As the dust settles on another exhilarating Rugby Championship, where South Africa clinched their second consecutive title, the task of selecting the Team of the Year has been anything but straightforward. With all teams showing growth and pulling off unexpected results, our choices are grounded in a blend of hard stats, undeniable impact, and expert player ratings.
Starting with the backline, Argentina's Juan-Cruz Mallia, the radar-evading fullback, dominated with the most meters made. His performance was so stellar that we juggled positions to include New Zealand’s Will Jordan on the wing, who, along with Mallia, could easily slot in anywhere in the back three. South Africa's Cheslin Kolbe, despite a few overzealous errors, remains a gravity-defying force on the wing, coming in second in tries scored and leading in clean breaks. The center pairing features Australia’s Joseph Suaali, who has arguably ascended to the world's top outside center, and New Zealand's Jordie Barrett, who edged out stiff competition with his midfield mastery.
In the fly-half slot, South Africa's Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu lit up stadiums, making him the undeniable choice at number 10, with Cobus Reinach, his compatriot, securing the scrum-half position through performances reminiscent of a fine Stellenbosch red.
The forward pack is heavily Springbok-dominated, particularly in the tight five. Props Ox Nche and Wilco Louw, alongside hooker Malcolm Marx—who notably overcame his earlier lineout struggles—made the cut, establishing a formidable front. The engine room features Eben Etzebeth, who, despite fierce competition, continues to be a benchmark in the second row.
"Etzebeth sets every standard there is,"
a testament to his unwavering influence.
The loose forwards were no less competitive. Ardie Savea of New Zealand claims the openside flanker spot with his unparalleled ability to blend speed and strength. Argentina’s Marcos Kremer and South Africa’s Jasper Wiese round off the back row, each bringing a distinctive, hard-hitting style that has left an indelible mark this season.
As the Championship wraps up, this selection not only highlights individual brilliance but also encapsulates the spirit and dynamism of southern hemisphere rugby at its best.
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As the dust settles on another exhilarating Rugby Championship, where South Africa clinched their second consecutive title, the task of selecting the Team of the Year has been anything but straightforward. With all teams showing growth and pulling off unexpected results, our choices are grounded in a blend of hard stats, undeniable impact, and expert player ratings.
Starting with the backline, Argentina's Juan-Cruz Mallia, the radar-evading fullback, dominated with the most meters made. His performance was so stellar that we juggled positions to include New Zealand’s Will Jordan on the wing, who, along with Mallia, could easily slot in anywhere in the back three. South Africa's Cheslin Kolbe, despite a few overzealous errors, remains a gravity-defying force on the wing, coming in second in tries scored and leading in clean breaks. The center pairing features Australia’s Joseph Suaali, who has arguably ascended to the world's top outside center, and New Zealand's Jordie Barrett, who edged out stiff competition with his midfield mastery.
In the fly-half slot, South Africa's Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu lit up stadiums, making him the undeniable choice at number 10, with Cobus Reinach, his compatriot, securing the scrum-half position through performances reminiscent of a fine Stellenbosch red.
The forward pack is heavily Springbok-dominated, particularly in the tight five. Props Ox Nche and Wilco Louw, alongside hooker Malcolm Marx—who notably overcame his earlier lineout struggles—made the cut, establishing a formidable front. The engine room features Eben Etzebeth, who, despite fierce competition, continues to be a benchmark in the second row.
"Etzebeth sets every standard there is,"
a testament to his unwavering influence.The loose forwards were no less competitive. Ardie Savea of New Zealand claims the openside flanker spot with his unparalleled ability to blend speed and strength. Argentina’s Marcos Kremer and South Africa’s Jasper Wiese round off the back row, each bringing a distinctive, hard-hitting style that has left an indelible mark this season.
As the Championship wraps up, this selection not only highlights individual brilliance but also encapsulates the spirit and dynamism of southern hemisphere rugby at its best.