Six Springboks players were included in the World rugby men’s XV dream team on Tuesday.
Malcolm Marx, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Ox Nché, Thomas du Toit, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Cheslin Kolbe all made the cut. Marx won the World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year award.
All six players delivered standout performances on the international stage this season. The Springboks won 11 of their 13 Tests to date. Wales will face the Springboks at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Saturday.
The Boks successfully defended the Castle Lager Rugby Championship title. They also retained the Freedom Cup and Nelson Mandela Challenge Plate trophies. The team won all three matches in the Castle Lager Incoming Series in July. They defeated Japan, France, Italy, and Ireland on the Castle Lager Outgoing Tour. These victories helped them retain the top spot on the world rankings.
“I extend heartfelt congratulations to Malcolm, Pieter-Steph, Ox, Thomas, Sacha and Cheslin,” Mark Alexander, President of SA, said.
“SA Rugby and the entire country celebrate their inclusion in the Dream Team. They have all played exceptionally well this season and deserve this honour. This team consists of the best players throughout the world. Six Springboks’ inclusion demonstrates the quality of players we have in South Africa.”
“Malcolm’s achievement becomes even more remarkable as the second consecutive South African winner. World Rugby nominated Pieter-Steph and Ox alongside him. World Rugby also nominated Ethan Hooker for the Breakthrough Men’s 15s Player award. SA Rugby feels extremely proud of them and the entire Springbok team.”
Also read: Marx claims World Rugby Player of the Year as Springboks make history
“The Springboks symbolise what we can achieve as a country working together. This brotherhood transcends sport, and I congratulate coach Rassie Erasmus and his staff. They ensure players remain the best version of themselves on and off the field.”
Alexander also congratulated the Springboks on their season and wished them well. “The Springboks have had a remarkable season with only two defeats in 13 matches. Retaining the top world ranking in such a competitive year proves exceptional.”
“They still have one match to play against Wales on Saturday. Everyone at SA Rugby and across the country will support them. We wish them luck as they aim to finish unbeaten for consecutive years.”
World Rugby previously named Nché, Marx, du Toit, and Kolbe in the 2024 Dream Team. The selection also included Eben Etzebeth, Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel.
World Rugby Men’s 15s Dream Team:
15 Will Jordan (NZ); 14 Cheslin Kolbe (SA); 13 Huw Jones (Scotland); 12 Len Ikitau (Australia); 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France); 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (SA); 9 Cam Roigard (NZ); 8 Harry Wilson (Aus); 7 Tom Curry (England); 6 Pieter-Steph du Toit (SA); 5 Tadhg Beirne (Ireland); 4 Maro Itoje (England); 3 Thomas du Toit (SA); 2 Malcolm Marx (SA); 1 Ox Nché (SA)
