This is my fourth article in this team of the year series, and I fancied getting on to the big boys – the grinders, the locks.
4. Maro Itoje
Like we have all appreciated Maro Itoje before, the lock is one scary man. He made 95 per cent of his tackles in the 2020 Six Nations. He won nine turnovers in that tournament, and his performances for England are as solid as ever. He has remained one of the most consistent players in elite sport, and though this year was not like his breakout season of 2019, more of a transitional year, come 2021, I would not be surprised if the big, glorious, scary man gets scarier.
5. Sam Whitelock
2020 was a year in which the big old centurion Sam Whitelock gave a soldier’s showing. Hardworking, bruising, and skilful at the breakdown, the quiet worker laps his teammates and opposition. If you exclude the stinker the All Blacks played against the Argentineans, he was particularly impressive this year. He managed to shore up the scrum in the last game. I am not sure whether people appreciate his efforts for the All Blacks enough, because so much of his work is unseen.
(Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
Honourable mentions
Alun Wyn Jones was solid as always, though he failed to impress in a subpar Wales team. Good in offloading and passing, a powerful carrier, and a big defender.
I cannot get further without mentioning the Springboks locks in Eben Etzebeth and RG Snyman. Both shot out for their clubs this year. Etzebeth brought his pace, power, skills, and sheer brutality to Toulon. RG Snyman brought his sheer ferocity to the Top League and Munster. Unfortunately, both were ruled out with injury.
Guido Petti is a serious threat, having a 23 positive from 54 discrete (non-scrum) involvements against the All Blacks in that one win. A true potential star of the future.
Matt Phillips was also very impressive as well for the Wallabies, having 68 discrete involvements against the All Blacks in the 24-22 win. A powerful ball carrier and solid defender and breakdown operator.
James Ryan was notable in his efforts for Leinster, he has been one hard worker with a lot of youthful energy.
Bernard Le Roux was barnstorming in attack and defence, simply spending his time ripping up trees. A big hard worker with an all-rounded game.
Meanwhile, Brodie Rettalick impressed in the Japanese Top League, and he will return to New Zealand next year with his brutality and skills.
The big boys made a big impact this year.
Armchair Halfback
Roar Rookie
You'll love it Carlos! Freddie Pucciariello was a cult hero during his time at Munster. Even in 2020 the still reminisce about him: https://www.the42.ie/freddie-pucciariello-munster-interview-5069753-Apr2020/
Carlos the Argie
Roar Guru
Definitely Clouseau.
Carlos the Argie
Roar Guru
Hey, you made it to an Argie site! The Roar and your article were referred to in aplenorugby.com!
Armchair Halfback
Roar Rookie
Didn't look good at the time of watching. I should do an article on the rise again of Munster. They have a great bunch of young lads and Bernie has them playing skilful, purposeful rugby that's a joy to watch...
Harry Jones
Expert
Yes, a lifter dropped him. What I hear, however, is he’s added 4-5 kg of muscle, during rehab.
Harry Jones
Expert
Howzit. So, I have one on rising star James Ryan (in ANC/v FR) in the can, and I’ve set up looks on Thorn, AWJ, Sam, Vic, Vickers, EE, and Martin J.
Zak
Roar Rookie
I think Sam Whitelock has had a wonderful career. He is on the downside of his career but he was for such a long time the unseen glue in the AB’s pack. I love to see Harry do an analysis of Brumbies and Wallabies lock/second row David Griffin-he was an underrated player but combined perfectly with John Eales.
Pundit
Roar Guru
Ah Wallabies outmuscled them when ofa got carded and they lost Akira. Argentineans and top-tier in setpieces, and the ABs shredded their scrum in the second test
Clouseau or Poirot?
Guest
I suppose. But New Zealand’s second row has looked anything but dominant the last few years, and that was with probably the best lock in the world in Retallick with him. This year New Zealand’s forward pack was completely outmuscled by two average teams. After the performances this year I think it’s hard to say he would even make a combined Tri Nations team. Let alone get in ahead of Etzebetb, Mostert, Lawes, Launchbury, Itoje, Ryan, AWJ or Nakarawa. In his day he was one of the most complete, but I think he’s more like Simmons right now. Technically very sound but lacks the strength he once had to be a top tier lock. Maybe in 2021 he will prove me wrong.
Nobrain
Roar Guru
Thanks God there are different opinions for everything!,
Riccardo
Roar Rookie
:laughing:
Poirot or Clouseau?
Guest
I don’t think Whitelock is that good anymore. Wouldn’t have him in the top 6-7 locks in the world anymore.
mzilikazi
Roar Pro
Very good, Pundit. Pretty much git the best of the locks around. I was interested to see that Eddie Jones has finally begun to play the very hard and abrasive Joe Launchbury. Rory Arnold has been playing well for Toulouse from all reports....did see him against Ulster last weekend, but apart from his try, would have said he had a quieter game. For the future, 21 year old Leinster lock Ryan Baird is looking a good bet.
Pundit
Roar Guru
https://youtu.be/o5UMmIMeZzQ
Harry Jones
Expert
I cannot watch it
Harry Jones
Expert
Really athletic lad
Carlos the Argie
Roar Guru
Would that be then Goldilocks?
Armchair Halfback
Roar Rookie
He is an absolute beast isn’t he? Wouldn’t like to bump into him down a dark alley.. :laughing:
Hoy
Roar Guru
No it's not... it's not just a dropped ball... It's a dropped ball that lead to a try for the opposition. That's much worse! There are times and places... is a dropped ball with noone in sight, and the line wide open the same as a bloke copping a horrible pass in heavy traffic?
Pundit
Roar Guru
I honestly hate it when people measure the egregiousness of errors by their impact. or an example, a drop ball is just a drop ball, whether or not it leads to an opposition try.All of the same errors are as bad as the others