'Does Ardie Savea not exist?': Fans react to World Rugby's dream team

World Rugby have announced the Men’s 15s Dream Team of the Year, but the absence of two international superstars has left fans on Twitter shocked and confused.

World No. 1 Ireland had four players included in the star studded line-up, the most of any nation, with Tadhg Furlong, Tadhg Beirne and Johnny Sexton all named.

Irish flanker Josh van der Flier was also included in the XV, before later being crowned the world’s best male 15s player at the World Rugby Awards in Monaco.

Three players from South Africa were also selected – including the midfield pairing of Damian de Allende and Lukhanyo Am.

New Zealand, England and France had two players named in the Dream Team each – which is somewhat of a surprise considering Les Bleus’ dominance this year.

Winger Marika Koroibete was the only Australian included in the team of the year, while flanker Pablo Matera was the only Argentinian player selected.

While the team certainly looks fantastic on paper, the glaring omissions of two players has stumped fans – including the absence of an All Blacks star.

All Blacks backrower Ardie Savea has been phenomenal again this year, which is why many rugby fans were shocked to discover that he wasn’t even nominated for the Player of the Year award.

Many rugby fans believed he was the best player in Test rugby this year, but the fact that he didn’t even make the top XV has left a couple of fans asking whether Savea actually exists.

Does Ardie Savea not exist?

— Riley 🇳🇿 (@rileyhamilton_) November 20, 2022

@NZRugby @ardiesavea Best Number 8 this year and he cant even make the World 15!! Oh and congrats to @rubytui on your award #ArdieSalvea

— Russ Young (@Hubbybubble) November 21, 2022

Would love to see the justification of @ardiesavea missing out on everything. He has been an absolute pillar of the All Blacks all year. Dependable and rock solid. Yet another travesty against the best player in the World. #myPOTY

— Matt G (@LordOfTheGingz) November 20, 2022

No Ardie Savea or Jordie Barret? That’s crazy https://t.co/5WRwFreShB

— |Namsen re (@axarob_) November 20, 2022

Would love to see the justification of @ardiesavea missing out on everything. He has been an absolute pillar of the All Blacks all year. Dependable and rock solid. Yet another travesty against the best player in the World. #myPOTY

— Matt G (@LordOfTheGingz) November 20, 2022

For me. Ardie Savea over Pablo Matera in any loose 3.

— 🏉Anna, jackal princess🏉 (@anna66newton) November 20, 2022

6N Grand Slam, perfect year with a 10 wins out of 10 games, yet only 2 players representing France.

I mean, Marx over Marchand, Genge over Baille ?
… And where is Ardie Savea ?!

— Louis (@Aldhyr) November 20, 2022

Only country with 4 and all deserved. However, credibility of selection questionable with Ardie Savea not included. IMO he should have been VDFs closest challenger for Player of the year

— Joe Healy (@joehealyfarmer) November 20, 2022

Missing Ardie Savea in my view. Hugely influential in every game he plays.

— Andy Simpson (@AndySim62) November 20, 2022

Serious question can someone explain how or why @ardiesavea isn’t in this team 🤔 🙄 First name on any international team sheet 😬 https://t.co/tU9QsIiPw7

— Tino Junior Poluleuligaga (@JIP2EZY) November 20, 2022

Ardie Savea snubbed,again.This is a joke for real

— Shenge06 (@Sihawubuthelezi) November 20, 2022

Another international superstar who was omitted from the Dream Team, and who many believed should’ve been nominated for the Player of the Year award, was South Africa’s Eben Etzebeth.

Etzebeth was left out of the XV with Irish lock Tadhg Beirne and All Blacks star Sam Whitelock selected ahead of him.

Yes , would have Eben there ahead of Whitelock & Ardie Savea there ahead of Matera

— Simon Kelly (@kelly_simonx) November 20, 2022

Tadgh beirne over eben etzebeth you’re having a laugh.

— mcrowe (@mC41874041) November 20, 2022

Eben Etzebeth disrespect 🤮🤮🤮 https://t.co/8MIOL5S2TQ

— oBabakho 🇩🇪🇩🇪 (@KhumaloMphe) November 20, 2022

There is still more international rugby to be played this weekend, with South Africa set to take on England in a blockbuster at Twickenham.

In the other Test, traditional rugby rivals Wales and Australia will both run out to Cardiff’s Principality Stadium with a point to prove.