2020 has been globally disrupted, but there was still ample opportunity for rugby to be played.
As the international year ends with the conclusion of both the Tri-Nations and Autumn Nations Cups, I select, in no particular order, some youngsters who lit up both the club and international scene.
1. Harry Wilson
A 20-year-old rookie handed his Test debut in Wellington in October, Harry Wilson has been one of Dave Rennie’s bright prospects this year. The Queensland Red eighth man has taken his stellar Super Rugby form into the Wallaby jersey.
Some have compared him to the next Kieran Read, a huge compliment to his soft and delicate hands. Aside from Wilson’s large frame, he has put in some massive shifts in defence and frequently puts in some brutal hits that ignite a crowd. A personal highlight for me was Wilson’s adaptability in being deployed in wider channels, which really utilised his handling and distributive ability – this worked immensely well on Wilson and Filipo Daugunu’s debuts in the 16-16 draw against New Zealand.
2. Jack Willis
England’s squad depth is becoming scary, especially given how young they are. Eddie Jones earlier complained of having no out-and-out opensides when he first took the England role, but now he has a plethora of them in Tom Curry, Sam Underhill, Ben Earl and now Jack Willis.
Jack Willis was in monstrous form as Wasps were runners-up in England. A breakdown juggernaut, his formidable stats included the fact he has secured 13 turnovers in 175 minutes of playing time. This was followed by a try on debut against Georgia. 2021 should be a big year for him.
3. Antoine Dupont
He may not be considered a youngster, but my word Dupont has been sensational this year. Since his debut in Test Rugby, many knew he had it all and 2020 showed us that he really can succeed. He was integral in France narrowly missing out on the Six Nations title. He was a standout performer in many games that saw France secure a ‘Grand Slam’ against the northern hemisphere teams, dispatching all four nations very convincingly with some tricky away trips to Cardiff and Murrayfield.
2023 is the target for Dupont to show us why he’s the very best in the business, but in my eyes he is world player of the year for 2020.
(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
4. Will Jordan
Watching him score two tries in as many minutes against Argentina gave me serious joy. Jordan showed his electrifying pace and agility playing either fullback or wing for the Crusaders in SR Aotearoa with six tries and countless spells of pure brilliance. He is the All Blacks’ answer to Ben Smith and will surely be among the first-choice wingers come 2023.
5. Gregory Alldritt
He has been massive for Les Bleus and he has flourished under Shaun Edwards’ defence system. Brilliant with the ball in hand and a menace in defence, Alldritt has been everywhere for a much-improved French pack. Like Dupont, he put the English and Irish forwards to the sword with his big frame and ability to launch some dominant tackles.
6. Romain Ntamack
He defines French flair. With his immaculate trim, Ntamack has formed an awesome axis with Dupont and one that is only going to get better. His goal kicking and in-play kicking is much improved and this has not stopped his flashes of searing line breaks or cheeky chip-in behinds.
7. Caleb Clarke
Scintillating SRA form led to his first All Blacks start at Eden Park, in which he earned Jonah Lomu comparisons. With an athletic build and great acceleratioon, Caleb Clarke is utterly fearsome with the ball in hand. He had ten defenders beaten in SRA with 348 metres in run carries.
(Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)
8. Caelan Doris
It is some thing to dislodge CJ Stander from the number 8 jersey, but that’s what young Doris did. He’s quickly led himself to Lions contention as well as improving his ability over the ball and can make some bruising carries.
What differentiates Doris from other back-rowers is his handling and sheer work-rate. He is a tad light for a traditional 6/8 at 106 kg but his engine allows Ireland to benefit from having an agile additional fetcher.
9. Louis Rees-Zammit
The Wales and Gloucester flier has burst onto the scene and scored a hat trick for Gloucester at the age of 18. His nurturing into Test rugby will be difficult in a shaky Wales outfit, but Wayne Pivac’s style of expansive rugby could be one that benefits him. Given that George North and Liam Williams are ageing, LRZ is the future for Welsh rugby. Rees-Zammit and Jonny May on wings for Gloucester is a deadly combination.
10. Hoskins Sotutu
Last but not least, Hoskins Sotutu was electric in SRA. A valid option to play 6 or 8 for the All Blacks, at 22 Sotutu is ready to be fully thrown into the cauldron. His showing of number 8 passing was exemplary in a try against Australia earlier this season.
Choppies
Roar Rookie
Vunivalu grabs that jersey off him next year though - im sure of it
Choppies
Roar Rookie
I agree petaia should be at 15 but not on the wing. You want the ball in his hands as much as possible.
