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Opinion
One year out from the 2023 World Cup in France and international rugby is closer than ever before.
The French were the only undefeated side in 2022, as they won the Six Nations grand slam and backed it up with narrow victories over the Wallabies and Springboks during the November Tests.
Ireland, too, had an excellent year, with Andy Farrell’s men pulling off an incredible come-from-behind series victory in New Zealand over the All Blacks. But have they peaked one year early?
On the other hand the All Blacks, Springboks and Wallabies each had mixed years, with the highs and lows of sport following each of the southern hemisphere powerhouses.
Coaches were sacked; Eddie Jones was shown the door by England 24 hours after the Welsh Rugby Union farewelled Wayne Pivac.
But how did the players stack up?
France edged out Wales on their way to a Six Nations grand slam in 2022. Photo: Getty Images
World Rugby controversially snubbed Ardie Savea in their team of the year. Savea, it is understood, polled heavily at openside flanker and number eight but did not poll enough in one position to earn selection.
The Roar, however, chose Savea in the No.7 position.
Rieko Ioane was also selected on both wins and outside centre, but France’s Gael Fickou was chosen in the No.13 position after also polling three votes ahead of Australia’s Len Ikitau.
The Roar was split at hooker and fullback, but settled with South Africa’s Malcolm Marx ahead of Ireland’s Dan Sheehan in the No.2 position. While Freddie Steward edged out Italy’s Ange Capuozzo, who was World Rugby’s rookie of the year after a phenomenal season which saw him score incredible tries against Wales, Australia and South Africa.
The team of 2022 is based on votes from the site’s six rugby experts whose full lists appear below.
1. Cyril Baille
As Jones found out yet again against the Springboks, it starts with the set-piece and Baille was outstanding for the French all year.
2. Malcolm Marx
Who saw Marx against the All Blacks? The Boks hooker was at his best in 2022, particularly on the ball.
3. Frans Malherbe
Tight-head prop is just about the most important position in modern day rugby. The Boks’ front-rower is a pillar of strength and loves it in the tight.
Eben Etzebeth was fired up against the Wallabies in Sydney following their heavy loss in Adelaide. Photo: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images
4. Eben Etzebeth
OK, we’re just about done with South Africans in the tight-five but we couldnt’ go past Etzebeth. Not only did he look mean as against the Wallabies in Sydney, but he dominated the tight stuff and at the lineout.
5. Sam Whitelock
Consistency, consistency, consistency. Whitelock is the bloke you want in your side because he never lets you down. His hair might be greying but the All Blacks veteran continues to do the business.
6. Marcos Kremer
Kremer might have earned his selection just on his effort against the All Blacks in Christchurch, where he replicated his efforts from Sydney two years ago to help Argentina to a maiden win against the three-time world champions in New Zealand. Kremer edged out Courtney Lawes.
Ardie Savea edged out Josh van der Flier in The Roar’s international team of the year. (Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images
7. Ardie Savea
World Rugby’s player of the year, Josh van der Flier, missed selection. It’s a hard school. But the one All Black who starred during their historic series defeat was Savea. He’s a beast. That leg drive.
8. Greg Alldritt
Brilliant in the Six Nations. Alldritt and his little halfback have formed the best No.8/9 combination on the planet.
9. Antoine Dupont
Led France to a Six Nations grand slam. He finished the year seeing red, but Dupont’s class is their for everyone to see. He was, however, kept quieter during the November Tests, which oppositions will be studying religiously.
Johnny Sexton led Ireland to a famous series victory against the All Blacks in New Zealand. Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images
10. Johnny Sexton
Having led Ireland to a marvellous series win in New Zealand, Sexton was assured selection. If Sexton is fit in 2023, Ireland stand a chance. If he’s not, they’re no chance.
11. Marika Koroibete
Don’t tell South Africans, who still believe he should have been yellow carded in Adelaide, but Koroibete was brilliant for the Wallabies. His peak was Adelaide. It could be argued that Koroibete didn’t play enough to earn selection, but it’s about quality not quantity at times.
12. Damian de Allende
Edged out Jonathan Danty, Jordie Barrett and Samu Kerevi, de Allende stood up in Sydney and didn’t look back. When the hulking inside centre is focussed, there is none better.
