The Five Biggest Blunders in the RugbyPass “Top 100 of 2024”
Over recent weeks, RugbyPass, the world’s largest rugby fan platform, rolled out a list of their journalists’ ‘Top 100’ players of 2024. Whilst knowing full well that such a catalogue wouldn’t be able to please everybody, some of the positioning simply has to be rage-bait.
It’s a shame, really, that such an exciting prospect of content has within hours curated an absolute storm on social media. Jamie Lyall, Owain Jones and Dan Gallan amongst others involved in this decision making are seriously top, top writers. But everyone makes mistakes…
Here are, in my eyes, the five most notable oversights, in chronological order.
Thomas Ramos – #74
Whilst the magician at nine may get more plaudits, my oh my, this guy can play.
Thomas Ramos is box office. More often than not Les Blues’ hero. Whether in his natural habitat at 15, or filling in for Romain at half, Ramos’ prevalent black boot has ticked France over in some absolute thrillers. Six from six in November’s revenge against the All Blacks says enough.
Adopting a more senior role in a flourishing French outfit has diminished so many greats of the past. Yet, taking the reins has allowed Ramos to show off his complete game, operating as a first or secondary playmaker to an elite standard whenever called upon.
Damian McKenzie – #66
The Smiling Assassin. My word, what a nickname.
Damian McKenzie oozes flair. The best 10 in the world. DMac, DMoney. Dragged, and I mean dragged, his mediocre Chiefs to the Super Rugby Final. Unbeaten Autumn at the pivot. World Rugby Dream Team. Unmatched kick success percentages. What’s not to shout about?
Blessed with golden locks and a contagious smile, McKenzie’s trademark is his love for the game. Reflected in his playstyle, he’s an utter joy to watch. Without question, the perfect inheritor of a historic jersey.
Josh Van der Flier – #35
35? Really?
Former World Rugby Player of the Year, Josh Van der Flier is rugby’s epitome of two steps back, three steps forward. From not getting his fair roll of the dice to a green and blue stalwart, Van der Flier belongs in conversation amongst the very best back row’s.
Equipped with an instantly recognisable red scrum-cap. JVDF is always in the game. A threat on both sides of the ball, Ireland’s seven shirt has never been more tied-down. Whilst approaching the later stages of his career, his ever-present resilience still shines amongst a developing Irish outfit. One for the ages, and definitely a top 20 name.
Ox Nche – #10
Ox Nche has bought a much needed infusion of excitement to the neglected prop position over the past few years. Nche somehow adds noticeable firepower to what is already the world’s strongest tight five, whether that be from off the bench or donning the one jersey.
Nche operates as a rarity who never seems to disappoint in the big games. A pure scrum specialist, he’s unlike anyone we’ve seen up front in years. Ferocious, tenacious, and so hard working. An unsung hero – should be a shoo-in for top three.
After all, salads don’t win scrums.
Pieter-Steph Du Toit – #3
And finally… are you taking the @$%&?
World Player of the Year.
First full Springbok’s Rugby Championship in fifteen years.
Unbeaten Autumn Nations.
Men’s 15’s Dream Team.
Oh, and not to mention, 2023 World Cup Final Winner & Player of the Match.
The stats speak for themselves, but to put this decision into words – simply outrageous.
Pieter Steph Du Tackle is such a perfectly brilliant rugby player. “The Hitman”. Ran a perfect 2019 back like it was nothing. Unmatched work-rate. Utterly obliterates his opposition. Meyer’s prodigy turned Rassie’s crown jewel. The household seven. Longevity at the very top. Half of the greatest flanker tandem we might have ever seen. Responsible for one of the most chilling quotes ever delivered by a rugby player. It goes as follows:
“You get used to the pain… one day you’ll wake up – you’re going to miss the pain”. Goosebumps. Top two and he ain’t two.
Looking towards 2025
Well what happens now? The Northern Hemisphere outfits lace up in February and March for the Six Nations, before the men’s game takes a brief hiatus, restarting once again over Summer with a Lions tour down under. In the meantime, domestic footy and build-up to a highly anticipated Women’s World Cup take centre stage.
Whilst not having the rub of the green during the 2024 calendar, the home nations will be determined to spark some momentum next year, with individuals battling it out over the few hotly contested seats available on the plane to Perth. Surely, one of them challenges for RugbyPass’ fabled crown on the 2025 list?
My money’s on Marcus. He has the keys – time to use them.
