The dust is settling on an epic Test season loaded with thrilling moments and now it is time for our readers to vote for their Team of the Year.
The format is simple, we have narrowed down the options to four and all you need to do is cast your vote and we will do the rest. We begin with the backline.
Full-backs
Full-back was one of the most competitive positions in 2024 with several players putting in blockbuster seasons for their countries. World Rugby Dream Team member Will Jordan is an obvious candidate after a successful switch to his preferred position under Scott Robertson’s guidance. Springboks star Aphelele Fassi had a watershed season in the absence of Damian Willemse and would have been right up there in the debate for the best 15 of the year. Electric Puma Juan Cruz Mallia was outstanding all year long with ball in hand as Argentina’s point of difference on a number of occasions. Finally for this position is Scotland’s Blair Kinghorn whose game has gone up multiple levels since he left for Toulouse.
Cast your vote for the full-back below.
Right wing
Again a very strong position headlined by hot-stepping Springboks superstar Cheslin Kolbe, who earned a nomination for World Rugby Player of the Year for his outstanding efforts in green and gold. Another nominee for a World Rugby award but the Breakthrough Player of the Year was England’s Immanuel Feyi-Waboso whose X-factor made him look like a seasoned Test veteran in only his first season. All Black Mark Telea finished the year strong with his typically slippery runs while Georgian warrior Aka Tabutsadze is our final pick after rocking the world in 2024 including that solo wonder try against Australia.
Cast your vote for the right wing below.
Outside centre
Jesse Kriel of the Springboks continued his world-leading form in 2024 as the rock of the world champions defence. He was no slouch on attack as was Scotland’s Huw Jones, who took massive steps into the world-class category with his efforts this year. Azzurri star man Juan Ignacio Brex followed suit in a memorable year for Italy while Ireland’s Garry Ringrose was as polished as ever for his side.
Cast your vote for the outside centre below.
Inside centre
The hardmen of the backline feature at 12 with stallion-like Springbok Damian de Allende going about his work with little fuss and absolute aplomb. He is joined by new Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu who has developed a lovely combination of brute force and playmaking to the Scots midfield. Multi-talented Leinster man and All Black Jordie Barrett almost inevitably features in the debate while dynamic Argentine Santiago Chocobares had strong performances in big games for his country.
WATCH: All Blacks star Jordie Barrett shines on debut with a ‘filthy’ try and assist in 15 minutes
Cast your vote for the inside centre below.
Left wing
The second set of speedsters begins with Dream Team star James Lowe of Ireland, who was relied on heavily for his gun barrel left boot in addition to his clever decision-making. He is contested by Les Bleus star Louis Bielle-Biarrey who may have played fewer Tests but lit it up every time he did with his electric pace. Hulking All Black Caleb Clarke had a breakthrough season in his own right for Razor’s men in black while scrum-capped Kurt-Lee Arendse was still prolific in 2024 despite being in Kolbe’s shadow this season.
Cast your vote for the left wing below.
Fly-half
All Blacks star Damian McKenzie was in the Dream Team for 2024 despite not necessarily holding down his position in the side. He did play a lot of Tests but was arguably shown up by England’s Marcus Smith who seemed to mature on the international circuit this year with an accomplished season. Frenchman Thomas Ramos was frenetic but effective at 10 for Les Bleus while Tomas Albornoz seized his chance for Argentina in a seriously good season under Felipe Contepomi.
Cast your vote for the fly-half below.
Scrum-half
The final position of this section is the decision-makers from the base of the ruck with few more complete than Jamison Gibson-Park picking up some serious load for Ireland following Johnny Sexton’s retirement. Scotland’s Ben White was a class above his peers at times while Springbok Grant Williams’ pace was a real point of difference. Englishman Alex Mitchell had another good season and is also in the running.
Cast your vote for the scrum-half below.
Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/readers-team-of-the-year-aphelele-fassi-or-will-jordan-vote-for-your-backline-following-a-blockbuster-2024-test-season
