend will be between the 2 form players Owen Farrell and Damian de Allende #RWCFinal #RWC2019 #ENGvRSA pic.twitter.com/39djpRJOLM
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) October 29, 2019
13. Manu Tuilagi - England
Tuilagi has been on top of his game this Rugby World Cup continuing from his excellent pre World Cup form.
The hard ball carrying centre beats the defensively sound Lukhanyo Am to a place in the side.
14. Cheslin Kolbe - South Africa
Kolbe's absence in the Springboks World Cup semi-final against Wales has heavily felt.
The speedster has been the Springboks' attacking spark when they have needed it during the World Cup and despite his size he has been a real presence in the air.
"Cheslin is world-class. He showed it all over whenever he has played for us" - Rassie Erasmus#RWC2019 #RWCFinal pic.twitter.com/Keu9Bxs88C
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) October 31, 2019
15. Elliot Daly - England
Daly has found his feet in the fullback position since struggling early on. He beats Willie Le Roux to the final place in the side.
Le Roux has been error-ridden during the World Cup while Daly has been far more solid.