Damian Penaud scored a late try to help France to a dramatic victory over the Wallabies at Stade de France on November 05, 2022 in Paris. Photo: Xavier Laine/Getty Images
13. Gael Fickou
The Wallabies’ Ikitau polled well, but Fickou’s class was enough to see him through.
14. Damian Penaud
Don’t show Tom Wright or Jock Campbell this, but Penaud’s try against the Wallabies probably was the difference between the right-winger making it into our dream and not. Penaud can find the line. He’ll be integral to France’s chances in 2023.
15. Freddie Steward
Capuozzo had a fairytale year, but Steward can lay claim as the world’s best fullback (don’t tell Harry Jones). Steward dominated the air and scored crucial tries throughout the year. Who wins the aerial batter in 2023 could determine the World Cup.
Men’s coach of the year: Andy Farrell
Fabien Galthie has been edged out because Farrell led Ireland to a come-from-behind series win in New Zealand. That doesn’t happen. Not even the Lions of 2017 managed to come away with victory.
Panel votes
Christy Doran
1. Ellis Genge (England)
2. Malcolm Marx (South Africa)
3. Frans Malherbe (South Africa)
4. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)
5. Sam Whitelock (New Zealand)
6, Courtney Lawes (England)
7. Ardie Savea (New Zealand)
8. Greg Alldritt (France)
9. Antoine Dupont (France)
10. Johnny Sexton (Ireland)
11. Marika Koroibete (Australia)
12. Jonathan Danty (France)
13. Rieko Ioane (New Zealand)
14. Damian Penaud (France)
15. Freddie Steward (England)
Nick Bishop
1. Cyril Baille (France)
2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland)
3. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
4. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)
5. Sam Whitelock (New Zealand)
6, Courtney Lawes (England)
7. Ardie Savea (New Zealand)
8. Greg Alldritt (France)
9. Antoine Dupont (France)
10. Johnny Sexton (Ireland)
11. Marika Koroibete (Australia)
12. Samu Kerevi (Australia)
13. Gael Fickou (France)
14. Rieko Ioane (New Zealand)
15. Freddie Steward (England)
Brett McKay
1. Ethan de Groot (New Zealand)
2. Malcolm Marx (South Africa)
3. Frans Malherbe (South Africa)
4. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)
5. Sam Whitelock (New Zealand)
6. Marcos Kremer (Argentina)
7. Ardie Savea (New Zealand)
8. Caelan Doris (Ireland)
9. Antoine Dupont (France)
10. Johnny Sexton (Ireland)
11. Marika Koroibete (Australia)
12. Jordie Barrett (New Zealand)
13. Len Ikitau (Australia)
14. Emiliano Boffelli (Argentina)
15. Hugo Keenan (Ireland)
Harry Jones
1. Ethan de Groot (New Zealand)
2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland)
3. Frans Malherbe (South Africa)
4. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)
5. James Ryan (Ireland)
6. Charles Ollivon (France)
7. Josh van der Flier (Ireland)
8. Ardie Savea (New Zealand)
9. Aaron Smith (New Zealand)
10. Johnny Sexton (Ireland)
11. Kurt-Lee Arendse (South Africa)
12. Damian de Allende (South Africa)
13. Len Ikitau (Australia)
14. Damian Penaud (France)
15. Willie le Roux (South Africa)
Geoff Parkes
1. Cyril Baille (France)
2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland)
3. Frans Malherbe (South Africa)
4. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)
5. Paul Willemse (France)
6. Marcos Kremer (Argentina)
7. Ardie Savea (New Zealand)
8. Gregory Alldritt (France)
9. Antoine Dupont (France)
10. Johnny Sexton (Ireland)
11. Rieko Ioane (New Zealand)
12. Damian de Allende (South Africa)
13. Gael Fickou (France)
14. Kurt-Lee Arendse (South Africa)
15. Ange Capuozzo (Italy)
Jim Tucker
1. Cyril Baille (France)
2. Malcolm Marx (South Africa)
3. Frans Malherbe (South Africa)
4. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)
5. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
6. Marcos Kremer (Argentina)
7. Ardie Savea (New Zealand)
8. Gregory Alldritt (France)
9. Antoine Dupont (France)
10. Johnny Sexton (Ireland)
11. Marika Koroibete (Australia)
12. Damian de Allende (South Africa)
13. Gael Fickou (France)
14. Damian Penaud (France)
15. Ange Capuozzo (Italy)
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.