Springbok captain John Smit and  vice-captain Victor Matfield were honoured this week by being included in  Rugby World magazine’s team of the decade.      Fourie du Preez was named as one of the reserves.

The magazine, which is printed in England, is one of the best selling rugby magazines worldwide and is highly regarded in British rugby circles.

In its latest issue, Rugby World named a 22-man squad, with only these three South Africa’s included.          

 While it will most likely cause serious debate, the magazine has kept close to its roots, naming four English players in the squad — with some selections that would certainly raise eyebrows.       

The team is skippered by Martin Johnson, who led England to the 2003 World Cup, but fullback-cum-wing Jason Robinson is named on the wing where there is no place for Springbok try-scoring sensation Bryan Habana.       

Welsh wizard Shane Williams is the other wing in the team.          

Brian O’Driscoll was named as the magazine’s Player of the Decade, beating out All Black captain Richie McCaw for the honour.

Other All Blacks named are Mils Muliaina at fullback and tighthead prop Carl Hayman.           

Australia have only one player in the squad — the same as minnows Italy — with Matt Giteau as their only representative.

Du Preez loses out to Argentinean scrumhalf and captain Agustin Pichot in the starting line-up, while Italian Sergio Parisse is the magazine’s interesting choice as the best No 8 of the decade.            

Welshman Gethin Jenkins is the top loosehead of the decade in the selection with Carl Hayman regarded as the best nr 3.

France have two players in the reserves — Sylvain Marconnet and Yannick Jauzion while Argentina’s other three players are all in the reserves — Rodrigo Roncero, Mario Ledesma and Sharks flyhalf Juan Martin Hernandez.

Rugby World’s team of the decade (15-1): Mils Muliaina (NZL), Jason Robinson (ENG), Brian O’Driscoll (IRL), Matt Giteau (AUS), Shane Williams (WAL), Dan Carter (NZL), Agustin Pichot (ARG), Sergio Parisse (ITA), Richie McCaw (NZL), Richard Hill (ENG), Martin Johnson (ENG capt), Victor Matfield (RSA), Carl Hayman (NZL), John Smit (RSA), Gethin Jenkins (WAL).

Reserves: Rodrigo Roncero (ARG), Mario Ledesma (ARG), Sylvain Marconnet (FRA), Juan-Martin Fernandez Lobbe (ARG), Fourie Du Preez (RSA), Jonny Wilkinson (ENG), Yannick Jauzion (FRA), Juan Martin Hernandez (ARG)