The countdown
Who are the most influential rugby players in the world? We assembled a panel of nine – who each provided their top 50 and then awarded 50 points to each No 1, 49 to each No 2, and so on, and tallied up the results. Today, players 11-20.
20. Billy Vunipola England, No 8, six votes, 188 points
Vunipola is one of the game’s most destructive No 8s and England alway look a better side when he plays. Injuries have blighted the 28-year-old’s career but his availability throughout England’s run to the 2019 World Cup final made a huge difference. Alongside elder brother Mako, the pair, when fit, have been mainstays for England and have won multiple domestic and European prizes with Saracens. Vunipola, born in Sydney but of Tongan descent, has played 61 tests since his England debut in 2013 but still hasn’t featured for the Lions.
19. Romain Ntamack France, first five-eighth, seven votes, 189 points
The son of former French wing Emile Ntamack, the 21-year-old is one of the most exciting young talents running around on the international stage. After bursting onto the scene with the France Under-20s in 2017, Ntamack made his Top 14 debut with Toulouse later that year, and also played for the French Barbarians who beat the Ma¯ori All Blacks, before guiding his country to amaiden world U20 title in 2018. He then debuted for the top side in the 2019 Six Nations and his calm head, along with vision, flair and desire to attack the line, saw him make the No 10 jersey his own, and following the World Cup he was also named the 2019 World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year.
18. Samwhitelock Newzealand, lock, nine votes, 213 points
Whitelock has an engine which just won’t quit. The 32-year-old plays 80 minutes every week and is instrumental to the All Blacks’ and Crusaders’ tight five. Whitelock (156 games) will surpass Kieran Read as the second most capped Crusader this year and appears to be rejuvenated. That can only be good news for All Blacksmanagement, who would dearly like to see the workhorse at the 2023 World Cup.
17. Kendra Cocksedge Newzealand, halfback, nine votes, 216 points
Cocksedge is the world’s best halfback in the women’s game and has won two World Cups with the Black Ferns in 2010 and 2017, as well as multiple individual accolades. In