Compiling composite teams is an unapologetically provocative exercise that aims to inflame debate. Ultimately, pondering which rivals might complement one another is pretty futile.
That said, selecting a combined side used to be a case of working backwards. Your first job would be to work out which all-conquering All Blacks could be traded for individuals from different nations. These days, that is no longer the case – especially when New Zealand’s players are compared to the world champions.
Things could change quickly, of course. With an All Blacks backlash in South Africa, this make-believe line-up, taken from players available for the upcoming Tests, might look silly. But that is part of the fun.
15. Damian Willemse (South Africa)
Willie le Roux has been a vital and often underappreciated influence for the Springboks, which makes this a tricky start. Many opponents have been terrorised by him slicing into the 15-metre channels to fix tacklers and feed runners. Le Roux has also coordinated South Africa’s defensive system by rushing up to shut the door outside his own wings.
Now, though, Willemse would appear to be the coming man. Versatile and skilful enough to succeed François Steyn as the Swiss Army knife No 23 to cover fly-half, inside centre and full-back from the bench, he appears comfortable in the No 15 shirt. A soaring take in the opening moments of the decider against Wales took the breath away and he ousts Jordie Barrett.
14. Will Jordan (New Zealand)
In the absence of Cheslin Kolbe, who dislocated his jaw last month and will be out until September, we have a reasonably straightforward decision. When it comes to intuitive support play and elusive running, Jordan is a fitting heir to the wonderful Ben Smith. The pace and balance he showed for his solo try against Ireland in Wellington was impressive, but the way Jordan ghosted across the pitch and onto Ardie Savea’s shoulder to take an inside pass is what makes him special. Kurt-Lee Arendse, a hot-stepping dynamo, could enhance his reputation.
13. Lukhanyo Am (South Africa)
Rieko Ioane remains a work in progress for New Zealand, especially when it comes to decision-making in phase-play while his team is in possession. Am, on the other hand, oozes class in just about every facet of the game and regularly produces tone-setting moments on both sides of the ball.
12. Damian de Allende (South Africa)
David Havili replaced Quinn Tupaea for the decider against Ireland, which encapsulated New Zealand’s uncertainty at inside centre. De Allende is dependable and robust, just as likely to force a counter-rucking turnover as dent the gain-line. He suffered a brain fade in the final stages of the first Test against Wales, kicking away a chance to pick off 13 defenders, yet makes the cut here.
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