The readers of Forever Sports Online have spoken, and they have chosen the Planet Rugby Readers’ Team of the Year for 2023. Unsurprisingly, the Rugby World Cup-winning Springboks dominate the team, with a total of 10 players selected. In fact, only three countries are represented in the lineup.
Starting from the back, Damian Willemse of South Africa is chosen as the fullback, leaving Beauden Barrett, Hugo Keenan, and Thomas Ramos disappointed. On the right wing, Damian Penaud of France earns the spot, beating out Will Jordan, Kurt-Lee Arendse, and Emiliano Boffelli.
Moving into the midfield, Jesse Kriel of South Africa is the chosen outside center, with Garry Ringrose, Gael Fickou, and Waisea Nayacalevu missing out. Bundee Aki of Ireland is selected as the inside center, edging out Damian de Allende, Jordie Barrett, and Sinoe Tuipulotu.
In the back three, Cheslin Kolbe of South Africa secures the left wing position, ahead of Louis Bielle-Biarrey, James Lowe, and Mark Telea. At fly-half, Handre Pollard of South Africa is chosen, leaving Richie Mo’unga, Johnny Sexton, and Owen Farrell falling short.
Antoine Dupont of France takes the crucial scrum-half spot, with Faf de Klerk, Aaron Smith, and Jamison Gibson-Park following closely behind. In the pack, Ardie Savea of New Zealand earns the number eight position, with Gregory Alldritt as his closest competitor.
Siya Kolisi of South Africa is selected as the openside flanker, beating out Josh van der Flier, Levani Botia, and Jac Morgan. Pieter-Steph du Toit of South Africa dominates as the blindside flanker, receiving a massive 85.4% of the votes. Franco Mostert of South Africa is chosen as the tight five lock, narrowly beating out Scott Barrett.
Eben Etzebeth of South Africa is selected as the number four lock, with Tadhg Beirne, Brodie Retallick, and Jean Kleyn missing out. Frans Malherbe of South Africa earns the spot as the tighthead prop, followed by Uini Atonio and Ben Tameifuna. Bongi Mbonambi of South Africa is chosen as the hooker, narrowly beating out Dan Sheehan, Peato Mauvaka, and Julian Montoya.
Finally, Ox Nche of South Africa completes the team as the loosehead prop, ahead of Steven Kitshoff, Andre Porter, and Ethan de Groot. The selection process was a rigorous one, with over 32,200 votes cast by passionate rugby fans on Forever Sports Online.
The chosen team showcases the immense talent and skill of these players, representing the best of the best in the rugby world. Congratulations to all the players selected for the 2023 Planet Rugby Readers’ Team of the Year, and here’s hoping for another exciting year of rugby ahead.
