Rugby Champinship: Team of the week

Image: Beauden Barrett offloads against Australia

After the first round of the Rugby Championship, we pick our team of the week that is dominated by New Zealand.

The All Blacks were in imperious form as they ran in six tries to beat a disappointing Australia 42-8 on Saturday, while South Africa left it late to secure thrilling 30-23 win over Argentina. 

Quite frankly we could have selected 15 Kiwis, but where is the fun in that?

Here is our pick of the crop from the opening weekend of the Rugby Championship.

15. Israel Dagg (New Zealand)

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Eighteen carries & 104 metres made, he marshalled from the back and enjoyed the space provided to him by  Australia's missed tackles. A notable mention must go to Joaquin Tuculet who made nine carries for Los Pumas.

14. Ruan Combrinck (South Africa)

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Image: Springbok winger Ruan Combrinck attacks for South Africa

Bok fans want to see more of Combrinck with ball in hand after his opening try against Argentina. A nod to Julian Savea who scored his 40th try in 44 games - that's how you make an impact off the bench!

13. Matías Orlando (Argentina)

His opposite number on Saturday Lionel Mapoe could learn a thing or two from Orlando about finishing after he rounded off a fantastic try for Argentina. Produced some strong running and solid defence - especially when the Pumas were down to 14-men.

12. Ryan Crotty (New Zealand) 

Opened up the floodgates for New Zealand with a lovely try and kept the Australia defence on their toes whenever he got the ball. Like the rest of the All Blacks team, showed wonderful hands and skills.

11. Waisake Naholo (New Zealand)

New Zealand started their 2016 Rugby Championship in style with a comprehensive 42-8 victory over Australia.

Scored the All Blacks' bonus-point try and was a huge threat with the ball all game long. Unfortunate to get injured while scoring that try but his attacking skills and his work-rate were excellent.

10. Beauden Barrett (New Zealand) 

Easiest choice of the XV! Most metres made with 116, top point scorer with 17. Totally in the groove, transferred his Super Rugby form seamlessly onto the international stage and was quite simply a delight to watch.

9. Faf de Klerk (South Africa)

South Africa's spark in a game that needed it. Although he didn't dominate the statistics he put his body on the line providing the physicality in defence and the zip in attack. 

1. Tendai Mtawarira (South Africa)

South Africa's Tendai

Climbed into the Pumas pack and gave Ramiro Herrera a real going over in the scrums. Showed incredible strength to hold up monster lock Eben Etzebeth  in the air and bring him back to the ground safely.

 2. Agustin Creevy (Argentina)

Not the result the skipper wanted in his 50th Test but personally he had an impressive game. Made his arrows at the lineout, missing just one and was excellent at the breakdown for the Pumas. Honourable mention to Dane Coles who was forced into action after just three minutes despite still suffering from a rib injury.

Warren Whiteley's late try clinched the win for South Africa in their opening Rugby Championship clash against Argentina.

3. Vincent Koch (South Africa)

Had a lot to prove when he came on for the injured Julian Redelinghuys after struggling so much in last year's fixture against Argentina. However, he held his own and did his fair share in defence.

4. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa) 

Worked himself into the ground and played a vital role in the South Africa's match-winning try, just edges out the brilliant Brodie Retallick who had another superb game against Australia.

5. Sam Whitelock (New Zealand) 

Image: Sam Whitelock of New Zealand (C) is tackled by Ben McCalman of Australia


Every inch the engine room action man, dogged and productive in defence with 15 tackles and influential going forward. Whitelock's highlight had to be his offload out of contact in the build-up to Julian Savea's second-half score.

6. Jerome Kaino (New Zealand) 

His usual physical and hardworking self and part of a trio that put huge pressure on Bernard Foley. Lovely charge down and rewarded by a fortuitous bounce for his try.

7. Teboho Mohoje (South Africa)

Needed a big game and delivered with a superb defensive display. Added something extra for the Boks in the lineout as well.

8. Facundo Isa (Argentina)

Image: Facundo Isa takes on the Springbok defence

Bok No 8 Warren Whitley may have scored the winning try for South Africa but his opposite number really caught the eye with an impressive performance. Carried exceptionally well and always made ground against the Springbok defence.

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