Midi Olympique have released their 2023 Rugby World Cup XV of the tournament, with just a single Ireland player making the cut.
The famed French rugby publication was unbiased in their selection, including just two French players in the side, with Thomas Ramos at fullback and Peato Maukvaka at hooker.
Bundee Aki The Sole Ireland Player In Rugby World Cup Best XV
Unsurprisingly, it is Bundee Aki at inside centre. The Connacht man was arguably the player of the tournament prior to Ireland's quarter-final defeat, and was duly rewarded with a World Player of the Year nomination.
Interestingly, Owen Farrell makes it in ahead of the likes of Richie Mo'unga and Handre Pollard, but the sheer influence he had in England's run to the semis was undeniable.
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14 October 2023; Bundee Aki of Ireland after his side's defeat in the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final match between Ireland and New Zealand at the Stade de France in Paris, France. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
Hugo Keenan and Tadhg Beirne would have been fair calls at fullback and lock, but Thomas Ramos, with his metronomic goal kicking, and Scott Barrett are fair calls.
Portugal's Nicolas Martins would have been a worthy choice at openside flanker, and far from a Tier 2 pity selection, after his superb showings in the group stage.
Overall, it is a good selection from Midi, with 5 South Africans, 5 All Blacks, 2 French, and one a piece from Ireland, England, and Wales.
Midi Olympique’s Rugby World Cup XV:
15. Thomas Ramos
14. Will Jordan
13. Jesse Kriel
12. Bundee Aki
11. Mark Telea
10. Owen Farrell
9. Aaron Smith
1. Ox Nche
2. Peato Mauvaka
3. Frans Malherbe
4. Eben Etzebeth
5. Scott Barrett
6. Jac Morgan
7. Pieter-Steph du Toit
8. Ardie Savea
SEE ALSO: From Cork Hurling To Munster Rugby: The Journey Of Ben O'Connor
