In 1995, a nation stood still as Springbok captain Francois Pienaar raised the Webb Ellis Cup beside Nelson Mandela. That moment marked South Africa’s first Rugby World Cup title and forever etched the Class of ’95 into history—not just for their triumph on the field, but for their contribution to healing a divided nation.
Crafting the Ultimate Springbok World Cup XV
Fast-forward through nearly three decades, and the Springboks have emerged as a dominant force in world rugby, claiming four World Cup titles: 1995, 2007, 2019, and 2023. Each generation brought something special, from the grit of the early pioneers to the technical mastery and resilience of the modern-day squads.
Selecting the ultimate Springbok World Cup starting XV across these eras is no easy feat. It involves balancing sentiment with substance, honouring legacy while recognizing evolution. But drawing from these four golden squads, a panel of seasoned rugby writers — Ashfak Mohamed, John Goliath, Leighton Koopman, Mike Greenaway, and myself — have compiled what we believe is the greatest team to ever don the green and gold on rugby’s biggest stage.
Fullback: André Joubert (1995)
Nicknamed “The Rolls-Royce of fullbacks”, Joubert defined elegance and composure. Even a broken hand couldn’t stop him from delivering magic in the 1995 semi-final and final. Despite strong showings from Percy Montgomery (2007), Willie le Roux (2019), and Damian Willemse (2023), Joubert remains the gold standard.
Wings: Bryan Habana (2007) & Cheslin Kolbe (2019)
Habana’s blistering pace and eight-try haul in 2007 equaled Jonah Lomu’s record and earned him World Rugby Player of the Year. Kolbe, electrifying in both 2019 and 2023, scored a dazzling solo try in the 2019 final and made a game-changing charge-down in 2023 — proving he’s a game-winner in every sense.
Centres: Damian de Allende (2019/2023) & Lukhanyo Am (2019)
De Allende’s consistency, power, and defensive prowess made him a lynchpin across two campaigns. Am edges Jaque Fourie for the No. 13 shirt thanks to his vision and that iconic assist to Mapimpi in the 2019 final — a moment etched in South African sporting folklore.
Flyhalf: Handré Pollard (2023)
While Joel Stransky’s 1995 drop goal will live forever and Butch James embodied steadiness in 2007, it’s Pollard’s icy nerves in 2023 that sealed his place. Slotting crucial penalties under immense pressure against France, England, and New Zealand, Pollard proved to be South Africa’s ultimate clutch performer.
Scrumhalf: Joost van der Westhuizen (1995)
Relentless, fearless, and visionary, Joost’s tackle on Jonah Lomu and fearless gameplay in the ’95 final remain iconic. Though Faf de Klerk and Fourie du Preez also dazzled, Joost redefined the position with power and precision.
Eighthman: Duane Vermeulen (2019)
Vermeulen was a warrior in 2019 — Player of the Match in the final and a rock in both attack and defence. His leadership in 2023 was just as impactful, even with reduced minutes. A true titan of the modern game.
Flankers: Pieter-Steph du Toit (2019/2023) & Siya Kolisi (2019/2023)
Du Toit, the 2019 World Player of the Year, was monumental — his 28 tackles in the 2023 final exemplified his work rate. Kolisi’s leadership, symbolic importance, and tenacity as a dual World Cup-winning captain make him an inspirational and tactical pillar.
Locks: Victor Matfield (2007) & Eben Etzebeth (2019/2023)
Matfield revolutionised the lineout and was tactically unmatched in 2007. Etzebeth, the 2023 World Player of the Year, embodied power and ferocity, consistently delivering high-impact performances for nearly a decade.
Hooker: John Smit (2007)
While Bongi Mbonambi was solid and Malcolm Marx remains generational (though ineligible for this list), Smit’s captaincy and composure under pressure made him a natural leader. He steered the Boks to glory in 2007 with calm authority and strategic vision.
Props: Os du Randt (1995/2007) & Frans Malherbe (2019/2023)
Du Randt, the only player to win World Cups 12 years apart, was a dominant loosehead who could scrum, carry, and defend with equal impact. Malherbe, South Africa’s quiet assassin, anchored the scrum in both recent triumphs with unmatched technical brilliance.
The Ultimate Springbok World Cup XV
15. André Joubert (1995)
14. Bryan Habana (2007)
13. Lukhanyo Am (2019)
12. Damian de Allende (2019/2023)
11. Cheslin Kolbe (2019)
10. Handré Pollard (2023)
9. Joost van der Westhuizen (1995)
8. Duane Vermeulen (2019)
7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (2019/2023)
6. Siya Kolisi (2019/2023)
5. Victor Matfield (2007)
4. Eben Etzebeth (2019/2023)
3. Frans Malherbe (2019/2023)
2. John Smit (2007)
1. Os du Randt (1995/2007)
A Legacy Carved in Gold
From Mandela’s unifying presence in 1995 to Kolisi’s historic captaincy, each World Cup triumph reflected a different chapter of South Africa’s journey — on and off the field. This ultimate XV doesn’t just celebrate individual greatness, but a collective legacy of resilience, excellence, and pride that continues to inspire generations. In green and gold, legends are made.
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