Our top 50 rugby players of 2018
In a mixed year for New Zealand’s rugby teams, the Weekend Herald’s experts pick the nation’s top 50 players of 2018
1 Brodie Retallick
Restricted by injury and yet still superb. Without doubt the most influential player in world rugby. Whether carrying, cleaning, dominating the lineout or defending, Retallick does it all to lift those around him. Who will forget the cheeky dummy he sold to Wallabies playmaker Bernard Foley? He is on another level for a tight forward. He was the best player on the park at Twickenham in the one-point victory over England, and he can be forgiven a couple of rare errors in a muddled team performance in Dublin.
2
Beauden Barrett
Emerged from a difficult season with the Hurricanes to quickly find form with the All Blacks in June. Something of a forgotten feat, four tries against the Wallabies at Eden Park saw him become the first No 10 in the history of test rugby to do so. He once again battled goal kicking demons but came out the other side to kick superbly in the back end of the year. It was not a vintage Barrett season but even when marginally below his best, he is still one of the world’s best attacking talents.
3
Portia Woodman
Woodman is one of those athletes who has a distinct aura on the field, a magnetic presence that not only attracts defenders but also eyeballs, whether she is being watched at the stadium or on TV screens. She’s one of the most recognisable players in the sport, and continues to set the standard with her pace, skill and athleticism. She was also named the ninth most influential figure in rugby by magazine Rugby World, eclipsing All Blacks stars Beauden Barrett and Kieran Read.
4
Rieko Ioane
In a relatively quiet year compared with his 2017 breakout season, Ioane still scored the most tries of any test player in 2018, dotting down 11 times in 11 matches for the All Blacks. He also scored his first test hattrick with three against France in Dunedin. He has quickly become one of the best, if not the best, winger in world rugby and should continue to lead the way for years to come.
5
Codie Taylor
Backed up a brilliant 2017 with another great season for the Crusaders and All Blacks. Everreliable at set-piece time, Taylor can also produce in open play as he showed when he evaded Siya Kolisi and set up Aaron Smith to spark the All Blacks’ incredible comeback win against the Springboks in Pretoria. The Taylor-Dane Coles debate is one of the most interesting talking points going into next year.
6
Michaela Blyde
She’s so good that whenever she gets the ball and doesn’t score, it’s a disappointment. That’s how high the expectations are. Blyde finished with the second-most tries on the Sevens World Series with 37, and was the top try-scorer at the World Cup with nine. She has followed in the footsteps of mother Cherry, who played for the Black Ferns in the 1990s, and will undoubtedly be a role model herself to many young girls playing the game.
7
Sam Whitelock
Captained the Crusaders to a second Super Rugby title, brought up 100 test caps, captained the All Blacks to four test wins, played at a ridiculously high level throughout the entire year . . . not much to complain about for Whitelock this season. The Whitelock-Retallick combination is up there with Bond-Murray, Ferguson-MacDonald, EversSwindall-Evers-Swindall and HudsonHalls in terms of New Zealand’s greatest duos.
8
Ben Smith
Is he a wing or he is a fullback? Maybe we’ll never know the answer as he heads into his final season in New Zealand. Smith played 13 tests this year, seven on the wing and six at 15. He clocked the most minutes of any All Black in 2018 and despite being in the autumn years of his career, he was the only member of the squad to make the UK Telegraph’s team of the autumn tests. Smith played 928 minutes of test rugby this year, missing only the Japan and Italy matches (although he still got time on the field as a waterboy in Rome) and 2120 minutes in total, including Super Rugby action. He has earned a nice job in the south of France.
9
Kendra Cocksedge Cocksedge has come about as close as you can to clocking rugby. Already with a Sevens World Series title and Rugby World Cup, the Black Ferns halfback added the Kelvin R Tremain award for best overall player at the New Zealand Rugby awards, the first woman to do so. Forever chirping away on the pitch, Cocksedge’s speed and attacking ability is a well-used asset for the Black Ferns and she shows no signs of slowing down.
