Four Springboks have been named in a standout XV after the world champions went unbeaten in the first three rounds of the Nations Championship.
Ruck.co.uk compiled a lineup from those who starred for their country in the competition so far, featuring two Frenchmen, two Kiwis, two Scots and two Englishmen, alongside a lone representative each from Argentina, Ireland and Australia.
Outside centre Jesse Kriel was one of the few Boks retained for all three Tests against England, Scotland and Wales, with Rassie Erasmus otherwise rotating heavily through his squad. Kriel repaid that trust with a try in every round.
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On the left wing, Kurt-Lee Arendse made his mark in just two outings, crossing the whitewash once each against the English and Welsh.
Blindside flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit’s selection came after the two-time World Cup winner assumed the Bok captaincy and shifted into the second row once Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth were ruled out due to injury.
Described as one of the most complete hookers in the game, reigning World Rugby Player of the Year Malcolm Marx started two Tests, crashing over for a five-pointer in South Africa’s opening round win at Ellis Park.
RUCK.CO.UK’S TEAM OF THE NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP – 15 Matthieu Jalibert (France), 14 Will Jordan (New Zealand), 13 Jesse Kriel (South Africa), 12 Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland), 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse (South Africa), 10 Ruben Love (New Zealand), 9 Maxime Lucu (France), 8 Joaquín Oviedo (Argentina), 7 Henry Pollock (England), 6 Jack Conan (Ireland), 5 Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa), 4 Josh Canham (Australia), 3 Zander Fagerson (Scotland), 2 Malcolm Marx (South Africa), 1 Ellis Genge (England).
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
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