There were three Springboks included in World Rugby’s 2022 Men’s Team of the Year, but that did not include centurion lock Eben Etzebeth, while New Zealand star Ardie Savea was also left out.
World Rugby on Sunday evening revealed the two dream teams for 2022, as part of the official awards evening that saw Ireland flank Josh van der Flier named as player of the year.
Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx and centre pair Damian de Allende and Lukhanyo Am – who was nominated for player of the year – represented South Africa in the men’s team.
However, there was no place for Etzebeth or Bok captain Siya Kolisi, who have both been in sensational form for South Africa in 2022.
Ireland lock Tadhg Beirne and Argentina’s Pablo Matera were named in the No 4 and No 6 jerseys respectively.
All Blacks No 8 Ardie Savea was also snubbed, having earlier last week been controversially overlooked for a nomination for the player of the year award.
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World Rugby’s 2022 Men’s Team of the Year — 15 Freddie Steward (ENG); 14 Will Jordan (NZL), 13 Lukhanyo Am (RSA), 12 Damian de Allende (RSA), 11 Marika Koroibete (AUS); 10 Johnny Sexton (IRL), 9 Antoine Dupont (FRA); 8 Gregory Alldritt (FRA), 7 Josh van der Flier (IRL), 6 Pablo Matera (ARG); 5 Sam Whitelock (NZL), 4 Tadhg Beirne (IRL); 3 Tadhg Furlong (IRL), 2 Malcolm Marx (RSA), 1 Ellis Genge (ENG).
World Rugby’s 2022 Women’s Team of the Year — 15 Abby Dow (ENG); 14 Portia Woodman (NZL), 13 Emily Scarratt (ENG), 12 Theresa Fitzpatrick (NZL), 11 Ruby Tui (NZL); 10 Ruahei Demant (NZL), 9 Laure Sansus (FRA); 8 Marlie Packer (ENG), 7 Sophie de Goede (CAN), 6 Alex Matthews (ENG); 5 Madoussou Fall (FRA), 4 Abbie Ward (ENG); 3 Sarah Bern (ENG), 2 Emily Tuttosi (CAN), 1 Hope Rogers (USA).
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Photo: Twitter: @Springboks