10
Richie Mo’unga
The breakout star of 2018. With an offensive arsenal and great ability to read the game, Mo’unga was a driving force behind the Crusaders’ Super Rugby-winning campaign. Despite being sidelined for nine weeks with a broken jaw, the Crusaders No 10 was the standout performer of the competition, and earned a regular All Blacks spot by the season’s end.
11
Jack
Goodhue
Established — surely — as the new All
Blacks backline rock. A season slightly interrupted by glandular fever, but his debut against
France in June marked the beginning of what almost certainly will be a long test career. The big centre with a big motor makes all the right moves with little fuss. He had a particularly good Bledisloe Cup test in the big win at Sydney.
12
Sarah Goss
Captain Fantastic. She was instrumental to the Black Ferns Sevens’ success in 2018, with seemingly every attacking move coming through her calm and composed hands. Goss is an inspirational leader, one of the most dogged defenders in the game and a highly skilled rugby player who never seems to tire.
13
Sam Cane
This was a season hampered by injuries for the All Blacks first-choice No 7. Cane missed parts of the Chiefs campaign with a knee injury before his test season was derailed by a scary neck injury in Pretoria. He faces a tough road to get back to form, with a return scheduled at the back end of the Super Rugby season.
14
Ardie Savea
There’s a reason New Zealand Rugby didn’t want to lose Savea to the Northern Hemisphere. The All Blacks and Hurricanes loose forward displayed career-best form in 2018, showing improvements across his game and earning plenty of praise from his teammates and coaches alike. NZR should be thrilled to have kept the 25-year-old in New Zealand for another two seasons.
15
Damian McKenzie McKenzie has always provided that spark on attack. Given the No 10 jersey for the Chiefs, that was on full display. Although having a few less-than-impressive moments, he continued to dazzle with the ball in hand. With a particularly impressive performance against England at Twickenham, McKenzie made his impact felt, be it in the 10 or 15 jerseys. 16 Kieran Read
A rare down year for the All Blacks skipper who struggled with injuries and form. However, expectations are always high for one of the greatest No 8s to play for New Zealand, if not the greatest.
17
Kelly Brazier
It will be a while before anyone forgets that try against Australia to clinch gold in the Commonwealth Games final. Brazier was a key member of the Black Ferns Sevens squad as they collected Commonwealth and World Cup titles. She is lethal with ball in hand and a fine orchestra on the pitch.
18
Scott Barrett
Confirmed himself as one of the best locks in world rugby, deputising for Brodie Retallick. A poser for the All Blacks in World Cup year — is he good enough to start as a converted blindside flanker? Otherwise, a bench certainty.
19
Aaron Smith
Extraordinary fall from grace, not helped by his off-field image. His energy and pinpoint passing were, not long ago, seen as essential to the All Blacks. Now, there are doubters everywhere. Still good enough for this list but trying to emerge from the shadow cast by his finest form.
20
Karl Tu’inukuafe One of the great stories of 2018 was the sudden rise of Tu’inukuafe. He began the season without a Super
Rugby contract, was called up to the Chiefs in an injury crisis and three months later was in the All Blacks for the same reason. Luck may have got him into the All Blacks but hard work and truly convincing performances kept him there as he racked up an impressive 13 tests this year.
21
Anton Lienert-Brown
Made 11 test appearances for the All Blacks, with seven of those coming from the bench, where he is arguably more influential. It was a bit of a merry-go-round in the All Blacks centres this year but he certainly didn’t hurt his chances of a World Cup spot next year. 22 Dane Coles
After a 2017 to forget, hampered by a long layoff from injury, the All Blacks veteran began to return to his best later in the season in the black jersey. The battle between Coles and Taylor for a starting spot at the World Cup should be a fascinating watch next year.
23
Ryan Crotty
He was Steve Hansen and Co’s No 1 pick at centre, with eight starts, but didn’t get the nod for the England test, with Goodhue starting at 13. A battle looms in the midfield in 2019, with six contenders vying for spots. An ugly head clash in Sydney raised some doubts about continuing his career.
