England versus New Zealand: Composite XV
A fixture that rugby fans the world over repeatedly coveted during the last cycle, particularly early in Eddie Jones’ tenure, England versus New Zealand on Saturday is one of the more salivating Rugby World Cup semi-finals in recent memory.
Both England and New Zealand have cruised through the tournament, with the opener against the Springboks the biggest test of the All Blacks so far, and both teams look to be in strong form and relative good health going into this blockbuster encounter.
Neither coach will have any excuses when the teams meet in Yokohama on Saturday and in a bid to predict this cross-hemisphere rivalry, we have selected our composite XV from the two squads. Are the reigning Rugby World Cup champions still feared enough to dominate this XV or have England managed to close the gap sufficiently on them to even up the allocation?
- Beauden Barrett, New Zealand
Barrett has faced a similar transition to the one Elliot Daly underwent a couple of years ago, moving to play full-back despite having played the majority of his career at another position. For Barrett, already one of the world’s very best players, that transition has been slightly more seamless. He brings all of his attacking verve to the 15 jersey, as well as surprising reliability in defence and the air.
- Anthony Watson, England
Sevu Reece has had a fantastic year or two on the pitch, but Watson was in the mix for one of, if not the most effective wing in world rugby a couple of seasons ago. He was a fixture in the British and Irish Lions XV and although a significant injury has held him back more recently, he looks to be returning to close to his best once again.
- Jack Goodhue, New Zealand
The all-round game of Goodhue gets him the nod here, with Henry Slade a fine attacking weapon for England, though perhaps not as adept defensively as his teammate, Jonathan Joseph. Both Anton Lienert-Brown and Manu Tuilagi would be potential selections also, were it not for them being used at inside centre in the quarter-finals.
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- Manu Tuilagi, England
Speaking of Tuilagi, he is one of the players that is impossible to leave out. On his day, defences will have no answer for the Leicester Tiger, whose recent run free from injury has seen him become a very welcome addition to Jones’ and England’s armoury.
- George Bridge, New Zealand
This is tough on Jonny May, whose consistency, speed and kick-chase ability all have him up there with the very best wings in the world. Bridge is arguably New Zealand’s answer to May, though, ticking all of the same boxes as the Englishman does. If we tossed the coin again, it might come down differently.
- Owen Farrell, England
Having taken some flak for flatter performances in the pool stage, England’s win over Australia was a potent reminder of Farrell’s ability on both sides of the ball. He can manage a game with the boot, he can unlock defences with an array of flat and long passes and his tackling, when he doesn’t stray too high, is the best of any fly-half in world rugby.
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Watch: Eddie Jones and Owen Farrell speak to the press after their win over Australia
- Aaron Smith, New Zealand
Even during Smith’s dip in form a season or two ago, he was still widely regarded as the pinnacle of international scrum-halves. Now he is back to close to his best and his control and tempo has been vital for the All Blacks, just as he will need it to continue to be, with TJ Perenara breathing down his neck each week.
- Mako Vunipola, England
The carrying, offloading, work rate, engine and work in the defensive line and at the breakdown, Vunipola is the archetype of the modern-day prop. Take nothing away from Joe Moody, who arguably has an edge on Vunipola at the scrum and is himself one of the very best in the world, but on overall game, it’s hard to look beyond Vunipola.
- Jamie George, England
This selection may not go down well in New Zealand but Dane Coles isn’t playing quite at the level he was prior to injury and though Codie Taylor is exceptional, so is George. The Saracen is arguably the best lineout thrower in international rugby and that has become an important platform for England to launch their attacks from. Like Vunipola, his work rate in the loose is breath-taking.
- Kyle Sinckler, England
An all-England front row might seem surprising given that New Zealand could have an edge at the scrum on Saturday, but the modern game has shown that front rows have to do more than that now and the scrum has become a far less decisive factor in deciding results. Sinckler’s fly-half playmaking skills and turn of pace separate him, here.
- Brodie Retallick, New Zealand
The standard bearer of international second rows, Retallick is a no-brainer selection and the bigger debate comes over who partners him in the engine room. Like the English front row, Retallick is a calm and composed ball-handler, whilst also offering set-piece stability and physical presence.
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- Maro Itoje, England
A tough call on Sam Whitelock but we are perhaps beginning to see the effects of age on his game, whereas Itoje is rapidly approaching his prime and is a genuine difference-maker at the highest level. If Itoje can disrupt New Zealand’s lineout and breakdown work in Yokohama, he’ll go a long way to helping England to a Rugby World Cup final.
- Ardie Savea, New Zealand
Savea vs Tom Curry is the rugby equivalent of an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object. Both have been in sublime form at this tournament and though we have leaned towards Savea’s attacking and ball-carrying impact, as well as his added experience, no one should write Curry off from coming out on top in this contest at the weekend.
- Sam Cane, New Zealand
Another tough call on a young English flanker, this time Sam Underhill, though Cane has that added experience and nous that we talked about in relation to Savea. In four years’ time this selection could be reversed but for now, Cane still has the edge on the promising English openside.
- Kieran Read, New Zealand
Plenty were guilty of thinking Read may have reached his peak and been on the decline over the last year or two, but he has defied all of those assertions with a storming Rugby World Cup to date. Billy Vunipola, on the other hand, has been industrious and effective, without necessarily stamping his authority on games in the fashion that we have become accustomed to. Throw in Read’s lineout ability and leadership and he steals a march here.
Watch: Steven Hansen and Kieran Read speak to the press following their win over Ireland
Comments on RugbyPass
Sorry Morgan you must have been the “go to for a quote” ex player this week. Its rnd 6 and there is plenty of time to cement a starting 15 and finishing 8 so I have no such concerns.
