The Rugby365 Team of the Year

OPINION:  It comes as no surprise that World Cup winners South Africa headline the prestigious @rugby365com Team of the Year selections.

The Springboks, who claimed a record-breaking fourth World Cup title in October, provide six members of our team.

They are followed by Grand Slam Six Nations winners Ireland, Rugby Championship winners All Blacks and World Cup host France with three members each.

TEAM OF THE YEAR:

15 Thomas Ramos
It was a highly-contested position with Springbok Willie Le Roux and All Black Beauden Barrett more than capable of claiming the spot. However, the France fullback had an incredible year after making a name for himself with his incredible boot. He played a vital part in France’s World Cup campaign, kicking 17 points during the 27-13 win over the All Blacks in the opener.

14 Will Jordan
Since his long-awaited return in May, the wing has delivered some amazing performances. While he has played fullback for the Crusaders, it is his performances at wing for the All Blacks that have propelled him to world-class status. His class and versatility were best depicted during the World Cup. The wing scored eight tries during the tournament,  equaling the record held by Jonah Lomu (1995), Bryan Habana (2007) and Julian Savea (2015). Other players worth mentioning include Springbok star Kurt-Lee Arendse, France wing Damian Penaud and Ireland star Mack Hansen.

13 Jesse Kriel
He is one of those Springbok players fans simply love to hate. While he is not one to steal the headlines, the 29-year-old silenced his critics in 2023. With the world’s best outside centre, Lukhanyo Am, injured, Kriel stepped into the No.13 role and he was absolute class. He was solid as a rock in defence during the World Cup play-offs. The utility back has also been impressive for his Japanese League One side the Eagles.

12 Bundee Aki
The centre had an incredible run this year and was arguably one of the best players at the World Cup. Nominated for the World Rugby Player of the Year, the 33-year-old’s tenacity and skill were key factors that nearly carried Ireland to victory against the All Blacks in the quarterfinals.

11 Cheslin Kolbe
Cheslin Kolbe’s name will always be one of the first on the teamsheet. Despite his struggles at Toulon earlier this year and the lack of tries at international level, the wing delivered some big moments for the Springboks during the World Cup. One that will forever be remembered was when he charged down Thomas Ramos’ conversion during the quarterfinal match against France, which the Boks eventually won 29-28.

10 Richie Mo’unga
There were loads of question marks hovering over Mo’unga’s head. However, the flyhalf embraced the challenges and produced a stunning 2023. He has shown that he is an all-rounder. The playmaker’s elite match awareness coupled with phenomenal athleticism and his cunningness on attack and defence added another level to an already dangerous All Black side. A shoutout must go to Springboks duo Handre Pollard and Manie Libbok who were just as impressive for the World Champs, while Finn Russell is another flyhalf who deserves a mention.

9 Antoine Dupont
One simply can’t deny the brilliance of the France captain. A walking highlight reel, Dupont was at the heart of France’s 2023 campaign during the Six Nations and World Cup. While he got some tough competition in the form of Aaron Smith, Faf De Klerk and Jamison Gibson-Park, the scrumhalf’s big moments and impact in the French team nicked it for him. It’s going to be interesting to see what he can produce on the Sevens circuit.

8 Ardie Savea
Crowned the World Rugby Player of the Year, the All Black loose forward was phenomenal. When it comes to big match impact, there are few better than the 80-cap All Black. He stepped up as a leader during the Rugby Championship when Sam Cane was injured and he backed that up with another all-action performance during the World Cup. The No.8 is the epitome of what it is to be an All Black.

7 Pieter-Steph du Toit
It was a fairly quiet year according to his standards. However, the flank saved the best for last. Not one for the headlines, Du Toit is a consistent cog for Springboks. His defensive display, making a record 31 tackles, during the World Cup Final against the All Blacks was an iconic performance.

6 Charles Ollivon
The flank has cemented himself as one of France’s best players of the modern era. Regarded by many as the true leader, the flank has shown he has an amazing rugby brain. He was prominent during the record 53-10 win over England during the Six Nations and continued to show his worth during France’s World Cup campaign. Honourable mentions go to Marcos Kremer, All Black Shannon Frizzell and Springbok Deon Fourie.

5 James Ryan
It was another strong year for the lock. Part of Ireland’s Grand Slam-winning squad, he led by example scoring tries against Wales and Italy and taking over the captaincy during Johnny Sexton’s absence. While the Irish failed to secure a World Cupsemifinal spot, Ryan was consistent, making him the lock of our choice. Other stars worth mentioning are All Black Scott Barrett, who might have got in had it not been for his disciplinary issues, and Springbok workhorse Franco Mostert.

4 Eben Etzebeth
He missed out on the World Rugby Player of the Year award, but one simply can’t have a team and not have this giant in the line-up. Any player who goes up against Etzebeth knows it’s going to be a brutal battle and that was evident during the World Cup. His big hit on Richie Mo’unga in the RWC Final sent a clear message and set the tone. Currently, at the Sharks, the lock dominates whenever he takes to the field.

3 Frans Malherbe
Not one for flashy offloads, the 32-year-old prop simply does what he does best and that is scrummaging. Malherbe’s set-piece work helped the Springboks build a strong platform to launch their attacking weapons. He has also been immense for the Stormers – extremely consistent throughout the year.

2 Dan Sheehan
The hooker has been a star for the Irish. After missing the Round Two win over France in the Six Nations, Sheehan immediately returned and made the Irish No.2 jersey his own. He was a crucial part of Ireland’s Grand Slam campaign, scoring two tries during the win over England for the title. He continued with that form at the World Cup. Meanwhile, France hooker Peato Mauvaka also made a good case for the spot.

1 Ox Nche
Salads don’t win scrums! The incredible Ox Nche has firmly become one of the best front-row players in the world. The gifted Springbok was immense during South Africa’s World Cup campaign with his incredible set-piece work. He was vital for South Africa’s scrum dominance over England during the semifinal clash and backed that up with another huge display in the Final against the All Blacks. His strong carries are another component that makes his game so lethal. He was certainly a prominent figure behind the Springboks’ fourth World Cup title.

Here are our individual selections:

Jan de Koning XV: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 Cheslin Kolbe, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Antoine Dupont, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Charles Ollivon, 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche.

Warren Fortune XV: 15 Thomas Ramos, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 Cheslin Kolbe, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Antoine Dupont, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Charles Ollivon, 5 James Ryan, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Dan Sheehan, 1 Ox Nche.

Leezil Hendricks XV: 15 Thomas Ramos , 14 Will Jordan , 13 Rieko Ioane , 12 Bundee Aki , 11 Cheslin Kolbe , 10 Richie Mo’unga , 9 Antoine Dupont, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Charles Ollivon, , 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe , 2 Peato Mauvaka, 1 Steven Kitshoff