Itoje pips Barrett for top spot
England lock Maro Itoje is the best rugby player in the world – edging out All Blacks star Beauden Barrett – according to an influential English newspaper.
Itoje’s commanding performance in England’s 19-7 2019 World Cup semifinal victory over the All Blacks helped him win The Times’ top award.
Owen Slot, The Times’ chief rugby correspondent, wrote that Itoje dominated the lineout against the All Blacks’ four jumpers – locks Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock and starting back rowers Kieran Read and Scott Barrett.
‘‘The British & Irish Lion neutered New Zealand’s apparent strength,’’ Slot said. ‘‘The All Blacks didn’t rule the lineout. Itoje did. Of course, he might object to that assessment, because it is a team game and all that. However, he stole two of the All Black throws in the first half and forced New Zealand into an early tactical substitution.
‘‘He also made two turnovers. He was the most influential player on the pitch. That is why he is our world No 1 player, because of the number of games on which he imposes this relentless, over-bearing influence. Ask the opposition and they will tell you he is hell to play against.’’
Barrett was voted the No 2 player in the world by The Times, with its deputy rugby correspondent Alex Lowe saying the twotime World Rugby player of the year’s style of rugby was ‘‘a highoctane, high-speed thrill ride,’’ akin to his boyhood riding swollen Taranaki river rapids on a tractor tyre’’.
Lowe said Barrett ‘‘sees opportunity rather than risk in every situation; a rare state of mind you see in the very best athletes.’’
Barrett was one of three All Blacks in top 10. Retallick was
seventh, one place ahead of flanker Ardie Savea.
England also had three players in the top 10 – Itoje (1), prop Kyle Sinckler (9) and flanker Tom Curry (10).
World Cup champions South Africa had two, flanker PieterSteph du Toit (the current World Rugby player of the year) at No 4, one place ahead of wing Cheslin Kolbe.