ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

The Rugbydump 2023 World Cup Team of the Tournament

BY Jack Tunney  ·  Monday Nov 6, 2023

Choosing a team of the tournament was never going to be an easy task – that’s why we’ve taken a bit of time to sit back, check the stats, analyse the videos, and choose our team of the tournament.

ADVERTISEMENT

Let us know what you think:

Front rows

1: Ox Nche (Springboks)

One of the most technically gifted front rowers in world rugby, Nche was the primary catalyst behind South Africa’s reemergence from English dominance in their semi-final victory in Paris.

2: Peato Mauvaka (France)

It was only when Julien Marchand’s hamstring forced him to step back on the opening night of the World Cup that Mauvaka found himself in prime position for the number two shirt. He took it with both hands, and in doing so pulled off one of the finest performance of any player in the tournament when he took the Springboks to the cleaners in their quarter-final clash in Paris.

3: Dan Cole (England)

In 2019 the veteran prop was told by an entire country that he was past his prime after being dismantled by a strong South African pack in the World Cup final. Fast forward to four years later, Cole had his redemption by destroying a similar Springbok pack for the 56 minutes he was on the field. Should Cole and partner in crime Joe Marler have stayed on the pitch, then it could well have been England taking their place in the final and not South Africa.

Second Rows

4: Eben Etzebeth (Springboks)

ADVERTISEMENT

Arguably now established as one of the greatest second rows of all time, Etzebeth was dominant in every hit, every run, and every catch he made throughout the tournament. Refusing to leave anything less than 100% out on the field, he greatly deserved his World Player of the Year nomination.

5: Scott Barrett (All Blacks)

Breaking apart possibly the greatest lock combination of all time in Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock is not an easy task, so it takes a special kind of player to do so. The youngest Barrett brother has now established himself as the prime lock moving forward under Scott Robertson’s All Blacks.

Back Rows

6: Siya Kolisi (Springboks)

South Africa’s charismatic captain captivated the world with his post match speeches, but it was his inspiration prior to the matches and on the field that made the difference to those playing. Clearly able to talk the talk, his performances on the field proved that he could also walk the walk.

ADVERTISEMENT

7: Pieter-Steph Du Toit (Springboks)

28 tackles in a World Cup final. Not much more needs to be said. Probably the best flanker in the world currently.

8: Ardie Savea (All Blacks)

Deserved winner of the Men’s 15s World Player of the Year award. Dominant in every area of the game. Only noticeable mistake all tournament was the final knock on to give the Springboks the trophy. Otherwise, a faultless year.

Half Backs

9: Aaron Smith (All Blacks)

Almost pipped to this position by Antoine Dupont after his mesmeric quarter-final performance against South Africa, but Smith and his teammates reached the final, even if they did eventually suffer the same fate as the French. Smith’s passing and speed of ball was incredible all tournament and after a full career has signed out as New Zealand’s greatest ever scrum-half.

10: Matthieu Jalibert (France)

A late replacement for the injured Romaine Ntamack ahead of the World Cup, Jalibert proved once again why he used to be the first choice French fly-half. He was unflappable under pressure, attacked the line with menace, and defended hard. He has played himself back into first choice starting contention ahead of the return of Ntamack.

Centres

12: Bundee Aki (Ireland)

Ageing like a fine New Zealand wine. Would have been the player of the tournament if Ireland had progressed further than the quarter-finals.

13: Garry Ringrose (Ireland)

Has been a solid test player for many years now, but under Andy Farrell’s leadership he has become the player that held so much potential for many years. Intelligent in defence and elusive in attack, Ringrose has become the perfect 13.

Back Three

11: Damien Penaud (France)

Admittedly he ordinarily finds himself on the opposite wing, but it was impossible to leave this flying French machine out of the side.

14: Will Jordan (All Blacks)

Expected to move to fullback once Beauden Barrett retires or becomes surplus to requirements. Jordan should have broken the try scoring record, but for a held pass by Mo’unga in the semi-final. Could well become the All Blacks most prolific ever try scorer within the next few years.

15: Thomas Ramos (France)

Oozes class and calmness. Didn’t do anything spectacular in this tournament, just did everything better than his opposite man every single time.

Head Coach

Simon Raiwalui (Fiji)

It’s hard not to select the coach of the winning side, but as Fiji reached their first quarter final since 2007, beat Australia in the pool stage for the first time ever, and found themselves just 2 points away from a semi-final – there could be no other choice than Simon Raiwalui.

Related Articles

  • 32 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Gray to exit Exeter Chiefs with immediate...

  • 32 WEEKS AGO

    Former Connacht hooker shares brilliant rugby...

  • 32 WEEKS AGO

    Official calls halt to play amidst double-call...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Outlandish Jacob Stockdale finish is truly world class

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Ulster denied THE GREATEST URC try you will ever see!

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Capuozzo break sets Dupont up for hatrick on return

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Fans praise 'Dom Perignon Rugby' as Irish players prepare for final match of South African tour

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Wallabies wunderkind Sua'ali' and Scotland captain Tuipulotu clash

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Ireland 'steal' Argentina's opening try as debate rages

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    French scrumhalf drills perfect shot at goal under outrageous circumstances

View All

Funnies

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Watch: Mike Haley's post match interaction with RG Snyman leaves no doubt about where Munster players stand

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    The rugby guy and Mack Hansen drop an all time BANGER with latest video

View All

Amateur

  • 99 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 99 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 122 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 122 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 122 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    'Eligible for England' - Fans react to South African star's contract announcement

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    The 19-year-old named the 'future' of English rugby after win against Australia A

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Anthony Watson exclusive: 'I wouldn't be surprised if England win'

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    It’s a 9.5/10 for Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

View All