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Kristen Thomas, Julianne Zussman, and Sara Parsons have been named to the official World Rugby Dream Team for the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup. The North American trio were awarded the honor on Monday having been voted on by the tournament commentary team.
Thomas combined with Naya Tapper and Cheta Emba to give the USA a world-class attacking trio in the outside backs. The 24-year-old, already a standout on the HSBC Sevens Series, scored four tries and proved very difficult to bring down with a potent combination of strength and speed.
This was the third World Cup for Julianne Zussman, 30, and the fullback showed no signs of slowing down. One of the most potent attackers in the tournament, Zussman’s eye for the gap both on the counter attack and coming into the line saw only New Zealand pair Portia Woodman and Selica Winiata record more line breaks.
It’s been a breakthrough event for Parsons. At 25 years old she has cemented her place in the Eagles lineup two years after making her test debut in the Women’s Rugby Super Series. Her fierce tackling and combative style made her a standout on both sides of the ball during the campaign.
Of those unlucky not to earn selection from the USA are Tapper and midfield star Alev Kelter. Canada had several players worthy of consideration not least world class loose forwards Karen Paquin and Kelly Russell. It’s Canadian prop DaLeaka Menin, however, who can feel most aggrieved with the commentary team selecting two loosehead specialists in Annaëlle Deshayes of France and New Zealand’s Toka Natua rather than rewarding the best tighthead in the tournament.
2017 WOMEN’S RUGBY WORLD CUP DREAM TEAM
1 Annaëlle Deshayes (France), 2 Fiao’o Fa’amausili (New Zealand), 3 Toka Natua (New Zealand), 4 Lénaïg Corson (France), 5 Tamara Taylor (England), 6 Sara Parsons (USA), 7 Romane Ménager (France), 8 Sarah Hunter (England, 9 Moe Tsukui (Japan), 10 Victoria Subritzky-Nafatali (New Zealand), Kristen Thomas (USA), 12 Kelly Brazier (New Zealand), 13 Emily Scarratt (England), 14 Portia Woodman (New Zealand), 15 Julianne Zussman (Canada)
