Four Wild Card Players
1 Anton Lienert-Brown [New Zealand]
This time last year there was no way we would have mentioned Lienert-Brown. But injury gave him his chance and his own ferocious talent allowed him to take it.
He’s a class act who just keeps surprising with his maturity, ability to find space and exploit it. He’s a genuinely brilliant offloader and distributor, tackles well and is one of those players who makes things happen.
2 Reece Hodge [Australia]
The Aussies reckon this young man is going to be a global superstar. Take that with a pinch of salt but there is no denying he’s a good player.
He’s able to play across the backline, defends well, kicks like a mule and seems to read the game better than most.
Probably needs to settle on a preferred position and then be given an extended run.
3 Duane Vermeulen [South Africa]
He’s back after missing most of last year with injury. Big Duane can play. The All Blacks rate him. They like him. He’s tough. He’s mobile and he wears his heart on his sleeve. Vermeulen gives the Boks an edge, a desire to physically impose themselves and he’ll encourage their defence to get off the line faster and more aggressively.
He’s a good ball carrier too with a neat offloading game.
4 Martin Landajo [Argentina]
The Pumas have a number of good halfbacks to choose from and the fact Martin Landajo holds his place says plenty about what he brings.
He’s a natural ball player and creates a bit of space around the edge of the ruck with his speed, footwork and awareness.
Strong passer, accurate kicker and good game manager – he’s growing into a fine player.