ARN Dream Team 2015

And so we come to our final team selection of the year. While much of the side is similar to our World Cup XV, there are four players whose form prior to the tournament merited greater consideration when it came to selecting our Dream Team for the year as a whole. Without furhter adieu, we present the 2015 Americas Rugby News Dream Team.

1 – Marcos Ayerza (Leicester Tigers & Argentina) Whether in club colors or again as a Puma, the veteran continues to lead from the front. The choice of many in their World Cup XVs, and indeed yearly selections, Ayerza remains peerless in the front row.

2 – Agustín Creevy (Worcester Warriors & Argentina) Captain courageous has developed into a truly world class hooker. He reached new heights in 2015, leading the Pumas to a World Cup semi final with his outstanding work in the set piece, at the breakdown, and as a leader of men.

3 – Ramiro Herrera (Castres & Argentina) A massive, lumbering ox of a man, Herrera has a tendency to walk the line of legality but his positive contributions cannot be denied. An immovable object in the scrum and showed surprising dexterity in the loose during the World Cup.

4 – Jamie Cudmore (Clermont Auvergne & Canada) The big man didn’t quite show us his best at the World Cup, but played well in the internationals leading up to the tournament and had a strong year with Clermont. He takes the decision over Argentina’s Guido Petti.

5 – Tomás Lavanini (Racing 92 & Argentina) Among the first names on the team sheet, despite some disciplinary issues. One of the most physically imposing forwards in world rugby and at just 23 his best years are still ahead of him.

6 – Pablo Matera (Pampas & Argentina) A few months younger than Lavanini and every bit as fearsome. One of the best forwards in the Pacific Challenge, he carried his form straight through the World Cup. Set to dominate the international arena for years to come.

7 – Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe (Toulon & Argentina) Now in the twilight of his career but still world class on his day. He won a European title with Toulon before reaching the World Cup semi final with the Pumas in his international swansong.

8 – Samu Manoa (Northampton Saints / Toulon & USA) Also an option at lock, but his immense carrying ability put him in his favored position at the back of the scrum. Even going backwards he is a threat. Showed his class with Northampton, the Eagles, and new club Toulon.

9 – Agustín Ormaechea (Mont-de-Marsan & Uruguay) A tough choice but with neither Martín Landajo nor Tomás Cubelli not quite putting their stamp on the Pumas scrumhalf shirt it was the outstanding Ormaechea who takes our honours. Equally capable of attacking the fringes, moving the ball quickly, or kicking for territory, his competitive edge is his greatest attribute.

10 – Nicolás Sánchez (Toulon & Argentina) What is there to be said about one of the best players in the world in 2015? A wonderful season at the helm of Los Pumas, inspiring them to a World Cup semi final and hardly putting a foot wrong all year. His line-breaking ability and surprising strength in defense sets him among the world’s elite in the no10 jersey.

11 – DTH van der Merwe (Glasgow Warriors / Scarlets & Canada) An automatic selection, and one of the players of the year after his outstanding displays on the wing for club and country. One of few in the Americas who are in the discussion for a World XV at the end of 2015.

12 – Juan Martín Hernández (Toulon & Argentina) There can be no other. ‘El Mago’ continues to live up his nickname with his dazzling array of skills, not least his sublime passing in any direction. While Sánchez is the decision maker in the backs, Hernández adds variety and keeps the defense guessing with his ability to run, pass, and kick with equal effectiveness.

13 – Marcelo Bosch (Saracens & Argentina) Up there with Conrad Smith among the best defenders in the outside centre channel. Perhaps unrated as an attacker given his preference to pass, but still a vital cog in the backline for both the Pumas and Saracens. Canada’s Ciaran Hearn was our choice during the World Cup but the impact of Bosch throughout the year was too much to overlook.

14 – Juan Imhoff (Racing 92 & Argentina) What a way to end the year for one of the world’s classiest finishers. His World Cup tournament was the icing on the cake after a magnificent season with Racing 92 that even saw him step in as a halfback in the Top 14 semi final. Gets the nod over another splendid attacking force, teammate Santiago Cordero.

15 – Chris Wyles (Saracens & USA) While used almost exclusively on the wing for Saracens, the Eagles captain makes the cut as a fullback in our team, arguably his best position. His ability to read the game and rock solid temperament under pressure makes him invaluable in whatever jersey he wears. Wyles gets in ahead of Canadian Matt Evans and Argentina’s Joaquín Tuculet.