Do you also know nothing about rugby, and even less about its stars? That’s good, the start of the 2023 Rugby World Cup is approaching with the first match of this World Cup between the French XV and the All Blacks. An enticing first poster which is also an opportunity to discover the myriad of stars who will fight on the different pitches of France to win the world title. 20 minutes presents the 11 players to follow until October 28, for the best.
Ardie Savea, New Zealand. At 29 years old, he is considered one of the best third lines on the planet. It was not a given since Ardie Savea was used very little before 2018, before gradually establishing himself as the natural replacement for Kieran Read. He’s not the black with the greatest charisma, but his defensive qualities thanks to the physique of a buffalo, 1.90 meters, 100 kg, speak for him. To the point of being voted best New Zealand international of the 2021 season.
Manie Libbok, South Africa. We could have talked to you about Springbok star Siya Kolisi or Makazole Mapimpi and his family history, but let’s talk about youth. This is the reason why we chose the young Manie Libbok, the 26-year-old fly-half has transformed the Springboks’ game since his first selection. It must be said that with its 74 kg all wet, it is better to favor the twirling play of the backs than the power of the forward pack, a central element of South African tactics since always.
Maro Itoje, England. He is THE star of the XV de la Rose where he plays in the third or second line position. At 28, he has already won three VI Nations tournaments and allowed England to reach the final, lost, during the last World Cup in 2019. But England is doing much less well recently and his salvation will come, or not, from Maro Itoje where his image goes beyond the framework of rugby.
Angel Capuozzo, Italy. His name probably means something to you, it’s normal since Ange Capuozzo was born in Grenoble, where he revealed himself from 2019. But it was also on this date that the young full-back chose to join Italy for the Under-20 World Cup. His angel face has since conquered the Azurri, where his speed wreaks havoc as during the historic victory against Wales in 2022. He was even elected revelation of world rugby that year, finally allowing Italy to experience its first successes. But be careful, Ange Capuozzo is returning from a long injury to his left shoulder which caused him to miss almost the entire season with Stade Toulousain, and the preparation with Italy.
Josh van der Flier, Ireland. The legend Jonathan Sexton would have deserved his place in this ranking as his country depends on his performances, it is enough to see that he was absent during each of Ireland’s three defeats over the last four years. But Josh Van Der Flier has the opportunity to write the history of the XV du Trèfle at 30 years old. The third row was voted best player in the world ahead of a certain Antoine Dupont in 2022, enough to give you an idea of the guy’s qualities. Which are not those of our Frenchy, since the Irishman is a machine for turning the opponent over. He made 114 tackles during the last European Cup with Leinster, a competition record. And what’s more, he wins almost everything, everywhere.
Duhan van der Merwe, Scotland. A more impressive guy than a very good rugby player, Duhan Van Der Merwe is what we call a flashy player, when spared from injuries. But he seems to have acquired a physique since his arrival in Scotland, and at 28 he could finally confirm it during this World Cup. Especially since the Chardon XV faces South Africa in Group B, his country of origin where he started rugby, to the point of playing in the youth teams. Before opting for Scotland from 2020.
Marika Koroibete, Australia. This former Fijian rugby league player has the physique for the job: 1.80 meters tall and weighing 93 kg, his shoulders are not far from being three times as wide as his hips. The 31-year-old winger is an incredible try-hunter, with end-of-the-line jumps that can prove just as impressive as his tackles.
Lima Sopoaga, Samoa. New World Rugby rule now allows players to change national team if they have not been selected for thirty-six months and were born in the country, or one of their parents was born there. . This allows Lima Sopoaga, a 32-year-old fly half, to be able to play this 2023 World Cup with the Samoa Islands, after winning two rugby championships with New Zealand. Let’s hope that he will play it more collectively with the “Manu Samoa” than with his former club Lyon, where he has rejected all possible and imaginable criticisms (the coach, the synthetic turf) in recent weeks.
Malakai Fekitoa, Tonga. He too is a defector from the Blacks with this new World Rugby rule. The difference is that he is already world champion, and 2015, with New Zealand. At 33, Malakai Fekitoa is still considered one of the best centers in the world. Behind his mover’s physique1.87 meters and 100 kg, hides a boy with a big heart, like when he got involved after the tsunami which ravaged his islands in 2022. Date on which he made his return to his country of origin.
Semi Radradra, Fiji. This former rugby star of XII and XIII now plays at XV under the colors of Fiji. Followers of the Top 14 know him well since the 32-year-old center first played in Toulon, from 2017 to 2018, before joining Bordeaux Bègles until 2020, where he displayed both his power and his agility . Not easy when you measure 1.90 meters and 105 kg, but Semi Radradra is simply an exceptional player in terms of talent. He is also no stranger to Fiji’s current good form, falling for the first time against England a few days ago.
Davit Niniashvili, Georgia. This 21-year-old fullback from Lyon Olympic University Rugby (LOU) is an opportunity to talk about the smallest nations in this World Cup, as his activity is quite incredible. All electric, he likes to put on a show, which is a change from the Golgoths that Georgia has accustomed us to. As with Lou, with whom he scored seven tries in eleven matches last season, to the point of being voted best player in the Top 14.