Springboks winger Bryan Habana

South Africa’s Bryan Habana scores a try against Argentina during their semi-final Rugby World Cup match at the Stade de France Stadium in Saint-Denis, near Paris, October 14, 2007. Photo: Eddie Keogh

All Blacks legend picks two Springboks in best all-time backline

All Blacks scrumhalf Aaron Smith has picked two Springboks when asked to select his best backline of all-time.

Springboks winger Bryan Habana

South Africa’s Bryan Habana scores a try against Argentina during their semi-final Rugby World Cup match at the Stade de France Stadium in Saint-Denis, near Paris, October 14, 2007. Photo: Eddie Keogh

Aaron Smith, who is one of the leading scrumhalves in world rugby, recently took to social media to ask his followers to fire away with any questions they’d want him to answer. When asked to pick his best backline of all-time, Smith picked legendary Springboks Fourie du Preez and Bryan Habana.

Smith also opted for four New Zealanders in Dan Carter, Jonah Lomu, Ma’a Nonu and Ben Smith. The other selection went to Brian O’Driscoll of Ireland.

BOMBSHELL | EDDIE JONES BECOMES NEW WALLABY COACH

Meanwhile, if the 2022 Test rugby season taught us anything, it is certainly that there is very little to choose between the top five teams in world rugby, and next year’s World Cup looks guaranteed to be a highly competitive affair. When reflecting back on this past season of international rugby, it’s also incredibly difficult to try and attempt to select a World XV of the standout players.

ALSO READ | SPRINGBOKS’ BEST MATCHDAY 23: WHERE WOULD POLLARD FIT IN?

As it stands, Ireland and France can be found at the top of the World Rugby rankings, followed closely by New Zealand, South Africa and England.

Below, we have attempted to select the best possible line-up from 2022, and it undoubtedly does make for a challenging selection. (*Be sure to also let us know in the comments section what team you would pick)

HERE ARE TWO VERSIONS OF OUR WORLD XV FEATURING SEVERAL SPRINGBOKS:

CRAIG LEWIS’ World XV of the Year – 15 Jordie Barrett (NZ), 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse (SA), 13 Lukhanyo Am (SA), 12 Damian de Allende (SA), 11 Marika Koroibete (Aus), 10 Johnny Sexton (Ire), 9 Antoine Dupont (Fra), 8 Ardie Savea (NZ), 7 Josh van der Flier (Ire), 6 Siya Kolisi (SA), 5 Cameron Woki (Fra), 4 Eben Etzebeth (SA), 3 Frans Malherbe (SA), 2 Malcolm Marx (SA), 1 Ethan de Groot (NZ).

MARIETTE ADAMS’ World XV of the Year — 15 Ange Capuozzo (Ita), 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse (SA) 13 Lukhanyo Am (SA), 12 Damian de Allende (SA), 11 Emiliano Boffelli (Arg), 10 Johnny Sexton (IRL), 9 Antoine Dupont (Fra), 8 Ardie SaveA (NZ), 7 Josh van der Flier (IRL), 6 Siya Kolisi (SA), 5 Tadhg Beirne (Ire), 4 Eben Etzebeth (SA), 3 Frans Malberbe (SA), 2 Malcolm Marx (SA), 1 Steven Kitshoff (SA).

OPINION: RASSIE ERASMUS CAN CEMENT HIS LEGACY IN 2023!

Springboks World XV
Springboks stars Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth. Photo: Shaun Roy/BackpagePix