It's that time of year when rugby legends pick their standout XV, and this year's team is a testament to the Springboks' dominance on the field. A hefty portion of the squad features South African players, including global rugby luminaries Malcolm Marx, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Ox Nche, all of whom were nominated for the World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year. They're joined by key players from both hemispheres, but the list has caused a stir, notably for the exclusion of All Blacks' Ardie Savea.
The team, selected by All Blacks veterans Jeff Wilson, Mils Muliaina, and Stephen Donald, showcases a mix from the southern powerhouses and a sprinkling of northern talent. The backline is electric with South Africans Cheslin Kolbe, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse, who is notably slotted in at inside centre. They are complemented by New Zealand’s Will Jordan, Australia’s Len Ikitau, and France’s wing sensation Louis Bielle-Biarrey.
Up front, the Springboks' strength is unmistakable with Jasper Wiese joining his fellow countrymen. The pack is rounded out with Ireland’s Tadhg Beirne and Tadhg Furlong, England’s Maro Itoje, and New Zealand’s Fabian Holland. However, the decision to leave out All Blacks’ powerhouse Ardie Savea in favor of Du Toit has sparked debates across the rugby world.
"It was really tough leaving out Ardie, but Pieter-Steph du Toit has been phenomenal," Muliaina admitted. "Pieter-Steph, come on. He plays like an openside flanker, a game-changer and difference-maker, does everything you need consistently."
Stephen Donald highlighted the inclusion of Feinberg-Mngomezulu, putting him in esteemed company. "We had Tony Brown on the show, and he put him in the Dupont and Carter class. Browny’s not one for hyperbole, and this kid’s had an amazing year."
The selection wasn't without its lighter moments, as Donald also commented on the decision to position Ikitau at 13, a role in which he excels for the Wallabies despite a narrower playstyle against the Lions. "He’s got a skill set that’s more than just carrying; once he got a bit wider, he showed it."
The debate around the team composition, especially the snub of Savea, underscores the rich talent pool in international rugby and the tough calls that come with creating such a list. This year’s selection not only celebrates individual brilliance but also sparks conversation about the dynamic nature of form and fitness in the high-stakes world of Test rugby.
The Breakdown’s team of the year: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Tadhg Beirne, 5 Fabian Holland,
2,193 posts
It's that time of year when rugby legends pick their standout XV, and this year's team is a testament to the Springboks' dominance on the field. A hefty portion of the squad features South African players, including global rugby luminaries Malcolm Marx, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Ox Nche, all of whom were nominated for the World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year. They're joined by key players from both hemispheres, but the list has caused a stir, notably for the exclusion of All Blacks' Ardie Savea.
The team, selected by All Blacks veterans Jeff Wilson, Mils Muliaina, and Stephen Donald, showcases a mix from the southern powerhouses and a sprinkling of northern talent. The backline is electric with South Africans Cheslin Kolbe, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse, who is notably slotted in at inside centre. They are complemented by New Zealand’s Will Jordan, Australia’s Len Ikitau, and France’s wing sensation Louis Bielle-Biarrey.
Up front, the Springboks' strength is unmistakable with Jasper Wiese joining his fellow countrymen. The pack is rounded out with Ireland’s Tadhg Beirne and Tadhg Furlong, England’s Maro Itoje, and New Zealand’s Fabian Holland. However, the decision to leave out All Blacks’ powerhouse Ardie Savea in favor of Du Toit has sparked debates across the rugby world.
"It was really tough leaving out Ardie, but Pieter-Steph du Toit has been phenomenal," Muliaina admitted. "Pieter-Steph, come on. He plays like an openside flanker, a game-changer and difference-maker, does everything you need consistently."
Stephen Donald highlighted the inclusion of Feinberg-Mngomezulu, putting him in esteemed company. "We had Tony Brown on the show, and he put him in the Dupont and Carter class. Browny’s not one for hyperbole, and this kid’s had an amazing year."
The selection wasn't without its lighter moments, as Donald also commented on the decision to position Ikitau at 13, a role in which he excels for the Wallabies despite a narrower playstyle against the Lions. "He’s got a skill set that’s more than just carrying; once he got a bit wider, he showed it."
The debate around the team composition, especially the snub of Savea, underscores the rich talent pool in international rugby and the tough calls that come with creating such a list. This year’s selection not only celebrates individual brilliance but also sparks conversation about the dynamic nature of form and fitness in the high-stakes world of Test rugby.
The Breakdown’s team of the year: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Tadhg Beirne, 5 Fabian Holland,