The Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry gets underway this weekend as South Africa and New Zealand meet in the first Test at Ellis Park.
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With two of world rugby’s biggest powers going head to head, there is no better time to assess the game’s leading players. Here is our current best XV in world rugby, with some familiar Springbok and All Black faces included.
15 Damian Willemse (South Africa)
South Africa have no shortage of match-winners, but Willemse’s ability to influence games from multiple positions makes him particularly valuable.
Comfortable at full-back or fly-half, he combines tactical intelligence with the composure needed for the biggest occasions.
That was evident when he kicked a last-minute penalty to beat Wales in 2022 and later struck two drop goals in victory over England.
Since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, his influence has continued to grow, with a standout display against New Zealand in Wellington underlining his quality.
14 Will Jordan (New Zealand)
Few players in world rugby possess Will Jordan’s remarkable strike rate. The New Zealand back has turned finishing into an art form and his recent performances have taken him into the All Blacks record books.
A hat-trick against Italy in Wellington saw him surpass Doug Howlett as New Zealand’s leading Test try-scorer, with his 50th taking him beyond a record that had stood for 19 years.
Another score against Ireland only strengthened his position, and with his pace and instinct, Jordan remains incredibly difficult to contain.
13 Tommaso Menoncello (Italy)
Italy’s rise has coincided with Menoncello becoming one of the most exciting centres in the game. After earning widespread recognition in 2024, the powerful midfielder continued his development and delivered another outstanding year in 2026.
His game is built on an impressive combination of physicality, defensive awareness and adaptability across the backline.
Menoncello played an important role in Italy’s landmark Six Nations victories and has increasingly taken responsibility within the side. He is no longer an emerging talent, but one of world rugby’s leading centres.
12 Jordie Barrett (New Zealand)
Versatility has always been one of Barrett’s greatest strengths, but he has increasingly shown that he should be viewed as far more than a player capable of simply covering several positions.
His kicking game, passing ability and physical presence allow him to influence matches in different ways, while a successful spell in a new environment demonstrated how quickly he can adapt.
Extensive international experience has also helped develop him into a composed leader. Whether at centre, fly-half or elsewhere, Barrett has the intelligence and quality to shape a game.
11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France)
At just 23, Bielle-Biarrey is already building a remarkable body of work. The French winger scored 34 tries this season, including two in the Champions Cup final and four in the Six Nations finale, confirming his status as one of rugby’s most dangerous attacking players.
A back-to-back Six Nations Player of the Championship winner, he combines electric pace with outstanding finishing and an ability to appear when opportunities arise. Despite missing the Nations Championship, Bielle-Biarrey comfortably keeps his place after another extraordinary campaign.
10 Finn Russell (Scotland)
The days of Russell being viewed solely as rugby’s unpredictable maverick are long gone. Creativity remains central to his game, but it is now combined with the control, composure and authority of an experienced international fly-half.
He became the British and Irish Lions’ main attacking organiser during the summer, directing some of their most dangerous moments with confidence.
Whether playing for Bath or Scotland, Russell can still change a match with a single decision. Fitness problems interrupted his Nations Championship, but his place among the world’s elite remains secure.
9 Maxime Lucu (France)
Bordeaux Bègles’ Champions Cup success further strengthened Lucu’s growing reputation as one of the finest scrum-halves in the game. A natural leader, he combines sharp tactical awareness with accurate kicking, defensive commitment and an ability to control the tempo.
His Player of the Match performance against Leinster helped Bordeaux retain their European crown, while his partnership with Matthieu Jalibert continues to flourish.
Lucu has also impressed for France throughout the summer, helping prove the side can continue to thrive in Antoine Dupont’s absence.
