Ellis Genge Named In World XV Ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup

The opening fixture between Les Bleus and the All Blacks will see two star-studded line-ups, ready to set the tempo for international rugby's pinnacle competition. It has been a long time since a Rugby World Cup has had so many possible winners, with France, New Zealand, South Africa and Ireland leading the charge from the front.

England and Australia have been gifted an easier draw in comparison, with Eddie Jones' former or current sides both more than set-up for an extended run for the Web Ellis trophy. Argentina have come on tremendously in recent years, and are the definite dark horse of the competition.

But what players would make the cut, for a Best in the World XV? With the 2023 Rugby Championship and Pacific Nations Cup now joining the Six Nations in the rear-view mirror, there has been an adequate amount of international fixtures to look back on, to decide our picks for today's ultimate side.

So, In an article that could well generate some polarising opinions, we have made our picks and included some honourable mentions for each position. With the Summer Nations Series well underway, and the 2023 Rugby World Cup drawing ever closer...

15. Fullback: Hugo Keenan (Ireland)

Honourable Mentions: Freddie Steward (England), Thomas Ramos (France), Ange Capuozzo

(Italy)

After an outstanding 2023 Six Nations, Ireland fullback Hugo Keenan has cemented himself as the top pick for our World XV's number 15 jersey. Keenan made the most metres out of anyone in the latest Six Nations (562m with ball in hand), and provided a threatening edge to the Irish attack every time he got his hands on the ball.

Keenan was instrumental for Ireland as they won their first Grand Slam since 2018, and rightfully worked himself into the discussion of 'best fullback in the world'. Keenan's work rate off the ball and in defence, was pivotal for Andy Farrell's side to remain undefeated. The fullback took home the Player of the Match award in the opener against Wales, and followed this up with a crucial early try in the titanic clash with France, as well as a second score against Italy.

The runner-up to Keenan's fullback jersey in our eyes is Freddie Steward. Despite England's recent run of poor results, Steward remains one of the top (if not the best) back-three players under the high ball. The Leicester Tigers man is joined by Italian pocket-rocket Ange Capuozzo and exhilarating French fullback Thomas Ramos as honourable mentions. Ramos' kicking ability sees him superseded over Capuozzo, yet Keenan comes out on top overall.

Honourable Mentions: Damian Penaud (France), Louis Rees-Zammit (Wales), Darcy Graham (Scotland)

It could be argued that Cheslin Kolbe was head and shoulders above the rest, and was comfortably the best right winger in the world, when South Africa won the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Now four years later, Kolbe hangs on to this spot by a hair's length, with France's Damian Penaud looking to usurp the Springbok at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The pair are like-for-like talents in so many ways, with unadulterated pace and the fleet-footedness to step an opponent in a phone-box. Penaud finished the 2023 Six Nations as the top try scorer, with two of his five tries coming in the closing moments of England's heaviest ever defeat at Twickenham. Kolbe's efficient try-scoring took Toulon to Challenge Cup glory, and a seventh placed finish to qualify for the 2023/24 Champions Cup, whilst Penaud's Clermont petered-out in tenth.

Welsh dynamo Louis Rees-Zammit, and Flying Scotsman Darcy Graham are also contenders for the right wing spot. There are few in finer form along the touchline today than Graham, yet Kolbe has the proven ability to win the biggest matches, on the grandest stages.

Eddie Jones is ready to unleash a formidable threat at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, as Marika Koroibete is only getting stronger along the left wing. This spot was an incredibly close call between the Wallabies star and South Africa's Makazole Mapimpi, yet Koroibete takes the number 11 jersey, thanks to his phenomenal work-rate in defence, as well as his attacking capabilities.

This point is best punctuated by Koroibete's outstanding try-saving tackle in the 2022 Rugby Championship, as he halted Mapimpi's best efforts. Storming across the width of the pitch at break-neck speeds, the Wallaby bulldozed Mapimpi into touch, along with his claims to be the best left winger in the world. Don't have us mistaken, this decision is not based on a single tackle, as Koroibete has been consistently outstanding for Australia and his Wild Knights club in Japan for a few years now.

His most recent appearance for his country saw him score an early try against the All Blacks, and highlight his recent form as the world's best number 11. Koroibete could not be forced into touch, and powered his way through to the line to showcase his unstoppable skillset in attack.

Following the 2023 Six Nations, Ireland's Garry Ringrose was sky-rocketed into the conversation of 'who is the best outside centre in the world?' Since the Springbok's triumphant Rugby World Cup winning campaign in 2019, powerhouse centre Lukhanyo Am comfortably held onto the title.

