LIST: 6 WORLD-CLASS players surprisingly snubbed for World Cup Selection

Tuesday, 20 August 2019 at 12:36

bySteven Smith

players get left out

1. Facundo Isa (Argentina)

The France-based loose forward was a shock omission from the 31-man Argentina Rugby World Cup named Monday by coach Mario Ledesma. instead, outsider Rodrigo Bruno got the nod and is among 26 players from the Jaguares, the Super Rugby runners-up, who will travel to Japan for the global tournament that begins on Sept. 20.

2. Teddy Thomas (France)

Knowing French rugby, it's entirely possible that they just forgot to call up the winger. Few better sights than him in full-flow.null

3. Ma'a Nonu (New Zealand)

The 36-year-old played for French club Toulon before returning to Super Rugby with the Blues, where his performances had been solid. However, it hasn't been enough to convince Hansen, who has gone largely with the players who have performed for him over the past two seasons.null

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 24: Ma'a Nonu of the New Zealand All Blacks is tackled by Handre Pollard (l) and Francois Louw (6) of South Africa during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Semi Final match between South Africa and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on October 24, 2015 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Chris Lee - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)

4. Richie Gray (Scotland)

Gregor Townsend has left the door ajar for Richie Gray to make the Rugby World Cup but the big lock is one of several notable names not in the Scotland coach’s training squad for the tournament in Japan. However, he certainly improved his chances after helping Toulouse to the Top 14 title.null

5. Mathieu Bastareaud (France)

The powerhouse centre, who was Les Bleus’s vice-captain during a disappointing Six Nations campaign, did not feature in the list of 31 and the six standby players who will start preparation for the tournament from June 25th.

6. Danny Cipriani (England)

The Gloucester fly-half was voted the Premiership’s player of the season two months ago but his prospects of going to Japan in September appear no better than if he were lining up a penalty from halfway into a stiff wind.

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Mandatory Credit: Photo by Patrick Khachfe/JMP/REX/Shutterstock (4962910ai)
Danny Cipriani of England looks on after the match
England v France, United Kingdom - 15 Aug 2015