On Monday World Rugby announced the nominees, and Cheslin Kolbe, Eben Etzebeth, and Pieter-Steph du Toit were all nominated for the accolade, along with Caelan Doris of Ireland. 

Du Toit won the award in 2019, while Etzebeth was nominated for the second successive year.

Kolbe is widely considered the firm favourite to walk away with the sport’s most prestigious accolade following an outstanding year.

Following his two tries against England on the weekend, Kolbe, said rugby remains a team sport.

“It’s always good to score as wingers, but there is a lot of credit to the guys on the inside for putting in their hard work and that doesn’t go unnoticed,” said Kolbe.

?? You just can't keep him out of the game!

?? Superstar Cheslin Kolbe works his magic against England once more. The @Springboks are now 9?? points ahead!#AutumnNationsSeries pic.twitter.com/bz2znWOpHN

— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) November 16, 2024

“That kind of hard work gives opportunities for us on the outside. The guys don’t get the recognition they deserve, but for us, we know as a team we know what it means and what we want to achieve during each and every Test match.

“We need to make sure that we can play an 80-plus minute game, and not have moments throughout the 80 minutes that we are not as angry as other teams.

“Next week is going to be another challenge for us, and it’s not going to be easy at all. But I’m sure the boys will get together and see whether they can improve as a team but yeah, it’s always good to score tries as wingers.”

Eben Etzebeth and Pieter-Steph du Toit combine to punish England. #ENGvRSA pic.twitter.com/5UZ9TYnCb1

— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) November 16, 2024

In addition, the versatile Stormers and Springbok flyhalf, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu was nominated for the 15’s Breakthrough Player of the Year award.

Meanwhile, on Saturday the Springboks will sign off their season when they face the under-fire Wales at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. This Test will kick off at 19:40.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh