World Rugby dream team leaves fans perplex
REACTION: World Rugby announced the Men’s 15s Dream Team of the Year on Sunday at Monaco. However, the absence of two international superstars has left fans shocked and confused.
World Rugby No. 1 Ireland had four players included in the star-studded line-up, the most of any nation, with Tadhg Furlong, Tadhg Beirne and Johnny Sexton all named.
Irish flank Josh van der Flier was also included in the XV, before later being crowned the world’s best male 15s Player of the year at the World Rugby Awards in Monaco.
Three players from South Africa were selected – hooker Malcolm Marx including the midfield pairing of Damian de Allende and Lukhanyo Am.
New Zealand, England and France had two players named in the Dream Team each – which is somewhat of a surprise considering Les Bleus’ dominance this year.
Wing Marika Koroibete was the only Australian included in the team of the year, while flank Pablo Matera was the only Argentinian player selected.
The team certainly looks fantastic on paper, however, the glaring omissions of Springbok Eben Etzebeth and All Black Ardie Savea have stumped fans.
All Blacks backrow Savea and Springbok enforcer Etzebeth have been phenomena this year, which is why many rugby fans were shocked to discover that the pair wasn’t even nominated for the Player of the Year award.
Etzebeth was left out of the XV with Irish lock Tadhg Beirne and All Blacks star Sam Whitelock selected ahead of him.
No Eben Etzebeth in World Rugby Men’s XV Dream Team.
Ardie Savea snubbed too.
MAD. #WorldRugbyAwards pic.twitter.com/evdR0hiODT
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) November 20, 2022
Tadgh beirne over eben etzebeth you’re having a laugh.
— mcrowe (@mC41874041) November 20, 2022
Eben Etzebeth disrespect 🤮🤮🤮 https://t.co/8MIOL5S2TQ
— oBabakho 🇩🇪🇩🇪 (@KhumaloMphe) November 20, 2022
Why exclude the Beast? pic.twitter.com/ZQnvthdRfb
— Ndaba (@nhlangu1) November 21, 2022
Does Ardie Savea not exist?
— Riley 🇳🇿 (@rileyhamilton_) November 20, 2022
Would love to see the justification of @ardiesavea missing out on everything. He has been an absolute pillar of the All Blacks all year. Dependable and rock solid. Yet another travesty against the best player in the World. #myPOTY
— Matt G (@LordOfTheGingz) November 20, 2022
Would love to see the justification of @ardiesavea missing out on everything. He has been an absolute pillar of the All Blacks all year. Dependable and rock solid. Yet another travesty against the best player in the World. #myPOTY
— Matt G (@LordOfTheGingz) November 20, 2022
*Additional reporting Rugbypass
