I'm sure it's been said before, but individuals don't win world cups. Australia may not have 5 World XV players, but I doubt any team could lay claim to having a stronger XV, maybe the All Blecks. What Australia does have is talent across the park, that if they work cohesively can beat any team on their day regardless of the individuals.
I'd like to think our only weakness is our centre pairing which we are in the process of figuring out now, come the final or semi's I'm sure we will have more than the two or so World XV players we have now.
Possible World XV players post RWC:
Kepu - Growing each game, has high work rate and is establishing himself as a world class prop.
Moore - Contender already, very consistent and will lay claim to a World XV spot if he can remain our starter over TPN whilst the Boks persist with Smit.
Horwill - Establishing himself as a premier lock, does all the essentials right and has tremendous leadership skills.
Elsom - Slowly climbing back to the lofty heights we saw him at a few years back.
Pocock - Has some real competition for the #7 jersey but is part of a growing pack and has been highly influential. Possesses leadership qualities too.
Samo - Abit past it in age but is in red-hot form and completely outplayed the entire Kiwi backrow last week. RWC will be his last international tournament I imagine, so expect him to go out with a bang.
Cooper - The key weapon to one of the most lethal backlines in world rugby, if he can keep level-headed throughout and show composure in vital moments he will establish himself as the world class 10 that we all want him to be.
Ioane - Has lit the world on fire in the past 4 months and will no doubt be a starter for the Wallabies come finals time. Has unpredictability, speed and agility combined with the ability to read Coopers mind
Ashley Cooper - Starting to show ominous signs, still abit away from where we want him but has the potential and is starting to hit his straps. Dilemma is where to play him in the Aussie backline as he continually proves us wrong no matter where we put him.
Mitchell - A world class winger before his injury, looked good for the Baa Baa's and will be a key weapon for the wallabies. Possesses all the attributes you could ever need in a winger.
Barnes - If fit, I would consider him a vital cog in the Australian armour. Adds utility value and posses terrific attributes to come off the bench and play any position or game plan.
O'Connor - Admittedly, not even I know where to fit him in our backline but have to admit he possesses attributes that are invaluable and he would make most international teams. Can cover practically any position and has the added skill of goal kicking.
Others.
Vickerman - Won't be making any World XV anytime soon but on his day is capable of derailing any world cup campaign. Hits the rucks hard and is a wrecking bull who opponents fear.
Sharpe - Has experience but has fallen out of favour with Deans. I still rate him and wouldn't be worried with him holding down a lock spot in our starting XV. Has ability to change games and good line-out calling.
Slipper - Slowly improving and has the potential to match most props in the world. Will need a strong campaign to get near a World XV spot however.
Robinson - The Prop. With him I have no doubt that the Australia scrum can hold their own. Big loss but is still a heavily influential player and will be on the plane over to help his successors.
