High Five: Players to watch in 2017
Nehe Milner-skudder
Age: 26 Test caps: 8 Position: Fullback/wing
We were robbed in 2016; robbed of savouring probably the most lethal step in rugby or league. The Hurricanes and All Blacks made do, but a little bit of magic was missing. Milner-skudder is one of those truly rare talents. He rose rapidly from Manawatu to the Canes and All Blacks – all in one year. He forced his way into the World Cup squad, eventually named breakout player of the season. It was nothing short of spectacular. With a background in league, Milner-skudder is much more than a finisher at home on the wing or fullback. He enjoys getting in at first receiver and ball playing. His offloads in the wide channels regularly put others away. He is deceptively strong. And then, of course, there’s his swift change of direction that leaves defenders for dead, and kids in backyards up and down the country attempting to emulate. Don’t expect his return from shoulder surgery to slow him down. The Brisbane 10s, with its added space, is the perfect arena to rekindle his spark. Watch that flow once again throughout the year.
Jordie Barrett
Age: 19 Test caps: 0 Position: Backline utility
Those in Canterbury country will long be ruing this one that got away. Truth is Scott Robertson was always fighting a losing battle, attempting to retain Barrett over a move to the Hurricanes where he’ll play outside older brother Beauden next year. Jordie won emerging and provincial player of the year gongs, and rightly so. He starred for Canterbury, predominantly from fullback in his rookie season, and then earned call-up as an apprentice on the All Blacks’ end-of-year tour. How invaluable that could prove in time. Second fiveeighth is his favoured position, and he’s said to have packed on some extra size up north to add to his lanky frame. Still in his teens, whatever position he plays Barrett his the elusive quality of time on the ball. Whether it’s kicking for goal or jinking through a gap he rarely looks flustered. Taking the next step to Super Rugby should not prove an issue.
Maro Itoje
Age: 22 Test caps: 7 Position: Lock
Born in London to Nigerian parents, the English second-rower is already being touted as a future captain, such has been his impact. Itoje made his test debut only in February and went on to be named World Rugby breakthrough and European player of the year. At 1.95m and 116kg he is a lump of a lad, and firm presence come lineout time. His natural athletic abilities have been there for all to see for Saracens and England under20, whom he captained. Itoje missed the November tests with a fractured hand but, if fit, is a certainty to make the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand. His clash with Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock will be worth the price of admission alone.
Sonny Bill Williams
Age: 31 Test caps: 33 Position: Second five-eighth
The intrigue surrounding Williams is two-fold. It’s been over a year since we saw him in the Xv-man arena, and word is his achilles injury, suffered at the Olympics after being overworked in sevens, featured a recent setback. Williams was never the quickest player going around, and may have lost a yard of pace. Still, his value to Tana Umaga, the Blues and All Blacks this year is immense. Williams’ strength is his directness. Forget for a minute his wellversed offloading; his ability to straighten the backline and provide genuine punch, even from a standing start, is better than any other New Zealand midfielder. He is grounded and happy off the field in Auckland, with two children now in tow. That sense of maturity; professionalism and dedication to training rubs off on those around him. Despite his superstar qualities, Williams has some initial work to do after Ryan Crotty and Anton Lienert-brown established themselves as the All Blacks first-choice midfield combination. Malakai Fekitoa, Charlie Ngatai and George Moala will be knocking on the door, too. Fit and in form, though, Williams is a lock for the Lions, probably alongside Crotty with Lienert-brown providing cover from the bench.
Handre Pollard
Age: 22 Test caps: 20 Position: First five-eighth
South African rugby needs a saviour. Eight losses from 12 tests in 2016 is horrific for a proud nation. Need we bring up the shock loss to Italy? Allister Coetzee’s job is under severe threat and he, more than anyone, will be hoping once wonder kid Pollard can recapture form. Pollard missed all of 2016 with shoulder and knee injuries after taking on too much with a stint in Japan. He is back training, and should be on deck for the Bulls from January. Elton Jantjies and Pat Lambie just don’t compare in class. Both have their strengths; neither are the full package. Pollard, at his best, is dynamic; one out of the box for a Boks No 10. Who could forget the two tries he scored to led the Boks to their last victory over the All Blacks in the Ellis Park epic in 2014? Pollard is strong, big, fast and loves challenging the line. The Boks and, indeed, world rugby will be better for having him back.