Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Nine teams - including Chile - named in Nigel Owens' Best July XV

(Photo by Jason McCawley/The RFU Collection via Getty Images)

Ireland have gained the most representation in the Best July Test XV named by retired referee Nigel Owens, who included picks from nine different countries – including Chile. The South Americans caused a major upset last weekend in Colorado, defeating the USA to qualify for the 2023 World Cup and their out-half Rodrigo Fernandez has been named at out-half in the ex-referee’s Test team of the month.   

ADVERTISEMENT

Fernandez was the scorer of an outrageous individual try in the first leg of the two-game qualifier in Santiago, gliding through the rain-sodden, muddy surface to score from an attack that began inside his own half. 

It was an achievement that Owens believed merited the inclusion of the Chilean in a team consisting of three Irish, two from each of South Africa, Wales, England and New Zealand. Argentina, Australia and Scotland also have one player each included. 

Video Spacer

The day Georgia beat Italy rugby | Special Highlights

Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 0:00
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions off, selected
      Video Spacer

      The day Georgia beat Italy rugby | Special Highlights

      Speaking on Whistle Watch, his weekly review programme of rugby from around the world, Owens initially unveiled a team with eleven picks before specifically singing the praises of the four other players that made the cut. 

      “With the men’s July Test series over I have selected my Best XV. As you can see, I have filled up most of the positions. There are some big names like Ardie Savea, Ellis Genge, (Samu) Kerevi who all performed brilliantly this month but let’s have a look at the gaps and pick my remaining players,” said Owens about an XV where the four vacancies were at half-back, second row and blindside.     

      Related

      “First up is outside-half Rodrigo Fernandez who helped Chile qualify for their first ever World Cup. I just can’t begin to imagine what that means for him and the country as well. He not only scored one of the great tries of the month but one of the great tries in rugby history as well. No9, this guy has got a great future, Jack van Poortvliet, scrum-half for England. A fellow farmer as well, he grew up on a farm. Really stepped up and didn’t look out of place. Only 21 years old, he has got a great future ahead of him. One to watch for the World Cup, I am sure. 

      “But what about No6? Well, a straightforward decision, Peter O’Mahony. At 32 years of age, he epitomises what Irish rugby is all about. Led by example throughout the series and refused to take a backward step. Nothing new about that I can tell you.  

      ADVERTISEMENT

      “Second row, Eben Etzebeth. A centurion for South Africa, an absolutely colossal player, big carriers and even bigger hits as well. His physicality nullified Wales and he is one of the many leaders in the South Africa squad.” 

      Nigel Owens’ July Best Test XV
      15. Damian Willemse (South Africa); 14. Emilano Bofelli (Argentina), 13. George North (Wales), 12. Samu Kerevi (Australia), 11. Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland); 10. Rodrigo Fernandez (Chile), 9. Jack van Poortvliet (England); 1. Ellis Genge (England), 2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland), 3. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (New Zealand), 4. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa), 5. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland), 6. Peter O’Mahony (Ireland), 7. Tommy Reffell (Wales), 8. Ardie Savea (New Zealand)

      ADVERTISEMENT

      Boks Office | Episode 37 | Six Nations Round 4 Review

      Cape Town | Leg 2 | Day 2 | HSBC Challenger Series 2025 | Full Day Replay

      Gloucester-Hartpury vs Bristol Bears | PWR 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

      Boks Office | Episode 36 | Six Nations Round 3 Review

      Why did Scotland's Finn Russell take the crucial kick from the wrong place? | Whistle Watch

      England A vs Ireland A | Full Match Replay

      Kubota Spears vs Shizuoka BlueRevs | JRLO 2024/2025 | Full Match Replay

      Watch now: Lomu - The Lost Tapes

      Trending on RugbyPass

      Comments

      1 Comment
      M
      Mark 971 days ago

      Ofa???

      Join free and tell us what you really think!

      Sign up for free
      ADVERTISEMENT

      Latest Features

      Comments on RugbyPass

      L
      Lelia Dawson 32 minutes ago
      Mixed Wales update on availability of Josh Adams, Gareth Anscombe

      I can’t thank CYBERPUNK PROGRAMMERS enough for their incredible work in recovering my hard-earned $520,000 in crypto. When scammers hacked into my account and stole everything, I was absolutely devastated—it felt like my world was crumbling. I’d worked so hard for that money, and in an instant, it was gone. After searching desperately for a solution, I stumbled upon CYBERPUNK PROGRAMMERS. Their stellar reputation for retrieving stolen crypto gave me a faint glimmer of hope in an otherwise hopeless situation.

      From the very first contact, their team was nothing short of amazing. They were professional, empathetic, and took the time to explain the recovery process in a way I could understand. I never felt left in the dark—they kept me updated at every step, which made all the difference during such a stressful time. Their skilled programmers worked tirelessly, tracking down the scammers and piecing together the trail of my stolen funds. I couldn’t believe it when they told me they’d successfully recovered my entire $520,000. It was a moment of pure relief and disbelief.

      This experience was a harsh lesson in cybersecurity, but it also showed me that there are trustworthy experts out there who can help. CYBERPUNK PROGRAMMERS didn’t just recover my money—they restored my faith in justice. I’m beyond grateful for their expertise and dedication. If you’ve fallen victim to crypto theft, I can’t recommend them enough. They’re the real deal: efficient, reliable, and incredibly skilled. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them—they turned my nightmare into a miracle.

      their contact details are; WhatsApp;+18077875707

      Email; cyberpunk@programmer.net

      8 Go to comments
      L
      Lelia Dawson 1 hour ago
      Crusaders rookie earns 'other than Dupont' praise from All Blacks star

      I can’t thank CYBERPUNK PROGRAMMERS enough for their incredible work in recovering my hard-earned $520,000 in crypto. When scammers hacked into my account and stole everything, I was absolutely devastated—it felt like my world was crumbling. I’d worked so hard for that money, and in an instant, it was gone. After searching desperately for a solution, I stumbled upon CYBERPUNK PROGRAMMERS. Their stellar reputation for retrieving stolen crypto gave me a faint glimmer of hope in an otherwise hopeless situation.

