Sir Clive Woodward Names His World XV

Rugby World Cup winning coach Sir Clive Woodward says there is still clear daylight between the All Blacks and rugby’s chasing pack.

Writing in the Daily Mail, the former England coach argues that England are the closest side to New Zealand’s level, but are still not near being a severe threat to the All Blacks.

“This England team won’t win the World Cup, although some of those playing in Sydney on Saturday will certainly provide the core of the team at the 2019 event in Japan,” says Woodward.

“What the class of 2016 have done is restore pride, and an appreciation of the basics, and made English rugby believe in itself again. Now they must reboot and set their sights sky-high.”

“Rugby might be a team sport but great teams are made up of exceptional individuals and England still have only two players – Owen Farrell and Maro Itoje – who I would select for a World XV. If England are going to win a World Cup, that figure needs to be nearer seven or eight.”

Based on this, Woodward went on to name his current World XV… What do you think of his selection below?

Clive Woodward’s World XV:

Israel Folau (Australia)
Ben Smith (NZ)
Sonny-Bill Williams (NZ)
Wesley Fofana (France)
Juan Imhoff (Argentina)
Owen Farrell (England)
Aaron Smith (NZ)
Kieran Read (NZ)
David Pocock (Australia)
Mamuka Gorgodze (Georgia)
Eben Etzebeth (SA)
Maro Itoje (England)
Ramiro Herrera (Argentina)
Dane Coles (NZ)
Marcos Ayerza (Argentina)