The Ultimate XV: The Best Springbok Players by Position Since 1995 

The debate for the ultimate Springbok XV has been going on since the beginning of the Springboks. This is because South Africa has produced some of the greatest rugby union players in history.  

Since the 1995 Rugby World Cup win, generations of exceptional players have helped build the Springbok identity. Today South Africa sits as the number one rugby nation in the world, with four Rugby World Cup titles, multiple Rugby Championship wins, and unforgettable victories.  

So, choosing the greatest XV is no easy task. Every Springbok team delivers world-class talent. But this particular team is based on individual brilliance, longevity, consistency, and unbelievable performances on rugby’s biggest stage. Without further ado, here is your ultimate Springboks XV by position.  

1. Ox Nche – Loosehead Prop 

The loosehead prop is the foundation of the scrum but also plays a role in making important tackles and carries. Moreover, they contribute to the breakdown work around the field.  

There’s no prop quite like Ox Nche. His scrummaging dominance was the Springboks’ secret weapon during the 2023 World Cup. This, along with his work rate and ability to dismantle opposition scrums, makes him a standout player.  

2. Malcolm Marx – Hooker 

The hooker throws the ball into the lineout and is the middleman in the front row of the scrum. They are known to carry hard and tackle harder.  

As the complete modern hooker, Malcolm Marx is a powerful tackler and ball carrier. He is one of the best turnover specialists that rugby has to offer. It’s for this reason that he was the 2025 World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year and SA Rugby Player of the Year.  

Marx is a two-time Rugby World Cup (2019, 2023) winner and has 87 caps for the Springboks. He has also been instrumental in multiple Rugby Championship titles.  

3. Frans Malherbe – Tighthead Prop 

The tighthead prop is one of the most physically demanding positions, as they provide stability to the scrum. Not only this, but they also play a key role in rucks and mauls. So, tighthead props are needed to gain territory.  

Springbok and DHL Stormers prop Frans Malherbe has become one of the greatest in rugby history. Making his debut in 2011, he established himself as a key player playing in the Currie Cup and Rugby World Cups. Malherbe is known for his technical excellence, consistency, and durability.   

4. Eben Etzebeth – Lock 

Locks help secure possession at the lineouts and provide power in the scrums due to their height. They are the guys who usually jump for the ball in lineouts and bring physicality during the match.  

As the most capped Springbok in history, Eben Etzebeth is known for his leadership, physicality, and lineout dominance. His consistency has set the standard for exceptional rugby players and has redefined what it means to be a Springbok.  

Not only this but he helped South Africa win their back-to-back World Cups and captained the Sharks to a 2024 Challenge Cup win. 

5. Victor Matfield – Lock  

The second lock is usually the lineout strategist and a key leader in the forward pack.  

Generally considered to be one of the best locks to have ever played for South Africa, Victor Matfield is known for his technical brilliance and ability to read the game. He was key in both the 2007 Rugby World Cup win and the 2009 British & Irish Lions victory.  

6. Schalk Burger – Openside Flanker  

Openside flankers are your fast guys, meaning they are generally the first ones at the breakdown. They play a key role in contesting possession and shifting momentum during the game.  

86-time capped flanker Schalk Burger was a two-time SA Rugby Player of the Year (2004, 2011). He was known for his powerful, high-intensity play and leadership that helped the Springboks win the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Not only this, but he built his reputation on powerful defence, ball-carrying, and work rate.  

7. Pieter-Steph du Toit – Blindside Flanker 

Blindside flankers are key when it comes to physicality and tackling. They are known for their relentless work rate at the breakdown and for gaining ground.  

Two-time winner of the World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year, Pieter-Steph du Toit is seen as one of the most outstanding players of this generation. He was a key player in the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cup wins for South Africa. du Toit is known for his stamina, defensive work rate, and tackling dominance.  

Today he remains one of the Springboks’ most influential players, captaining the July edition of the 2026 Nations Championship. 

**Note: In South Africa number 7 and number 6 are switched around. In the rest of the world, number 6 is a Blindside Flanker, and number 7 is an Openside Flanker.   

8. Duane Vermeulen – No. 8 

As the link between the forwards and the backs, the eighth man controls the ball at the back of the scrum. They act as powerful ball carriers deciding if they should keep the ball, run with it, or release it to the backs.  

