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Two England stars make Pieter-Steph Du Toit's top 5
By Josh Raisey
World Cup winner Pieter-Steph du Toit has listed England’s back row duo of Tom Curry and Sam Underhill among the five players he loves to watch.
Du Toit shared the list on World Rugby’s The Wrap this week, hosted by Ugo Monye. Curry was joined by three other players on the list, Ardie Savea, Alun Wyn Jones and Cheslin Kolbe, who the South African pipped to claim the World Rugby player of the year gong in 2019.
“The five players that I rate at the moment are [Sam] Underhill and Tom Curry,” the 6 foot 7 inch, 115kg flanker said. “They are a really good combination playing for England, I think they are definitely two players to watch out for in the future.
“Ardie Savea, he’s always world class and a player that never backs down from any contact situation.
“Alun Wyn Jones, he’s been a legend in the game for so long and I’m looking forward to seeing him playing for the Lions as well.
“Of course, Cheslin Kolbe. He’s one of the greats in the game and with that X-factor, you can’t miss him.”
Du Toit was tasked with nullifying the ‘Kamikaze Kids’ duo of Curry and Underhill in the 2019 World Cup final, which was ultimately decisive in the Springboks’ victory. Curry is set to go head-to-head with du Toit again in British and Irish Lions colours this year, however, Underhill missed out on selection following a hip injury which ruled him out of the Guinness Six Nations.
The 28-year-old is bound to encounter Lions captain Jones this summer as well, who will be seeking to lead his side to their first series win in South Africa since 1997. Meanwhile, du Toit and his teammate Kolbe will be hoping to replicate the World Cup and Lions double that South Africa achieved in 2007 and 2009.
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Latest Comments
That is a matter of players style of play. Will Jordan's strength is his running . He has been absolutely deadly for the the Crusaders in that position. Especially in years 2021-23. Foster subsequently then Razor put him on the wing. Scored heaps of tries, but as he showed in one test against Australia this year , he scored a try running from the back, that was amazing. That was after Robertson finally put him at 15 because Beauden was injured. Thankfully there Will remained. Speaking of Beauden and kicking. He kicks too much, waywardly as well. Handing the ball back to the opposition. He is an impact player at best.
Go to commentsYet Ethan Blackadder was one of our best against the World Champion Springbok. When he came back to the Crusaders later in the season , he made a huge difference, ( a long with others like Codie Taylor), we nearly made the Play Off's. Ethan has plenty of rugby left in him. His family , Dad Todd Blackadder must be very [proud of him. Todd Blackadder was a 3 time champion captain of the Crusaders, '98, '99 and 2000.An icon in this area. Also twice captain of Canterbury , '97 and 2001 when we won the NPC and Ranfurly Shield winning captain in 2000.
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