Rugby correspondent Steffan Thomas selects his world XV of 2023
As we approach the conclusion of 2023, it’s time to retrospect on a thrilling year of rugby union worldwide. The men’s game witnessed South Africa securing the title of world champions, while Ireland celebrated a Six Nations Grand Slam, and La Rochelle clinched the Champions Cup for the second consecutive time.
Throughout the year, the rugby standard reached exceptional heights, featuring intense battles and noteworthy performances from numerous players. Rugby correspondent Steffan Thomas has meticulously chosen his World XV of 2023.
15. Beauden Barrett (New Zealand) The former World Rugby Player of the Year played a pivotal role in the All Blacks’ journey to the Rugby World Cup final, showcasing his all-encompassing skills. Despite not being his preferred position, Barrett’s versatility, including his kicking prowess, counter-attacking abilities, distribution, peripheral vision, and game-reading capabilities, earns him a well-deserved place in a world XV.
14. Will Jordan (New Zealand) Known as one of the most lethal finishers globally, the 25-year-old excelled at the recent World Cup, scoring eight tries. Jordan combines electrifying pace with playmaking finesse, demonstrating defensive solidity and excellence under the high ball. Considered one of the best attacking players in the world, his potential for further growth in the coming seasons is evident.
13. Garry Ringrose (Ireland) Acting as the linchpin for Ireland’s midfield, Ringrose’s contributions extend beyond the spotlight. A crucial part of Ireland’s dominance over 18 months, including a Test series win in New Zealand and a Six Nations Grand Slam, the 28-year-old possesses exceptional game-reading skills in both attack and defense. His top-notch distribution enhances the performance of outside backs.
12. Jonathan Danty (France) A totemic presence for La Rochelle and France, the 31-year-old’s explosive carrying and defensive prowess have been instrumental. Danty’s ability to slice through defenses and world-class offloading played a significant role in La Rochelle’s consecutive Champions Cup victories.
11. Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa) Considered one of the finest wingers in the modern era, the 30-year-old played a crucial role in South Africa’s back-to-back Rugby World Cup triumphs. Kolbe’s X-factor qualities, evasive skills, low error rate, and defensive excellence make him one of the deadliest finishers in the world.
10. Richie Mo’unga (New Zealand) Edging out Handre Pollard, the 29-year-old played a crucial role in the All Blacks’ resurgence over the past two years. Mo’unga’s attacking flair, footwork, passing precision, game management, and goal-kicking proficiency make him a breathtaking playmaker.
9. Antoine Dupont (France) Considered the world’s best rugby player, Dupont’s performances for both France and Toulouse have been nothing short of exceptional. The 27-year-old excels in every aspect of the game—passing, kicking, game-reading, running, and defense—making him a minimum nine out of 10.
8. Ardie Savea (New Zealand) Despite New Zealand falling short in the World Cup final, the 30-year-old back-rower enjoyed a stellar season, earning him the World Player of the Year accolade. Savea’s explosive ball carrying, relentless defense, breakdown work, and leadership qualities set him apart.
7. Charles Ollivon (France) In a hotly contested position, the France back-rower emerged as a magnificent performer. Ollivon’s all-round game, destructive ball carrying, breakdown proficiency, relentless defense, and leadership make him a class act.
6. Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa) Undoubtedly one of the best loose-forwards in Springboks history, the 31-year-old was phenomenal throughout South Africa’s World Cup triumphs. Du Toit’s presence, work rate, physicality, and intelligent play make him a standout player.
5. Thibaud Flament (France) With a perfect blend of athleticism and physicality, the Toulouse lock has been a key figure in successful Toulouse and France packs. Flament excels as a lineout operator, contributes powerfully in defense, and is known for his dynamic ball-carrying abilities.
4. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa) A double World Cup winner, the 31-year-old lock is considered as good as, if not better than, any in his position. Etzebeth’s physicality, explosive carrying, unseen dirty work, and world-class lineout abilities make him a modern-day great.
3. Frans Malherbe (South Africa) Undoubtedly the best scrummaging tighthead prop globally, the 32-year-old was a cornerstone of South Africa’s World Cup triumph. Malherbe’s excellence at scrum time, combined with unseen work in rucks, carrying, and defensive contributions, sets him apart.
2. Malcolm Marx (South Africa) Despite missing most of the World Cup due to injury, the 33-year-old remains the undisputed best hooker globally. Marx’s athleticism around the park, breakdown prowess matching most opensides, physicality, and phenomenal work rate make him a standout player.
1. Cyril Baille (France) Considered one of the most underrated players globally, the 30-year-old Toulouse prop has been integral to French rugby success. Baille’s ferocious scrummaging, dynamic and powerful ball-carrying, along with high defensive contributions, make him a key contributor on the field.