While World Rugby recently unveiled its 2024 Dream Team in Monaco, RugbyPass decided to shine the light on the emerging stars of the so-called “Tier 2” nations. A XV full of talent, capable of competing with the best. They were elected thanks to their performances in the selection and at club. Here is the selection, grouped by position, for a complete overview.
The first line: island and Georgian power
Eroni Mawi (Fiji / Saracens), Vano Karkadze (Georgia / Montpellier) et Ben Tameifuna (Tonga / UBB) make up a shock trio. Mawi was the base man of the Fijian pack, leading in the scrum. Karkadze asserts himself as the essential hooker for Lelos and Héraultais. As for Tameifuna, “Big Ben” continues to shake up everything in his path, whether in the Tongan or Girondin jersey, even if he has not yet played a single minute in the Top 14 this season.
Control towers
In 4, José Madeira (Portugal / Grenoble) shines with his defensive impact and his scratching qualities. Alongside him, Greg Peterson (United States / San Diego Legion) dominates the opposing lineups, confirming his key role in a successful Eagles tour.
The third line: versatility and power
Theo McFarland (Samoa / Saracens) is an outstanding athlete, capable of playing second or third row, with the hands of a goldsmith. Nicolás Martins (Portugal / Montpellier) establishes himself as a leader of the Lobos, capable of tackling and scratching repeatedly. In 8, Beka Gorgadze (Georgia / Pau) is simply essential, both for the Lelos and for the Paloise Section. Powerful and impactful in the game, he is one of those ball carriers, so valuable in modern rugby.
The hinge: Fijian maestros
The duo of Frank Lomani (Fijian / Fijian Drua) and Caleb Muntz (Fijian / Fijian Drua) carried the game of the Flying Fijians. Lomani impresses with his match management, while Muntz shines with his precision against the poles and his calm at the opening. We also wonder what the result of the Fijians would have been at the World Cup in the presence of Muntz.
The wings: fire in the legs
Raffaele Storti (Portugal / Stade Français), author of 15 tries this year, combines speed and finishing. On the other side, Akaki Tabutsadze (Georgia / Black Lion) lit up the season with 11 tries for the Lelos, confirming his X-factor status.
The centers: power and creativity
Josua Tuisova (Fiji / Racing 92) is a line-breaking machine, as destructive with Fiji as with Racing. Alongside him, Iosefo Masi (Fiji / Fijian Drua) distinguished himself with his formidable finish in Super Rugby, scoring nine tries.
The back: the Georgian nugget
Davit Niniashvili (Georgia / LOU) is simply unmissable. A true dynamiter of the opposing lines, he lights up every match with his ability to break down defenses and create differences.
