BACK ROW
6. Blindside Flanker: Siya Kolisi (South Africa)
Honourable Mentions: Sebastian Negri (Italy), Shannon Frizzell (New Zealand) Courtney Lawes (England)
Like a tighthead lock, success as a blindside flanker comes from putting your head down and grinding out the hard yards. Setting a exemplar work rate which cannot be matched, South African blindside flanker Siya Kolisi is today’s epitome of the number six jersey. Kolisi was almost ruled out of contention for this list, with recent injury problems putting his Rugby World Cup status in doubt.
However, Kolisi’s Springboks fans and teammates alike, will be relieved to know that their 2019 Rugby World Cup Winning Captain looks set for a comeback. A knee injury will not hold the Sharks man down, who was named by Jacques Nienaber within the 33-man Springboks squad to head for France.
The 32-year-old had a star making competition four years ago, and now wants to become only the second ever player to captain a side to back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles, after Richie McCaw in 2011 and 2015. England’s versatile loose forward Courtney Lawes gets an honourable mention, as does Italian workhorse Sebastian Negri, and the All Blacks’ tackle-machine that is Shannon Frizzell.
7. Openside Flanker: Josh Van Der Flier (Ireland)
Honourable Mentions: Peiter-Steph Du Toit (South Africa), Michele Lamaro (Italy), Jack Willis (England), Sam Cane (New Zealand)
The second of the three straight-forward enough picks after Antoine Dupont, Josh Van Der Flier is also the first of two Ireland back-rowers, that round-off this ultimate XV of World Rugby superstars. Rightfully awarded the 2022 World Rugby Men’s Player of the Year Award, Van Der Flier has been in inspired form for Leinster as well as Andy Farrell’s Grand Slam Winners.
Van Der Flier’s 2023 Six Nations was as solid as ever. He finished the competition with the fifth-highest tackles out of any player with 67, and did not miss a single minute of game-time during the competition. He scored in the opening round victory over Wales, and established his physical presence upon every opponent unfortunate enough to run into him.
There are plenty of talented openside flankers who could have slotted into this team, but Van Der Flier suppasses them all with outstanding recent form. ‘The Flying Dutchman’ earned his 50th Ireland cap in the Grand Slam winning finale against England, and rightly derseves this spot within the World Rugby XV. The closest contender would be South Africa’s Peiter-Steph Du Toit, who Van Der Flier took the Player of the Year accolade from this past season.
8. Caelan Doris (Ireland)
Honourable Mentions: Gregory Alldritt (France), Rob Valentini (Australia), Jasper Weise (South Africa)
Ireland’s number eight Caelan Doris takes the final spot in this World Rugby XV, and along with Dupont and Van Der Flier, is a choice which was made with relative ease. Doris kick-started Ireland’s 2023 Six Nations triumph with their opening try, as he crossed over against Wales after just two minutes of play. Doris played every minute, with the exception of an injury sustained early against Gregor Townsend’s Scotland.
The back-rower took home the Player of the Match Award, after Ireland toppled France in what proved to be the decisive battle in the 2023 Six Nations. Doris’ presence around the park reminds Ireland fans of the great Paul O’Connell, and if the number eight can stay match fit, a British and Irish Lions call-up should well be in his future, like the great former Ireland captain.
Yet the tour to Australia is not until 2025, with far more pressing matters on the horizon for Doris and the Ireland squad. With the Leinster star at the back of the scrum, Ireland have established a formidable pack, strong enough to lead them to their first ever Rugby World Cup title. There is plenty of work to be done for Andy Farrell’s men, but if Doris hits top gear like he has in recent months, hopes would well grow for the Web Ellis trophy to head to the Emerald Isle.
REPLACEMENTS
16. Loosehead Prop – Steven Kitshoff (South Africa)
17. Hooker – Jamie George (England)
18. Tighthead Prop – Zander Fagerson (Scotland)
19. Lock – Maro Itoje (England)
20. Back Row – Peiter-Steph Du Toit (South Africa)
21. Scrum Half – Aaron Smith (New Zealand)
22. Fly Half – Owen Farrell (England)
23. Utility Back – Makazole Mapimpi (South Africa)