Updated World XV: Kolbe, Etzebeth and Kolisi all DROPPED from best team in rugby right now

Monday, 10 August 2026 at 13:52

byTom Sansom

Who makes the ultimate World XV right now?

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With another intense international window underway with the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series and the ongoing internationals, the debate over the best players in world rugby has plenty of fresh fuel.

The leading nations have offered up new stars, established names have continued to set the standard and several players have strengthened their claims to be considered the very best in their positions. There is no shortage of difficult decisions.

Some positions feature two or three players with genuine claims to the No.1 jersey, while others have become increasingly difficult to separate as the global game continues to evolve.

UPDATED: RUCK'S WORLD RUGBY XV

15. THOMAS RAMOS – FRANCE & TOULOUSE

REPLACES: HUGO KEENAN (IRELAND & LEINSTER)

Ramos' greater influence as a playmaker and goal-kicker gives him the edge at full-back.

Thomas Ramos brings a level of tactical control that few modern full-backs can match. The Toulouse star effectively operates as a second fly-half, combining superb distribution with a hugely influential kicking game. His reliability from the tee adds another dimension, while his positioning and aerial ability make him France's dependable last line of defence. Ramos' rugby intelligence ultimately separates him from an outstanding field of contenders.

14. WILL JORDAN – NEW ZEALAND & CRUSADERS

REPLACES: CHESLIN KOLBE (SOUTH AFRICA & STORMERS)

Jordan's extraordinary try-scoring form during New Zealand's unbeaten Nations Championship earns him the spot.

Will Jordan has turned the right wing into another scoring opportunity. His move from full-back under Dave Rennie has exposed even more of his devastating finishing ability, with the Crusaders star thriving in space. Jordan scored six tries during New Zealand's Nations Championship campaign and became the first All Black to reach 50 Test tries. That combination of pace, timing and ruthless finishing makes him impossible to overlook.

13. JESSE KRIEL – SOUTH AFRICA & CANON EAGLES

REPLACES: QUINN TUPAEA (NEW ZEALAND & CHIEFS)

Kriel's consistency across South Africa's Nations Championship campaign gives him the nod at outside centre.

Jesse Kriel remains the midfield constant in a Springboks side renowned for rotation. While personnel changed around him, Kriel retained his place and delivered three tries across South Africa's Nations Championship campaign. His value goes beyond his finishing, with excellent defensive reads, powerful carrying and an ability to keep the backline functioning under pressure. Kriel's reliability at Test level gives him the edge over a rapidly improving group of centres.

12. JORDIE BARRETT – NEW ZEALAND & HURRICANES

REPLACES: TOMMASO MENONCELLO (ITALY & TOULOUSE)

Barrett is thriving with Super Rugby silverware and stunning Nations Championship form, as Menoncello's Italy flopped.

Jordie Barrett is the modern inside centre in its most complete form. The New Zealand star combines enormous physical presence with a sophisticated passing game and an increasingly refined tactical understanding. His successful stint with Leinster added another dimension before he returned home and helped drive the Hurricanes towards Super Rugby Pacific glory. With his ability to threaten both the gain line and wider channels, Barrett remains one of the world's most complete midfielders.

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

RETAINS PLACE

back-to-back Six Nations Player of the Championship awards make the French winger impossible to dislodge.

Louis Bielle-Biarrey is rapidly becoming one of rugby's most devastating finishers. After scoring eight tries in the 2025 Six Nations, he somehow raised the standard again with nine in France's 2026 title-winning campaign. His four-try display against England was the obvious highlight, but his consistency is arguably more impressive. Explosive acceleration, outstanding anticipation and an instinct for finding space have made the 22-year-old one of the game's most feared attackers.

10. FINN RUSSELL – SCOTLAND & BATH

REPLACES: MATTHIEU JALIBERT (FRANCE & BORDEAUX-BEGLES)

Russell's greater consistency and control give him the advantage after France's fly-half was moved to full-back.

Finn Russell has matured from rugby's great improviser into one of its finest game managers. The Scotland playmaker retains the audacious passing and creative instincts that have always defined him, but now combines them with exceptional control. Russell can unlock a defence with one pass before calmly dictating territory moments later. His ability to make difficult decisions look simple remains his greatest strength, putting him firmly at the top of the No.10 debate.

9. CAM ROIGARD – NEW ZEALAND & HURRICANES

REPLACES: JAMISON GIBSON-PARK (IRELAND AND LEINSTER)

Roigard's explosive running threat and outstanding 2026 form force his way into the side.

Cam Roigard has transformed New Zealand's No.9 position into an attacking weapon. His pace around the fringes and ability to break the line make him far more than a distributor from the base. Roigard was instrumental in the Hurricanes' Super Rugby Pacific triumph before producing a statement performance against France, scoring twice and earning Man of the Match honours. His passing, kicking and running now combine to make him one of the world's most complete scrum-halves.