Ringrose emerged from the chasing pack after impressing on Ireland's 3-1 tour series victory over the All Blacks in the Summer of 2022. The following Six Nations ignited his claim for the top spot, with his all-important win-sealing try against France, being his highlight of the competition. Big things are expected of the Leinster man at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, as Ireland are drawn against Lukhanyo Am's 'Boks.

However, this Pool B clash may well not feature the Sharks centre, as Am's World Cup contention was recently dealt a major blow by a knee injury. Am has not been included in the Springbok's 33-man squad for the competition, yet there is hopes of a late call-up for necessary injury cover. For now, the mantle of the world's best outside centre sits with Ringrose, who will look to solidify this claim at the World Cup.

Manu Tuilagi gets a nod amongst the outside centre honourable mentions. The Sale and England bruiser has been shining in the both the 13 and 12 shirts as off late, yet his appearance stats see him make 10% more caps in the outside centre spot. (Outside Centre 55%, Inside Centre 45%).

Honourable Mentions: Samu Kerevi (Australia), Gael Fickou (France), Malakai Fekitoa (Tonga), Robbie Henshaw (Ireland)

The competition remains just as fierce for the inside centre spot, with stars from across the Northern and Southern Hemisphere's all stating a claim for the number 12 shirt. We have opted for France and La Rochelle bulldozer Jonathan Danty to occupy the channel, and block out the sun from the opposition centres.

Danty was a key player for La Rochelle, as the French side retained their Heineken Champions Cup crown over Leinster. The centre scored Stade Rochelais' first try, and kick-started the comeback at the Aviva Stadium, disregarding any home soil advantage Leinster took into the match. Danty returned from a serious knee injury to make two appearances in the 2023 Six Nations, and he marked his comeback with dominance against England, and a try against Wales.

Lukhanyo Am's Bok's partner Damian de Allende would also be considered, yet the Springbok spent a lengthy time on the injury side-lines, and missed Munster's URC winning season. Former All Black-turned Tongan international Malakai Fekitoa proved himself to be a more than capable replacement as Munster's inside centre, and earned an honourable mentions spot.

The fly half spot was amongst the hardest to chose, as there are an abundance of unbelievable 10s across world rugby. Four honourable mentions is not enough for World Rugby's premier halfbacks, with England alone sporting a trio of viable contenders in Owen Farrell, Marcus Smith and George Ford. Italy's Paolo Garbisi, Ireland's Johnny Sexton, and the France duo of Romain Ntamack and Matthieu Jalibert also deserve recognition.

However, there can only be one pick for this World Rugby XV, with All Blacks talisman Beauden Barrett receiving the nod. Barrett could well have slotted in this team at fullback, as he is just that good. Currently Ian Forster prefers to play Barrett in the 15 spot, with Damien McKenzie or Richie Mo'unga (also worth a mention) taking the reigns from fly half in recent competition.

However, Beauden has been phenomenal at 10 for the Hurricanes, the Blues, Taranaki, Suntory Sungoliath and the All Blacks for the best part of a decade. The 2016 and 2017 World Rugby Player of the Year is aging like a fine wine, and at 32-years-old Barrett still rules the rugby landscape at fly half.

Barrett wants to leave the 2023 Rugby World Cup part of an exclusive club of two-time champions. The fly half burst onto the international stage with his match-securing try in the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final, in a 'passing of the torch' from retirement-bound Dan Carter. Beauden's eyes are firmly fixed on a second World Cup winners medal, yet he has to overcome some serious calibre of opponents to get there.

Honourable Mentions: Aaron Smith (New Zealand), Conor Murray (Ireland), Faf de Klerk (South Africa)

The magic maestro of France, Antoine Dupont was amongst the three easiest players to select for this World Rugby XV. Dupont continues to hit new levels of ability, with headline-making performances for France and Toulouse. He has long surpassed All Blacks stalwart Aaron Smith to become the best scrum half in the world, with Smith now calling time on his 12-year Highlanders career, and heading off to Japan to see out his playing days.

Dupont entered his peak, as he led France to the 2022 Six Nations title. Awarded the accolade of Player of the Tournament for the 2023 Six Nations, only bolstered his place as the world's best nine. The eyes of a nation will be on him for the 2023 Rugby World Cup on home soil, as the poster-boy of the competition. Dupont has the weight of Les Bleus on his shoulders, in an attempt to take his side to lift the Web Ellis trophy for the first time in their history.

Dupont will come face-to-face with Smith in the Rugby World Cup's blockbuster opening match, as France host New Zealand to kick-off Pool A. Following a recent career resurgence, Ireland's Conor Murray gets an honourable mention, as he wound back the years to take Andy Farrell's side to Grand Slam glory.

