The rugby world is fascinated with the idea of a "World XV". How many players from each country would get into a best team in the word? Would it be mostly players from New Zealand? Do Ireland have any of the best XV in the world?
But what isn't overly discussed is who could make that team in the future. Say for example, in an under 25 World XV, it would be a very different side. That's something that the Telegraph have produced looking forward to 2016. The English publication features five English players (including the only two uncapped prospects), four New Zealanders, two Australians, and one each from Argentina, France, Georgia, and South Africa.
See Also: Which Ireland Players Would Be In Contention For A World XV?
So not a mention for any Irish involved, and while we might have a quibble about some selections, it does paint a grim viewing for the future. As well as the Ireland U-20's have been doing in recent season, and they seem to be producing pro-ready players by the bucket load - only Garry Ringrose is being potentially lauded as top class, and even he, at 20, still has a way to go.
Selections of note in the English publication's team include World Cup stars Santiago Cordero, Nehe Milner-Skudder, and Scott Sio; as well as the amazing potential of the likes of Malakai Fekitoa, Jamie George, and Maro Itoje. The obvious selection quibble would be at outside centre - where France's Gael Fickou has been hyped up a lot over the last three years without delivering. It seems that both Scotland's Mark Bennett, Ireland's Robbie Henshaw, or even England's Jonathan Joseph would make more sense over Fickou. You could make the argument for one Garry Ringrose there either.
The only other Ireland player with any other claim to be included, would be Ulster's Iain Henderson, who seems to miss out to his South African clone Lood de Jager. In fact, the only Irish connection that any of the team has, is former Ireland U-20 prop Kieran Brookes, who is now an England international.
The Telegraph's World Under 25's XV:
15. Anthony Watson (England)
14. Santiago Cordero (Argentina)
13. Gael Fickou (France)
12. Malakai Fekitoa (New Zealand)
11. Nehe Milner-Skudder (New Zealand)
10. Lima Sopoaga (New Zealand)
9. Vasil Lobzhanidze (Georgia)
1. Scott Sio (Australia)
2. Jamie George (England)
3. Kieran Brookes (England)
4. Lood de Jager (South Africa)
5. Maro Itoje (England)
6. Sean McMahon (Australia)
7. Ardie Savea (New Zealand)
8. Jack Clifford (England)
[The Telegraph]
See Also: Ireland's 2019 Rugby World Cup Team Could Be Even Better Than 2015
Picture credit: Matt Browne / SPORTSFILE
