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Two Irish Feature In Overall Rugby World Cup XV Of The Week From Seven Experts

Two Irish Feature In Overall Rugby World Cup XV Of The Week From Seven Experts
Conor O'Leary
By Conor O'Leary
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It's been a fantastic World Cup so far, and the third week was no different. From England's dramatic loss to Australia, Georgia sticking it up to New Zealand, and Japan's second stunning victory over Samoa - there was something for everyone.

In fact, we've collated the teams of the week from seven different sources - the 42, Midi Olympique, the Irish Independent, the Telegraph, Bleacher ReportPlanet Rugby, and Sky Sports and come up with the ultimate team of week 3:

15. Ayumu Goromaru (Japan)

What a delight Japan have been in this World Cup. A big reason for that has been the accuracy of Goromaru's boot. He was outstanding in their victory over South Africa, and he proved it wasn't a one hit wonder against Samoa. With three votes from seven, Goromaru wins the vote ahead of Argentina's Joaquin Tuculet.

14. Santiago Cordero (Argentina)

One Argentine back three star did impress enough people this weekend, with 21-year-old Cordero continuing his dazzling performances. He shone for the U20 team in the last three years, with his amazing side-stepping abilities. He's still playing rugby in his home country, and you can almost hear Top 14 clubs falling over themselves to sign the youngster.

13. Keith Earls (Ireland)

rwc xv of the week

The difference between a narrow victory and an embarrassing loss, Earls clearly impressed people this weekend. His try put him clear of all Irish players at the top of the Rugby World Cup charts, and he's done enough to earn the vote here.

12. Matt Giteau (Australia)

Australia's strategy of using two disributors in midfield cut England apart, who had a big brute in midfield in Barritt. Giteau continued to display his class, and easily beats Wesley Fofana into the 12 jersey here.

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11. Julian Savea (New Zealand)

When you score a hat-trick against a team that puts it up to you, then you deserve the spot. That's what four publications thought out of seven anyway, and it's hard to argue. Honourable mentions go to Kurtley Beale and Fiji's Asaeli Tikoirotuma.

10. Bernard Foley (Australia)

rwc xv of the week

What a tour de force from the former sevens star. Foley controlled Australia around the park, and was the stand-out player on the pitch against England. He, more than any other player, proved Danny Cipriani's comments wrong. Foley was a unanimous selection.

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9. Fourie du Preez (South Africa)
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The South African veteran was the catalyst for the Springboks recovery from their embarrassing loss to Japan.

1. Scott Sio (Australia)

An Australian scrum beasted the English pack. Just let that sink in for a second. Australia have found a star prop in 23-year-old Sio, and he's making an impact. His four votes get him the spot over the Beast.

2. Shota Horie (Japan)

Horie was fantastic. He was the one Japanese player who was better against Samoa than against South Africa. The Melbourne Rebels hooker carried extremely well, and ran away with the vote.

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3. Sekope Kepu (Australia)

rwc xv of the week

An Australian scrum beasted the English pack. Just let that sink in for a second. He had Joe Marler in his pocket, and earned Australia six scrum penalties. That's why he was a unanimous pick.

4. Iain Henderson (Ireland)

rwc xv of the week

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What a year the young Ulsterman is having. His carrying ability is so crucial to Ireland at the moment, and you can't but have him in your line-up.

5. Lood de Jager (South Africa)

Joining Henderson in the second row, is the South African equivalent. He's taller and younger than the Irish Henderson, but they play the game in the same manner and it's just as effective.

6. Michael Leitch (Japan)

Japan's captain has been a talisman for all that is good about the Brave Blossoms. Three votes was enough to get him the spot over Georgia's inspirational figure Mamuka Gorgozilla Gorgodze.

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7. Michael Hooper (Australia)

He'll be a big loss to Australia against Wales this week after his ban. The combination of both of Australia's natural fetchers has worked wonders.

8. David Pocock (Australia)

rwc xv of the week

What a colossus David Pocock is. He's the smart money for the World Player of the Year at the moment. His breakdown work is so smart, and so good and teams just do not have an answer for him.

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See Also: Just One Clip Is Needed To Vindicate Gordon D'Arcy About Sam Burgess
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