Our ultimate Rugby World Cup team: 30 years and four championships in the making

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Siya Kolisi has captained the Springboks to back-to-back Rugby World Cup triumphs. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
Thirty years ago, South Africa won their first Rugby World Cup when Springbok captain Francois Pienaar lifted the William Web Ellis Cup – Nelson Mandela standing beside him in triumph.
The 95 victory is arguably the most significant of the four World Cup victories – its place in our history protected by its socio-political importance and nation-building consequences. Many will agree that the Class of 95 were very much the underdogs in their tournament, and were spurred on by a ravenous home support that demanded nothing but victory.
There was a similar feel regarding the 2019 team that won the championship, while the 2007 winners were among the favourites to win the title.
Rugby World Cup 1995 | In retrospective
Image: Independent Media
Perhaps the most complete performance by a South African side, was the 2023 squad. Not only were they defending champions, but they were also British and Irish Lions series winners.
Choosing an ultimate team is no easy task. It means setting aside nostalgia, resisting recency bias, and acknowledging how much the game has changed over 30 years. Still, drawing from all four championship-winning sides, we crafted what we believe is the Springboks' Ultimate World Cup starting XV.
Here, a panel consisting of Ashfak Mohamed, John Goliath, Leighton Koopman, Mike Greenaway and Morgan Bolton mostly agreed on the majority of their combined picks, save for a few arguments that got only slightly heated.
Andre Joubert was nicknamed the 'Rolls Royce of fullbacks'. Picture: Independent Media Andre Joubert was nicknamed the 'Rolls Royce of fullbacks'. Picture: Independent Media
Image: Independent Media
🏉 FULLBACKS
1995: André Joubert | 2007: Percy Montgomery | 2019: Willie le Roux | 2023: Damian Willemse
Montgomery was the top points scorer at the 2007 edition in France, amassing a whopping 105 points in seven appearances. His boot was unerring, and he was key to ensuring the Boks triumphed in the final — collecting 12 points in the 15–6 win over England while playing through injury.
Le Roux, meanwhile, had similar physical concerns in the 2019 final, carrying a shoulder injury into the decider. Across both 2019 and 2023, he produced moments of brilliance, but his form was mercurial at best — often blowing hot and cold within the same game.
He played a more supporting role to Willemse in the latter tournament, and while Willemse was solid in his performances, we suspect that his World Cup will be the 2027 edition in Australia.
When it comes to the No 15 jersey, you do not simply get called 'the Rolls-Royce of fullbacks' for no reason. That moniker belongs exclusively to Joubert — bestowed upon him by England coach Jack Rowell. So influential was Joubert that, after breaking his hand in the quarter-final against Samoa, unprecedented treatment techniques were used to get him ready for the semi-final against France.
Even 30 years later, he remains the benchmark for what South Africa expects from a fullback.
Bryan Habana scored eight tries n the 2007 World Cup. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
🏉 WINGS
1995: James Small and Chester Williams | 2007: JP Pietersen and Bryan Habana | 2019: Cheslin Kolbe and Makazole Mapimpi | 2023: Kurt-Lee Arendse and Cheslin Kolbe
Williams' contribution to the mythos of the Springboks at the World Cup can never be understated. His presence gave the majority of the country a face to support in what was still a controversial sport in post-apartheid South Africa.
Small is a legend in his own right, as is Pietersen — both powerful, committed players who stood tall on the biggest stage.
Nevertheless, if we are seriously considering who the wings should be, then Habana is arguably the first name on the list. He scored eight tries during the 2007 World Cup — a record he shares with the great Jonah Lomu — and was crowned World Rugby Player of the Year for his efforts that season.
Arguably one of the most scintillating outside-backs in recent years, Kolbe is an easy choice, too. Injury-prone, perhaps, but when fit, he walks into any starting XV. In 2019, it was his solo try in the final that sealed the victory, and in 2023, his charge-down of Thomas Ramos's conversion in the quarter-final against France was a decisive moment on the road to defending the title.
Kolbe was the ultimate team man in that tournament as well. Small in stature but immense in heart, his combined efforts have already cemented his place as a living Springbok legend.
Damian de Allende was titanic in his performances in both 2019 and 2023 World Cup. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
🏉 CENTRES
1995: Japie Mulder and Hennie le Roux | 2007: Jaque Fourie and Frans Steyn | 2019: Damian de Allende and Lukhanyo Am | 2023: Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel
The first department where voices of dissension began to stir.
It was clear to the panel that Damian de Allende was a certainty in any midfield conversation. He was terrific in 2019 and four years later. His powerful effort against Wales in the 2019 semi-final was nothing short of tournament-saving, while his all-round game — physical in attack, disciplined in defence — remained rock-solid across both campaigns.
The real debate came in choosing his partner, with the discussion centring around 2019's Lukhanyo Am and Jaque Fourie's effort in 2007.
