Duane Vermeulen is one of only five Springboks from the 2019 and 2023 World Cup-winning campaigns to make a combined XV which also draws from the 2011-2015 All Blacks.
The Boks’ recent dominance, including back-to-back World Cup titles, has sparked inevitable comparison with the 2011-2015 All Blacks who also successfully defended their global crown.
Now former All Blacks flyhalf Stephen Donald has revealed his combined starting line-up drawn from two of rugby’s most dominant eras.
In the backline, Israel Dagg gets the nod at fullback for his influential role in both New Zealand’s triumphs, while Cheslin Kolbe is one of the few Springboks to crack the side. Donald highlighted the diminutive winger’s game-breaking brilliance in the 2019 final and his crucial contributions in France in 2023. Julian Savea completes the back three after his devastating 2015 campaign.
The midfield is an all-All Blacks pairing, with Conrad Smith and Ma’a Nonu – the engine room of New Zealand’s golden era – reunited.
Dan Carter edges Handre Pollard at flyhalf, despite the latter’s clutch performances in 2019 and 2023 being central to the Springboks’ success. Aaron Smith was a clear favourite for the No 9 jersey although Faf de Klerk got a mention.
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In the pack, Duane Vermeulen gets the No 8 jersey, with Richie McCaw and the destructive Pieter-Steph du Toit forming a formidable loose-forward trio. Vermeulen and Du Toit are both recognised for their massive influence across the two World Cups.
At lock, Donald opted for a split pairing: Brodie Retallick partners Eben Etzebeth, with the veteran Springbok enforcer earning his place as one of the standout players of the modern era.
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In the front row, Ox Nche is the sole Bok inclusion. The Sharks powerhouse – recently nominated for World Rugby Player of the Year – packs down alongside All Blacks greats Dane Coles and Owen Franks. 2025 World Player of the Year Malcolm Marx was a close call at hooker but just edged out.
STEPHEN DONALD’S NZ-SA GREATEST ERAS XV – 15 Israel Dagg (NZ), 14 Cheslin Kolbe (SA), 13 Conrad Smith (NZ), 12 Ma’a Nonu (NZ), 11 Julian Savea (NZ), 10 Dan Carter (NZ), 9 Aaron Smith (NZ), 8 Duane Vermeulen (SA), 7 Richie McCaw (NZ), 6 Pieter-Steph du Toit (SA), 5 Eben Etzebeth (SA), 4 Brodie Retallick (NZ), 3 Owen Franks (NZ), 2 Dane Coles (NZ), 1 Ox Nche (SA).
Photo: Adam Pretty/Getty Images
The post Only five Boks in NZ-SA Greatest Eras XV appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.