Steven Kitshoff and Trevor Nyakane have included nine Springboks in their Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Team of the Series, but left out two big names.
The World Cup-winning props picked their combined XV on the For the Love of Rugby: South Africa podcast following the Boks’ 3-1 series victory over the All Blacks.
Malcolm Marx – widely regarded as the Player of the Series – was an automatic selection at hooker.
“Malcolm has just been exceptional throughout this series,” said Kitshoff. “I think putting him in the No 2 jersey or the No 16 jersey doesn’t really matter for the Springboks. He makes an impact every time he’s around the ball.
“He carries like a flipping tractor tyre and he tackles like a demon. He is really good at the moment and he looks fit. He’s conditioned.”
Nyakane added: “He is a one-man wrecking ball at this moment. Hard to stop. Beautiful to watch. Enjoyable.”
PICK YOUR BOK MVP: Greatest Rivalry series
Marx is joined in the front row by Bok props Ox Nché and Wilco Louw, with Bok veteran Eben Etzebeth and New Zealand’s Tupou Vaa’i in the second row.
There is no place for two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit or All Blacks star Ardie Savea, with Jasper Wiese preferred at No 8 and New Zealand’s Luke Jacobson joining Siya Kolisi on the flanks.
All Blacks halfbacks Cam Roigard and Ruben Love get the nod, while Damian de Allende and Jordie Barrett combine in midfield.
Bok wings Cheslin Kolbe and Ethan Hooker join All Blacks fullback Damian McKenzie in the back three.
KITSHOFF & NYAKANE’S RGR TEAM OF SERIES: 15 Damian McKenzie (NZ), 14 Cheslin Kolbe (SA), 13 Jordie Barrett (NZ), 12 Damian de Allende (SA), 11 Ethan Hooker (SA), 10 Ruben Love (NZ), 9 Cam Roigard (NZ), 8 Jasper Wiese (SA), 7 Luke Jacobson (NZ), 6 Siya Kolisi (SA), 5 Tupou Vaa’i (NZ), 4 Eben Etzebeth (SA), 3 Wilco Louw (SA), 2 Malcolm Marx (SA), 1 Ox Nché (SA).
Photo: Alan Spiegler/Gallo Images
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Steven Kitshoff and Trevor Nyakane have included nine Springboks in their Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Team of the Series, but left out two big names.
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