Rugby's Top 100: Introduction and 100-91

It is an event that has lingered on the horizon for many a year now, promising the best of what the rugby world has to offer.

For a sport as globalised as this, there is no single event on the rugby calendar that can capture the raw emotion, skill, passion, glory and heartbreak like this does.

The characteristics of this great game that we so love are epitomised within this event, promising much and delivering more, and as we bid farewell to the provincial seasons for another year it is only now that the Rugby World Cup, along with all it offers, is firmly within sight.

Since the conclusion of the November internationals in 2014, which marked the last time the national jerseys of white, red, blue, green, gold and black would be sighted before the most important of years, many a fan has cast a thought as to what the World Cup could hold.

And who could blame them? For the players, it is where the most epic of legacies are forged, and there is no better arena to secure one’s place in rugby folklore than this.

The upset of ‘95, the drop goal of ’03, the relief of ’11, moments among the most legendary in rugby history, occurring with the most sought after of prizes on the line. It is with these cherished memories in mind that the question now emerges at what moments will this World Cup bring, and who will bring them?

With the World Cup now only 73 days away, there seems no finer time to countdown rugby’s best of the best, who will no doubt feature later this year. Any passionate followers of the NFL will no doubt be aware of the NFL network’s top 100 countdown, which releases 10 players each week until eventually arriving at number one; the player generally seen as the best in the game.

This countdown will follow the same format, and at the conclusion of the 10-week period the World Cup will be upon us. Before we begin, however, a few rules of selection:

1. These are the best players who will feature at the World Cup, so naturally they must be eligible for selection. Those who are not eligible due to either sanctions or bans will not be considered i.e. Manu Tuilagi, Steffon Armitage.
2. Any players who will not feature at the World Cup due to long-term injury will not be considered i.e. Jonathon Davies, Aaron Cruden.
3. A player must be Test capped. Speculation about whether a World Cup bolter will or will not be a hit at Test level will not be taken into consideration.
4. Any injuries or bans that occur from the date this first edition is published to a player that features on the list will not order a reshuffle (the list is pre-written).

So without further delay, let’s kick it off with number 100.

100. Ben Youngs (ENG) – Scrumhalf
From his breakout Test against Australia in 2010, Youngs looked to belong at Test level. A darting 30-metre try off the back of a lineout showcased his trademark acceleration and speed, contributing to a 21-20 victory of Australia in the second Test in 2010.

Sniping runs seem to be a feature of modern English halfbacks, and Youngs is no different, as despite some declining form after the 2011 World Cup Youngs has never lost this attribute, with the 2014 Steinlager Series suggesting a return to the starting jersey for England after some eye-catching displays.

Captaining the Leicester Tigers to yet another semi-final berth in the Aviva Premiership, the 2015 World Cup on their home patch could well be the making of Youngs if he plays a hand in their success.

99. Kahn Fotuali’i (SAM) – Scrumhalf
The 33-year-old veteran has been a rock in the Samoan side for nearly half a decade now, combining speed and crisp passing with an ability to read opposition defences. His 2009 and 2010 seasons with the Crusaders were among the best of his career, displaying such terrific form that almost earned him an All Black call-up, before he decided to commit to Samoa.

A stellar 2011 for them, epitomised by an upset over the Wallabies in Sydney, suggests Fotuali’i can still prove a force at international level despite his age, which is now bolstered by 22 caps worth of experience since his debut in 2010.

Part of the 2014 premiership winning Northampton Saints, the Samoan scrumhalf will be looking to make a mark in the World Cup which could well secure his country a quarter-final berth.

98. Michael Leitch (JAP) – Number Eight/Flanker
The Japanese captain has enjoyed a terrific past few seasons for both club and country. Promoted to skipper by coach Eddie Jones two years ago, Leitch has been part of a superb stretch for the Asian nation, including an 11-match winning streak including a first ever win over a tier one opponent when the Brave Blossoms overcame Wales 23-8 in 2013.

His form, as well as his leadership saw him secure a one-year contract with the Chiefs for the 2015 season, in which he cemented his place as a starting eight man with his combination of power and finesse. A strong defender, Leitch is comfortable in the tight and can range out wide if required. Will presumably lead the Blossoms in what should be their best ever World Cup.

97. Juan Imhoff (ARG) – Wing
It seems a few of the players on this list have enjoyed success against Australia, with Argentine flyer Juan Imhoff another who has spearheaded another upset over the men in gold, with a crucial try in Mendoza helping to secure the first ever win by the Pumas in the Rugby Championship.

Characterised by strong acceleration, it is Imhoff’s ability to beat defenders that makes him such a threat out wide, which combined with the long passing game of playmakers Nicolas Sanchez and Juan Martin Hernandez, has the potential to devastate defences at the national level.

Argentina is not short on talented outside backs, with Joaquín Tuculet, Marcelo Bosch and Horacio Agulla just to name a few, but it is Imhoff’s consistency that sees him get the nod over them. One to watch in a Pumas side that may well surprise in 2015, as they look to achieve the lofty heights that they enjoyed in the 2007 tournament.

