The 2020s: A Decade Dominated by Springbok Rugby Giants
It's official: the Springboks are owning the decade so far! Their dominance is undeniable, and the team of the decade is heavily influenced by these South African powerhouses. Let's dive into the players who've shaped this era.
Ox Nche: This prop is redefining expectations. Nche's nomination for Player of the Year in 2025 was a landmark moment, the first time a front-rower achieved such recognition. His impact has steadily grown, playing a crucial role in South Africa's 2023 World Cup victory and consecutive Rugby Championship titles in 2024 and 2025. Combining brute strength with impressive mobility, he's become a cornerstone of the Springbok pack, perfectly embodying their forward-focused, winning strategy.
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Tadhg Furlong: Furlong is the decade's most reliable presence at tighthead. He's been consistently excellent for both Ireland and Leinster, while also showing his skills with the Lions, starting all three tests on the 2021 and 2025 tours. His multiple Dream Team selections and Six Nations titles in 2023 and 2024 highlight his standing. His contribution to Ireland's Grand Slam and Leinster's five URC titles underscores his unique blend of power, agility, and scrummaging mastery, which defines elite front-row play.
Eben Etzebeth: Etzebeth's decade has been marked by longevity and dominance. He surpassed Victor Matfield in 2024 to become South Africa's most-capped player, a testament to his enduring impact. He's achieved milestone after milestone, all while securing major silverware, including the 2023 World Cup and consecutive Rugby Championships in 2024 and 2025. Having already reached a century of caps by 2022, he continues to anchor the Springbok engine room with the same intensity that has driven him past 130 caps. But here's where it gets controversial... Is Etzebeth the greatest lock forward of all time?
Maro Itoje: Itoje's influence has been felt throughout the 2020s, both for his club and country. He was appointed Saracens captain in 2024–25 and England captain in early 2025. His turnover numbers in 2024 led all tier-one players, demonstrating his relentless work rate. He was named Lions Player of the Series in 2021 and captained the 2025 tour to Australia. With Premiership and European titles under his belt, his leadership and consistency are central to every team he represents.
Siya Kolisi: Kolisi's decade has been defined by history, most notably leading South Africa to a second consecutive World Cup title in 2023. This made him the first Springbok captain to lift the trophy twice. His composed leadership in high-pressure victories has defined the Springbok era. By November 2025, he reached 100 caps, adding to a career packed with Rugby Championship victories and series wins, all marked by his influence both on and off the field.
Pieter-Steph du Toit: Du Toit's relentless, towering performances earned him his second World Rugby Player of the Year award in 2024, five years after his first. His man-of-the-match display in the 2023 World Cup final exemplified his reputation for tireless defense and unmatched stamina. Central to South Africa's greatest triumphs of the decade, he has solidified his legacy as one of the nation’s finest forwards—consistent, brutal in contact, and indispensable in high-stakes moments.
Ardie Savea: Savea's 2023 World Rugby Player of the Year award capped off seasons of remarkable consistency for the All Blacks. His influence spans Super Rugby, where he was named 2025 Player of the Year, to repeated Dream Team selections. Combining explosive ball-carrying with relentless defense, he's been at the heart of New Zealand's Rugby Championship successes and remains one of the decade's defining figures, especially after joining Moana Pasifika.
What do you think? Do you agree with this selection? Who else deserves a spot on this list? Let's discuss in the comments!
