Rugby Championship Team Of The Tournament

The Rugby Championship concluded this past weekend, with the Springboks deservedly claiming the title, adding to their growing cabinet of silverware under Rassie Erasmus. Bet Central has compiled the best XV of the tournament.

15. Juan Cruz Mallia (Argentina)

The Toulouse man can reflect on a fine tournament on a personal level. Juan Cruz Mallia was brilliant in all three of Los Pumas’ wins, with his attacking play and superb reading of the game standing out.
Aphelele Fassi made huge strides with the Springboks, while Tom Wright worked hard in a struggling Wallabies side.

Honourable mention: Aphelele Fassi (South Africa)

14. Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa)

Cheslin Kolbe is the heartbeat of South Africa’s attacking game. He doesn’t score many tries, but his individual brilliance creates space and opportunities for others to finish. One of the best players in the world.

Sevu Reece had his moments on the wing for the All Blacks.

Honourable mention: Sevu Reece (New Zealand)

13. Jesse Kriel (South Africa)

If there’s one player who has changed perceptions, it’s Jesse Kriel. He has developed into a world-class centre, committed on defense and a brilliant straight-line runner for the Boks. He had a Rugby Championship to remember.

Lucio Cinti was also outstanding and narrowly misses out to Kriel.

Honourable mention: Lucio Cinti (Argentina)

12. Damian de Allende (South Africa)

Damian de Allende is exceptional, arguably the best inside centre in the world. His strength and physicality were a nightmare for opponents in this Rugby Championship, making him indispensable for the Boks.

Santiago Chocobares, another Toulouse player, is unlucky to miss out after a sensational tournament.

Honourable mention: Santiago Chocobares (Argentina)

11. Matteo Carreras (Argentina)

Last year, Mark Telea dazzled with his ability to glide past defenders, and this year it was Matteo Carreras’ turn. He is incredibly difficult to bring down and scored some brilliant tries for Los Pumas. Our left-wing selection was an easy choice this year.

Caleb Clarke has finally recaptured his best form, and it showed in this tournament.

Honourable mention: Caleb Clarke (New Zealand)

10. Tomas Albornoz (Argentina)

If Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu hadn’t been sidelined with a knee injury for the latter part of the tournament, he may have been a shoo-in, given his impressive early form.
But ultimately, Tomas Albornoz’s elevation to the starting fly-half role transformed the Los Pumas’ attack. He was brilliant, particularly in the latter stages of the competition.

Honourable mention: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (South Africa)

09. Cortez Ratima (New Zealand)

The young New Zealander impressed in a tournament that had few standout scrumhalves. Cortez Ratima grew into the competition, using his speed and strength to great effect.
Gonzalo Bertranou also combined well with Albornoz.

Honourable mention: Gonzalo Bertranou (Argentina)

08. Joaquin Oviedo (Argentina)

The only player in the tournament who played more games off the bench than he started, Joaquin Oviedo was sensational both as a substitute and as a starter. He will become a hugely important player for Los Pumas.

Harry Wilson is one player who can be proud of his performance.

Honourable mention: Harry Wilson (Australia)

07. Pablo Matera (Argentina)

It’s unfortunate that Matera’s tournament ended with a red card because he was otherwise sensational. Pablo Matera was everywhere on the field, leading from the front and carrying with great authority.

Siya Kolisi was brilliant, as was Carlo Tizzano for the Wallabies.

Honourable mention: Siya Kolisi (South Africa)

06. Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa)

Quite possibly the best player in the world right now, Pieter-Steph du Toit played like a man possessed throughout the tournament. He was relentless in the trenches and delivered key interventions when needed.

Wallace Sititi would easily make this team if it weren’t for the brilliance of du Toit.

Honourable mention: Wallace Sititi (New Zealand)

05. Tupou Vaa’i (New Zealand)

The most improved Test player of 2024, Tupou Vaa’i has been a revelation for New Zealand this season. His linking play was brilliant, and his reading of the lineout was masterful.
Ruan Nortje also had a breakthrough season.

Honourable mention: Ruan Nortje (South Africa)

04 Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)

Eben Etzebeth only seems to get better with age. He once again proved why he is the preeminent lock in world rugby and the most capped Springbok of all time. A colossal presence for South Africa.
Pedro Rubiolo did good work for Los Pumas in the second row, while Scott Barrett also performed well.

Honourable mention: Scott Barrett (New Zealand)

03. Tyrel Lomax (New Zealand)

Tyrel Lomax is one of the best tightheads in the world. He embodies the modern tighthead prop, versatile around the park, a scrummaging titan, and a powerful ball carrier.
Joel Sclavi was superb for Argentina once he got his start.

Honourable mention: Joel Sclavi (Argentina)

02. Codie Taylor (New Zealand)

Codie Taylor has returned to his best form. He was outstanding once again, showing why he’s one of the best hookers in the world. Exemplary in the set-piece, he also demonstrated his pace out wide.
Julian Montoya continues to be brilliant for Los Pumas.

Honourable mention: Julian Montoya (Argentina)

01. Ox Nche (South Africa)

Ox Nche was a force throughout the tournament, destructive on the carry and incredibly mobile for a big man. His scrummaging was elite, and he consistently delivered.
Tamaiti Williams also emerged with an enhanced reputation this year.

Honourable mention: Tamaiti Williams (New Zealand)