Embodying everything South African rugby stands for, recently retired Duane Vermeulen is calm under pressure, dominant in contact, and brilliant at reading the game. In his time, he delivered winning performances. This is evident by him being awarded Player of the Match in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final. 

9. Joost van der Westhuizen – Scrum-Half 

The scrum-half, like the eighth man, links the forwards and backs. They control the tempo and direct play around the breakdown.  

Scoring 38 tries in 89 appearances, Joost van der Westhuizen is widely regarded as one of the greatest scrumhalves in history. He participated in three Rugby World Cups, with his 1995 appearance being most notable. van der Westhuizen possessed an incredible passing game, tactical awareness, and ability to score.  

10. Handré Pollard – Fly-Half 

The fly-half is the most influential player on the team. They decide if the ball should be run, passed, or kicked for position. As such, they control territory, create attacking chances, and kick for points.  

As the second-highest all-time points scorer for the Springboks, Handre Pollard is an exceptional player. He is known for his goal-kicking and leadership on the pitch. His remarkable accuracy in kicking a goal has been central to South Africa’s success in major tournaments and World Cup wins.  

11. Cheslin Kolbe – Left Wing  

Wingers are responsible for scoring tries through impressive speed and agility. They are known for sidestepping the opposition to contribute to offensive and defensive plays.  

Scoring two of the greatest tries in the professional era, Cheslin Kolbe is seen as one of rugby’s most influential players. His footwork, speed, and ability to dodge defenders make him a constant threat.  

He is known for his role in both the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups. Further, he is known for his role in receiving the 2016 Olympic bronze medal for sevens rugby.  

12. Jean de Villiers – Inside Centre

Inside centres combine physicality with creativity. They bridge the gap between the flyhalf and outside centre. In doing so, they aim to break the defensive line, creating space for teammates.  

As one of the most complete Springbok centres, Jean de Villiers was brilliant at distributing the ball, breaking tackles, and leading the defensive line. He represented the Boks for more than a decade with his leadership and consistency.  

13. Jesse Kriel – Outside Centre

Outside centres are responsible for breaking defensive lines and creating space for the wings to break through. They are known for their pace, passing, and tackling.  

Earning over 80 caps so far with the Springboks, Jesse Kriel is known for his strong defence and consistent performances. His leadership, versatility, and reliability have made him one of the greatest Springboks in this decade.  

14. Bryan Habana – Right Wing 

The right wing, like the left wing, is known for their agility and speed. They are the finishers, seen to convert opportunities into tries.  

As one of the greatest try scorers with 67 tries, Bryan Habana blessed the Springboks with speed and instinct. He won the 2007 World Rugby Player of the Year award for his performance in that year’s Rugby World Cup. Habana was able to flip the game on its head within a split second and score a try out of seemingly nowhere.  

15. Percy Montgomery – Fullback

Fullbacks are the last line of defence. They launch counter-attacks and provide support along the backline. In doing so, they use tactical kicking and ensure clean catches to regain possession of the ball. 

With 102 caps and scoring 893 Test points, Percy Montgomery was the definition of a phenomenal fullback. He was a key scorer and figure in the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Montgomery was an instrumental player due to his catch under the high ball and kicking abilities.  

Honourable Mentions  

Choosing just 15 players was so difficult that honourable mentions of Springbok players was needed to round off the list. These players narrowly missed the selection but still deserved recognition.  

Frans Steyn  

Able to play fly-half, centre, and fullback, Frans Steyn was one of the most naturally gifted players South Africa has produced. His versatility and kicking range made him a match-winner throughout his career.  

Fourie du Preez 

Known for his tactical kicking and game management, Fourie du Preez was instrumental in the 2007 Rugby World Cup win for South Africa.  

Damian Willemse  

Currently one of the most versatile backs in rugby, Damian Willemse is known for his composure under pressure. He was the youngest player to win two Rugby World Cups.  

Siya Kolisi 

This list wouldn’t be complete without Siya Kolisi being an honourable mention. He is a world-class flanker and one of the most inspirational captains in history. Kolisi has led the Springboks to back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles.  

A Team Built on Greatness

Since 1995, the Springboks have been four-time Rugby World Cup champions. During this time, they have produced players who have consistently ranked among the top players in the world.  

So, while every fan will have their own greatest Springbok XV, these 15 players have changed the game with their skill and performances on rugby’s biggest stages. As new stars emerge, these positions might become debatable. But for now, this team represents 15 of the greatest players since 1995.  

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