In the third of a six-part series, SA Rugby magazine’s writers pick their world team of the year, based on performances throughout 2022.
Zelím Nel
Siya Kolisi is always at his best in green and gold and the Springbok skipper took it up a notch in 2022. An all-rounder more than a classic opensider, Kolisi added a notable power element to his forays in the wide channels and linking play.
The forgotten man of the Bok pack, Franco Mostert has quietly taken over the role that elevated Pieter-Steph du Toit to the World Rugby Player of the Year award in 2019. Durable, tireless and versatile, Mostert was the reason the world champions were able to keep the Bomb Squad ticking despite the loss of Du Toit and Lood de Jager to injury and the omission of Duane Vermeulen.
The definition of tackle fight, the ferocious Ardie Savea stood tall in an All Blacks pack that was horribly short of star power.
Dylan Jack
Ardie Savea pretty much carried the All Backs through one of their most difficult periods in recent history. Whether he was at No 8 or openside flank, he was genuinely fantastic and should have been nominated for World Player of the Year.
The veteran of the Ireland pack, Peter O’Mahony keeps getting better and better with age. He is a menace around the field and at the lineout. O’Mahony was terrific and tireless in the series against the All Blacks, working himself down to the bone to ensure a memorable tour for the Irish.
Siya Kolisi has continued the form that saw him named as South Africa’s best player in 2021, putting in massive tackles and powerful carries in the wider channels. His counter-rucking was also among the best in the world this year.
Devin Hermanus
Ardie Savea’s 2022 highlights reel – that must include his outrageous dummy in a stunning win for New Zealand over Wales – leaves everyone asking why the All Blacks No 8 did not make the shortlist for World Rugby’s Men’s and XV of the year.
But that’s taking nothing away from Ireland flanker Josh van der Flier, who was named the standout player on the planet throughout the 12 months after helping his country to a first series away win in New Zealand and to the top of the global rankings, while at domestic level, he scored six tries as Leinster reached the final of the Champions Cup before losing to La Rochelle.
Having benefited from playing under two of rugby’s most cutting edge and inspirational coaches, Argentina bruiser Pablo Matera was crowned a Super Rugby champion for the first time with Scott Robertson’s Crusaders, before celebrating a historic win for Los Pumas and Michael Cheika in the Land of the Long White Cloud.
WATCH: Savvy Savea on why his dummy works
Ollie Keohane
Josh van der Flier was superb on the flank for an Irish side that beat England in the Six Nations, won a series in New Zealand and later in the year bested the Springboks in Dublin. His efforts saw him earn World Rugby Player of the Year, while also being awarded player of the series against the All Blacks earlier in the year. During the series, Van der Flier was unrelenting, making a total of 62 tackles and 26 carries.
Pablo Matera was masterful in his 10th season of international rugby. The Argentinians recorded quite the year, beating the All Blacks and Australia in the Rugby Championship and England on their end-of-year tour. Matera was instrumental in leading a passionate Pumas pack, and his physicality and consistency set him apart in his position.
No-one came close to Ardie Savea at No 8 on the international scene in 2022. To watch the All Blacks star is to watch something special every game. Savea has the wheels of a winger, the hands of a centre and the physicality and ferocity required of his position in the forwards. In addition to his ability to cause havoc with ball in hand, his tackle-completion rate was 99% for the year. While Van der Flier had a great season, Savea would have been my pick for Player of the Year.
Simon Borchardt
Ardie Savea was outstanding for the All Blacks throughout 2022, including the early part of the season when the team struggled. He got over the advantage line, won match-changing breakdown penalties and tackled like a demon. It beggars belief that he was left out of World Rugby’s Dream Team.
Pablo Matera starred for the Crusaders in their title-winning Super Rugby Pacific campaign and then returned to Christchurch to help the Pumas beat the All Blacks. One of the world’s toughest players.
Josh van der Flier is a good decision-maker at the ruck, a committed defender and an explosive runner. While a surprise choice for World Rugby Player of the Year, the Ireland flanker deserves his place in a World XV.
Photo: Getty Images