1. ELLIS GENGE – ENGLAND & BRISTOL BEARS

RETAINS PLACE

Genge's combination of destructive carrying and scrum dominance keeps him ahead of the competition.

Ellis Genge continues to set the standard at loose-head, bringing an unmistakable physical edge to every contest. The England prop was particularly influential during the Southern Series, scoring against South Africa before producing similarly abrasive performances against Fiji and Argentina. His ability to generate momentum with ball in hand is matched by his appetite for the scrum battle. Few props combine mobility, aggression and set-piece power as effectively as Genge.

2. MALCOLM MARX – SOUTH AFRICA & KUBOTA SPEARS

RETAINS PLACE

The reigning World Rugby Player of the Year remains the benchmark at hooker.

Malcolm Marx continues to redefine the modern No.2. His extraordinary lineout work is complemented by powerful carrying, breakdown expertise and an ability to turn defensive pressure into attacking possession. Marx started two of South Africa's three Nations Championship Tests and scored against England, underlining his influence in both halves of the game. The Springboks possess remarkable depth at hooker, but Marx's combination of technical precision and physical dominance keeps him at the top.

3. ZANDER FAGERSON – SCOTLAND & GLASGOW WARRIORS

REPLACES: THOMAS DU TOIT (SOUTH AFRICA & SHARKS)

Fagerson's stronger Nations Championship campaign sees him reclaim the tight-head jersey as du Toit form drops.

Zander Fagerson answered questions over his place in Scotland's front row with a series of powerful performances. He made an impact both from the bench and as a starter before producing his best display against South Africa, standing up to one of the world's most formidable packs. His scrummaging remains the foundation of his game, but aggressive carrying and relentless defensive work make him much more than a set-piece specialist.

4. WARNER DEARNS – JAPAN & TOSHIBA BRAVE LUPUS / HURRICANES

REPLACES: EBEN ETZEBETH (SOUTH AFRICA & SHARKS)

Dearns' extraordinary 2026 rise and Super Rugby title-winning campaign earn him the nod.

Warner Dearns has gone from exciting prospect to genuine world-class lock in remarkably little time. His 2026 sabbatical to the Hurricanes saw him thrive in Super Rugby Pacific, helping the Wellington franchise lift the title while showcasing an extraordinary blend of size and athleticism. The Japan international can dominate the lineout, carry in space and contribute at the breakdown. New Zealand's interest in his services only underlines how rapidly his reputation has grown.

5. TADHG BEIRNE – IRELAND & MUNSTER

REPLACES: JAMES RYAN (IRELAND & LEINSTER)

Beirne's superior breakdown influence and all-round impact make him the more complete modern lock.

Tadhg Beirne continues to blur the traditional boundaries of the second row. The Munster captain possesses the size and set-piece skills of a lock but attacks breakdowns with the instincts of a back-rower. Beirne was tremendous throughout the Nations Championship, with his return from injury seeing his star in Andy Farrell's side. Add his carrying ability, leadership and lineout quality, and Beirne remains one of rugby's most complete forwards.

6. PIETER-STEPH DU TOIT – SOUTH AFRICA & TOYOTA VERBLITZ

RETAINS PLACE, MOVING FROM OPENSIDE TO BLINDSIDE

His versatility allows him to remain in the XV despite a positional reshuffle.

Pieter-Steph du Toit once again demonstrated why he has twice been crowned World Rugby Player of the Year. With Siya Kolisi unavailable and Eben Etzebeth missing South Africa's opener, Du Toit took on the captaincy and shifted into the second row. His impact barely changed. The Springbok continued to dominate collisions, make huge defensive contributions and carry with authority throughout an unbeaten campaign. His adaptability makes him almost impossible to leave out.

7. FRASER MCREIGHT – AUSTRALIA & REDS

REPLACES: SIYA KOLISI (SOUTH AFRICA & STORMERS)

McReight's outstanding defensive output and growing attacking influence outshones injury-hit Kolisi.

Fraser McReight has become central to Australia's high-tempo approach. The Queensland captain combines relentless breakdown work with exceptional defensive output, illustrated by a remarkable 21-tackle performance during the recent Test campaign. He also crossed for a try, displaying the determination and leg drive that have become trademarks of his game. Increasingly influential as a carrier and link player as well as a defender, McReight is developing into one of the world's premier opensides.

8. ARDIE SAVEA – NEW ZEALAND

RETAINS PLACE

Savea remains the most complete No.8 in world rugby and adds the responsibility of All Blacks captaincy.

There remains almost no aspect of forward play that Ardie Savea cannot influence. The New Zealand superstar combines explosive carrying with breakdown expertise, intelligent distribution and outstanding defensive work. A Japan Rugby League One champion with the Kobelco Kobe Steelers, Savea returned home with his reputation stronger than ever before, as the hottest free agent in rugby today. Dave Rennie's decision to hand him the All Blacks captaincy further reflects his importance. Savea remains the benchmark at No.8.