Following the second round of the Nations Championship, the race to be considered the best in world rugby has shifted once again.
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Recent performances have forced several changes to our latest World XV, with outstanding form proving impossible to ignore.
While many established stars retain their places, a handful of players have broken into the side after delivering exceptional displays over the past two weeks, or by their presence being noticeably missed.
15 Damian Willemse (South Africa)
Damian Willemse reminded everyone of his quality against England with a superb all-round display. Outstanding under the high ball, he was virtually unbeatable in aerial contests and consistently gave South Africa control.
He also produced a crucial tackle on Cadan Murley to deny a late first-half try before creating Jesse Kriel’s second score with a brilliant assist.
His ability to play fly-half, inside centre, outside centre, full-back, and wing makes him one of the most valuable backs in the game. Combined with elusive footwork and an accurate kicking game off both feet, Willemse remains one of the most complete players in world rugby.
14 Will Jordan (New Zealand) – Replaces Cheslin Kolbe
Cheslin Kolbe has been outstanding, but Will Jordan’s recent form is impossible to overlook.
Jordan scored a hat-trick in New Zealand’s 47-17 victory over Italy in Wellington to become the All Blacks’ record try scorer. His 50th Test try moved him past Doug Howlett’s long-standing record of 49, which had stood for 19 years.
With his finishing ability and remarkable strike rate, Jordan has earned his place in this team.
13 Tommaso Menoncello (Italy)
Italy have endured a difficult start to the Nations Championship against Japan and New Zealand, but their rise over recent seasons has been clear, with Tommaso Menoncello playing a key role in that progress.
His powerful ball carrying and physical presence have established him among the world’s leading centres. He ranked inside the top five across multiple carrying statistics and finished fourth for total jackals, highlighting his impact in both attack and defence.
12 Jordie Barrett (New Zealand) – Replaces Sione Tuipulotu
Jordie Barrett gets the nod over Sione Tuipulotu after another outstanding run of performances for New Zealand during the Nations Championship, building on the form he has shown throughout the year.
One of the game’s most versatile backs, Barrett combines powerful running, excellent distribution, and a reliable kicking game. His all-round skill set gives him a slight edge over Tuipulotu.
11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France)
What more can be said about Louis Bielle-Biarrey? Right now, he looks like the brightest young talent in world rugby.
He scored 34 tries this season, including two in the Champions Cup final and four in the Six Nations finale, underlining his reputation as one of the sport’s most dangerous attacking players.
Still only 23 and already a back-to-back Six Nations Player of the Championship winner, his place in this side is beyond question. He has every attribute needed to become one of rugby’s all-time greats.
10 Finn Russell (Scotland)
Few fly-halves combine creativity and control as effectively as Finn Russell. Once viewed purely as an unpredictable maverick, he has developed into a composed and influential playmaker who balances flair with authority.
During the summer, he became the Lions’ chief attacking orchestrator, leading their most dangerous moments with confidence and precision.
Whether for Bath or Scotland, Russell has the ability to change a match with a single decision, as he once again demonstrated against South Africa.
9 Maxime Lucu (France)
Following Bordeaux-Bègles’ Champions Cup triumph, Maxime Lucu has strengthened his claim as the world’s leading scrum-half.
A natural leader, he has formed an outstanding partnership with Matthieu Jalibert, combining tactical intelligence, pinpoint kicking, and relentless defensive work.
Lucu was named Player of the Match in the Champions Cup final against Leinster after delivering a decisive performance to help Bordeaux-Bègles secure consecutive European titles.