      From the very first contact, their team was nothing short of amazing. They were professional, empathetic, and took the time to explain the recovery process in a way I could understand. I never felt left in the dark—they kept me updated at every step, which made all the difference during such a stressful time. Their skilled programmers worked tirelessly, tracking down the scammers and piecing together the trail of my stolen funds. I couldn’t believe it when they told me they’d successfully recovered my entire $520,000. It was a moment of pure relief and disbelief.

      This experience was a harsh lesson in cybersecurity, but it also showed me that there are trustworthy experts out there who can help. CYBERPUNK PROGRAMMERS didn’t just recover my money—they restored my faith in justice. I’m beyond grateful for their expertise and dedication. If you’ve fallen victim to crypto theft, I can’t recommend them enough. They’re the real deal: efficient, reliable, and incredibly skilled. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them—they turned my nightmare into a miracle.

      their contact details are; WhatsApp;+18077875707

      Email; cyberpunk@programmer.net

      6 Go to comments
      R
      RedWarriors 1 hour ago
      France's Peato Mauvaka cited for yellow-carded Ben White incident

      Here is his testimony on Ntamack written decision showing he (and Ntamack) knew exactly the difference between that case and Ringrose (red card before a fallow week yes/no). They also knew the only player to benefit from such a situation was Willemse in 2024.

      https://www.sixnationsrugby.com/en/discipline

      “It is a quirk of the Six Nations that there are two fallow weeks where players can be released back to their clubs. Establishing that a player was “expected to play” for his club in the first fallow week is very difficult in the context of red cards / citations following Six Nations match week 1 fixtures. The biggest variable – performance in match week 2 – is not yet known, and without that information France Men’s Head Coach cannot say definitively (nor is he required to say under the terms of the FFR / LNR Agreement) whether after match week 1 a player would have been designated for the first fallow week. The “expected to play” wording requires a great deal of speculation in the context of a Six Nations match week 1 fixture so far as it concerns France players”

      23 Go to comments
      S
      Sungu power spells caster worldwide 1 hour ago
      Townsend singles out Scot vs 'one of the biggest challenges' in rugby

      Transform Your Fate: (+27)787022131 Win Court Spells that Really Work and Bring You Justice! to day in USA South Africa Zimbabwe Australia Seychelles Bahamas.,Spell for winning Federal criminal court case Court case spells to win any legal matter & stay out of jail. Legal spells to influence court verdict in your favor. Spells to get a court case dismissed or freeze a court. Get justice and fix your legal matters. Obtain child custody and make the judge rule in your favor using voodoo court spells. Witchcraft court case spells. Don’t be a victim of the courts using powerful legal spells so that you take control of your fate. traditional healer spells & rituals to win a court case.

      Spells for victory in a court case can banish negative energy and bad luck. Use court case spells to win any case, whether you are the defendant or the accused. Use magic spells and win court case spells. Justice spells for legal matters include court freezer spells. Contact a court case spells caster. Use talismans, charms, and spells for lawsuits, alimony, and custody.

      If someone close to you is arrested, you consider this powerful spell. It can help win court cases. If you are guilty or not guilty; you can use this spell to win over any court or legal matters. With this spell you are sure to get victory in court. You will be protected against lawsuits. You will be protected from any type of problems related to law, judge, alimony from ex etc. There are so many things that this spell can do, so if you have any questions email me. With this spell you will be free from all the justice. You will have success in all court matters. You will win the court cases.

      All the legal matters will be in your favor. With the power of this spell, the judge will be in your favor. The lawyer and jury will also support you. This powerful Court Case spell will help all those who are arrested. They need to get out and be free instantly.

      You have been involved in a case for years. If you feel there is no solution, my court case spell will help you. This spell will also work if you want to go for out of court settlements. It ensures a fast decision on your case. No more time or money will be wasted. So now, end your suffering. Use the energy of the universe through the spell. Be free from all court cases and legal issues. Turn everything in your favor.

      Even if you hire a good lawyer, things are not in your favor. They do not work for you if the day is bad. They also fail if there is too much negative energy around you. In that case, my spell removes all the negative energies stopping your progress. It will also give you success in all your court cases and legal matters. This is why most people are turning to Magic Spells. The positive energies that it emits are enough to give you everything you are looking for.

      My Court Case spell has given positive results in extreme and worst situations. It helps where people have lost all the hopes of winning their case. All my spells are very safe and have no side effects so you can use this spell without any worries.  Call Mama Amira & Dr Sungu  ( ★【+27719739579★★ /+27787022131)/..  Email, sungupowerspells@gmail.com https://za.pinterest.com/lovespellscasterinusa/ https://www.tiktok.com/@sungupowerspells?lang=en https://profile.snapchat.com/39fe15fd-05cf-4a22-81a8-67459ba1b2a9/profiles/91e92915-47c9-4044-b899-6e098c97840e/details/public-stories https://twitter.com/lostlovespell10 https://www.instagram.com/us_certified_love_spell_caster/ https://www.quora.com/profile/Lost-Love-Spells-Caster-Traditional

      https://marshall110.hocoos.com

      1 Go to comments
      LONG READ
      LONG READ How the Springboks are looking east for a World Cup three-peat How the Springboks are looking east for a World Cup three-peat
      Search