Only ONE Springboks star in World Rugby Dream Team
Just a single Springboks star has made the cut for the World Rugby Dream Team, while not a single South African collected individual awards.
The Springboks defended their Rugby World Cup crown but only one South African made it into the IRB’s Dream Team. That man, unsurprisingly, is Eben Etzebeth.
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Regarding individual awards, Ardie Savea pipped Eben Etzebeth to the biggest prize of the night, the World Player of the Year. Fellow All Black Mark T’elea, born in South Africa, beat Manie Libbok to the Breakthrough Player of the Year. Coach Jacques Nienaber was among the World Rugby Coach of the Year nominees, but he too was overlooked as the award went to Andy Farrell of Ireland.
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What are your thoughts on this selection? A bit harsh on the Springboks, no?
Hit up James Freemantle for more insights, news, views and commentary.