ARN 2015 Rugby World Cup XV

With the conclusion of the tournament, it’s time to choose our World Cup XV from the four Americas representatives. Unsurprisingly the overwhelming majority of the side comes from semi-finalists Argentina, who remain the standard bearers for Americas rugby and look set to do so until their friends in the north establish a viable domestic competition.

That said there were some under-performers and a couple players who just didn’t get enough opportunities to impress for whatever reason. From our original ‘Pre-RWC XV’, nine players got in while the other six edged out the predicted competition. Without further adieu, here is the Americas Rugby News World Cup XV for 2015.

1 – Marcos Ayerza (ARG) No question here. A virtually unanimous selection not just for this team, but in most people’s all-world XV. Unequaled in the scrum and a trojan in the tight-loose, could it be that we have seen the last of him in Pumas colours? Ayerza seems keen to carry on, it would be a shame if new selection policies were to deny him.

2 – Agustín Creevy (ARG) Another obvious choice. If the Pumas captain isn’t the best hooker in the world, he’s awfully close. He embodies the spirit of his country and combines cheeky ball handling skills with an endless thirst for confrontation. His next big challenge is to lead the new Jaguares team into their first year of Super Rugby.

3 – Ramiro Herrera (ARG) Despite his inclusion in the official World Cup Dream Team, the giant prop was not an automatic selection. Competition came from his countryman Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro and to a lesser extent Uruguay’s Mario Sagario, but ultimately it was Herrera who had the chances and he took full advantage. Spiky and intimidating, he was the cornerstone of the Pumas pack in the knock-out stages.

4 – Guido Petti (ARG) Somewhat of a surprise choice, the 20-year-old capitalised on an untimely suspension to Mariano Galarza to take his opportunity with aplomb. His mobility and work rate make up for his lack of grunt, with his quickness in the lineout reminiscent of former Pumas lock Alejandro Allub. Sadly he had little in the way of opposition, with other would-be contenders failing to stand out and Cam Dolan afforded little game time.

5 – Tomás Lavanini (ARG) Continued his rapid ascent to greatness with an outstanding tournament at the coal face for the Pumas. Already a feared breakdown enforcer and fringe tackler, his carrying over the gainline has become a key part of Argentina’s attack. Like Herrera his discipline can waver at times, but on song he is as good a lock as there is in world rugby.

6 – Pablo Matera (ARG) Any concerns over the long-term health of the big flanker after serious shoulder surgery have well and truly been put to bed. In terms of sheer physical presence at the tackle, there have been few if any as fearsome as Matera in the Argentine back row. His strength over the ball at the breakdown and with ball in hand are also top drawer. The scary thing is he can only get better.

7 – Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe (ARG) No other Americas flanker came close to threatening the Argentine duo. It’s been an amazing international career for ‘Corcho’, and if this is to be the end let it be said that he went out at his best. The 71-cap veteran has been an ever-present in the Pumas team for a decade and has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the very best of the professional era. His leadership and all-round game are still world class.

8 – Samu Manoa (USA) A tricky one to choose, and while Manoa was the hot favorite heading into the tournament, he didn’t stand out as much as one would like. Of course that was partly due to the poor showing of his Eagles, of whom he was the standout player by some distance. Injury to Tyler Ardron and no clear option from Argentine trio Leonardo Senatore, Facundo Isa, and Juan Manuel Leguizamón paved the way for the USA’s only inclusion.

9 – Agustín Ormaechea (URU) A lack of options also helped elevate one of Uruguay’s best into the team, but don’t let that detract from his deserved selection. Along with his halfback partner Felipe Berchesi, Ormaechea did his best to keep the scorelines respectable, threatening at the fringes and kicking well from the base. Neither Tomás Cubelli nor Martín Landajo put their stamp on the jersey for Argentina, though both performed well.

10 – Nicolás Sánchez (ARG) Certainly the claims of Berchesi must be recognized, but the tournament’s leading scorer simply cannot be ignored. Sánchez skipped through the pool phase but hit full stride in the knock-outs, missing out only to Daniel Carter in terms of the overall tournament selection. His kicking, tackling, and trademark line break ability mark him as an under-appreciated talent. Expect him to light up Super Rugby in the coming months.

11 – DTH van der Merwe (CAN) A strong challenge from Juan Imhoff, but you can’t argue with the blockbusting performances of the outstanding Canadian winger who scored in each of his country’s four games. It wasn’t just the dazzling running lines, his defense was also solid and the overall impact makes him a contender for the overall tournament Dream Team.

12 – Juan Martín Hernández (ARG) After floating around the backs for several years, Daniel Hourcade’s decision to move him to the midfield has proved a masterstroke. ‘El Mago’ was at his creative best throughout, showing off his illustrious handling skills at every opportunity. His kicking game was also top grade, and his tackling rock solid. Injury to Connor Braid ruled him out of contention while Thretton Palamo’s power game just wasn’t enough.

13 – Ciaran Hearn (CAN) Inconsistency, both in selection and form, has stunted Hearn’s career until now, but the Newfoundlander was in superb form for his country during the tournament. His strength earned him more line breaks than any other player and his defense wasn’t far behind. After starring on the Sevens Circuit for several years, he will finally get his chance at professional rugby having this week signed for London Irish. Marcelo Bosch also had a fine tournament and misses out by the narrowest of margins.

14 – Santiago Cordero (ARG) A word for Jeff Hassler, who might have had a stronger claim if not for injury. The honours, however, go to one of the breakthrough players in the tournament. With lightning fast feet that conjure images of Shane Williams, Cordero was one of the most exciting players on show, and to think he might not have been there had Manuel Montero not been cruelly injured before the tournament. Argentina has a host of talent out wide.

15 – Joaquín Tuculet (ARG) The other great advantage in moving Hernández to centre was allowing the brilliant Tuculet an opportunity to start at fullback. One of the most complete at his position in the tournament, his ability to both kick or counter-attack at the highest level kept Argentina on the front foot. There were a number of excellent fullbacks on show, but on form there are few that would be considered ahead of him in a World XV. Honourable mentions go to Canada’s Matt Evans and Eagles captain Chris Wyles, who each played well in difficult circumstances.

Pre-World Cup XV
1 Ayerza 2 Creevy 3 Herrera 4 Dolan 5 Lavanini 6 Sinclair 7 Matera 8 Manoa 9 Cubelli 10 Sánchez 11 van der Merwe 12 Hernández 13 Bosch 14 Hassler 15 Wyles