A sensational performance in the final was the crowning glory as SARugbymag.co.za readers named Pieter-Steph du Toit the most valuable player to the Bok cause at the 2023 World Cup.

Considering the role of the wider Springbok squad throughout the tournament, Du Toit emerging as the fans’ standout player of the tournament with 25% of the vote is remarkable. Flawless, match-winning goal-kicking convinced 18% of voting supporters that Handre Pollard was the MVP, while Bok centurion and perennial hardman Eben Etzebeth came in third with 15%.

Du Toit was first voted MVP in the Boks’ opening game of the tournament against Scotland where he played the full 80 minutes, completed seven tackles and scored a try.

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However, Du Toit kept his best for last and produced arguably his most impressive performance in a Bok jersey against the All Blacks in the final, making an astonishing 28 tackles.

His overall output at the tournament included 66 tackles, 94 run metres, 18 carries, three clean breaks and a try.

Pollard, who kicked crucial match-winners against France and England during the playoffs, was voted the Boks’ second most valuable player after scoring 33 points, making 57 metres and completing 21 tackles during the tournament.

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2023 World Rugby Player of the Year nominee Etzebeth was another standout performer at the tournament according to fans. The Bok lock made 52 tackles, completed 14 carries, made 39 metres and scored a try.

Fetcher Kwagga Smith made three crucial steals in the decider to finish fourth (13%) while Jesse Kriel, who stepped into the void left by Lukhanyo Am’s injury, won over plenty of fans to take fifth place (7%).

Photo: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images