Updated World XV is dominated by Springboks players

Rugby News

by Tom Sansom

Monday, 31 August 2026 at 18:24

byTom Sansom

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Who makes the ultimate World XV right now?

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The Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series has once again delivered a positional shift to the World XV of today.

The Springboks bounced back from their opening test defeat in Johannesburg, to deliver an impressive 33-26 win over the All Blacks at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town. This has once again provided fresh evidence for several players pushing their claims to be considered the best in the world, as we have compiled our updated World XV from the men's game.

Deciphering a World XV based on current form is hard to determine at this stage of the year, yet the All Blacks tour of South Africa provides plenty of contenders, along with the Wallabies international series against Argentina, which too began last weekend. Les Kiss is now three wins from three as Australia head coach, as the Wallabies fought tooth and nail for the 27-21 win.

With this all considered, there are several changes to our updated World XV for the end of August 2026. Some players have retained their places, while others have forced their way into the side.

So, who makes the ultimate World XV right now?

UPDATED: RUCK’S WORLD RUGBY XV

15. WILL JORDAN – NEW ZEALAND & CRUSADERS

RETAINS PLACE

Jordan retains the No. 15 jersey after another outstanding performance for the All Blacks, albeit in the losing effort to the Boks. Having started the last two Tests on the right wing, he is unable to unseat an in-form South African stepper, but he once again demonstrated the qualities that make him equally dangerous from across the back-three.

Jordan's most telling contribution this week came when he broke away from the South African cover and then had the composure to release Cam Roigard for New Zealand’s opening try. It was a perfect example of Jordan’s value: he can beat defenders himself, but his vision and decision-making also allow him to create scores for others. He remained a constant attacking threat throughout the contest and was particularly impressive under the high ball. That performance means there is no reason to move him out of the World XV, yet he did not do enough to move into the 14 jersey - such was the quality of the pocket rocket in green and gold.

14. CHESLIN KOLBE – SOUTH AFRICA & STORMERS

RETAINS PLACE

Kolbe retains the No. 14 jersey after returning from injury to deliver a superb Player of the Match performance for the Springboks. His return was one of several late changes made by Rassie Erasmus, keeping New Zealand guessing right up until kick-off, and Kolbe immediately justified the decision to restore him to the starting XV.

The Springbok winger produced several trademark moments of quality, particularly in the air and when taking on his opposite number, Leroy Carter. One powerful intervention drove Carter deep into All Blacks territory and helped lay the foundations for a South African try, underlining Kolbe’s ability to turn an individual contest into a genuine attacking opportunity.

His performance was not entirely without controversy, with Kolbe coming under scrutiny for an off-the-ball incident late in the match, but that did little to diminish his overall influence and has gone unpunished for now. Will Jordan deserves another mention, but Kolbe’s impact on the contest keeps him ahead of the All Blacks star for the right-wing position. For now, the Springbok remains an automatic selection in this World XV.

13. JESSE KRIEL – SOUTH AFRICA & CANON EAGLES

RETAINS PLACE

Kriel remains one of the most dependable selections in the World XV, and his latest performance in Cape Town only strengthened the case for his continued presence at outside centre. While Rassie Erasmus has become renowned for constantly reshuffling his backline, Kriel has established himself as the immovable piece at No. 13.

He wasted no time making an impact against New Zealand, crossing for the opening try after just a couple of minutes and immediately setting the tone for a ferocious South African performance. It was another reminder that Kriel offers considerably more than defensive security, with his ability to find space and finish opportunities making him a genuine attacking threat.

Among this weekend’s outside centres, Kriel produced the standout performance. His ability to remain Erasmus’ constant amid continual selection changes is testament to his importance — and for the World XV, there is little reason to disrupt that formula.

12. DAMIEN DE ALLENDE - SOUTH AFRICA & SAITAMA WILD KNIGHTS

REPLACES: JORDIE BARRETT - NEW ZEALAND & HURRICANES

Damian de Allende takes over the No. 12 jersey this week after producing one of the most powerful midfield performances of the round. The Springbok centurion was at his destructive best in Cape Town, repeatedly carrying the fight to the All Blacks and proving decisive on both sides of the ball.