24
TJ Perenara
Edged ahead in test calculations, thanks mainly to Aaron Smith’s decline. Still doesn’t have Smith’s class as a passer, but he’s like a fourth loose forward, which suits claustrophobic test conditions. Off the field, he was a strong supporter of the LGBTQI community after Israel Folau’s controversial comments. 25 Liam Squire
Another player to have a season hindered by injuries, Squire was one of the Highlanders’ most reliable bodies when on the pitch during Super Rugby. Tackling at a 92 per cent hit rate and fearlessly taking the ball into contact, be it at Super Rugby level or playing for the All Blacks, Squire offered a glimpse of his best self in 2018 and should look to extend that into 2019.
26
Selica Winiata Small in stature with a huge heart, Winiata manages to juggle rugby commitments with her full-time job as a constable in the Palmerston North police. On top of that, she is also the primary caregiver for her two nephews. What a woman. Switching between the XVs and sevens arena, Winiata is a fleet-footed speedster who has left plenty of defenders for dead. The Black Ferns veteran recently led Manawatu to back-to-back national sevens titles. 27Year
Owen Franks
10 as an All Black and not much has changed — Franks is consistently unwavering at scrum time. He played nine or more tests for the ninth time of his career as he remains the first-choice tighthead. Often forgotten when it comes to the key members of the All Blacks side.
28
Charles Piutau Although he had a belated start to the year due to injury, Piutau is one of the few overseas pros who would still be pushing for a spot in the All Blacks had he stayed at home. Capable of filling all back three roles with aplomb, Piutau has been in strong form for Pat Lam’s Bristol Bears from fullback. The Northern Hemisphere game doesn’t always cater to his natural gifts but Piutau still manages to make the most of his chances.
29
George Bridge
He is deceptively quick and deceptively tall. Excellent under the high ball, he covers left wing and fullback but is unproven on the right. He always looked destined for Crusaders greatness as a star Canterbury junior and epitomises the fresh Scott Robertson era at the Super Rugby champions. He became a new All Black this year and has his work cut out staying there for now but has the potential to be a World Cup squad bolter.
30
Ngani Laumape In some respects, this was not a great season for Laumape because he was unable to establish himself with the All Blacks selectors. Indeed, coach Steve Hansen publicly questioned his communication and decision making, and sent him back to play in the provinces. He had some smashing moments for the Hurricanes and the All Blacks, but 2018 left as many questions as answers about his World Cup prospects for next year. 31 Matt Todd
The Crusaders workhorse put himself firmly in the conversation for a spot in next season’s World Cup squad on the back of a dominant Super Rugby campaign. Todd was called into the All Blacks for the endof-year tour and pounced on the opportunities he was given.
32
Sonny Bill Williams
This was a frustrating year for Williams, who struggled with form and injuries. He’s still the All Blacks incumbent second-five but will have to stave off several suitors waiting in the wings to snatch his spot. But even with limited minutes, he still produced many moments of magic throughout the season. An in-form Williams is what the All Blacks need at next year’s World Cup.
33
Fiao’o Faamausili
One of the greatest to ever play for the Black Ferns, Faamausili hung up her boots after a storied 22-season senior career. Her accomplishments are a stream of firsts: the first woman to play 100 games for one province, the first woman to be canonised on the cover of the Rugby Almanack, and earlier this year, she was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for services to rugby. And she added a few more highlights this year, among them a hat-trick against the Wallaroos.
34
Scott Curry
Curry is a relentless presence for the All Blacks Sevens and a picture of consistency on the pitch. He took over leadership duties from DJ Forbes in 2015, the same year he was named as the country’s best sevens player. The national side’s co-captain continued to lead the way this year and was once again named All Blacks Sevens Player of the Year.
35
Jordie Barrett
It has been a tough year for Barrett. After a strong breakout season in 2017, the 21-year-old kicked off this year with an unfortunate incident involving the police at a flat in Dunedin. His year got worse after several glaring mistakes led to him being dropped from the All Blacks squad. But an inspired four tries against Italy on the wing shows exactly why he was so highly rated in the first place, and adds to his case to be on the plane to Japan next year.
36
Solomon Alaimalo
If rugby fans didn’t know his name a year ago, they certainly do now. The dynamic Chiefs fullback leapt on to the scene this season with a devastating running game which, in tandem with Damian McKenzie, had defenders baffled and beaten. Alaimalo was among the league leaders in tackle busts, line breaks and running metres. He does, however, still have some work to do on the defensive side of his game.