1 Go to commentsGreat read. I wish you had done this article on the ROAR.
2 Go to commentsThe current AB coaching team is basically the Crusaders so it smacks of wanting their familiar leaders around. This is not a good look for the future of the ABs or the younger players in Super working their way up the player ladder. Razor is touted as innovative, forward looking but his early moves look like insecurity and insular, provincial thinking. He is the AB's coach not the Golden Oldies.
10 Go to commentsSimple reason for wanting him back. Robertson wants him as captain. Otherwise he wouldn’t be bothering chasing him. Not enough reason to come back just to mentor.
10 Go to commentsI had not considered this topic like this at all, brilliant read. I had been looking at his record at the Waratahs and thought it odd the Crusaders appointed him, then couple that with all that experience and talent departing and boom. They’ve got some great talent developing though, and in all honesty I don’t think anyone would be over confident taking them on in a playoff match, no matter how poor the first half of their season was. I think they can pull a game out of their ass when it counts.
2 Go to commentsNot a bad list but not Porecki and not Donaldson. Not because they are Tahs, or Ex Tahs, they are just not good enough. Edmed should be ahead. Far more potential. Wilson should be 8 and Valentini 6. Wilson needs to be told by his father and his coach, stop bloody running in to brick wall defence. You’re not playing under the genius Thorn any more. He’s a fantastic angle runner. The young new 8 from the Brumbies looks really good too. The Lonegrans are just too small for international rugby as is Paisami, as is Hamish Stewart at 12. Both great at Super Rugby level. Stewart could have been a great 10 if not for Brad Thorn. Uru should be there and so should Tupou. Tupou just needs good Australian coaching which he hasn’t been getting. I don’t think Schmidt will excite him.
2 Go to commentsIf he wants to come back then he should. He will be a major asset to the younger locks and could easily be played as an impact player off the bench coming on in the last 30. He is fit, strong and capable and has all the experience to make up for any loss in physical prowess. He could also be brought back with a view to coaching within the structures one day. Duane Vermeulen played until he was 37 or 38. He is now a roaming coach within the South African coaching structures. He was valuable in the last world cup and has been a major influence on Jasper Wiese and other young players which has helped and accelerated their development and growth. Whitelock could do the exact same thing for NZ
10 Go to commentsBrett Excellent words… finally someone (other than DC) has noted that Hanigan is very hard and very good at doing what Backrow should do… his performance via the Drua sauna was quite daunting for those on the other side… very high tackle count… carries with good end result… constant threat to make a good 20-25 meters with those long legs… providing his mass effectively to crunching the Drua pack… Finally he is returning to quality form… way to much injury time over the last 2 years… smart-strong-competent in his skills… caught every lineout throw aimed at him and delivered clean pass to whoever was down below… and he worked hard for the whole 80 minutes… Ned has to be in the top 5 for backrow honors… He knows what is required as he has been there before…
20 Go to commentsI think Sam Whitelock should not touch a return with a bargepole. He went out on a high, playing in the RWC Final. He would be coming back into a team that will be weaker than last years, and might even be struggling to win games, especially against the Boks. Stay in France, enjoy another year with Pau, playing alongside his brother.
10 Go to commentsRyan Coxon has been very impressive considering he was signed by WF as injury cover whilst Uru has been a standout for QR, surprised neither of those mentioned
2 Go to commentsIt’s the massive value he brings with regard team culture/values, preparation, etc. Can’t buy that. I’m hoping to see the young locks get their chance in the big games though.
10 Go to commentsAll good, Gregor, except that you neglected to mention Sam Darry amongst that talented pool of locks. In fact, given Hannah’s inexperience and the fact that Holland won’t be eligible until next year, Lord and Darry might be the frontrunners this year, to join Barrett, Tuipoluto, Va’ii and possibly Whitelock. In fact there might be room for all of them if Barrett played 6 (like Ollie Chessum).
10 Go to commentsHis value is stabilizing the ship 20 - 40 minutes out from the final whistle plus his valuable experience to the underlings coming through.
10 Go to commentsWhat is criminal is she acts like it's no problem her actions have have cause the Italian player to lose her playing career, lose salary, if she did this in day to day life she would be in jail, she is a complete thug!!!
3 Go to commentsCorrect me if i’m wrong but the sadas have to win all games running into the finals yeh nah?
1 Go to commentsDon’t like Diamond but the maul is a joke, the sight of a choke tackle creating a maul then players in offside positions flopping on it killing the ball but then getting the put in? Banal.
3 Go to commentsHopefully Tabai Matson returns to Crusaders as head coach next season.
1 Go to commentsstorm in a teacup really. Penalty only so play on as the try was scored. Now the real question is: why was Maitland allowed to pass the ball off the floor? That is illegal but refs never pick it up.
1 Go to commentsWhen Beauden Barrett signed his contract before the 2023 RWC to play in Japan in 2024, it was NOT part of a sabbatical agreed to with NZRU prior to his signing, as was Ardie Savea and Sam Cane. Barrett changed his mind after the fact and negotiated his return to NZ Rugby and he was given permission to be eligible for All Black selection straight away once he signed a new contract to return to the Blues in 2025. Therefore, why would anyone argue against Whitelock returning to the All Blacks straight away after his season is France is finished if he signs a new contract with NZRU which includes a Super Rugby contract in 2025? If Barrett can, Whitelock should be allowed too.
10 Go to commentsThe All Blacks will select 5 locks this season. Scott Robertson will most likely want to select 2 veteran locks who can start right away in 2024 and 3 young promising locks who he would like to be pushing hard for selection in the starting XV in two years time- 2026. Scott Barrett is a world class lock. Who would you rather start beside him this season against England, South Africa, Ireland, and France- Sam Whitelock or Patrick Tuipulotu? I would choose Whitelock over Tuipulotu all day, every day.
10 Go to comments