Some combinations are so perfectly balanced it feels as though they were made to play together. They didn’t just win matches — they dominated them, blending power, work rate and skill while making the toughest jobs on the rugby field look effortless.
Built on trust, understanding and complementary strengths, these back-row units became the heartbeat of their teams.
Whether at club or international level, they set the standard for excellence and left a lasting mark on the game. Here, we look back at five iconic back-row trios that defined their eras.
Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages
Greatest Back Row Trios List:
5 Siya Kolisi – Pieter-Steph du Toit – Duane Vermeulen
When you win back-to-back World Cups together, you’re not just a good back row — you’re legendary. This South African trio was forged in fire, beating England in the 2019 final and New Zealand in 2023.
Duane Vermeulen, a talisman at No.8, was the physical and emotional anchor — a man of the match in the 2019 final. Kolisi, South Africa’s first black captain, is a story of inspiration and grit.
Pieter-Steph du Toit, World Player of the Year in 2019 and 2024, is a freak of nature — all effort, line-speed, and tackle machines rolled into one. They weren’t just great individually — they complemented each other perfectly.