37
Vilimoni Koroi
The 20-year-old is a player with a big future. The All Blacks Sevens’ main playmaker is a natural on the sevens field. Koroi’s deft footwork, speed and skill make him one of the most exciting athletes in the sport. And he’s slowly making waves in XVs as well, with several impressive performances for Otago at fullback.
38
Ruby Tui
Coming off one of her best seasons in 2017, when she was named Black Ferns Sevens Player of the Year and a finalist for the World Player of the Year, Tui continued her good form into 2018. The 27-year-old is a seasoned campaigner with a penchant for tackle-breaking and creative flair on the rugby field.
39
Dalton Papali’i
The Blues loose forward had a brilliant breakout year, first making his mark in Super Rugby before getting a well-deserved call-up to the All Blacks end-of-year tour squad. He earned two test caps against Japan and Italy and has put himself in the frame for a World Cup spot next year.
40
Dan Carter
He is getting on at 36 years old but proved he’s still got it by being named MVP in the Japanese Top League, leading his Kobe Kobelco Steelers to the title. He could probably still start for most Super Rugby franchises.
41
Steven Luatua
Another former Blues prospect lured by Pat Lam to Bristol (along with teammate Charles Piutau), Luatua has found a happy home at the Bears. Still only 27, Luatua has assumed the leadership responsibilities and carried this while continuing to perform strongly from No 8. Given the uncertainty around the All Blacks blindside role, Luatua’s lost presence seems even more glaring.
42
Jackson Hemopo
Earned a deserved test debut against France after impressing for the Highlanders. Hemopo, who had been with the All Blacks for much of the year without featuring a great deal, took much-treasured game time at lock in his first start in Tokyo, throwing himself into everything.
43
Ben Lam
He had a remarkable start to the Super Rugby season for the Hurricanes, scoring 14 tries in the opening 11 games before finishing as top try-scorer of the competition with
16. Despite his breakout season and status as a fan favourite, he wasn’t able to crack into the All Blacks in
2018.
44
Akira Ioane
Getting left out of the All Blacks squad for the northern tour seems to have lit a fire in Ioane. His power and experience were a big reason behind Auckland’s successful push towards the Mitre 10 Cup title, where he was unstoppable at times. Critics sometimes allege a lack of commitment and discipline but he will definitely be pushing to book a seat on the plane to Japan next year. And he looks hungrier than ever.
45
Victor Vito
Won’t be returning home any time soon, having just penned a new three-year deal at French club La Rochelle, where he is joined by former All Blacks halfback Tawera KerrBarlow. Vito has been a fan favourite in France, a one-time Top 14 Player of the Year. He now captains La Rochelle and brings his consistent flair and physicality from No 8.
46
Tyla Nathan-Wong Nathan-Wong has been a key member of the all-conquering Black Ferns Sevens side since making her debut in 2012, becoming the youngest to be selected in the team at just 18. The Black Ferns playmaker has, however, struggled with the boot at times. But she’s had plenty of opportunities to perfect her goal kicking and kickoff skills thanks to the number of tries scored by the team this year.
47
Joe Moody
Moody suffered a shoulder, thumb, finger, knee and then a gruesome eye injury this year but the solid All Black and Crusader produced a typically solid year when on the field. He will, however, have a battle on his hands to keep his spot thanks to the meteoric rise of Karl Tu’inukuafe.
48
Eloise Blackwell Blackwell doesn’t stop from first whistle to last. A constant presence, particularly in the tight areas, Blackwell’s work rate is as good as any second row forward in the game today, hence the reason why she is a key component of the Black Ferns tight five.
49
Tim Mikkelson
Mikkelson led the way for the side which secured Commonwealth Games gold and the World Cup Sevens title this year. The All Blacks Sevens co-captain is a tryscoring machine and is among the top five scorers in sevens history.
50
Matt Proctor After an injurystrewn few years, Proctor got his debut chance at centre for the All Blacks against Japan, where he was able to draw on the combination he has gained at the Hurricanes with Ngani Laumape alongside him. He’s got the skill to go with the temperament and plays with all the team ethos and heart the All Blacks put at a premium.