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Spark Sport's team of the RWC 2019 so far

October 12, 2019
The decision could be crucial for the All Blacks, with Beauden Barrett only making two of six attempts in the 34-36 loss to the Springboks in Wellington last year.

Spark Sport analysts Isa Nacewa, Kristina Sue and Jon Preston have put together a team of the Rugby World Cup so far with a number of selections sparking debate.

Commentator Scotty Stevenson was quick to take aim at some of the picks, including the omission of England flanker Sam Underhill.

Anyway, here is the team they picked. Let us know what you think on Facebook.

Tighthead prop Nepo Laulala (New Zealand): All Black Nepo Laulala was preferred at tighthead though Ireland’s Tadhg Furlong can consider himself unlucky, according to Stevenson.

The All Blacks prop was told he might not play again after knee troubles.

Hooker Shota Horie (Japan): A surprise selection in Japan’s Shota Horie. The home side’s hooker has been dynamic around the field as the Brave Blossoms have lit up the tournament.

Shota Horie.
Opening game of the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan on 20th September 2019.
Japan v Russia at Tokyo Stadium, Tokyo, Japan.
Copyright photo: Delly Carr / www.photosport.nz

Loosehead prop Joe Marler (England): England’s Joe Marler was preferred over All Black Joe Moody. The mohawked Englishman came out of international retirement recently and is a cornerstone of the strong English pack.

5th June 2018, Durban, South Africa;  Joe Marler (Harlequins) during the England Rugby training session at  Jonsson Kings Park Stadium,Durban South Africa

Lock Maro Itoje (England): England’s Maro Itoje takes the first of the second-row spots after some powerhouse performances so far in Japan. His ability to rip the ball away from the opposition has been particularly effective.

Maro Itoje. England v Argentina. Pool C rugby union match. Rugby World Cup 2019. Tokyo Stadium, Tokyo, Japan. Saturday 5 October 2019. © image by Andrew Cornaga / www.Photosport.nz

Lock Brodie Retallick (New Zealand): Brodie Retallick’s early absence from the tournament hasn’t been felt by the All Blacks because of the performances of Scott Barrett. H would perform a dynamic duo with Itoje.

The All Blacks lock sat down with 1 NEWS ahead of his return in the black jersey against Namibia.

Blindside flanker Ardie Savea (New Zealand): All Black powerhouse Ardie Savea takes the blindside spot after some standout performances that have prompted people in the All Blacks camp to say he’s at the peak of his powers.

Openside flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa): A selection that had Stevenson perplexed, but South African Pieter-Steph du Toit was given the nod by the panel. England’s Underhill was particularly unlucky to miss out, Stevenson said.

South African Pieter-Steph du Toit seen during the 2019 Investec Rugby Championship game between All Blacks vs South Africa, Westpac Stadium, Wellington, Saturday 27th July 2019. Copyright Photo: Raghavan Venugopal / © www.Photosport.nz 2019

No.8 Kazuki Himeno (Japan): Kazuki Himeno of Japan takes the spot at the back of the scrum after producing some powerful performances to have the host nation on the verge of a historic quarter-final berth.

Kazuki Himeno.

Halfback Gareth Davies (Wales): Taking the scrum half position is Gareth Davies, who has led to the undefeated Welsh to big wins over Australia and Fiji.

Twickenham, England. Gareth Davies of Wales clears the ball during RWC England 2015 Quarter Final. South Africa and Wales at Twickenham Stadium, London, England. October 17, 2015.  Photo Michael Paler / Photosport. co.nz


First-five-eighth Richie Mo'unga (New Zealand): The All Blacks’ very own Richie Mo'unga takes the number 10 jersey after delivering some polished performances so far in Japan.

Mo'unga will play in his first World Cup later this month.


Left Wing Semi Radradra (Fiji):
No surprises with Fijian powerhouse Semi Radradra claiming the left wing position. Radradra also playing centre during the World Cup but has arguably been the player of the tournament so far.

Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com - 21/10/2013 - RLWC2013 - 2013 Rugby League World Cup - De Vere Whites, Bolton, England - Headshots - Fiji's Semi Radradra Turagasoli Waqavatu.


Second-five-eighth Semi Kerevi (Australia): Australia's Samu Kerevi has taken the No.12 jersey position with strong performances during the World Cup. England’s Manu Tuilagi is unlucky to miss out. 


Centre Anton Lienert-Brown (New Zealand):
Another All Black in Anton Lienert-Brown is included in the back line. Lienert-Brown has stood out after the long-running debate about who should be in the All Blacks’ midfield.

CHOFU, JAPAN - OCTOBER 06: Anton Lienert-Brown of New Zealand fends off the tackle by Johan Tromp of Namibia to score his side's second try during the Rugby World Cup 2019 Group B game between New Zealand and Namibia at Tokyo Stadium on October 06, 2019 in Chofu, Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)


Right Wing Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa):  Cheslin Kolbe takes out the right wing position. The fleet-footed Springbok was South Africa’s main threat in the match against the All Blacks with defences on edge when he has the ball.

Cheslin Kolbe steams down the right side against the All Blacks.


Fullback Beauden Barrett (New Zealand):
 Beauden Barrett takes the fullback position ahead of Wales’ Liam Williams. Ominously for the All Blacks’ World Cup rivals, Barrett has been battling a leg injury so far in Japan.

The pair had their best outing together in last night's 23-13 win over South Africa.

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