Rugby World Cup XV: Semi-finals

In 2 very different contests over the weekend the 2023 Rugby World Cup finalists were decided, and it was the traditional powerhouses of the Springboks and All Blacks who will meet for the 1st time in a final in 28 years on Saturday. Bet Central assembles the best XV of these 2 contests.

15. 15. Freddie Steward (England)

Freddie Steward was outstanding for England and vindicated his selection ahead of Marcus Smith. His game was well-suited for the conditions, and he was masterful under the high ball. Kept the English momentum going at different intervals throughout the game.

Beauden Barrett also had a fine outing against Argentina as his playmaking played a role in New Zealand’s dominance.

Honourable mention: Beauden Barrett (New Zealand)

14. Will Jordan (New Zealand)

Will Jordan has been a try-scoring maestro for New Zealand throughout the World Cup, he currently sits on 8 and he needs one more to break the record of most tries in a single World Cup. It was another classy hat trick that helped him push his way to making history.

Jonny May was classy in his battle for supremacy in the air against Cheslin Kolbe. He also got a brilliant turnover with England under pressure.

Honourable mention: Jonny May (England) 

13. Rieko Ioane (New Zealand)

Rieko Ioane found himself in space more than he would have thought in his semi-final encounter. The Blues man had lots of joy in penetrating the midfield with Argentina’s defence not up to standard in that area. He continues to mature as an outside centre.

Lucio Cinti was one of Argentina’s better performers on a forgettable night.

Honourable mention: Lucio Cinti (Argentina)

12. Jordie Barrett (New Zealand)

Another player in the All Blacks setup continues to thrive in a position he was only thrust into last season. Jordie Barrett isn’t your typical battering ram at 12. His ball skills make for a good playmaker and his educated boot helps with the tactical game of New Zealand.

Manu Tuilagi emptied the tank at Saint-Denis to no reward, but it was still an industrious performance on a tough night.

Honourable mention: Manu Tuilagi (England)

11. Mark Telea (New Zealand)

Dropped for breaching team protocol last week, this week he returned with devastating effect for Argentina as he thrived on the carry time and time again. Mark Telea is so strong in contact and is nearly impossible to bring down at 1st attempt. Troubled Argentina’s defence and generated good go-forward ball throughout the game.

Matteo Carerras was another Argentinean who didn’t stop trying throughout the night.

Honourable mention: Matteo Carerras (Argentina)

10. Owen Farrell (England)

Gets under a lot of players’ and fans’ skin, but there is no denying just how good he is and has been for a very long time for England. Owen Farrell scored all 15 points for England and almost took them to yet another World Cup final. It wasn’t to be, but he reminded the rugby world just how good he can be.

Richie Mo’unga has had an excellent World Cup and that was solidified even more in the semi-final win over Argentina.

Honourable mention: Richie Mo’unga (New Zealand)

9. Aaron Smith (New Zealand)

A 2nd World Cup win will almost certainly solidify his place as the greatest scrumhalf of all time – even though with time it is likely Antoine Dupont will hold this title. Aaron Smith was brilliant again as he gave his team quick service, the passing quality is simply phenomenal.

Alex Mitchell was near-perfect for England, he just happened to be competing with an all-time great who has had a vintage World Cup.

Honourable mention: Alex Mitchell (England)

8. Ardie Savea (New Zealand)

Loose forwards in general are supposed to be excellent offensively and on attack, but few can do both with flawless efficiency. Ardie Savea is one of the few who does, he was once again a bundle of energy in a rampant performance.

Ben Earl has been England’s best player and even in his least influential game of the tournament, he was still a standout.

Honourable mention: Ben Earl (England)

7. Tom Curry (England)

Tom Curry walked off the field bruised and battered from his efforts against South Africa, he was everywhere for England and had his best game of the tournament. One of his best games in English colours in a while as well.

Sam Cane continues to prove all detractors wrong at this World Cup and he could do the unthinkable this week if he leads the most unfancied All Blacks team to ever play in a World Cup to the title.

Honourable mention: Sam Cane (New Zealand)

6. Courtney Lawes (England)

If Earl’s been England’s best player in the tournament, then Courtney Lawes has been a close 2nd for his nation. He is one of the great English players with this World Cup most likely his last, he has solidified his legacy with great performances and the semi final was no different.

Marcos Kremer tried in the face of a scary All Blacks team and he almost bubbled under, but Pieter-Steph du Toit was industrious from 1st to last minute as the Springboks scrapped home by 1 point again.

Honourable mention: Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa)

5. Scott Barrett (New Zealand)

Scott Barrett is prone to having brainfarts that blemish excellent outings, that was the case as he copped a needless yellow card again. Apart from that he was disruptive at the lineout, carried superbly, and had so many minute contributions that pushed the All Blacks to victory.

Franco Mostert is another player to put in a big shift especially when senior man Eben Etzebeth was pulled off after 50 minutes.

Honourable mention: Franco Mostert (South Africa)

4. Maro Itoje (England)

Maro Itoje’s best performance in an English jersey in years. The former England u20 captain was outstanding, he played like a man possessed in pursuit of a 2nd World Cup final appearance. He stole a few lineouts from South Africa and was so effective in stopping the Springboks’ maul. A reminder of just how good he can be.

Sam Whitelock is looking to become the 1st player ever to win 3 World Cups and if he plays like he did against Los Pumas, he could achieve that feat.

Honourable mention: Sam Whitelock (New Zealand) 

3. Tyrel Lomax (New Zealand)

After an injury disrupted time in the pool stages Tyrel Lomax has finally found some consistency in the knockout phase of the World Cup and he has performed brilliantly. He scrummed well and was busy around the park against Argentina.

Vincent Koch had an amazing impact off the bench for the Springboks, it was so good that none of the starting tighthead props bubble under Tyrel Lomax. The spot belongs to Koch.

Honourable mention: Vincent Koch (South Africa)

2. Bongi Mbonambi (South Africa)

There are 2 concerns surrounding Bongi Mbonambi going into the week of the final. The 1st is the World Rugby charge of misconduct that could see him miss the final for allegedly using a racial slur in the semi-final. The 2nd is, if he is cleared, whether he will be fresh enough to have an impact in the final after another monumental 80-minute shift against England where his leadership, set-piece proficiency, and pure determination helped push South Africa over the line.

It remains to be seen what will happen, but for the semis, Mbonambi is our man at hooker. Codie Taylor deserves a mention for his efforts against Argentina.

Honourable mention: Codie Taylor (New Zealand)

1. Ox Nche (South Africa)

Koch’s cameo off the bench was good enough to have him bubble under at tighthead prop, but Ox Nche singlehandedly changed the trajectory of the game between England and South Africa. He gave Kyle Sinckler a torrid time at the scrum and shifted the momentum completely. His ball-carrying was handy and he worked hard around the park. Nche was the definition of a supersub this past weekend.

Thomas Gallo tackled himself into the ground, but his scrumming was poor, so Ethan de Groot bubbles under after another fine outing at the set-piece and around the park. Shout out to Joe Marler who didn’t give scrumming powerhouse Frans Malherbe an inch throughout his time on the field.

Honourable mention: Ethan de Groot (New Zealand)

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