De Allende powered through three New Zealand defenders to score South Africa’s second try, providing a perfect snapshot of the physicality and directness he brought to the contest. His overall numbers were even more impressive: 18 tackles completed, 10 carries, a line break and two defenders beaten. It was an immense all-round contribution from the veteran centre and comfortably the standout performance among the weekend’s inside centres.

That means Jordie Barrett finally loses his grip on the World XV jersey, having taken the spot from Tommaso Menoncello in the Nations Championship. The All Blacks centre was not at his best this week, with an overreliance on kicking in the first half producing limited returns and making this arguably his least effective performance of the year. De Allende’s performance was simply too compelling to overlook and earns him the No. 12 shirt, with Barrett now having to fight his way back into the XV.

11. LOUIS BIELLE-BIARREY – FRANCE & BORDEAUX-BÈGLES

RETAINS PLACE

Louis Bielle-Biarrey retains the No. 11 jersey, despite once again being absent from pitch, because there is still no stronger case anywhere in world rugby for taking it away from him. The French flyer has established himself as the benchmark left wing, and his latest challengers have not yet done enough to change that.

Back-to-back Six Nations Player of the Championship awards underline just how extraordinary his recent rise has been. After scoring eight tries during France’s 2025 title-winning campaign, Bielle-Biarrey somehow went a step further in 2026, crossing nine times as Les Bleus lifted the trophy again. His four-try demolition of England was the obvious highlight, but his consistency across the championship was arguably even more impressive. Add in back-to-back Champions Cup titles with Boardeaux-Begles, and it will take a serious contender to shift Bielle-Biarrey from the 11 shirt.

At just 22, his combination of explosive acceleration, anticipation and an almost instinctive ability to find space makes the most devastating finishers in the game. Southern Hemisphere stars have had the opportunity to stake their claim this week, with Ethan Hooker, Harry Potter and Leroy Carter all impressing, but none produced enough to bridge the gap.

10. SACHA FEINBERG-MNGOMEZULU - SOUTH AFRICA & STORMERS

REPLACES: RUBEN LOVE - NEW ZEALAND & HURRICANES

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu takes over the No. 10 jersey from Ruben Love after responding to adversity with a performance that showed exactly why South Africa continue to believe in his enormous potential. His route back into the starting XV has been anything but straightforward: initially stood down in favour of Handre Pollard for the second Test, he was handed his second when Pollard suffered an injury — and took it with a cool, calm head.

Feinberg-Mngomezulu was significantly improved in Cape Town to that of his Johannesburg outing, and produced a composed and physically committed display against the All Blacks. His kicking game was particularly valuable, repeatedly finding territory and allowing the Springboks to regain control whenever the contest became loose. When Damian Willemse went off injured, he moved to fullback with Manie Libbok taking greater responsibility for directing the attack.

That resilience has now been rewarded. With Feinberg-Mngomezulu named to start the third Test, Libbok providing the fly-half cover from the bench and Pollard absent from the squad, the young Springbok has seized his opportunity. Love, meanwhile, loses his place after an uncharacteristically subdued second Test. Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s upward trajectory makes him the more compelling No. 10 selection this week.

9. CAM ROIGARD – NEW ZEALAND & HURRICANES

RETAINS PLACE

Roigard retains the No. 9 jersey despite New Zealand falling to South Africa, with the scrum-half once again emerging as arguably the All Blacks’ outstanding performer. If anything, his consistency is making the case for his status as one of the best scrum-halves in world rugby increasingly difficult to ignore, with Antoine Dupont and Maxime Lucu firmly on notice from France.

Roigard kept New Zealand’s attack operating at a ferocious tempo, firing sharp, accurate passes into the backline and repeatedly forcing the Springboks to scramble defensively. His distribution was one of the major positives for the visitors, while his kicking from the base remained an important territorial weapon. He peppered the South African backfield with a series of superbly weighted box kicks, consistently challenging the Springboks to exit under pressure.

His influence was rewarded with a try of his own after he supported Will Jordan and was perfectly placed to finish the move over the line. It was another example of Roigard’s ability to remain involved beyond the initial phase, arriving in dangerous positions and turning his tempo into genuine attacking opportunities.