Honourable Mentions: Steven Kitshoff (South Africa), James Slipper (Australia), Cyril Baille (France)

On his day, the Baby Rhino known as Ellis Genge is arguably the best loose-head prop in the world. The Bristolian boy is all grown up, and has taken the opportunities to run out as England captain in his stride. Granted, his two goes at wearing the armband have resulted in England defeats, yet there is no denying the player that Genge has now become.

Up to round four of the 2023 Six Nations, Genge led the average carries-per-minute charts for all players in the competition. This is a phenomenal impact upon the game considering the work-rate he has to expend when scrummaging against the top international stars from the Northern Hemisphere. His impact is instrumental for his club and country, with Borthwick expecting big things of him at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

One of the finest loose-head scrummagers around, Genge's knowledge about the tricks of the front row trade is second only to England veterans Joe Marler, or perhaps Dan Cole across on the tight-head. With Mako Vunipola out of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, the stage is set for Genge to lead from the off, and remind pundits as to why he was considered the best loose-head in the world during the successful highs of the Eddie Jones era.

When Dane Coles of the All Blacks established what it meant to be a 'modern day hooker', former South Africa Head Coach Rassie Erasamus took the approach, and introduced his 'bomb squad'. Malcolm Marx and Bongi Mbonambi have shared the Springbok's game-time for the past few years, with either man in rightful contention for this spot in the World Rugby XV.

The two bring great strengths to the front row, and are an equal match when it comes to scrum-time. However Marx edges past Mbonambi when the ball is flowing in-play. The Kubota Spears man is a more aggressive and dominant threat at the ruck, and across the gain-line than his Springbok's teammate. So, we give Marx the nod to start for our World Rugby XV, despite being preferred as a half-time introduction off the bench by the 'Boks.

There are plenty of talented hookers that are worthy of a mention, such as England's Jamie George, and the Argentine duo of Julian Montoya and Augustus Creevy. Fans of the Premiership will be more than familiar with these two, as Montoya packed down the front row for Leicester Tigers, and Creevy became a fan favourite with London Iris, before setting off to Sale.

Honourable Mentions: Ofa Tu'ungafasi (New Zealand), Vincent Koch (South Africa), Zander Fagerson (Scotland)

Packing down the front row alongside Genge and Marx is Ireland tight-head Tadhg Furlong. As well as being an out-and-out bruising ball carrier, Furlong's X-factor is that he brings an unexpected hot-stepping ability to the Irish front row. This does more than just get a pop out of the Aviva Stadium crowd, but it surprises defences, and causes second-guesses that create space for Furlong's supporting options.

The man from Wexford is an complete talent on the rugby pitch, and does not limit himself to mastering the skillset of a front rower. Furlong had to bide his time during the 2023 Six Nations, as he forewent the opening three rounds of the competition due to injury. Finlay Bealham did a fine job of holding down the three jersey in his absence, yet with Furlong back and firing well, he slots into our World XV on the tight-head of the scrum.

The shortlist for this spot features a Scotsman, and two Southern Hemisphere tight-heads. Scotland's Zander Fagerson, All Blacks pillar Ofa Tu'ungafasi, and Springboks Bomb Squad member Vincent Koch get well deserved mentions, yet Furlong is a stretch ahead of the trio. Furlong will have his work cut out for him in the Pool stage clash against South Africa, as he looks to diffuse the fabled 'Bomb Squad' and secure the win in France.

Springboks lock Eben Etzebeth has maintained his status as the best lock in World Rugby, since South Africa lifted the Web Ellis Cup back in 2019. The Sharks second row is as hard-hitting as they come, and is amongst rugby's most revered apponents across the Southern and Northen Hemispheres.

Etzebeth's debut season with the Durban side, did not end how he would have hoped. After a quieter season by his standards following impressive campaigns with Toulon, Etzebeth suffered a shoulder injury in April, which saw him forego the tail-end of the Sharks URC and Champions Cup campaigns.

However, a talent like Etzebeth did not lose favour with Jacques Neinaber, who has put him forward for the Rugby World Cup. Etzebeth showcased his return to full-fitness in the latest Rugby Championship, as he captained the Springboks in the absence of Siya Kolisi. With high expectations on the lock to push on, the Springboks eager to retain their World Cup title. England's Maro Itoje just misses out on this spot, and sits among the honourable mentions after a slow start in the 2023 Six Nations.

5. Tighthead Lock: Sam Whitelock (New Zealand)

The All Blacks' long-standing tighthead lock is on the cusp of unprecedented history. If Sam Whitelock is able to get his hands on the Web Ellis trophy, he will become the first player in history to win three Rugby World Cup titles. A testament to his longevity in the black jersey, Whitelock is the benchmark for second rows in the land known as Aotearoa.

