Springboks Dominate The best rugby XV in the world (Right now)

Monday, 13 July 2026 at 20:04

byCharlie Elliott

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.

1 Ox Nche (South Africa)

Ox Nche has built his reputation on immense power and elite scrummaging.

His compact frame and low centre of gravity give him a clear advantage at the set piece, while his mobility and work rate allow him to make a significant impact around the field.

He also became the first prop to be nominated for the World Rugby Player of the Year award in 2025.

2 Malcolm Marx (South Africa)

Malcolm Marx has set the standard for the modern hooker.

Dominant in contact, relentless around the field, and exceptional at the breakdown, he continues to redefine the demands of the position.

After being named World Rugby Player of the Year, he became only the second hooker after Keith Wood to win the men's 15s award and the first since 2001.

3 Thomas du Toit (South Africa)

Thomas du Toit was the standout prop in the Premiership last season and offers the rare ability to perform at the highest level on both sides of the scrum.

His physicality, leadership, and impressive try-scoring record for a front-row forward make him the leading tighthead prop in world rugby.

4 Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)

Eben Etzebeth has been the cornerstone of South Africa's pack for more than a decade.

With more than 130 Test caps, he has earned his reputation through relentless physicality, leadership, and an uncompromising competitive edge.

A Rugby World Cup winner and South Africa's most-capped player, Etzebeth continues to raise the standard of those around him.

5 Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)

There is very little Tadhg Beirne cannot do.

Whether at lock or blindside flanker, he remains one of Andy Farrell's most influential players.

He led the Six Nations for lineout steals, topped the competition for both jackals and turnovers won, and ranked among the tournament's leading tacklers. His relentless work rate provided the platform for many of Ireland's strongest performances.

6 Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa)

Few players embody consistency and commitment like Pieter-Steph du Toit.

His remarkable 28-tackle performance in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final remains one of the finest individual displays the sport has seen.

Now a two-time World Rugby Player of the Year at 33, he continues to set the benchmark in defence through his work rate, physicality, and tactical awareness. Despite limited recent club appearances, his place among the world's elite is unquestioned.

7 Jack Willis (England) - Replaces Siya Kolisi

Although Jack Willis has missed the Nations Championship because he is ineligible while playing in France, his absence has only reinforced how valuable he is to England.

One of the world's best back-row forwards, Willis is renowned for his outstanding breakdown work, defensive intensity, and versatility.

Winning the Top 14 Player of the Season award last season confirmed his status among the game's elite, and he has continued to prove his quality at club level.

England are undoubtedly missing one of their best players.

8 Ardie Savea (New Zealand)

Ardie Savea's move to Moana Pasifika was one of the biggest stories in Super Rugby, and he more than lived up to the expectations.

His influence transformed the side, inspired historic victories, and earned him the Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year award.

Explosive, tireless, and inspirational, Savea remains one of the defining figures in world rugby.

Although his move to Japan may count against him in some debates, his quality is beyond dispute, especially after being appointed All Blacks captain for the Nations Championship.

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