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With the beginning of a new year comes the chance for young players to make a name for themselves in the game and cement a place in their national team. Here are the five players to watch out for in 2014.
Sebastian Vahaamahina
The 22 year old lock is certainly one of France’s brightest prospects within the forwards.
The Perpignan youngster is certainly a towering presence with a height of 2.03 meters and is built like a colossus weighing in at 126kg.
The New Caledonian born Vahaamahina is certainly an asset in the lineout with his height and with his strength a force to be reckoned with when going into contact. Tackling him is certainly a tall order and in the Top 14 he has certainly fended off attempts to bring him down when he is in full flight.
But it has been his performances since signing for the Catalan club in 2011 from Brive that persuaded head coach Philippe Saint Andre to call him up to his squad.
During the successful 2012 end of year Tests he was given his debut in the comprehensive victory against the Wallabies.
Since then he has been capped nine times but although he is inexperienced and young the lock has been tipped as one to enjoy a stellar career for France.
His performances for Perpignan this season have been eye catching and Vahaamahina played in France’s 2013 end of year Tests. If he continues his good form I am sure the young lock will play in the Six Nations next year.
Rhys Patchell
The young fly half has added to his reputation due to his good performances for the Cardiff Blues. Such was his talent he was called to the Welsh squad for their two Tests against Japan where he made his debut.
This season he has continued his good form for Cardiff Blues where he had been at the forefront of their excellent displays – notably in the Heineken Cup where they shocked the holders Toulon in October.
Patchell has a chance to break into the Wales squad this year although Rhys Preistland and Dan Biggar are Gatland’s preferred two choices. However, the 20 year old has a bright future ahead of him, especially with his ability to kick for goal from monstrous distances.
Just a few weeks ago in the Heineken Cup against Glasgow the fly half kicked a penalty from 60 metres when it was feasible to kick for touch. Confidence is something Patchell does not lack.
Pieter-Steph du Toit
While all eyes look towards Jan Serfotein and JJ Engelbrect as their top players among the South African U20 side it can be said du Toit can lay claim to that among the forwards.
The Cape Town born forward was also part of the successful Springbok side that beat the All Blacks to win the 2011 Junior World Championships held in South Africa. Moreover, du Toit is quite the utility player, as he can play at lock or flanker.
The 21 year old has already played 19 games for the Sharks in Super Rugby since making his debut in 2012.
The Sharks certainly see big things from him and recently signed a two year contract extension.
Moreover, du Toit broke into the South African side with his good performances for the Sharks (especially in the Currie Cup final) and made his debut in the victory over Wales in November. du Toit has enjoyed praise from Heyenke Meyer touting him as a “future Bok great.”
No doubt Meyer is looking to ease him into the Springbok side and under Jake White du Toit will be at the heart of the Sharks’ 2014 Super Rugby season. One thing is for sure: you’ll be seeing more of du Toit in the 2014 Rugby Championship barring injury.
Kyle Godwin
Godwin had an excellent season with the Western Force in 2013 and is one of the brightest youth prospects to come out of Western Australia. Though the Perth based franchise did not have the best season finishing 13th out of 15th overall.
But it was he, along with Nick Cummins, who spearheaded their backline and help achieve memorable home victories against the Crusaders and Brumbies, as well as shocking the Reds in Queensland.
Godwin lit up Perth with his line breaks, running metres made and his strong tackling.
What is pleasing for the Force is he has committed himself until 2016 to the club and an integral part of their future.
Last season he scored just two tries in Super Rugby but this season will no doubt be looking to cement himself as a Wallaby in waiting. If he continues his good form Ewen McKenzie will no doubt reward him with a spot in Australia’s squad.
Tommy Allan
Tommy (or Tommaso to any Italian readers) Allan could possibly be the fly half Italy have so desperately looked for ever since the mercurial stand off Diego Dominguez retired from international rugby in 2003.
The 20 year old certainly hails from a rugby family – his Scottish father and Italian mother played rugby while his uncle John Allan earned nine caps for Scotland. And it is the Scots that appeared who Allan would have played representing their U17, U18 and U20’s sides on numerous occasions.
However, the Scottish rugby union failed to approach him, resulting in Italian coach Jacques Brunel utilising his connections at Perpignan (Brunel has hero status for winning them the Top 14 title in 2009) where Allan plays to persuade the fly half to declare for Italy.
It certainly might be something the Scots could regret, as Allan looks a promising fly half.
The season ending injury to first choice fly half Camille Lopez has propelled Allan to first team action. His performances in the Top 14 and Heineken Cup have persuaded Perpignan to give him a two-year contract extension.
At the end of year Tests he showed his ability by scoring a try on debut from the bench in Italy’s defeat to Australia while impressing against Fiji and Argentina. With regular first team action for Perpignan Tommy Allan will certainly be one to watch for Italy in the Six Nations.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.