Mid-Term Exam Series: Optimal Player Lineup of 15
Revamped Rugby Roundup: Bet Central's Best XV from the June/July Test Matches
Get ready to revel in the thrilling performances that lit up the mid-year Tests! With electricity in every tackle and flair on the field, Bet Central has compiled the crème de la crème of rugby talent for June/July. Let's jump right into it!
15. Beauden Barrett (New Zealand) – One of the most impactful players in the 1st and 2nd Tests and a standout performer off the bench in both matches. Add his stellar showing against Fiji as a starter, and you've got your form fullback for this Test window.
Sporadic moments of inspiration from Tom Wright (Australia), while Cameron Winnett continues to thrive for Wales.
Honorable mention: Cameron Winnett (Wales)
14. Filipo Daugunu (Australia) – Redemption was on the menu for Daugunu. In three Test matches, he delivered mouth-watering bursts of pace and power, stampeding his way to the try line. Sevu Reece's comeback to the Test setup after missing the 2024 Rugby World Cup.
Honorable mention: Sevu Reece (New Zealand)
13. Jesse Kriel (South Africa) – A solid defensive foundation, a penetrative presence in midfield, and simply in top form – that's Jesse Kriel for you. If there's anyone in world rugby's outer 13 who can match up to him right now, let's see them step up!
Len Ikitau showed the world why Eddie Jones erred by leaving him out of the World Cup squad last year.
Honorable mention: Len Ikitau (Australia)
12. Hunter Paisami (Australia) – Emerging from the shadows, Lalakai Foketi, and Samu Kerevi's presence notwithstanding, Hunter Paisami showcased a stellar performance against Wales, proving his continued importance to the Australian squad.
Damian de Allende remains one of the finest at the 12 position.
Honorable mention: Damian de Allende (South Africa)
11. Mark Telea (New Zealand) – Sleek moves, raw power, and deceptive strength – Mark Telea dazzles us on the left wing. Fear not, triple threats such as Kurt-Lee Arendse and James Lowe lurk close behind.
Honorable mention: James Lowe (Ireland)
10. Damian McKenzie (New Zealand) – After earning the All-Black no.10 jersey, McKenzie didn't disappoint, bringing his provincial form onto the Test stage. Marcus Smith matched his effort but narrowly missed out on the spotlight.
Honorable mention: Marcus Smith (England)
9. Alex Mitchell (England) – In the space of a year, Mitchell went from being called up to the England World Cup squad as an injury replacement for Jack van Poortvliet to being un-droppable for this English team. He was tactically unrivaled against the All Blacks.
Keep an eye on the future with Cortez Ratima and remember the veteran wisdom of Connor Murray.
Honorable mention: Connor Murray (Ireland)
8. Caelan Doris (Ireland) – As a big game player, Doris led Ireland to a victory against South Africa and impressed in the loss during the first Test. He takes our number 8 spot.
Ardie Savea delivered for New Zealand as did Ben Earl, with the battle between the two close and the winner decided by a whisker.
Honorable mention: Ardie Savea (New Zealand)
7. Fraser McReight (Australia) – With legendary flair, Australia possesses a wealth of openside flankers – McReight being a standout among the crop, easing concerns over Michael Hooper's retirement.
Josh van der Flier and Siya Kolisi trade blows in an intense battle between the two forces of nature.
Honorable mention: Siya Kolisi (South Africa)
6. Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa) – A tackling titan and crucial ball carrier, Pieter-Steph du Toit was instrumental in the Springboks' 1stTest victory and narrow loss in Durban.
Chandler Cunningham South commands the attention in his showdown against the All Blacks.
Honorable mention: Chandler Cunningham South (England)
5. Tadgh Beirne (Ireland) – Efficient and unassuming, Tadgh Beirne adds colossal value to the Irish contingent with his lineout prowess, physicality, and relentless work rate.
Scott Barrett serves as the All Blacks' irreplaceable anchor in the second row.
Honorable mention: Scott Barrett (New Zealand)
4. Maro Itoje (England) – It's as if Itoje makes superhuman efforts look like child's play. He was unreal against the All Blacks, serving up a display of sheer dominance and disruption.
Joe McCarthy made his mark alongside the Irish in the trenches.
3. Frans Malherbe (South Africa) – An immovable object at the scrum, Malherbe is underrated but gets through an immense amount of defensive work.
Tyrel Lomax solidified New Zealand's front row with an admirable effort against England.
Honorable mention: Tyrel Lomax (New Zealand)
2. Codie Taylor (New Zealand) – Although he may not be the force he once was, Codie Taylor is still a top-tier hooker. Unfortunately, he was picked off a few times by Maro Itoje, but overall, he puts in a commendable show.
Bongi Mbonambi plays his part in the Springboks' formidable front row.
Honorable mention: Bongi Mbonambi (South Africa)
1. Ox Nche (South Africa) – The other anchor of South Africa's unbeatable front row, Ox Nche is an unmatched scrummaging loosehead prop. He leaves a trail of destruction in his wake when he's in the trenches.
Ethan de Groot rose to the occasion, holding his own against the fearsome English tightheads.
Honorable mention: Ethan de Groot (New Zealand)
Sources1. England Rugby World Cup squad 20242. HSBC SVNS Awards 20253. Springboks rugby union4. Wallabies rugby union5. All Blacks rugby union6. Irish Rugby Football Union
1. The predictions for football and sports betting enthusiasts this season are increasingly favorable for Mark Telea (New Zealand), who has impressed with his sleek moves and deceptive strength on the left wing. Additionally, James Lowe (Ireland) and Kurt-Lee Arendse, known as triple threats in rugby, could prove to be equally impactful.
2. Bet Central's winning XV for Rugby includes Alex Mitchell (England), deemed un-droppable for this English team due to his tactical prowess shown against the All Blacks. Marcus Smith (England) and Connor Murray (Ireland) are also names to watch out for in the battle for the number 9 spot.
3. In the world of betting, Caelan Doris (Ireland) has been a standout at the number 8 position, leading Ireland to a victory against South Africa and impressing in the loss during the first Test. Ardie Savea (New Zealand) and Ben Earl, with their striking performances, have also made a strong case for themselves.
