REVISITED | Looking back at Sir Clive Woodward's incredible World XV
Rugby NewsThursday, 21 May 2020 at 07:46
Four years ago, World Cup-winning coach Sir Clive Woodward had the tough task of picking 15 players to make up a dream team.
Writing in the Daily Mail, he had just two Englishmen in his World XV.
Today, RUCK looks back at his incredible selection...
Clive Woodward’s World XV:
Israel Folau (Australia)
The disgraces former Wallabies made a cross-code switch and signed for Catalans Dragons, months after being sacked from his previous club over comments about gay people. Halifax's openly gay forward, Keegan Hirst, said he was "shocked and disappointed" by the signing.
Ben Smith (NZ)
Will go down in history as an All Black legend, winning 84 caps over a decade between 2009 and 2019. A truly world-class operator.
Sonny Bill Williams (NZ)
Toronto Wolfpack have signed cross-code star in a multi-million pound deal that will see him become the most expensive player in rugby union and rugby league history. The 34-year-old forward has won two World Cups in rugby union with New Zealand, making him one of just 21 players to win multiple World Cup titles.
Wesley Fofana (France)
Despite now being 32, he's still a powerful centre who's making waves for club and country, scoring 15 tries in his 48 caps.
Juan Imhoff (Argentina)
The speedster is still doing his thing with Racing 92, who he's been with since 2011, but his choice to remain in France ended his international career. One of the best finishers in the modern game.
Owen Farrell (England)
The smirk in front of the haka may give ammunition for those who love to hate the England captain, but his ability as a top-class playmaker cannot be denied. A brilliant player for both club and country.
Aaron Smith (NZ)
“The best thing about ‘Nuggy’ is that he walks the talk,” says Highlanders’ Aaron Mauger of the most-capped No 9 in New Zealand history. “The speed of his delivery from the base of the scrum and ruck is a key point of difference,” adds Steve Hansen. His service remains critical for club and country.
Marcos Ayerza (Argentina
The legendary Leicester and Argentina prop announced his retirement from professional rugby at the age of 34 in 2017. He retired with immediate effect, having played 246 times for Leicester, winning four Premiership titles in the process, having been advised to end his career because of a back injury.
Dane Coles (NZ)
The Rugby World Cup-winning All Black has been plagued by bad luck over the past two years, with concussion, Achilles and knee problems dogging the Hurricane. He’s lost his Test spot to Codie Taylor but such is the quality of this ball-playing quasi-centre that he remains an important figure.
Ramiro Herrera (Argentina)
Remains one of the best tighthead's in the world, plying his trade currently with Stade Francois in the TOP14. Still has plenty left to give.
Maro Itoje (England)
At just 25, Itoje has packed quite a lot into his career so far.
34 England caps, three Lions caps, a Grand Slam winner, a European Player of the Year, Champions Cup titles, Premiership titles and a World Cup final. Not too shabby.
His performance against New Zealand in the World Cup final is something any aspiring modern forward should sit down and watch.
Eben Etzebeth (SA)
Now plying his trade in the south of France with Toulon, Etzebeth will no doubt be eager to add Top 14 and European Champions Cup crowns to his World Cup, Rugby Championship and Currie Cup accolades.
Mamuka Gorgodze (Georgia)
The cancellation of the French Top 14 season has had one very disappointing consequence – the world has seen the last of the legendary forward on the rugby pitch.
David Pocock (Australia)
Despite being in a struggling Wallabies team recently, Pocock has been a class above for Australia and without him moving forward, you just wonder how worse things might get before they get better.
Kieran Read (NZ)
2019 saw Read's All Black career wind down. He's not the force he once was, but still a mighty fine No. 8 who will go down as one of the best New Zealand have produced.
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