Am's tactical nuance and calm decision-making laid the foundation for the Springboks' World Cup success. His iconic offload to Mapimpi in the final — which resulted in South Africa's first ever try in a World Cup final — is the kind of moment that deserves to be looped on repeat.
Fourie, meanwhile, was a juggernaut in 2007. While there were arguably more influential individuals in the final, Mossie was the ideal fit for a forward-dominated gameplan: a hard-hitting, straight-running outside centre who could absorb pressure and punish teams on the counter.
Joel Stransky in action during the 1995 World Cup clash. Joel Stransky in action during the 1995 World Cup clash.
Image: Independent Media
🏉 FLYHALVES
1995: Joel Stransky | 2007: Butch James | 2019 and 2023: Handré Pollard
Stransky's heroics in the 1995 final will forever be etched in Springbok folklore. He scored all 15 of South Africa's points in the 15–12 win over the All Blacks — including that drop goal in extra-time.
James, meanwhile, was an uncompromising No 10 whose physicality and defensive steel put fear into the opposition. He wasn't flashy, but he was reliable — exactly what that 2007 team needed.
When it comes to the flyhalves, however, the darling of South African rugby — Pollard — gets the nod. He was solid enough in 2019, but it was Pollard Version 2023 that truly proved his mettle as a clutch player of the highest order.
Despite a limited role in the tournament due to injury, he returned when it mattered most, showing ice in his veins as he calmly slotted match-winning penalties in three consecutive knockout matches: France in the quarter-final, England in the semi-final, and New Zealand in the final.
There are flashier No 10s in world rugby, but few have managed the pressure quite like Pollard.
Joost van der Westhuizen played a pivotal role in The Springboks World Cup victory in 1995. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
🏉 SCRUMHALVES
1995: Joost van der Westhuizen | 2007: Fourie du Preez | 2019 and 2023: Faf de Klerk
There's a reason why De Klerk has been a staple of the Springbok setup since 2016. Relentless and terrier-like, his work rate on defence has been exceptional, while his service and kicking game have often been pinpoint. He brought energy and edge to both the 2019 and 2023 triumphs.
However, in Van der Westhuizen and Du Preez, South Africa produced two generational talents at scrumhalf — players who redefined what the No 9 jersey could look like and how it could operate.
Van der Westhuizen was tall, aggressive, and utterly fearless. His now-iconic tackle on Jonah Lomu in the 1995 final remains a treasured memory for many Bok supporters. He was a physical threat and a natural leader — a true pioneer in his position.
Du Preez, meanwhile, may well be the finest scrumhalf this country has ever produced. Tactically astute, with an unmatched kicking game and exceptional vision, he commanded his position with nuance and calm. He was never flustered, never rushed and always in control.
Duane Vermeulen was the Player of the Match of teh 2019 Rugby World Cup final against England. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
🏉 EIGHTHMAN
1995: Mark Andrews | 2007: Danie Rossouw | 2019 & 2023: Duane Vermeulen
The fact that Andrews finished the 1995 tournament at eighthman — despite being a natural lock — speaks volumes about his versatility and the hallmark selflessness that defined that squad under coach Kitch Christie.
Rossouw, meanwhile, was the silent assassin of the 2007 team. Versatile, powerful, durable and relentless, he remains one of the most understated figures in South African rugby history. He never craved the spotlight, but he never missed his mark either.
Even so, there is no denying the omnipresence of Duane Vermeulen in this conversation. Thor redefined what is expected from a modern eighthman. In the 2019 final against England, he was named Player of the Match — for good reason. Unyielding in both attack and defence, he dominated the gain line, disrupted breakdowns, and brought an ironclad calm to the biggest stage.
By 2023, his on-field minutes were more limited, but his leadership in a tournament where margins were brutally thin remained unquestionable. Whether starting or closing out tight matches, Vermeulen's presence was always felt.
Pieter-Steph du Toit made a colossal 28 tackles in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final against the All Blacks. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
🏉 FLANKS
1995: Ruben Kruger and Francois Pienaar | 2007: Juan Smith and Schalk Burger | 2019 and 2023: Pieter-Steph du Toit and Siya Kolisi
Considering the calibre and significance of this department in South Africa's World Cup victories, the panel was surprisingly unanimous when settling on our starting flanks.
The main point of debate centred around Pienaar and Kolisi, as both men's roles transcended rugby. Pienaar's moment — lifting the trophy with Nelson Mandela beside him in 1995 — remains iconic. Kolisi's triumph in 2019 was no less symbolic, representing how far the sport had come in speaking to and for all South Africans.
Trying to measure which of those moments carried more weight is near impossible. Both are etched deeply into the national psyche, rooted in themes of unity, transformation and pride. Each man played an ambassadorial role beyond the pitch — invaluable, unforgettable, and worthy of celebration.
Ultimately, Kolisi edges Pienaar by the narrowest of margins, perhaps due to the dual achievement of captaining back-to-back World Cup-winning teams and continuing to inspire across multiple generations.
