Updated World XV: Springboks dominate as one England star makes the cut

Wednesday, 16 September 2026 at 06:54

bySteven Smith

South Africa’s emphatic series victory over New Zealand has prompted another update to RUCK’s World XV.

The Springboks recovered from losing the opening Test to win three in succession, completing a 3-1 triumph with a statement 43-28 victory in Baltimore.

Rassie Erasmus’s side unsurprisingly dominate our latest selection, while Ollie Chessum is the only England player to make the updated World XV.

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Here is RUCK’s form-based Updated World XV right now.

1. Ox Nche – South Africa

The cornerstone of the Springbok scrum remains the outstanding loosehead prop in world rugby.

Nche’s destructive work at the set-piece often changes the direction of matches, but his carrying, breakdown work and mobility have also made him far more than a specialist scrummager.

2. Malcolm Marx – South Africa

Marx continues to set the standard for modern hookers.

A devastating carrier, aggressive defender and constant threat over the ball, the 32-year-old produced another series of hugely influential performances against New Zealand.

His status as one of the sport’s leading players was underlined when he was named World Rugby Men’s Player of the Year in 2025.

3. Thomas du Toit – South Africa

Du Toit’s ability to perform on either side of the scrum makes him one of the most valuable front-rowers in world rugby.

The powerful Springbok combines enormous set-piece strength with destructive carrying and an impressive appetite for defensive work.

4. Eben Etzebeth – South Africa

Even as he moves deeper into his thirties, Etzebeth’s influence shows few signs of diminishing.

The giant lock remains an intimidating physical presence, an elite lineout operator and one of the emotional leaders of the world champions.

5. Ollie Chessum – England

England endured a disappointing Six Nations, but Chessum’s reputation continued to rise.

The Leicester Tigers captain finished the championship with more lineout takes than any other player and produced a remarkable two-try performance against France in Paris.

Powerful, athletic and capable of operating at lock or blindside flanker, the 38-cap England forward is developing into a future international captain. He is the only Englishman to make our latest side.

6. Pieter-Steph du Toit – South Africa

Few players influence Test matches in as many different ways as Du Toit.

The double World Rugby Player of the Year remains a phenomenal defender, carries tirelessly and possesses the athleticism to pressure opposition playmakers across the width of the pitch.

7. Fraser McReight – Australia

McReight has developed into one of the most effective openside flankers in Test rugby.

A relentless presence at the breakdown, the Wallabies star combines elite turnover ability with intelligent support play and a phenomenal defensive work-rate.

8. Ardie Savea – New Zealand

Savea was one of New Zealand’s most dangerous performers before injury brought his tour to a premature conclusion.

His explosiveness, leadership and ability to produce decisive moments make him a natural selection at number eight. Even during a losing series, the All Blacks captain repeatedly demonstrated why he remains one of the world’s finest players.

9. Antoine Dupont – France

Dupont retains his place despite his recent injury struggles.

At his best, the French captain operates at a level few players can match. His speed, kicking, defensive strength and ability to produce something from nothing make him the standout scrum-half of his generation.

10. Finn Russell – Scotland

Russell remains the most complete fly-half in the northern hemisphere.

His passing range, tactical kicking and willingness to attack space make him capable of unlocking almost any defence. Scotland’s inconsistency has sometimes worked against him, but his individual class remains undeniable.

11. Kurt-Lee Arendse – South Africa

Arendse’s stunning length-of-the-field score in Baltimore encapsulated everything that makes him such a dangerous winger.

His acceleration, footwork and awareness allow him to turn defensive situations into tries within seconds, while his work without the ball is equally impressive.

12. Jordie Barrett – New Zealand

Barrett brings an invaluable combination of size, skill and tactical intelligence to the All Blacks midfield.

A powerful carrier and accomplished distributor, he can also step in as a second playmaker and possesses one of the biggest kicking games in Test rugby.

13. Jesse Kriel – South Africa

Kriel has become one of the most dependable players in the international game.

Defensively outstanding and increasingly influential in attack, the centre played a major role throughout South Africa’s series victory and remains central to their plans for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

14. Will Jordan – New Zealand

Jordan’s extraordinary try-scoring record makes him impossible to overlook.

Even during a losing series, the All Blacks superstar repeatedly demonstrated his ability to identify space, run intelligent support lines and punish the smallest defensive error.

15. Thomas Ramos – France

Ramos offers France a combination of creativity, confidence and ruthless accuracy from the tee.

Equally comfortable joining the line as a second playmaker or launching counter-attacks from deep, the Toulouse star narrowly edges out Damian Willemse for the final position.

RUCK’S UPDATED WORLD XV

15. Thomas Ramos (France)
14. Will Jordan (New Zealand)
13. Jesse Kriel (South Africa)
12. Jordie Barrett (New Zealand)
11. Kurt-Lee Arendse (South Africa)
10. Finn Russell (Scotland)
9. Antoine Dupont (France)
8. Ardie Savea (New Zealand)
7. Fraser McReight (Australia)
6. Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa)
5. Ollie Chessum (England)
4. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)
3. Thomas du Toit (South Africa)
2. Malcolm Marx (South Africa)
1. Ox Nche (South Africa)

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