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« Top 5 - Twitter Kings | | Fancy your chances against the 'experts'? » January 7, 2011 Posted on 01/07/2011 Top 5 - Players
To coincide with our countdown of Rugby's Most Influential People, we thought we would offer up some additional rankings in the form of a series of 'Top 5s'. Next up is our pick of rugby's most valuable talents - not necessarily the best players in the world. With the Rugby World Cup looming we think these guys are pivotal to their side's chances. They may not all be potential World Cup winners but must perform if their teams are to reach their potential. 1. Richie McCaw (New Zealand) - The talismanic All Blacks captain is so often the driving force behind his side and is key to their hopes of reclaiming the sport's biggest prize on home soil. His superb all round game is complimented by his record-breaking leadership prowess. Without him the All Blacks are just not the same. 2. Dan Carter (New Zealand) - Arguably equally as valuable to the All Blacks as his skipper, Carter appears to be playing a different game to the rest of the world at times such is his ability to find time and space when others struggle for composure. His playmaking ability is the key to unleashing New Zealand's formidable back division. 3. James Hook (Wales) - The hugely-talented Hook is a potent game-breaking threat for Wales and will be central to their Six Nations and World Cup hopes. An undoubted world-class talent, the 25-year-old's versatility has worked against him at times but such is his ability to conjure a piece of magic you can rest assured he will play a central role no matter his position. 4. David Pocock (Australia) - Pocock's star continues to rise with 2011 set to provide yet further evidence that the Wallabies' flanker is destined for greatness. His ability to dominate all comers at the breakdown - including even McCaw - makes him an inspirational presence for Australia. 5. Jamie Heaslip (Ireland) - The strong-running No.8 is another world-class talent and an inspirational figure for province and country. A rock in defence, it is perhaps his industry and hunger for the ball in attack that makes him an extra special talent. His team-mate Brian O'Driscoll may have the magic touch but Heaslip will happily lead the line in defence and attack. Do you agree with our selection? Be sure to let us know...
Comments Posted John Doe on 01/08/2011 McCaw, Carter and Pocock are all certs, while Heaslip is at least on par with Kieran Read, if not a slight inferior. On Hook, I feel his perceived versatility and temporary injury has held him back from claiming any right to being a world "MVT". Given another strong international season, he could well ascend to true greatness. However, his purported move to the Top 14, and positionally to fly-half, may again hinder his development in this right. Hook, in spite of his majestic talents, has never shown a shrewd understanding of the game that befits a pivot. On the other hand, he may be a perfect fit for a number of French clubs, where the scrum-half is the tactician, the general. Hard to figure how that would affect his international game. Hook aside, more-than-honourable mentions should include Juan Smith, Victor Matfield, Fourie du Preez, William Servat, and Adam Jones - a foundation upon which any team could marshal a victory. Messrs Mitchell, O'Connor and Bowe to add the gloss. Posted Jon on 01/09/2011 Heaslip is not even the best 8 in the world, Kieran Read takes that honor. Hook should be nowhere near this list, du Preez should be (3rd in my opinion). Posted American Chuck on 01/10/2011 McCaw,Read,DuPreez,Pocock and Quade Cooper. Cooper because every team in the world, including the AB's are fearful of him. the rest pick themselves. Carter has yet to adapt to the new breakdown laws and heaslip and hook are your choices but i'm sure no one else's. honorable mention to Juan Smith, Will Genia and Kurtley Beale Posted Jake on 01/12/2011 1,McCaw Posted Fitri on 01/14/2011 As for me, McCaw, Carter and Pocock definitely fit the bill. But then Quade Cooper and Beale are also some names that could influence the game and the atmosphere a lot. p/s: I guess Du Preez, Matfield, Wilkinson and O'Driscoll are worth mentioning since their presence and absence could cast us doubts on how the game would end.
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