On the other side of the scrum, the decision was less emotional but just as definitive. Juan Smith and Schalk Burger both deserve to be mentioned among not just South Africa's best, but among the greatest flankers the game has ever seen. Smith, in particular, is too often left out of those conversations — a model of consistency, physicality and game intelligence.
And then there is Pieter-Steph du Toit. Quite simply, he is the prototype for the modern loose forward. He was named World Rugby Player of the Year in 2019, and in the 2023 final, he was a machine — making 28 tackles without a miss, each with the same intensity and emotional commitment. He is, by every measure, a once-in-a-generation player.
Eben Etzebeth is the current World Rugby Player of the Year. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
🏉 LOCKS
1995: Hannes Strydom and Kobus Wiese | 2007: Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha | 2019: Lood de Jager and Eben Etzebeth | 2023: Eben Etzebeth and Franco Mostert
Another department absolutely stacked with talent.
Each era could lay claim to having the best lock pairing in the world — from the hard-nosed, no-nonsense duo of Strydom and Wiese, to the perfect blend of tact and grunt in Matfield and Botha, to the bone-crunching physicality of Etzebeth, supported by the ever-committed Mostert and athletic De Jager.
All played vital roles in helping the Boks lift the most coveted trophy in world rugby — but it is difficult to look past Matfield and Etzebeth.
Matfield was the linchpin of the Boks pack in 2007 and the undisputed master of the lineout. He turned that set piece into an attacking platform, giving South Africa the tactical upper hand and enabling a forward-dominated strategy to flourish.
Etzebeth, meanwhile, has been peerless at lock for the better part of a decade. The current World Rugby Player of the Year, he epitomises controlled aggression, striking fear into opponents with every carry, hit, and glare. Over time, he's added genuine leadership to his game — a matured enforcer who now wears his legacy as the most-capped Springbok forward of all time with authority and pride.
He is, quite simply, one of the greatest to ever wear green and gold.
John Smit led Soputh Africa to our second World Cup triumph in 2007. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
🏉 HOOKER
1995: Chris Rossouw | 2007: John Smit | 2019 and 2023: Bongi Mbonambi
Before we continue, we need to address the omission of Malcolm Marx.
Undoubtedly, Marx was the panel's first-choice hooker — particularly for his efforts during the 2019 final and in the seasons surrounding it. Unfortunately, due to the criteria of selecting only from the starting XVs in the four finals, the physically imposing Marx did not qualify for consideration.
That said, he has been the finest hooker of this generation, and deserves every plaudit he receives. A wrecking ball at the breakdown, brutal in contact, and freakishly effective as a fourth loose forward, Marx's impact transcends caps and team sheets.
That leaves us with Rossouw, Smit, and Mbonambi.
Rossouw, a late addition to the 1995 squad, performed admirably when called upon, playing his role in an unforgettable campaign. Mbonambi was, for a time, the undisputed first-choice No 2. In 2019, he was dynamic, precise, and tough. By 2023, however, his influence had slightly waned. Still, his contributions in both World Cup wins ensure his place as an important cog in the Bok machine.
That brings us to Smit.
Perhaps not the best pure hooker of his era — Bismarck du Plessis arguably ticked more boxes — but Smit's leadership is what truly set him apart. As captain in 2007, he was calm under pressure, tactically astute, and respected by teammates and rivals alike. He made the right calls at the right time, guiding his team to a second World Cup title.
For years, he was the gold standard of Bok captaincy — and for this ultimate XV, his presence is essential.
Os du Randt is a double World Cup winner 12 years apart. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
🏉 PROPS
1995: Balie Swart and Os du Randt | 2007: CJ van der Linde and Os du Randt | 2019: Frans Malherbe and Tendai Mtawarira | 2023: Frans Malherbe and Steven Kitshoff
When it comes to the heavyweights of the front-row, Springbok rugby has been blessed with some truly special talent.
None more so than Frans 'Bud Spencer' Malherbe. A man of few words when speaking to the media, Malherbe does all his talking on the field. He honestly doesn't get the plaudits he deserves — perhaps because his role at tighthead relies on a combination of obscure technical skill, scrummaging dark arts, and raw, undefined grunt.
But make no mistake: Malherbe scrummed opponents into the ground during both the 2019 and 2023 campaigns, dominating the set-piece and allowing the Boks to dictate play and impose their tactical will. Swart and van der Linde were excellent in their roles, but even they might agree that Malherbe belongs on another level.
In 2019, Tendai 'Beast' Mtawarira dismantled his English counterpart, Dan Cole, in a scrummaging masterclass. Likewise, Steven Kitshoff brought incredible technical quality in tandem with Malherbe in 2023, forming a formidable front-row axis.
Still, when it comes to our second prop, there's no ignoring Os du Randt. A double World Cup winner, 12 years apart, his legacy is unmatched. As a loosehead, he remains the prototype of the complete Bok prop — durable, explosive, and as effective in the loose as he was in the scrum. | Edited by Morgan Bolton