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The 11 All Blacks ranked between 41 and 100 on the RugbyPass Top 100 list
By Ian Cameron
Eleven All Blacks players have been selected between 41 and 100 on the RugbyPass Top 100 list, which ranks the sport's best rugby players in 2024.
The RugbyPass Top 100 rankings factor in on-field achievements, leadership, consistency, raw talent and off-field influence created with input from rugby writers and experts worldwide.
Caleb Clarke slots in at 85 after a return to form in 2024. Clarke’s devastating blend of pace and power on the wing has made him a standout for both the Blues and the All Blacks, earning him a spot ahead of notable names like South Africa’s Manie Libbok and Argentina’s Marcos Kremer.
At 81, Sam Cane’s presence reflects his enduring influence on the All Blacks despite being stripped of the captaincy.
Despite criticism at times [think Peter O'Mahony], Cane’s defensive workrate remains remarkable. He places ahead of Argentina’s Julian Montoya and Wales’ Dewi Lake.
Hooker Codie Taylor is listed at 76. The outstanding No.2's ranking places him among the list's elite frontrowers, above the likes of France’s Julien Marchand and Scotland’s Zander Fagerson.
Emerging halfback talent Cam Roigard lands at 72, a testament to a meteoric rise over the course of the last 18 months. The Hurricanes halfback has brought a spark to the All Blacks with his sharp decision-making and electric runs, earning him a place above South Africa’s Damian Willemse and France’s Thomas Ramos.
Damian McKenzie comes in at 66, with his trademark flair and versatility keeping him among the most exciting players in the game. 'D-Mac's' ability to dictate play from either fullback or fly-half places him higher than Scotland’s Duhan van der Merwe and England’s Owen Farrell.
In the front row, Tyrel Lomax earns his spot at 60, just ahead of Richie Mo’unga at 59. Lomax’s ranking reflects his rise as a cornerstone of New Zealand’s scrum, surpassing established internationals like Ireland’s Hugo Keenan and France’s Emmanuel Meafou.
Despite not being involved with the All Blacks currently, Mo’unga’s creativity and game management as a playmaker secure him a position above players like Australia’s Rob Valetini and South Africa’s Frans Malherbe.
Maybe controversially, Scott Barrett appears at 56, his ranking highlighting his consistent performances as one of the All Blacks’ most dependable forwards. The Crusaders lock edges out players like Wales’ Jac Morgan and France’s Louis Bielle-Biarrey.
Some argue Barrett - who can slot in at blindside - deserves a higher spot in the ranking.
Johnny Sexton's nemesis Rieko Ioane is at 53. The 27-year-old is ranked above South Africa’s Jesse Kriel and Scotland’s Blair Kinghorn. He remains one of the most dangerous centres in the game.
Tupou Vaa’i is listed at 41. With 40 caps to his name at the age of just 24, Vaa’i’s athleticism and versatility have seen him develop into a key option in both the second and back rows for New Zealand. His ranking puts him 15 places ahead of fellow All-Black second-row Scott Barrett.
Players ranked 40 – 21 will be revealed on Monday, 9 December.
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Latest Comments
A new hard edge to Wallaby rugby that sorts out who is "all in" versus those in two minds. Razor should take note and forget his push for off-shore selections and infatuation with Mounga.
Go to commentsI like the idea of Elrigh Louw as a long-term option for captaincy. Honestly, it’s hard to say who else could take on that role after Siya Kolisi, as 2027 is still a long way off. In my opinion, Siya will likely go to the Rugby World Cup in 2027 unless injury or a significant dip in form prevents him.
Between now and 2027, I think the captaincy will be shared among several players as Siya’s playing time is carefully managed—a strategy the Springboks have been implementing for some time. Younger players like Salmaan Moerat might get opportunities to captain in tier-two matches, as we’ve already seen. Other emerging talents like Jordan Hendrikse and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu could also be considered, though the Boks have traditionally favored forwards for captaincy roles. Damian Willemse is another possibility, but he first needs to play his way back into the team.
My personal feeling is that there should be an effort to appoint a black captain to replace Siya. His captaincy has been pivotal in broadening rugby's appeal across racial groups in South Africa over the past 7 years. More so than any other period in the last 30 years.
Form permitting, Moerat is a strong contender, given his leadership qualities and pedigree. However, some might view such an appointment as political, potentially overlooking Moerat's real potential and the broader significance of such a decision.
Other players with leadership potential have been mentioned in the past, such as Phepsi Buthelezi. However, it remains to be seen whether the former DHS star will secure a permanent spot in the Springbok lineup. The first Zulu captain of the Springboks? Would be nice, but unlikely given the competition for the 8 jersey.
One positive aspect of the uncertainty around Siya’s long-term successor is the way the Springboks have emphasized shared leadership among senior players. This approach has lessened the pressure on a single captain and allowed the team to thrive collectively.
When Siya was first appointed, there was skepticism about his leadership credentials. And whether he was the best 6 in the country. The shared leadership strategy gave him the support and platform to grow into the exceptional captain he is today. And he's proven critics wrong about his abilities as a player.
I find it interesting that he's playing at 8 for the Sharks. Rassie has made a habit of taking 36ers and above to the World Cup, players who bring options to the table like Frans Steyn, Schalk Brits, Duane Vermeulen and more recently Deon Fourie.
All of SA wants to see Siya win a 3rd World Cup. That's for sure.
And if he goes, he'll lead.
Go to comments