1. OX NCHE – SOUTH AFRICA & SHARKS

RETAINS PLACE

Ox Nche retains the No. 1 jersey in the World XV after once again proving that he is among the most destructive scrummagers in Test rugby. His impact this time came in a slightly different role, with Rassie Erasmus making a dramatic late reshuffle that saw Nche moved from the starting XV to the bench alongside Malcolm Marx and Wilco Louw.

The decision ultimately proved inspired. Nche entered the contest as part of the Springboks’ formidable Bomb Squad late in the first half and immediately made his presence felt. The Sharks prop brought enormous physicality to the scrum, helping South Africa establish a platform that became increasingly important as the match progressed. After another bruising display at the set piece, Nche remains the World XV’s premier loosehead.

2. MALCOLM MARX – SOUTH AFRICA & KUBOTA SPEARS

RETAINS PLACE

Malcolm Marx retains the No. 2 jersey and, if anything, his latest performance has made his position at the top of the hooker rankings even more secure. Like Ox Nche, Marx was involved in Rassie Erasmus’ late reshuffle, moving from the starting XV to the bench just hours before kick-off. It made absolutely no difference to his influence.

Introduced as part of the Springboks’ Bomb Squad, Marx immediately brought his trademark intensity to the contest. His presence around the breakdown, physicality in contact and ability to generate momentum through close-range carries helped South Africa wrestle control of the Test and ultimately secure a statement victory over the All Blacks.

There is little left to debate at No. 2. The reigning World Rugby Player of the Year continues to combine elite set-piece work with extraordinary physicality around the field, while his influence remains evident regardless of whether he starts or enters from the bench. Marx is very firmly the best hooker in the world right now, and his latest performance only strengthens that claim.

3. THOMAS DU TOIT - SOUTH AFRICA & SHARKS

REPLACES: WILCO LOUW - SOUTH AFRICA & STORMERS

Thomas du Toit reclaims the No. 3 jersey this week, restoring the World XV’s preferred tighthead after Wilco Louw’s excellent performance in the previous Test against the All Blacks. Louw did everything asked of him against New Zealand, but there is simply no dislodging a fit and firing du Toit when the Springbok prop is producing at this level.

With Rassie Erasmus springing another late change to his starting XV, du Toit was moved into the revised matchday plan alongside the reshuffled Springbok front row. Rather than allowing the disruption to affect him, the tighthead responded with another powerful display at scrum time, repeatedly taking the fight directly to the All Blacks pack.

Du Toit’s form is particularly encouraging with the new URC season approaching with the Sharks. Having established himself as one of the world’s premier tightheads, the prop is beginning to rediscover the level that made him such an important figure for Bath. Louw’s challenge remains a serious one, but du Toit has reclaimed his place through another authoritative scrummaging performance. At his best, there are no tightheads in world rugby capable of matching him.

4. EBEN ETZEBETH - SOUTH AFRICA & SHARKS

REPLACES WARNER DEARNS - JAPAN & TOSHIBA BRAVE LUPUS / HURRICANES

Eben Etzebeth returns to the No. 4 jersey after producing the kind of imposing performance that has made him one of the most revered forwards of his generation. Warner Dearns’ remarkable rise and outstanding Japan form made him impossible to overlook last time, but Etzebeth’s latest showing was a timely reminder that the veteran Springbok remains capable unplayable shifts.

The Sharks lock was outstanding against New Zealand, disrupting the All Blacks’ lineout with one particularly telling intervention. Etzebeth rose to challenge a New Zealand throw-in, throwing the set piece into chaos and forcing a series of frantic contests for possession. It was classic Etzebeth: physical, aggressive and relentlessly disruptive.

His influence extended beyond the lineout. The most-capped Springbok also produced several intelligent blocks and slap-downs on New Zealand kicking attempts, with one sequence helping create the platform for Cheslin Kolbe’s try. Dearns remains one of the most exciting young locks in world rugby, but Etzebeth has reclaimed his place through sheer impact.

