In the fourth of a six-part series, SA Rugby magazine’s writers pick their world team of the year, based on performances throughout 2021.
Mariette Adams
Having long been touted as the heir apparent to Aaron Smith as the king of the scrumhalves, Antoine Dupont has finally moved ahead of the pack and is now the leading No 9 in the world. Though it can be argued that he had an even better season in 2020 than in 2021, Dupont was still the best and most consistent scrumhalf this year. And as the poster boy of the French rugby’s resurgence, it was fitting that his Test campaign was capped by a nomination for the World Player of the Year award.
In a year when the best-of-the-best players like Beauden Barrett, Richie Mo’unga, Handre Pollard and, to an extent, Owen Farrell fell by the wayside in terms of performance and consistency, very few others stepped up to set the Test arena alight. But no one was as consistent and reliable as Dan Biggar. The Welshman started in all three Tests between the British & Irish Lions and Springboks as well as in eight of Wales’ 12 internationals this year. Though not as flashy and flamboyant as some of his peers, Biggar was dependable and consistent.
Zelím Nel
The steady resurgence of Les Bleus, epitomised by the demolition of the All Blacks in November, is a direct consequence of coach Fabien Galthie’s investment in the kicking game. Antoine Dupont is the key component of the plan, his heavy-calibre boot blowing up opposing backfields like no other in 2021 and turning the French tight five into world-class chasers.
It’s far more difficult picking a halfback partner for Dupont. Among the leading 10s in 2021, Handre Pollard and Richie Mo’unga blew hot and cold, Beauden Barrett continued to struggle with his kicks, Owen Farrell started mostly at centre, Romain Ntamack missed significant playing time, Quade Cooper’s comeback was stellar but short-lived while Dan Biggar was consistent but forgettable and Finn Russell was more fireworks than firepower.
And that’s why Johnny Sexton wins my vote. He bounced back in the Six Nations with solid performances to finish as the leading points-scorer and then brushed off his Lions snub to skipper Ireland to an epic victory over the All Blacks in November.
Ollie Keohane
There are not many who will argue against Antoine Dupont’s selection as the standout scrumhalf of 2021. Dupont, selected in World Rugby’s Dream Team, has been sensational and inspirational for a young France team. Unpredictable on attack, confrontational in defence and consistent in his quality, Dupont has owned the No 9 jersey internationally in 2021. His brilliant performance in France’s record-breaking 40-25 win over the All Blacks was a fitting finale to a fantastic year.
Though the All Blacks seem unsure about their starting flyhalf, I’m convinced Beauden Barrett is the most lethal 10 in the world at Test level, and that his presence adds an almost unplayable attacking dimension to the All Blacks. Barrett reached 100 Test caps at just 30 years old this past year, and when given the No 10 jersey he starred. Richie Mo’unga is a wonderful player, but there is something enigmatic about Barrett. In 2021, he reminded the rugby world of this.
AP Cronje
Richly deserving of the title of World Player of the Year, Antoine Dupont has fluctuated between fantastic and downright unplayable. The little maestro has been the cornerstone of the French attack and has brought sumptuous flair to the international stage. Make no mistake, Dupont is not just show; his decision-making and execution under pressure has been surgical.
Romain Ntamack has been a microcosm of everything that has been so impressive about France in 2021; the sumptuous skills, the swaggering ambition, the nonchalant excellence – he typifies it all. The flyhalf’s finest moment may have been his daring escape from within his own try area against New Zealand, but in reality that was only one moment in a kaleidoscope of brilliance.
Dylan Jack
The scrumhalf battle pretty much boils down to two options and I have opted for Antoine Dupont ahead of New Zealand’s Aaron Smith. Building on his 2020 season, Dupont had another excellent year which culminated in him outplaying Smith as France put 40 points on the board against the All Blacks.
This year has been a bit of an anomaly as not a single flyhalf was nominated for Player of the Year. It is difficult to pick one particular standout as each option had their ups and downs in 2021. However, for sheer consistency, Ireland’s Jonathan Sexton makes it into my XV. The veteran broke the 100-cap mark this year and very rarely put a foot wrong for his nation.
