With the international rugby landscape heating up, France are touring New Zealand, South Africa are playing the Barbarians, and the British and Irish Lions are preparing for their next big series as they head to Australia for their traditional four-year tour of either South Africa, Australia, or New Zealand.
To celebrate that tour, I wanted to explore what a “Southern Lions” squad could look like if New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia combined forces to tour Europe.
Loose Head: Ox Nché
To start off the squad, we have the most dominant prop in world rugby. Ox Nché has become a complete prop. Despite his 5’9” frame, he has become an elite ball carrier, and his set-piece expertise makes him a no-brainer.
Hooker: Malcom Marx
The leader of South Africa’s dominant lineout maul has been Malcolm Marx ever since he was called into the squad. A powerful ball carrier with excellent work rate and technique at the breakdown, he gets the nod over the likes of Codie Taylor.
Tight Head: Tyrel Lomax
Potentially the most underappreciated All Black in recent years is 29-year-old Hurricanes prop Tyrel Lomax. As I’ve mentioned before, ever since he was given the number 3 jersey, he has become not only a steady operator but, in my opinion, the best in the world at his position.
Lock: Eben Etzebeth
The heart and soul of one of the most dominant forward packs of all time, Eben Etzebeth has been a cornerstone throughout his tenure in a Springboks jersey. Showing no signs of slowing down, he would anchor this team’s lineout.
Lock: Will Skelton
The big man is the first Australian on the list and he is here for good reason. He always had the tools at 6’8” and 140 kg, but when he moved north he became the player he promised to be. Alongside Etzebeth, he brings serious horsepower to the middle of the pack.
Blindside Flanker: Pieter-Steph du Toit
One of the best players in world rugby, regardless of position, for a long time has been the 32-year-old Pieter-Steph du Toit. The dynamic flanker, who can play on either side or at the back of the scrum, is a defensive monster while also providing a strong attacking
Openside Flanker: Ardie Savea
I have said this ad nauseam, but in my opinion, Ardie Savea is the best player in the world and continues to prove it. He is elite at everything a flanker needs to be and also has the creativity of some of the best fly-halves in world rugby. He not only earns the number 7 jersey but is also this team’s captain.
Number Eight: Wallace Sititi
The breakout player of the year in 2024 has had an unfortunate, injury-riddled season this calendar year. However, he may be the most silky forward with the ball in hand, combined with an uncanny work rate on defense, making him the full package
Halfback: Cam Roigard
After a gruesome knee injury last season, Roigard has bounced back in a big way, showing he still has every tool in the toolbox that an elite halfback needs. His rare size and athleticism at the position put him clearly ahead of any other number 9 in the world, except for Dupont.
First Five: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
I think this could be up for debate, but for me, rugby players who make the game look slower for themselves are the ones I tend to value the most. At only 23, Sacha is just that and, in my opinion, is the future face of the sport if he continues to blossom as he has recently.
Left Wing: Tom Wright
The former NRL player has become a force with the ball in his hands, constantly beating defenders with his combination of size and speed, making him more than a handful to deal with. I think you could make a case for a few names here, but Wright gets the nod for me.
Second Five: Jordie Barrett
Barrett is a dominant force with his well-rounded skill set in kicking, running, passing, and strong defense, making him clearly the best option at 12 for this team. He has become the attacking hub for the All Blacks and, in my opinion, would form a dangerous partnership with the man outside him.
Centre: Joseph Sua’ali’i
One of the biggest cross-code moves in recent memory took place in the past year or so. Typically, players need time to find their footing, but his combination of freakish athleticism and ball skills makes him an extremely dangerous centre for years to come.
Right Wing: Cheslin Kolbe
This brings us to the most dangerous man in world rugby. Kolbe, with his rare blend of speed, power, and agility, has become one of the best wingers of all time. His skill set surpasses that of any other winger in the game and guarantees him a spot on this team.
Fullback: Will Jordan
I considered playing Jordan on the wing and putting Damian Willemse in the 15 jersey, but I’ve decided to keep him in the role he’ll be operating in with the All Blacks. He may be the best runner of angles and timing in world rugby, which will make him a dangerous partner alongside Kolbe.