With the World Cup now underway, the team here at AA Pet Insurance have been discussing who would make our ultimate team if there was a similar competition for our furry friends. Speed, strength, size and agility are all qualities that make a great (human) rugby player. But what about our pets - could they do it too? Join us as we meticulously select our starting XV of four-legged buddies, ready to take on the world’s best in the Fluffy World Cup. Did your pet’s breed make the cut?
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Props (#1 and #3)
Our selection: Saint Bernard and Mainecoon
Why? Tipping the scales at around 80kg, Saint Bernard’s possess the size, strength and stature needed to pack down at scrums and lift at lineouts. Mainecoons also bring jaw dropping size as one of the heaviest cat breeds you’ll find. They both also have the calm and hardworking demeanour that props are known for, plus they don’t mind putting their heads down and getting the (dirty) work done.
Hooker (#2)
Our selection: Australian Shepherd
Why? The Australian Shepherd is representative of the modern-day hooker, who along with brute strength and a bit of (horizontal) size, also have deceptive speed and agility. Trust them to score a try or two as they’re always looking for the ball, whether round or egg-shaped.
Locks (#4 and #5)
Our selection: Great Dane
Why? It should come as no surprise that the Great Dane will be our locks. Their towering height, leaping ability and great catching will all be advantageous during lineouts, helping to both retain and steal the ball. Although they’re gentle giants, their almost 1-metre-tall figure is enough to intimidate opposing players.
Loose forwards (#6, #7 and #8)
Our selection: Bengal
Why? Bengal cats are like the stereotypical loose forward, they have a great feel for their surroundings, and they have a never-ending motor plus physical power to match. Both of which are going to come in handy, especially when you’re running in circles for 80 gruelling minutes.
Halfback (#9)
Our selection: Beagle
Why? Although small in stature, Beagle’s make up for it with their bravery and an unwillingness to take no for an answer. Like most halfbacks, they’re chippy and will order their teammates (whether bigger or smaller) all around the field. Known for being a bit of a motormouth among dogs, get ready to hear them bark instructions to the rest of the team, the opposition, and even the referee all game long!
First five-eight (#10)
Our selection: Border Collie
Why? Widely regarded as one of the most intelligent dog breeds, we’ll be needing the high IQ and rugby knowledge of our border collie to orchestrate almost everything the team does, especially when we’re on attack. Let’s hope that their skill of herding will mean they’ll be able to whip the team into a winning formation.
Wings (#11 and #14)
Our selection: Siamese and Greyhound
Why? With speed to burn and agility like no other, we couldn’t look past these two for our wings. Greyhounds are known as the fastest dog in the world, they could even give cheetahs a “run” for their money given they have significantly better stamina. Siamese are quick too, being able to reach speeds upwards of 40km/h. They’re also flashy looking, bringing a bit of razzle dazzle to the team!
Midfield (#12 and #13)
Our selection: Labrador
Why? One of the most loving and outgoing breeds, the Labrador would be an outstanding teammate and presence on the field. Midfielders need to have great stamina since they’re going to be heavily involved in both attack and defence. Luckily for us, Labradors bring that in buckets.
Fullback (#15)
Our selection: Abyssinian (Abys)
Why? The Abys is purrfect to fill in the last spot on our team at fullback because they have an uncanny ability to keep moving. Being curious and having an insatiable desire to keep discovering, they’ll be sure to get themselves involved in the game. Abys are also one of the more athletically built breeds of cats, so they certainly wouldn’t be afraid to get up in the air to catch anything coming their way.