What a ripper of a team!
As we look ahead to Ireland’s clash with South Africa this weekend, we have gone and selected our combined team of the 21st century.
Loosehead prop – Tendai Mtawarira
This was a tight call between ‘Beast’ and Ox Nche, with both men playing key roles in World Cup-winning Springbok teams.
When all is said and done, the latter will probably edge in front, but Mtawarira’s starring role in the 2009 Lions win just about trumps Nche’s historic nomination for World Rugby Player of the Year.
While a prime Cian Healy was one of the best to ever do it in the loose, and the cult status of Os du Randt is well earned, you cannot overvalue a dominant scrum.
Hooker – Malcolm Marx
From an Irish perspective, Jerry Flannery had the best lineout darts, Keith Wood was dogged with silky skills, and Dan Sheehan is a phenom with ball in hand.
Marx at his best, however, is a combination of all three.
Special mentions to Bismarck du Plessis and John Smit.
Tighthead prop – Tadhg Furlong
Even the most patriotic South African supporters would begrudgingly give the New Ross man his place in this team.
An icon of the game, whose battle with Nche this weekend could be game-winning.
Lock – Eben Etzebeth
Of all the greats from 2000 onwards – Johnson, Matfield, O’Connell, Bakkies, Retallick, Itoje – one man reigns supreme.
And at just 34 years old, with 139 caps to his name, he has a chance at breaking Alun Wyn Jones’ all-time record of 170.
Lock – Paul O’Connell
This will be controversial, but the Munster man’s leadership and big-match mentality gives him the edge over his lineout nemesis, Victor Matfield.
Tadhg Beirne is also closing in on O’Connell, and a big game on Saturday could arguably put him ahead.
Blindside flanker – Pieter-Steph du Toit
PSDT already has two World Rugby POTY wins, and has secured another nomination for this year’s awards.
His defensive performance against the All Blacks in the 2023 World Cup final will go down as one of the best individual games in rugby history.
At this stage it’s fair to say that he makes an all-time greatest XV.
Openside flanker – Siya Kolisi
There is an argument that Seán O’Brien’s peak was higher than that of South Africa’s inspirational leader.
But Kolisi’s trophy cabinet is hard to look past, and the belief that he instills in his teammates with his mere presence cannot be underestimated.
Number eight – Duane Vermeulen
Jamie Heaslip is a close second here, while Caelan Doris has many more seasons to stake his claim.
However, Vermeulen’s peak was exceptional, which he produced during his man of the match performance in the 2019 World Cup final.
Scrum-half – Conor Murray
A man who would have flourished in South Africa, with his astute tactical kicking game and physical abilities.
It’s tight between him and Fourie du Preez, with the latter one of the more underrated players of his generation.
Out-half – Johnny Sexton
A straightforward call at out-half, despite the World Cup exploits of Handre Pollard.
Sexton’s manner and competitiveness made him unpopular at times, even in his own country, but nobody could deny his greatness.
Left wing – Bryan Habana
One of the biggest global stars in rugby, and backed up this reputation on the pitch.
Known for his sprinters pace, but had world-class footballing skills as well.
Inside centre – Jean de Villiers
This was the toughest and most contentious choice.
Damian de Allende’s two World Cups and consistent excellence, and Bundee Aki’s insane 2023 peak, made them genuine contenders, while Francois Steyn, Robbie Henshaw and Gordon D’Arcy were also in the running.
Recency bias loses out to the class of De Villiers.
Outside centre – Brian O’Driscoll
Along with PSDT and Sexton, this was the easiest call to make.
The best No. 13 the game has ever seen.
Shoutout to Jacques Fourie; another underrated legend.
Right wing – Cheslin Kolbe
Considering the heights he has reached at just 5ft 7in and 12st, Kolbe is one of rugby’s pound-for-pound greats.
Tommy Bowe also deserves a mention.
Fullback – Willie le Roux
The classiest player on the team, with his playmaking a point of difference over Hugo Keenan and Rob Kearney.
Percy Montgomery’s goal-kicking also deserves a mention.
Ireland/South Africa combined XV since 2000:
- Tendai Mtawarira
- Malcolm Marx
- Tadhg Furlong
- Eben Etzebeth
- Paul O’Connell
- Pieter-Steph du Toit
- Siya Kolisi
- Duane Vermeulen
- Conor Murray
- Johnny Sexton
- Bryan Habana
- Jean de Villiers
- Brian O’Driscoll
- Cheslin Kolbe
- Willie le Roux
