Not the greatest week for selections given the dire match in the Gold Coast, but we’ve managed to piece together a fully representative side.
1 – James Slipper (Australia) It wasn’t pretty, but he did exactly what was asked of him, standing up to a daunting Argentinean scrum. When he came off the Wallaby scrum went backwards.
2 – Adriaan Strauss (South Africa) Agustin Creevy was mighty in the loose, but the basics come first for a hooker. Strauss was strong in the set piece and active in defense.
3 – Sekope Kepu (Australia) Surely this is a first ever, with two Australian props in the side. A big effort from a big man, Marcos Ayerza won’t enjoy watching that tape.
4 – Brodie Retalliack (New Zealand) Not quite as obvious as in previous weeks, but still a standout. Closing in on best-in-the-world status.
5 – Victor Matfield (South Africa) A throwback performance. Was collecting rent at the lineout and threw himself about in the loose making a number of tackles.
6 – Marcell Coetzee (South Africa) The tackling machine continues to contribute with his massive workrate. Making it tough for the older blokes to make it back in.
7 – Richie McCaw (New Zealand) The old master still has it. A terrific demonstration of willpower, scraping and diving for every inch, scoring and saving his team at the death.
8 – Duane Vermeulen (South Africa) Won a tough individual battle against Kieran Read, though his team lost the match. A colossal performance, with some stunning tackles at the forefront.
9 – Aaron Smith (New Zealand) Kicking, sniping, passing, another good game from the little maestro. One of the key players in Steve Hansen’s game plan.
10 – Handre Pollard (South Africa) Impressive outing that might have spelled the end for Morne Steyn. His inside ball to Cornal Hendricks was a thing of beauty.
11 – Manuel Montero (Argentina) The token Puma selection, but deserving of his spot. A highlight reel try to go with some solid defense, if only he had seen more of the ball.
12 – Ben Smith (New Zealand) Emergency fill-in who stepped in for Ma’a Nonu and was exceptional. It doesn’t matter where he plays, just get the man the ball and good things happen.
13 – Conrad Smith (New Zealand) Didn’t have much defending to do but looked classy as ever on offense. Didn’t miss a beat when his namesake moved inside.
14 – Cornal Hendricks (South Africa) Got trampled by Julian Savea once but otherwise played well. Scored a tracking try that put New Zealand on notice.
15 – Israel Dagg (New Zealand) A secure effort at the back, playing position well and dealing with everything thrown at him. Safely back in possession of his old jersey.
