Springboks v All Blacks: South Africa DOMINATE combined XV as just four Kiwis make cut
Siya Kolisi, Jesse Kriel and Ardie Savea all feature in our combined XV.
After a week off, the Rugby Championship is back; and it doesn’t get much bigger than this as the Springboks face their arch-rivals New Zealand at Ellis Park.
As we do with all major Tests, we have picked our brains to select a combined XV between both the starting Springboks and All Blacks line-ups.
Boks dominate backline
15. Beauden Barrett (New Zealand): The veteran has been a bright spark in this All Blacks team in 2024, and his form warrants a spot in our combined XV. He is proving that he is still capable of performing at the highest level, and continues to have a huge impact on his team.
14. Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa): A tough choice given Will Jordan’s performance in the victory over Los Pumas, but Cheslin Kolbe has also been in electric form himself of late. He is really making the most of the new expansive Boks attack, and seems to be back to his 2019 form.
13. Jesse Kriel (South Africa): Potentially the form centre in the world right now? Jesse Kriel has flourished in the Tony Brown attack, and has added a fresh, new dynamic to his game which has made him an all-round threat.
12. Damian de Allende (South Africa): Another toss up, but De Allende edges Jordie Barrett on current form. De Allende is such an explosive, powerful centre who gets heavily involved on both sides of the ball, and is proving to be crucial in this current Springboks side.
Rassie Erasmus: It would be ‘stupid’ not to start Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu against the All Blacks
11. Kurt-Lee Arendse (South Africa): Possibly benefitting the most out of any of the Springboks from their new attacking style. He is getting much more time on the ball, and importantly it’s in the areas where he can use his electric pace to make in-roads through defences. Was brilliant against the Wallabies.
10. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (South Africa): The man of the moment comes in at 10, beating counterpart Damian McKenzie into the squad. The youngster is playing with genuine freedom, and importantly just seems to be living in the moment. He is also showing he is the man to guide the Boks in their new attacking style, and he seems to suit it perfectly.
9. TJ Perenara (New Zealand): Potentially lucky to be in the starting All Blacks side, but TJ Perenara makes our combined XV. We all know what a talent he is, and he looked much improved in the victory over Los Pumas at Eden Park too.
Mixed pack
8. Ardie Savea (New Zealand): Jasper Wiese is a quality player, but there was no way he was getting into this team over Savea. The Moana Pasifika-bound back-row is looking back to his frightening best, and has really led from the front this Rugby Championship. He is certainly the heartbeat of the All Blacks team.
Scott Robertson’s take on Eben Etzebeth’s addition to the Springboks 23
7. Siya Kolisi (South Africa): From one leader to the next, as Siya Kolisi slots in at openside flanker (6 or 7, take your pick). Kolisi has come under fire for his club form, but he has put that behind him with some impressive performances in the Green and Gold this year. He also runs his blood to water for his team.
6. Ethan Blackadder (New Zealand): Joining compatriot Savea is blindside flanker Blackadder. The Crusaders man has been solid throughout the Rugby Championship on both sides of the ball, and importantly has stabilised the faltering All Blacks lineout.
5. Pieter-Steph Du Toit (South Africa): We’re slightly cheating here, Du Toit slots into the number five shirt despite being named at four this weekend. The veteran featured here to good effect against the Wallabies in round one, despite it not being his regular position. We also know what a sensational player his is in general, so there was no way we were leaving him out.
4. Scott Barrett (New Zealand): The All Blacks captain has missed both of his side’s matches this Rugby Championship, but he is a top quality player and will have a big impact on his side – especially in the lineout. He just gets through so much work for his team, and will be a welcome return this week.
3. Tyrel Lomax (New Zealand): Could easily have been Frans Malherbe in this spot, but the way Lomax scrummaged against Argentina puts him into the team. He might not get the praise that Ethan de Groot or Tamati Williams got, but the All Blacks scrum wouldn’t be anywhere near as solid if it wasn’t for Lomax.
2. Bongi Mbonambi (South Africa): Hooker was a tricky call, as neither have really been at their best, but the Bok looked more improved last time out against the Wallabies. On his day, the Sharks man is such a valuable asset in both defence and the set-piece.
1. Ox Nche (South Africa): Similar position to Lomax v Malherbe, as Ox Nche beats Tamati Williams into the number one jersey. Nche is without a doubt the best attacking loosehead in World Rugby right now, and he is so influential to the success of the Boks scrum.
