Rugby in 2023 review- South Africa rule again and England have lessons to learn
It was a year that saw the very best prove why they have their champion status.
South Africa conquered the world four years ago in Japan and backed that up in November as they saw off New Zealand in Paris. The Springboks became the Rugby World Cup's most successful side in history as they lifted the William Webb Ellis trophy for a fourth time.
Ireland headed to France as the world's No 1 ranked nation and beat South Africa in the pool stages as anticipation grew. Andy Farrell was looking to end their quarter-final hoodoo but the All Blacks put pay to that on an emotional night in Paris which saw Johnny Sexton bid farewell to the game.
La Rochelle ended Leinster's European Cup hopes for a second successive year. Twelve months ago it was a last-minute try that won the day, this time Ronan O'Gara's men overcame a 17-0 deficit to down the Irish outfit in their own backyard, basking in glory at the Aviva Stadium.
They couldn't back that up though with victory in the Top 14 final. Toulouse continued their stranglehold over La Rochelle with a late win to further cement themselves as France's premier outfit. In England, Owen Farrell got one over on George Ford as Saracens won the Premiership for the first time since 2019, beating Sale at Twickenham in the final.
Ex-Scotland coach wants "immature" national anthem axed on eve of Six Nations
Whilst the rugby was often electrifying on the pitch there were issues off the pitch as the Premiership went from 13 teams to 10 with financial hardships taking their toll. We cast our eye back over the last 12 months as we head into 2024.
Best Team - South Africa
Siya Kolisi took centre stage four years ago and the inspirational captain was once again the man lifting the trophy. South Africa showed their battling qualities throughout the tournament as they continued to narrowly win their knockout encounters, breaking English hearts in the process.
The Springboks continued to be revolutionary at the World Cup. With Rassie Erasmus leading the orchestra and Jacques Nienaber making some of the crucial calls. South Africa caused a stir when they went with a 7-1 forward and backs split on the bench before enjoying a record win over New Zealand back in August.
South Africa won the World Cup for the fourth time (Getty Images)They chose to replace a hooker with a fly-half midway through the World Cup. Leaving them short at hooker to ensure they could get Handre Pollard in their squad. The Leicester playmaker would end up kicking the points that won them the World Cup.
Ireland, despite their World Cup frustrations, deserve a special mention as they secured a Grand Slam success in the Six Nations. England were their fifth and final victim as they celebrated with their home fans in Dublin. Farrell's men secured bonus-point victories in four of their five games, playing a sensational brand of rugby whilst doing so.
Best Player - Antoine Dupont
He could well be the world's standout individual for years to come. France's mercurial scrum-half was named the best player in the Six Nations for the third time in four years despite Les Blues only finishing second. Defying physics to prevent Mack Hansen scoring a try back in February remains one of the year's iconic images.
Antoine Dupont continued to marvel in defence and attackDespite the fan fare, he could not lead France to World Cup glory. He played in their quarter-final with a mask as he defied injury recovery timelines to return following a fractured cheekbone.
Fortunately for a man of his talent, Dupont would end the season with some silverware as he and Toulouse won the Bouclier de Brennus following their Top 14 success.
Best Game - South Africa 29-28 France
It went back and forth before Eben Etzebeth's winning try would silence the Stade de France. Cyril Baille scored for France after four minutes before Kurt-Lee Arendse levelled minutes later. Baille, again, and Peato Mauvaka would cross before half-time with Damian de Allende and Cheslin Kolbe doing so for South Africa.
The Springboks winger showed incredible speed to charge down a Thomas Ramos conversion. Those two points would prove telling as Etzebeth powered over for the defining try after 67 minutes in what was one of the World Cup's greatest encounters.
Borthwick changes half of England team for Six Nations opener against Scotland
South Africa knocked France out of the World Cup in a 57-point classic (AP)The Six Nations also saw arguably one of its great games as Ireland saw off France in Dublin. Farrell's outfit had never beaten Les Blues but scored four tries, including a classic by Hugo Keenan. Damian Penaud would score a stunner, but it wasn't enough to prevent a 32-19 success for the hosts that captured the imagination.
Best Try - Duhan van der Merwe vs England
There was little on when Scotland's winger received the ball on the halfway line. Few were ready for what came next as the Edinburgh star set the Scots up for a second win at Twickenham in as many visits. Van der Merwe waltzed past five defenders en route to the try line.
His combination of pace and power is a hand full for any opposition and England had no answer to it. He sized up Freddie Steward before sidestepping the fullback then handed off Alex Dombrandt to complete his masterpiece. He was mobbed by his team-mates as Finn Russell threw some verbals in Farrell's direction as he celebrated.
...and a word on England
That reverse was Steve Borthwick's first game as England boss having succeeded Eddie Jones. It would be a baptism of fire before his team saw off Italy and Wales, which was nothing to shout about given the state of both teams. France secured a record win at Twickenham as the gulf between England and the world's best was highlighted.
Warm-ups prior to the World Cup provided little optimism either, as England lost three of their four games. Defeat to Fiji in London was a low point as Borthwick failed to find a system that could bring the team's attack to life.
England endured semi-final heartbreak after a below par Six NationsA semi-final appearance was beyond what many expected at the World Cup, albeit it featured narrow wins over Samoa and Fiji. England produced their best display in years to run South Africa close, but a third-place finish at the tournament is a generous reflection on where they sit in the world's pecking order.
Farrell has decided to have some time away from England to protect his mental health in what could be watershed moment for players in this country. The fly-half is England's highest ever points scorer but is by no means universally adored and has chosen to put himself and his family first. He will continue leading the Saracens charge.
The domestic game is by no means thriving with London Irish following Wasps and Worcester in going out of business. The product on the pitch remains entertaining but the issue is the lack of people watching it. English stars continue to shun the Premiership with several of them heading over to France to ply their trade.
The RFU are hopeful that new hybrid contracts can keep England's best talent at home, but one of the country's most exciting prospects Henry Arundell has already said no thank you. Across the channel the French domestic league is thriving, aiding their national side, proving that it is more than doable to make rugby a success when the right strategy is put in place.
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