Six Springboks crack Got Game’s World XV based on the Autumn internationals, but there’s no room for the French, Argentines, Welsh or the English. This is the team to beat the Mars XV every day of the week.
1 Ox Nche (SA)
Quietly monstrous, Ox Nche is as much a beast in the north as he is at home. Imagine the dread when you realise you’re up against this lump, whose body shape is the template for a gnarled loosehead.
2 Codie Taylor (NZ)
Not as abrasive or as physical as SA’s stocks, but wonderfully athletic and grinding. Adds vibrancy and energy to the All Black forwards and a menace on attack.
3 Zander Fagerson (Sco)
A real boon for Scotland and a man who does the fundamentals quietly and effectively. Put Angus Bell to the sword. Must mention Thomas du Toit, who offered a violent reminder of his prowess when given a turn.
4 Eben Etzebeth (SA)
Fast entering the reckoning as South Africa’s GOAT. He’s not just big and athletic; he’s nasty and fiery, an in-your-face menace.
5 Tadhg Beirne (Ire)
Mister Consistent makes the Irish scrum purr. He’s a master operator with long levers and an ice-cool temperament.
6 Rob Valetini (Aus)
Pushes out Wallace Sititi for the honour based on his non-stop engine and ability to fire up the Aussie pack. A wonder around the park.
7 Pieter-Steph du Toit (SA)
The world’s best by a mile. Du Toit’s stats are mind-blowing, but all in a day’s work for the farmer’s son from Riebeek-Kasteel who continues to set outrageous new standards for excellence.
8 Kaelan Doris (Ire)
Leadership, skill, work rate, versatility, Doris is ferociously effective. He was on fire this autumn.
9 Cam Roigard (NZ)
Stepped up when TJ Perenara couldn’t. Calm, slick, organised, he’s finally come into his own and is a joy to watch.
10 Finn Russell (Sco)
Just imagine Finn Russell behind a monster pack like the Springboks. Even without, he’s always looking to add fizz, always looking to create chances.
11 Kurt-Lee Arendse (SA)
The yin to Cheslin Kolbe’s yang, Kurt-Lee Arendse has talent to burn, all pace and raw instinct. On his day he’s untouchable. France’s Louis Bielle-Biarrey running hot too.
12 Sione Tuipulotu (Sco)
Neither Scots by name nor Scots by nature, Sione Tuipulotu is nonetheless a proud tartan terror. He had a flawless autumn, tackling, running hard and getting in people’s faces with his fearless approach. Damian De Allende in the mix too.
13 Jesse Kriel (SA)
Whether carrying, defending or targeting the breakdown, Jesse Kriel is a fiend. All muscle and wild energy, he thoroughly dominates his channel.
14 Cheslin Kolbe (SA)
Entertainer non-pareil, Kolbe is a surgical finisher who can conjure something from nothing. He may have quiet Test matches. He never has poor ones.
15 Will Jordan (NZ)
With the highest strike rate of any current international – 38 tries in 41 matches – Jordan knows his way to the tryline. He was imperious on tour, helping the All Blacks regain their swagger.
