We select a starting XV of players that shone during a 2024 Rugby Championship season that saw the back-to-back world champion Springboks win the competition for the first time since 2019.
Front rankers: Ox Nche (RSA) Codie Taylor (NZL) and Frans Malherbe (RSA)
In the absence of Steven Kitshoff, Nche was a standout for the Boks at scrum time and with ball in hand throughout the competition. The No 1 is only getting better with age, and his combination with the finest tighthead on the planet, Malherbe, was a major factor behind Rassie Erasmus’ side’s success this year. 33-year-old Taylor turned back the clock for the All Blacks, and was highly influential in a losing cause in the Tests against the Boks.
Honourable mentions: Angus Bell (AUS) and Malcolm Marx (RSA)
Second row: Eben Etzebeth (RSA) and Tupou Vaa’i (NZL)
The record-breaking Etzebeth is a colossus for the Green and Gold and enjoyed another fine campaign for the side, while young Vaa’i was one of New Zealand’s best players during the championship, contributing some big carries and clutch moments on defence.
Honourable mentions: Scott Barrett (NZL) and Ruan Nortje (RSA)
Back row: Pablo Matera (ARG), Pieter Steph du Toit (RSA) and Wallace Sititi (NZL)
The entire Pumas loose trio were positively talismanic for their side during the tournament, and their influence in round one in Wellington was a big reason Argentina won that game. Unfortunately, though, there is only space for the one-time Pumas captain Matera on this list. At just 22-years-of-age, Samoa-born Sititi looks to be a player coming of age in the All Black back row, while du Toit could be well on his way to earning another World Player of the Year award after his exploits for the Boks.
Honourable mentions: Siya Kolisi (RSA), Marcos Kremer and Juan Martin Gonzales (both ARG)
Halfbacks: Cortez Ratima (NZL) and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (RSA)
Although we saw a lot of TJ Perenara for New Zealand, livewire Ratima could be the side’s long-term option at scrumhalf after delivering superb performances in his time in the No 9 shirt. Like Ratima, Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s showings, particularly against the Kiwis, could see him become the future answer at flyhalf for his side.
Honourable mentions: Manie Libbok (RSA) and Tomas Albornoz (ARG)
Midfield: Santiago Chocobares (ARG) and Jesse Kriel (both RSA)
Toulouse’s Chocobares was a dog of war for Argentina, with the midfielder’s excellence on both sides of the ball proving pivotal for his side. Kriel’s consistency has made him one of the world’s very best in his position and a vital cog in the Bok backline.
Honourable mentions: Damian de Allende (RSA) and Lucio Cinti (ARG)
Back three: Cheslin Kolbe (RSA), Will Jordan (NZL) and Aphelele Fassi (both RSA)
Kolbe’s enduring class and consistency borders on the supernatural, and he was one of the easiest picks on this list. Jordan continued his freakish try-scoring exploits for New Zealand, while the Weekend Special Fassi enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with the Boks.
Honourable mentions: Kurt-Lee Arendse (RSA), Juan Cruz Mallia (ARG) and Tom Wright (AUS)
2024 Rugby Championship Team of the Tournament
1. Ox Nche (RSA)
2. Codie Taylor (NZL)
3. Frans Malherbe (RSA)
4. Eben Etzebeth (RSA)
5. Tupou Vaa’i (NZL)
6. Pablo Matera (ARG)
7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (RSA)
8. Wallace Sititi (NZL)
9. Cortez Ratima (NZL)
10. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (RSA)
11. Cheslin Kolbe (RSA)
12. Santiago Chocobares (ARG)
13. Jesse Kriel (RSA)
14. Will Jordan (NZL)
15. Aphelele Fassi (RSA)
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