There have been a number of ChatGPT GAA teams doing the rounds on Twitter, with varying degrees of success, so we have decided to test the ai's knowledge of Irish rugby, and asked it to come up with the best XVs of the 21st century from the four provinces.
Different XVs were given depending on the exact wording used, and the ai gave better selections for different provinces depending on the wording, but we settled on 'best x rugby team of the 21st century' as the fairest way to ask the question.
Needless to say, ChatGP knows its stuff when it comes to Irish rugby, with very few egregious decisions.
Leinster XV:
"Leinster Rugby has had many talented teams throughout the 21st century, but it's tough to determine a definitive "best" team as it's subjective and depends on individual opinions. However, here is a potential Leinster Rugby team of the 21st century"
- Cian Healy
- Sean Cronin
- Mike Ross
- Leo Cullen
- Devin Toner
- Sean O'Brien
- Shane Jennings
- Jamie Heaslip
- Eoin Reddan
- Johnny Sexton
- Isa Nacewa
- Gordon D'Arcy
- Brian O'Driscoll (c)
- Shane Horgan
- Rob Kearney
The obvious snub here is Tadhg Furlong, with Rocky Elsom, James Ryan, and Scott Fardy all having strong cases for selection.
22 January 2006; Irish rugby : Shane Horgan, Leinster, on the way to scoring his sides opening try. Heineken Cup 2005-2006, Pool 5, Round 6, Bath Rugby v Leinster, The Recreation Ground, Bath, England. Picture credit; Damien Eagers / SPORTSFILE
Munster XV:
"This team features many of Munster's most successful players, who have won Heineken Cups, Celtic Leagues, and Pro14 titles. Paul O'Connell, in particular, is regarded as one of the greatest Munster players of all time and led the team to numerous victories.
"Again, this is just one potential team, and there are many other players who could be included, but this team represents a strong and successful Munster Rugby side."
- Marcus Horan
- Jerry Flannery
- John Hayes
- Paul O'Connell (c)
- Donncha O'Callaghan
- Alan Quinlan
- David Wallace
- Anthony Foley
- Peter Stringer
- Ronan O'Gara
- Keith Earls
- Lifeimi Mafi
- Rua Tipoki
- Doug Howlett
- Denis Hurley
Shaun Payne should rightfully be raging that Denis Hurley got the nod, while some Munster fans may vouch for Paul Warwick at 15.
Ulster XV:
"This team includes some of Ulster's top players who have played significant roles in the team's success in the Heineken Cup and Pro14. Rory Best has been a standout player for Ulster, and his leadership skills have been vital to the team's success."
- Tom Court
- Rory Best (c)
- John Afoa
- Johann Muller
- Iain Henderson
- Stephen Ferris
- Chris Henry
- Nick Williams
- Ruan Pienaar
- Paddy Jackson
- Tommy Bowe
- Stuart McCloskey
- Darren Cave
- Andrew Trimble
- Charles Piutau
This XV is the best of the four in our opinion, with Marcell Coetzee the only obvious snub. Although, Nick Williams did manage more games for the province, and was excellent in his time there.
We were particularly fond of ChatGp's comments on Charles Piutau, whom they singled out for praise:
"Charles Piutau, while only playing for one season, was one of the most exciting and dynamic players Ulster has ever had. Of course, there are many other players who could be included, and opinions may differ, but this team represents a strong and well-balanced Ulster Rugby side."
13 April 2018; Irish rugby : Charles Piutau of Ulster in action against Hanno Dirksen of Ospreys during the Guinness PRO14 Round 20 match between Ulster and Ospreys at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast. Photo by Oliver McVeigh/Sportsfile
Connacht XV:
For Connacht we had to change the question slightly as it initially did not give a team, only a few lines on the excellence of the 2015/16 side.
"This selection includes some of the most successful and iconic players in Connacht Rugby's history, who have made significant contributions to the team's achievements in the 21st century.
"While there are many other deserving players who could be included in this XV, these players have been chosen based on their individual achievements and impact on the team's success."
- Denis Buckley
- Tom McCartney
- Nathan White
- Ultan Dillane
- Aly Muldowney
- John Muldoon (c)
- Jarrad Butler
- Johnnie O'Connor
- Kieran Marmion
- Jack Carty
- Matt Healy
- Bundee Aki
- Robbie Henshaw
- Tiernan O'Halloran
- Gavin Duffy
Another strong selection from Chat, displaying its keen knowledge of Connacht rugby with the selection of O'Halloran at fullback to accommodate Duffy at fullback.
While they spelt O'Connor's first name incorrectly, it is a shrewd choice by the chat bot to put him at no. 8.
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