96. Henry Speight (AUS) – Wing
If Speight’s battle for eligibility had not been so long, it is probable that he would be far higher on the top 100 judging by his form for the Brumbies. In the 2013 and 2014 seasons, Speight was at his dazzling best, tearing open defences across the Super Rugby, noticeable especially in his performances marking Hosea Gear and the Highlanders in Dunedin, and the Chiefs in the 2014 quarter-final in Canberra.

Beating tackles on virtually every run, there is a strong case to be made that Speight is the best winger in Australia, and it is only his limited showings for the Wallabies that hold him back in this countdown. However, should he showcase his top form at the World Cup, combining with Israel Folau at fullback, Australia could well possess the best back three in the world. A tremendous athlete who looks to have a big future in the green and gold.

95. Greig Laidlaw (SCO) – Scrumhalf
The third scrumhalf to feature on this list, Laidlaw has enjoyed something of a coming of age for his country. Under coach Vern Cotter, the Scots have undergone a subtle transformation, bringing in some new players as well as old heads to create a formidable balance of youth and experience.

However, it is Cotter’s ability to get the best out of his players that makes his such a prize, and this is evident in his work with Laidlaw, who upon being given the captain’s armband last year has produced some strong showings for Scotland, forming a strong combination with flyhalf Finn Russell that may reap rewards for years to come.

Although Scotland endured a painfully typical Six Nations, the dismantling of a strong Argentinian side and even a near upset of the All Blacks at Murrayfield showed that when on song, Scotland can be a dangerous foe. They will look heavily to Laidlaw come the Rugby World Cup.

94. Malakai Fekitoa (NZL) – Centre
It is amazing to think how far Fekitoa has come in the past two seasons. After being recruited by John Kirwan after some strong showings for Auckland, he was never given a debut and was subsequently dropped for the 2014 season. Few could blame him for thinking that the dream was all over, however a phone call from Jamie Joseph soon after has ignited one of the finest young players in the world.

Fekitoa’s rookie season with the Highlanders was nothing short of phenomenal, recording a Super Rugby best 72 defenders beaten as the Highlanders achieved a finals birth for the first time since 2002. He was then named in the All Blacks, enjoying six starts, with three of those in a position he had never played, where he produced strong showings under pressure, including a match-winning try against Australia in Brisbane.

In 2015 Fekitoa has returned to the Highlanders a much more mature player, while not losing any of the spark that saw him enjoy such a rise in 2014. His efforts at centre, especially on defence, assisted greatly in his side’s first ever title success, and he looks to be key figure in the All Blacks’ World Cup campaign, as they seek to go back to back. Able to play either centre or wing, at only 23 Fekitoa could prove to be one of the best players in the world over the coming years.

93. Tony Woodcock (NZL) – Loosehead Prop
Only the third All Black to ever reach 100 Test caps, Woodcock bows out of international rugby in 2015 and will go down as one of the greatest front rowers to ever play the game. Having been in the All Blacks and the Blues for more than a decade, the 34-year-old loosehead has lifted every single trophy a New Zealand-based player can lift, and the only one to score a try in a World Cup final since 1987.

One would be forgiven for thinking Woodcock should be higher on the list, however injuries have hugely disrupted his past few years, as age now looks to be catching up with him. Not having played in the black jersey since 2013, Woodcock has played little rugby for the Blues this year, however there is little doubt that he can handle pressure.

In the tough northern hemisphere conditions at a tournament where close-quarter rugby is favoured, he could well stake his claim as the greatest No. 1 of all time. He rebounded from injury and doubts over his credibility in 2011 to produce a brilliant World Cup campaign, and could well be in for one last hurrah this year.

92. Morgan Parra (FRA) – Scrumhalf/Flyhalf
Parra is an interesting case of talent, as his on-field acts are often outshined with his ill discipline and history of being punished by referees. However there can be little doubt that the French scrumhalf, still only 26, has what it takes to succeed at the top level.

Clutch player? You bet. After being moved to flyhalf in a French side that looked to have self-destructed after a string of poor performances and internal disputes, Parra almost guided them to a maiden World Cup title from a position he had limited experience at. Despite being in and out of favour with current French coach Marc Livremont, Parra’s abilities cannot be said to have dulled with age.

There is every chance he could return to his 2010 grand slam winning self with some time in his preferred position. With plenty of experience, and providing he can keep his misdemeanors out of the headlines, there is no reason to believe Parra cannot shine at the Rugby World Cup.

91. Tendai Mtawarira (RSA) – Loosehead Prop
‘The Beast’ is one of the most recognised cult figures in world rugby, and is also one of the best players too. The name says it all; he’s strong. Very strong. A dominant scrummager and a high workrate have meant Mtawarira has all but locked down the Springbok No. 1 jersey for 2015, and barring injury would look to be a key figure in an experienced side come the Rugby World Cup.

The ability to use his colossal frame in the tight has slowly but surely crept into his game, to the point where he is now able to be considered an 80-minute player after being confined to an impact role for the beginning of his career. A good prop combines all these skills to lay a platform for his backs, and Mtawarira is capable of doing just that. He’s easy to spot, just listen for the roar that goes up when he decides to have a run.

The top 100 will return the same time next week with players 90-81, beginning with a young and emerging European centre.