Whitelock has formed a solid alliance with loosehead lock Brodie Retallick in the All Blacks row, who took over from Whitelock's long-term running buddy Brad Thorn. Despite entering the twilight of his career at 34-years-old, few can hold a candle to the former Crusaders captain, when it comes to running out the hard yards. To quote the 'Hardest Geezer', Whitelock knows how to hit the 'ferocious ones and twos' in a five jersey.

Whitelock could well be seeing this upcoming Rugby World Cup as the end of the road for his time with the All Blacks. He checked off the penultimate trophies, as the All Blacks won the 2023 Rugby Championship, and successfully retained the Bledisloe Cup from Australia in the process. Whitelock is just three caps shy of Richie McCaw's 148 All Blacks test match record, with hopes of passing this in the upcoming trip to France.

A hat-trick of Rugby World Cup winners medals would solidify Whitelock's legacy amongst the greatest rugby players of all time, before he moves on to French outfit Pau for the 2023/24 Top 14 season.

6. Blindside Flanker: Siya Kolisi (South Africa)

Like a tighthead lock, success as a blindside flanker comes from putting your head down and grinding out the hard yards. Setting a exemplar work rate which cannot be matched, South African blindside flanker Siya Kolisi is today's epitome of the number six jersey. Kolisi was almost ruled out of contention for this list, with recent injury problems putting his Rugby World Cup status in doubt.

However, Kolisi's Springboks fans and teammates alike, will be relieved to know that their 2019 Rugby World Cup Winning Captain looks set for a comeback. A knee injury will not hold the Sharks man down, who was named by Jacques Nienaber within the 33-man Springboks squad to head for France.

The 32-year-old had a star making competition four years ago, and now wants to become only the second ever player to captain a side to back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles, after Richie McCaw in 2011 and 2015. England's versatile loose forward Courtney Lawes gets an honourable mention, as does Italian workhorse Sebastian Negri, and the All Blacks' tackle-machine that is Shannon Frizzell.

Honourable Mentions: Peiter-Steph Du Toit (South Africa), Michele Lamaro (Italy), Jack Willis (England), Sam Cane (New Zealand)

The second of the three straight-forward enough picks after Antoine Dupont, Josh Van Der Flier is also the first of two Ireland back-rowers, that round-off this ultimate XV of World Rugby superstars. Rightfully awarded the 2022 World Rugby Men's Player of the Year Award, Van Der Flier has been in inspired form for Leinster as well as Andy Farrell's Grand Slam Winners.

Van Der Flier's 2023 Six Nations was as solid as ever. He finished the competition with the fifth-highest tackles out of any player with 67, and did not miss a single minute of game-time during the competition. He scored in the opening round victory over Wales, and established his physical presence upon every opponent unfortunate enough to run into him.

There are plenty of talented openside flankers who could have slotted into this team, but Van Der Flier suppasses them all with outstanding recent form. 'The Flying Dutchman' earned his 50th Ireland cap in the Grand Slam winning finale against England, and rightly derseves this spot within the World Rugby XV. The closest contender would be South Africa's Peiter-Steph Du Toit, who Van Der Flier took the Player of the Year accolade from this past season.

Ireland's number eight Caelan Doris takes the final spot in this World Rugby XV, and along with Dupont and Van Der Flier, is a choice which was made with relative ease. Doris kick-started Ireland's 2023 Six Nations triumph with their opening try, as he crossed over against Wales after just two minutes of play. Doris played every minute, with the exception of an injury sustained early against Gregor Townsend's Scotland.

The back-rower took home the Player of the Match Award, after Ireland toppled France in what proved to be the decisive battle in the 2023 Six Nations. Doris' presence around the park reminds Ireland fans of the great Paul O'Connell, and if the number eight can stay match fit, a British and Irish Lions call-up should well be in his future, like the great former Ireland captain.

Yet the tour to Australia is not until 2025, with far more pressing matters on the horizon for Doris and the Ireland squad. With the Leinster star at the back of the scrum, Ireland have established a formidable pack, strong enough to lead them to their first ever Rugby World Cup title. There is plenty of work to be done for Andy Farrell's men, but if Doris hits top gear like he has in recent months, hopes would well grow for the Web Ellis trophy to head to the Emerald Isle.

16. Loosehead Prop - Steven Kitshoff (South Africa)

17. Hooker - Jamie George (England)

18. Tighthead Prop - Zander Fagerson (Scotland)

19. Lock - Maro Itoje (England)

20. Back Row - Peiter-Steph Du Toit (South Africa)

21. Scrum Half - Aaron Smith (New Zealand)

22. Fly Half - Owen Farrell (England)

23. Utility Back - Makazole Mapimpi (South Africa)