Ten men ready to light up the cup
On rugby’s biggest stage the cream will rise to the top – here are 10 of the sweetest players on the planet. Toby Robson identifies the men who could light up the Rugby World Cup.
Is it a wing? Is it a centre? No, it’s a super hooker. Coles is in the midst of redefining the role of the hooker in international rugby.
The 28-year-old has rare pace and athleticism for a tight forward. His core work is good, but it’s the tries that have the rugby world buzzing. He’s only scored four tries in 30 tests, but you get the feeling he could add to that tally during his first World Cup. Watching the Wallabies fullback play is a treat. Few players possess such grace and athleticism and there are no more awe-inspiring sights in rugby than that of Folau’s 1.93-metre, 102-kilogram frame soaring through the sky to reel in a high kick.
The former rugby league star has the ability to beat defenders with strength or pace. He is undoubtedly Australia’s most lethal attacking threat, but it’s the space he creates for the players around him that is his greatest asset. Capable of great things at the World Cup if the Wallabies pack fronts. It’s unfair to write the Wallabies lock off as simply a big lug. Skelton can run, he can off load and he’s got some bite to his defensive work too. Put simply, the 2.04m, 148kg New South Welshman is coach Michael Cheika not so secret weapon.
Wallaby packs haven’t always had the bite and size to intimidate, but with Skelton on the park they have it in spades. He’s changed the playing field for the Wallabies and if they go on to win the World Cup their big Kiwi-born lock will have been a major factor. For all the Springboks many issues leading into the World Cup, first five-eighth isn’t one of them. Pollard is a player of rare skill and character.
His unflappable composure and ability to take over a game came to light during the under 20 World Cup in New Zealand and he’s blossomed in Super Rugby and at international level since. Pollard takes the ball to the line without fear, kicks well, tackles everything and is mature way beyond his years.