The Springboks’ series triumph over Wales has earned four of the world champions’ standout players spots in a star-studded lineup.
In a best-of-the-best team sheet compiled by Ruck.co.uk after the July global Test schedule, the Boks and Ireland dominate the selections with five of Andy Farrell’s New Zealand-conquering charges in the starting XV.
Delivering a Man of the Match performance in his 100th Test for the Boks, Eben Etzebeth slots into the second row alongside Irishman Tadhg Beirne.
Inspirational Bok skipper Siya Kolisi combines with Ireland blindside flank Josh van der Flier and All Blacks No 8 Ardie Savea in the loose trio.
SA speedster Makazole Mapimpi is set to demolish defences as part of an explosive back three with Kiwi Will Jordan and Englishman Freddie Steward, while Lukhanyo Am and Australian Samu Kerevi link up in midfield.
Englishman Ellis Genge packs down in the front row with Irishmen Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong, as Ireland skipper Johnny Sexton and French counterpart Antoine Dupont complete the lineup as halfback pairing.
Ruck.co.uk World XV:
15 Freddie Steward (ENG), 14 Makazole Mapimpi (SA), 13 Lukhanyo Am (SA), 12 Samu Kerevi (AUS), 11 Will Jordan (NZ), 10 Johnny Sexton (IRE), 9 Antoine Dupont (FRA), 8 Ardie Savea (NZ), 7 Josh van der Vlier (IRE), 6 Siya Kolisi (SA), 5 Tadhg Beirne (IRE), 4 Eben Etzebeth (SA), 3 Tadhg Furlong (IRE), 2 Dan Sheehan (IRE), 1 Ellis Genge (ENG)
