According to The Telegraph, a Rugby XV of wasted talent has been selected, taking into consideration the following criteria: players must have earned 10 caps or fewer for their respective countries, their international rugby careers must be concluded, and they must have been capped at least once (uncapped players are excluded).
15. Isa Nacewa (Fiji, one cap)
14. James Simpson-Daniel (England, 10 caps)
They wrote: “Injuries hampered Simpson-Daniel’s ability to regularly break into an all-conquering England side, but his days with Gloucester showed his electric brilliance, while no one will forget in a hurry his burning of Jonah Lomu against the Barbarians. Leaving out the wasted talent of Christian Wade or the crude strength and pace of Joeli Vidiri was tough.”
13. Philippe Bidabe (France, two caps)
12. Regan King (New Zealand, one cap)
11. Rupeni Caucaunibuca (Fiji, eight caps)
They wrote: “Oh, what might have been. The grandest waste of talent in the history of rugby, “Caucau’s” prowess on the world stage came and went in a flash, dazzling audiences and scorning defences at the 2003 World Cup. Years of wilderness and off-field indiscipline ensued, but those fortunate to watch Agen were treated to irregular glimpses of mastery in his later years.”
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