Choppies
Roar Rookie
Surely Petaia is included in this list? Yes he was injured for a large part of the season but the few times he touched the ball were some of the most special and clutch moments of the entire season - like THAT try against the brumbies. Hes only 20... I'm calling it now, with his incredible tackling ability, and running and kicking game he will be the worlds best n15 by the 2023 world cup - the next falou but a smarter and stronger version, perhaps not as quick though but more consistent.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Agree soapit, it surely can’t be the last we see of Simone. To’omua will be back and barring injury he’ll have a lock on 12, maybe that will re-set Rennie’s thinking on the heir?
Rhys
Roar Rookie
Yea we've got a lot to improve upon but all the Aus super sides do (and the WBs) and considering the ages of our sides that isn't unexpected. The fact they show promise is good though and hopefully bodes well for the future. For nsw we just need to continue growing Harrison and develop a forward pack with time but in the near future at least have guys in and around the squad which can hold the line in the forwards to gives the backs some platform to work.
soapit
Roar Guru
nsw looking half decent next year. reckon if theyd snuck into the finals they would have given it a proper shake, were really in very good form, just to poor for too long at the start of the year
soapit
Roar Guru
feel that youre right but i do think its a shame. a bit like all those players whose last test was that loss to samoa. never given a chance to show capabilitys in a semi functioning team. so much more potential for me and paisami has been good but not good enough to not keep trying other options. seems rennie doesnt rate irae much, i wonder what he's seeing?
soapit
Roar Guru
yep wright did lots of little value adding things well in a game where the flashy wing plays werent what was needed.
Rhys
Roar Rookie
Wright played well vs the pumas too though. Daugunu is promising but needs to go back to the Reds and continue improving like he's done over the last few seasons - primarily his discipline both off and on the ball. Wright firmly has that 14 jumper now if he can continue performing.
Rhys
Roar Rookie
Some promising players coming up the ranks. Also guys like Nonggorr, Taukipulu, Pollard, Lonergan (Ryan’s brother) etc.
Rhys
Roar Rookie
Keen to see how Walton comes on Paul, is a promising player. Likewise the continued development of Ramm, Harrison, Bell and Swinton. I hope Mark N gets some more gametime and can improve his defensive reads as I think he's a player for the future. Excited for Tizzano to get the 7 jersey in the absence of Hooper, could be a real solid 7 for us. There's more u20s and schoolboys guys coming through too so that's exciting but these guys are the core crop of the tah future in the immediate term.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Noodles, Wright was great in debut. One outing isn't enough to judge him. Remember Filippo's debut. Based on that he was lauded but in subsequent games, he went to "custard".
Busted Fullback
Roar Rookie
G'day jameswm. If we're talking potential, rather than what they were able to show over reasonable test time this year, I'd be including McDermott. I think his partnership with Lolesio would more than keep defences guessing and under pressure. I haven't seen enough of Harrison to guess what that partnership might bring.
Busted Fullback
Roar Rookie
I think he's going to be more valuable at 13, feeding wingers and fullback. Put JP in the back 3, my preference 15.
Rugby wizard
Guest
Dupont/Ntamack are without a doubt the best 9/10 combo and even if those two get injured France can still replace them with high quality Serin/Carbonnel. We will have to wait to see Joseph, I believe he is 3rd best number 8,which shows incredible depth.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Wilson always looked the most ready in the class of 2020. From a Tahs perspective I was most blindsided by Ramm. Coning into the year it was all about Marky Mark. But Ramm really stood tall. Tight 5 still going to be a weakness for the Tahs next year but I am still keen for next season to see how the young group develop.
Armchair Halfback
Roar Rookie
Great list Unders! I would agree with Jameswm that Fraser McReight should be included. Marino Mikaele Tu'u and Zarn Sullivan have been immense in the Mitre10 Cup and watch out for young Munster No 8 Gavin Coombes, he's a big lump - 198cm & 110kg - and loves scoring tries.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Wilson is a good pick, Unders. Paisami gets the “biggest surprise” award from me. Thought he was going to be no more than a handy SR 13. He may now have jumped ahead of Simone as the heir to To’omua’s WB 12 jersey.
jameswm
Roar Guru
From an Aussie perspective. 1. Wilson 2. Tom Wright 3. Lolesio 4. Harrison 5. Paisami 6. Daugunu 7. Bell 8. McReight 9. Horton 10. Ramm 11. Walton Petaia didn't play enough to tear up 2020. Have I missed anyone?
jameswm
Roar Guru
The fact that Jordan is considered fast shows how slow rugby players are compared to athletes. He has no stride length.