5. FABIAN HOLLAND – NEW ZEALAND & HIGHLANDERS

RETAINS PLACE

Holland retains the No. 5 jersey after another exceptional performance, continuing a remarkable return to Test rugby following his injury layoff. The 2025 Breakthrough Player of the Year has looked increasingly influential with every appearance, and his latest showing against South Africa provided another reminder of why he is already regarded as one of the game’s elite locks.

Holland brought a huge physical presence to the contest and relished his battle with Eben Etzebeth, matching the veteran Springbok in the collisions while contributing strongly around the park. His work at the set piece was again impressive, but it was his skill in attack that produced one of the standout moments of his performance.

The lock demonstrated remarkable awareness and handling ability to produce a sublime offload that released Leroy Carter and created the opportunity for the All Blacks winger to score. It was a moment that highlighted the unusual combination of power and finesse Holland brings to the second row.

6. SIYA KOLISI – SOUTH AFRICA & STORMERS

REPLACES: PIETER-STEPH DU TOIT - SOUTH AFRICA & TOYOTA VERBLITZ

The Springbok captain is back in the World XV. Siya Kolisi returns to the No. 6 jersey after producing a definitive captain’s performance in his return to the Springbok starting side. Having missed the previous Test with a hamstring issue, the double World Cup-winning skipper showed no signs of rust, immediately making his presence felt through a relentless display of physicality, leadership and work rate.

Kolisi helped lay the foundations for South Africa’s opening try with a direct carry from a maul, providing the kind of hard-running contribution that has long been a feature of his game. He then continued to throw himself into the breakdown, working tirelessly in the most congested areas of the pitch and helping the Springboks establish control. His own try was perhaps the perfect reward for that effort. Kolisi spotted the opportunity, ran an excellent line and sliced through the All Blacks’ goal-line defence to finish a superb individual contribution.

His evening was ultimately cut short just two minutes into the second half, but the damage had already been done. It was a hugely encouraging return from injury and another reminder of the influence Kolisi can have when operating at his best. Pieter-Steph du Toit drops out despite his own outstanding performances and status as one of the world's most complete forwards. But Kolisi’s combination of leadership, physicality and match-defining contributions gives him the edge this week.

7. FRASER MCREIGHT - AUSTRALIA & QUEENSLAND REDS

Fraser McReight takes over the No. 7 jersey from Ardie Savea after continuing to produce the form of his career. The Queensland Reds flanker has become increasingly difficult to overlook in the conversation around the world’s best opensides, and another outstanding international performance has finally earned him a place in the World XV.

McReight was at his relentless best against Los Pumas, scoring another international try while maintaining the extraordinary work rate that has become synonymous with his game. He was constantly involved around the breakdown, hunting turnovers and competing for possession, while his defensive effort never dipped throughout a fiercely contested encounter.

The numbers underline just how much work he put in. McReight completed 13 tackles, matching fellow Australian back-rower Tom Hooper, while also carrying more than 10 times. More importantly, his influence extended well beyond the statistics, with his ability to repeatedly appear at the point of contact making him a constant nuisance against Argentina.

Savea’s versatility and brilliance made him a compelling selection at No. 7 last week, but McReight’s current form is simply impossible to ignore. However, that does not mean Savea is entirely out of our World XV...

8. ARDIE SAVEA - NEW ZEALAND & FREE AGENT

REPLACES: JASPER WIESE - SOUTH AFRICA & URAYASU D-ROCKS

Ardie Savea reclaims the No. 8 jersey after another performance that underlined why he remains one of the most complete and influential loose forwards in world rugby. Savea is hands down the standard bearing number eight with overall form concerned.

Having shifted to openside flanker last week to accommodate another outstanding No. 8 in Jasper Wiese, Savea moves back into his customary position after once again showing his ability to make a decisive impact for the All Blacks. Savea was alongside Will Jordan as New Zealand’s standout performer against the Boks. His biggest contribution came when he surged off the back of a lineout, carved through the Springbok defence and creating the platform for New Zealand’s second try.

With Fraser McReight now taking the No. 7 jersey, Savea’s return to No. 8 allows the World XV to accommodate both outstanding loose forwards in their preferred roles. Jasper Wiese drops out despite his destructive showing against New Zealand, but Savea’s latest performance was simply too influential to overlook. Also, major props to Jaoquin Moro of Argentina - he's one to watch.