The bigger debates would be what flanker to select with them, or who gets the 8 jersey. In researching a recent article on the most effective back row combinations in world rugby, over the past two years, I pored over some Opta stats and two names kept cropping up – Ardie Savea and Caelan Doris. […]
1 year ago
Bundee Aki makes the Top 5. Three Ireland stars have made it into the Top 20 list for the best players in world rugby for 2023. Bundee Aki ranks highest, and there are two Leinster stars included. Wrapping up their coverage for the year, Planet Rugby compiled their five-part series of ‘The 50 best rugby players […]
2 years ago
Some real class acts in there. The World Cup is back in South Africa and Test rugby is done for another year. While club action is ramping up in the northern hemisphere, it is a fitting time to assess the best players in world rugby, right now. World Rugby handed out their ‘Best’ and ‘Breakthrough’ […]
2 years ago
“I just try and go out there, fulfil the black jersey and give my best.” The 2023 World Rugby Awards may have thrown up a few questionable selections, but there was no more popular winner than Ardie Savea. World Rugby hosted a glitzy award ceremony in Paris, the night after South Africa defeated New Zealand […]
2 years ago
Just the sole, World Cup-winning Springbok. There are five Irish inclusions in the World Rugby Men’s 15s Dream Team of the Year, with Andy Farrell picking up Coach of the Year. Bundee Aki missed out on the ‘Best Player’ accolade, though. The announcements were made at a glitzy ceremony in Paris, one day on from […]
2 years ago
Pure class from Ardie Savea. New Zealand No.8 Ardie Savea settled the question on who had the edge between himself and Caelan Doris, and helped his country reach another World Cup semi final. Savea scored a first half try and was immense across the park for the All Blacks as they defeated Ireland 28-24 in […]
2 years ago