As many as four Springboks have been selected by an overseas-based website on a list of the Top 10 forwards currently playing.
In what is an interesting exercise, a list compiled by Ruck.co.uk picks as many as four Springboks in the Top 10 forwards in the world, with Siya Kolisi picked ahead of three other teammates.
Kolisi was ranked at No 2, while Etzebeth was ranked at number four in the world.
“South Africa’s charismatic captain captivated his team and the world with his pre and post match speeches when it came to their choice of Kolisi in second place at this year’s World Cup, but the capacity to be a standout player within a team of standout players proves that he can also walk the walk,” Ruuck stated.
“His lineout expertise, ball-carrying power, and confrontational play style make him a formidable force on the field,” the journal said of Etzebeth.
The list of Springboks includes the two World Cup winners as well as loosehead prop Ox Nche (sixth) and man of the match Pieter-Steph du Toit (ninth) from the 2023 World Cup final.
Ardie Savea of the All Blacks, the 2023 World Rugby Player of the Year, is ranked first.
RUCK.CO.UK’S TOP 10 FORWARDS IN THE WORLD INCLUDE FOUR SPRINGBOKS:
10. Gregory Aldritt (France)
9. Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa)
8. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
7. Scott Barrett (New Zealand)
6. Ox Nche (South Africa)
5. Maro Itoje (England)
4 Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)
3. Caelin Doris (Ireland)
2. Siya Kolisi (South Africa)
1. Ardie Savea (New Zealand)
CONFIRMED BOKS FIXTURES FOR 2024:
Saturday, 22 June: SA vs Wales (Twickenham, London)
Saturday, 6 July: SA vs Ireland (Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria)
Saturday, 13 July: SA vs Ireland (Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban)
Saturday, 20 July: SA vs Portugal (Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein)
Saturday, 10 August: Australia vs SA (Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane)
Saturday, 17 August: Australia vs SA (Optus Stadium, Perth)
Saturday, 31 August: SA vs New Zealand (Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg)
Saturday, 7 September: SA v New Zealand (DHL Stadium, Cape Town)
Saturday, 21 September: Argentina v SA (venue TBC)
Saturday, 28 September: SA v Argentina (Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit)
16/17 November: England v SA (Twickenham, London – date TBC)
