Rugby Championship Team Of The Tournament

Rugby Championship is done and dusted. New Zealand were crowned champions once again,and make up the bulk of Bet Central’s Rugby Championship Team of the Tournament.

15. Beauden Barrett (New Zealand)

Beauden Barrett as a 2^nd playmaker has done wonder for the All Blacks attacking game, he adds variation on attack with his boot and dynamic passing. He has pinned down his position as 1^st choice fullback.

Willie le Roux was a mixed bag throughout the tournament. Neither Tom Wright or Emiliano Boffelli had the desired effect for Australia and Argentina respectively.

Honourable mention: Willie le Roux (South Africa)

14. Will Jordan (New Zealand)

What a player, simply sensational through the shortened tournament. Will Jordan was in irresistible form on the right wing and proved he can excel there just as much as he does at 15 for the Crusaders.

Cheslin Kolbe was outstanding for the Boks and just missed out because of the brilliant Jordan.

Honourable mention: Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa)

13. Lucio Cinti (Argentina)

Was played on the wing for the 1^st game and did not look great, but ever since Lucio Cinti was played at centre, he has been fantastic. A brilliant attacker who anticipation elevates his game in a very difficult position.

Cinti has deservedly nailed down his spot at 13, Rieko Ioane thrived as well and backs up the Argentine.

Honourable mention: Rieko Ioane (New Zealand)

12. Jordie Barrett (New Zealand)

Jordie Barrett has found his position at 12 and like his brother Beauden, he brings a dynamism to his position. He uses his big boot to good effect, his accurate distribution brings the best out of Rieko Ioane.

Damian de Allende remains an important player for the Springboks on evidence of this year’s tournament.

Honourable mention: Damian de Allende (South Africa)

11. Kurt-Lee Arendse (South Africa)

Another player who arguably established himself as a 1^st choice in his position, Kurt-Lee Arendse seems to have usurped Makazole Mapimpi through his try scoring exploits. It isn’t only his attacking, but also his defence and reading of the game that impress.

Mark Telea was phenomenal, simply out of this world against the Wallabies. Arendse edges him by the slightest of margins.

Honourable mention: Mark Telea (New Zealand)

10. Richie Mo’unga (New Zealand)

Richie Mo’unga is in the argument for the best flyhalf in the world. His attacking through boot and running game are phenomenal and him stepping up to display that on the international stage.

Manie Libbok stepped to prove he is good enough at this level.

Honourable mention: Manie Libbok (South Africa)

09. Aaron Smith (New Zealand)

That Aaron Smith is still the best scrumhalf in the Southern Hemisphere is testament to his incredible talent and consistency. Not at his vintage best, but the all-time great is still the best in the South.

Nic White was a bright light in a dark tunnel for Australia.

Honourable mention: Nic White (Australia)

08. Ardie Savea (New Zealand)

Hard to separate Ardie Savea and Duane Vermeulen as both were brilliant across the 3 games. Ardie Savea just edges based on his performance in Bledisloe 1.

Duane Vermeulen has arguably won back his no.8 jersey from Jasper Wiese.

Honourable mention: Duane Vermeulen (South Africa)

07. Sam Cane (New Zealand)

No real standout in this position, Sam Cane’s tournament was injury disrupted, but when he did play, he looked clear at openside flanker. One of the reasons he simply has to go to France for the All Blacks’ cause.

Kwagga Smith was good whether starting or coming off the bench.

Honourable mention: Kwagga Smith (South Africa)

06. Shannon Frizell (New Zealand)

A coming of age for Shannon Frizell, what a destructive force on the carry. He was a menace on defence as well. The All Blacks have finally found their man at blindside flank.

Jed Holloway had a productive tournament in a frustrating period for the Wallabies.

Honourable mention: Jed Holloway (Australia)

05. Scott Barrett (New Zealand)

One of the greatest locks of all time, Sam Whitelock, might go to the World Cup in France as a bench player because of the incredible form of Scott Barrett. The Crusaders captain was phenomenal in the Rugby Championship.

Will Skelton showed in patches that he could be the hulking presence Australia need in the 2^nd row.

Honourable mention: Will Skelton (Australia)

04 Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)

Eben Etzebeth is a monster for the Springboks, he carried with an incredible vigour throughout and was a man possessed on defence.

Brodie Rettalick also had a really good tournament, it seems impossible that he misses out. But Etzebeth was unreal.

Honourable mention: Brodie Rettalick (New Zealand)

03. Tyrel Lomax (New Zealand)

Slowly, but surely working his way to one of the best tightheads in the world. Tyrel Lomax is a great anchor for the All Blacks and throughout the tournament his dynamism has added to the All Blacks cause.

Frans Malherbe was consistent again, he deserves his back up spot.

Honourable mention: Frans Malherbe (South Africa)

02. Malcolm Marx (South Africa)

Malcolm Marx is the world’s premier hooker and even though his playing time was sporadic, he was again excellent.

Codie Taylor has returned to form this year, he seems to have nailed down his spot as 1^st choice. Marx was just better.

Honourable mention: Codie Taylor (New Zealand)

01. Ethan de Groot (New Zealand)

A smart player who is just growing game by game for the All Blacks. A brilliant carrier and astute defender. He still has so much room for growth.

Steven Kitshoff was also dynamic at loosehead. Another who surely now will go to the World Cup as 1^st choice.

Honourable mention: Steven Kitshoff (South Africa)

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