Around 40,000 users responded to the survey, choosing 12 out of 15 Springboks
The XV of 2025 according to PlanetRugby readers
PlanetRugby readers (around 40,000 users) responded to the website’s survey on the best XV of the year 2025. Obviously South Africa won the votes by gaining 12 positions out of 15 with a player who collected as much as 85% of the votes.
User choices
The extended triangle is made up of number 15 Damian Willemse, who beat the competition of Will Jordan and Thomas Ramos, and the two wingers Louis Bielle-Biarrey (second to the Bordeaux winger only his teammate Damian Penaud) and Cheslin Kolbe who clearly surpassed (in terms of votes) some illustrious names such as James Lowe.
The pair of centers features the duo Damian de Allende and Jordie Barrett. The former won more votes than Argentina’s Santiago Chocobares, Len Ikitau and Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu. The latter was clearly one of the best All Blacks of the year, thanks in part to URC’s win over Leinster.
The midfield is all South African brands: Cobus Reinach and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu. Despite his age, the Stormers’ number 9 got the better of Cam Roigard; for the number 10 there is little to say other than that his 74% outperformed the competition from top-level players like Finn Russell (12%).
The forward pack is almost entirely made up of Springbok players. Only Ardie Savea as number 6 enters into almost absolute dominance, putting players like Juan Martín González, Wallace Sititi or Francois Cros behind him.
Jasper Wiese and Pieter-Steph du Toit complete the third line trio. In the engine room Ruan Nortje, number 5, preferred to Eben Etzebeth, teams up with RG Snyman who takes out Fabian Holland, revelation player of the year for World Rugby.
In front of a decidedly breakthrough front line: Thomas du Toit with Ox Che (85% of the votes) and Malcolm Marx, winner of the World Rugby of the Year award.
Read also: Quilter Nations Series: the ideal XV according to OnRugby
The XV of 2025 according to PlanetRugby readers
15 Damian Willemse – 32%
14 Louis Bielle-Biarrey – 59%
13 Jordie Barrett – 28%
12 Damian de Allede – 48%
11 Cheslin Kolbe – 59%
10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu – 74%
9 Cobus Reinach – 48%
8 Jasper Wiese – 41%
7 Pieter-Steph du Toit – 77%
6 Ardie Savea – 52%
5 Ruan Nortje – 40%
4 RG Snyman – 38%
3 Thomas du Toit – 57%
2 Malcolm Marx – 79%
1 Ox Security – 85%
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