Gareth’s Pick #13: Jean-Baptiste Elissalde
It is no secret that Fourie du Preez is the best scrumhalf in the world. I was in awe of him this weekend as he slotted straight back into top form against Scotland and was easily the best player on the field.
In fact, I don’t think much of the other scrumhalves that will be heading to the World Cup. Pichot (over the hill), Stringer (a fighter, but not classy enough), Perry (you having a laugh), Peel (inconsistent), Kelleher (another loose forward), Gregan (over there with Pichot), Blair and Cusiter (not quite up there) are all good players, but I couldn’t pick any of them with real confidence.
I toyed with the idea of picking Ruan Pienaar or Brendon Leonard, but in the end I gave up on them due to a lack of experience and plumped for the cool class of Jean-Baptiste Elissalde. He kicks well, his service is good and he has that French flair to get my vote.
Gareth’s World XV
1. Tony Woodcock (7)
2. Keven Mealamu (6)
3. Carl Hayman (3)
4. Bakkies Botha (4)
5. Dan Vickerman (10)
6. Schalk Burger (9)
7. Jerry Collins (5)
8. Sione Lauaki (11)
9. Jean-Baptiste Elissalde (13)
10. Dan Carter (1)
11. Sitiveni Sivivatu (8)
12. Yannick Jauzion (12)
13. Brian O’Driscoll (2)
14.
15.
