Share

Strong SA, NZ flavour in World XV squad

Cape Town - Three current All Blacks have been included in the World XV squad to face Japan in Osaka on Friday.

According to the Kyodo News website, the World XV squad was finalised on Sunday.

The All Black trio of wing Nehe Milner-Skudder and flanks Dillon Hunt and Jackson Hemopo were included and will join will join compatriots Ma'a Nonu, Wyatt Crockett, Andy Ellis and Augistine Pulu in the side coached by New Zealand duo Robbie Deans and Scott Robertson.

All Black coach Steve Hansen's decision to allow the trio to play for the World XV is aimed at giving them game-time ahead of the All Blacks' Test against Japan in Tokyo on November 3. They were not required for duty for Saturday's Bledisloe Cup encounter against Australia in Yokohama.

Former All Blacks scrumhalf Ellis will captain the World XV, who also boasts former Springbok captain Adriaan Strauss.

Straus headlines a strong South African contingent which also includes Willie Britz, Harold Vorster, Corne Fourie, Hencus van Wyk, Lionel Cronje and Jason Jenkins.

It is likely to be Strauss’ final game of rugby, having recently announced his retirement from professional rugby.

The squad also features past and present internationals from Argentina, Australia, Japan and Tonga.

Tonga is represented by former captain Nili Latu, Argentina by Leonardo Senatore while there are two Australians in Sam Carter and Ben Alexander.

The squad also contains Ben Gunter and Keisuke Moriya from Deans' Panasonic Wild Knights in Japan.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2247 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE