Ultimate Rugby's Users' Southern Hemisphere Test XV

Using the data on the Ultimate Rugby App since the App was released, we reveal the Southern Hemisphere XV of player's favourited on the App.

Although the squad is heavily skewed in favour of the All Blacks, there are a few surprising additions to the side, but the people have spoken:

15. Israel Dagg 

In an international career spanning eight years, Dagg dazzled audiences around the world with his electrifying pace and skill. Having his playing days cut short by injury, Dagg joined the Sky Sports New Zealand commentary team.

14. Cory Jane

A larger-than-life character on and off the field, Jane bagged 55 caps for the All Blacks and a massive 123 caps for the Hurricanes in Super Rugby. 

13. Conrad Smith

Conrad Smith is still considered one of the best outside centres to have played the game. Fearless, strong and crafty, he represented the All Blacks on 94 occasions.

12. Sonny-Bill Williams

Code-hopper Sonny-Bill rose as a kind of cult figure in the world of rugby union, revolutionising somewhat the recognised role of the inside centre - particularly with regard to offloading in the tackle. The journeyman ran out 58 times for the All Blacks between 2010 and 2019. 

 11. Bryan Habana 

 

With blistering pace and an eye for the try line, Habana put together a fantastic career in the Springbok jersey. The flyer from Johannesburg notched up 67 tries in his 124 tests.

10. Dan Carter

Considered by many to be the greatest fly-half ever to have played the game, his presence on this list is of no surprise. Dynamic and cerebral, he was always able to bring out the best in the players around him. 112 All Black caps.

Carter is the most favourited Southern Hemisphere player on the App and second only to Brian O'Driscoll worldwide.

9. Aaron Smith

Ever the livewire, Smith slots into this list's scrumhalf role with ease. With quick service and a great understanding of the game, he has been a crowd favourite for most of his career.

8. Kieran Read

The former All Balck captain proved himself to be one of the most formidable number 8s in the world. Tough, skillful and an inspiring leader, Read was held aloft the Webb Ellis trophy on two occasions.

7. Richie McCaw 

The most capped player of all time, McCaw displayed near-heroic efforts all through his career in the black jeresy. Debuting in 2001 against Ireland, McCaw occupied the All Black openside flanker position for 15 years.

 McCaw is the fourth most favourited player on the App and the most favourited forward. 

6. Michael Hooper

The only Australian representative in the team, Hooper has honed his skills over the years to forge a reputation as one of the most competent loose-forwards in the world. He is the current captain of the Wallabies with whom has notched up a total of 99 caps.

5. Sam Whitelock

One of the most intelligent second-rows in the world, Whitelock has been a pillar of strength in the All Black pack for many years. He currently holds 115 caps.

4. Eben Etzebeth

 

Powerful, relentless and aggressive; three words which define the giant Etzebeth of the field of play. He was a vital component of the Springbok pack which demolished the English to take the Webb Ellis trophy back the South Africa in 2019. He currently plies his trade with Toulon but is sure to add to his tally of 85 international caps in the future.

3. Owen Franks

 

Franks was a tireless servant of the All Black jersey during his long and fruitful career anchoring the scrum. He racked up 108 international caps but, unfortunately, did not score a single point.

2. Bismarck du Plessis

By no means in the mould of hookers of the amateur era, Bismarck applied a work rate more commonly associated with loose-forward play to his game which earned him a reputaion as the number 1 hooker in the world for many seasons. At 35, he is still going strong for Montpellier in France.

1. Tendai "Beast" Mtawarira

 

As popular as he is talented, Beast was a long servant of South African rugby, an integral part of the Springbok World Cup-winning unit. Seeking a change of scenery, he currently plays in America's MRL competition.