First Bok entries revealed in Top 100 list
SPOTLIGHT: Rugbypass’ Top 100 Men’s Rugby Players of 2024 has officially been launched on Wednesday.
Players ranked 100-81 have been revealed and there are a couple of World Cup winners dwelling at the bottom of the list.
The major talking point is Springbok double World Cup winner Bongi Mbonambi ranked 98th, while fellow Springbok duo Jasper Wiese (91) and Manie Libbok (87) are also at the bottom of the pile.
The hooker’s killer stat states that his “accurate line-out throwing underpinned South Africa’s Rugby Championship campaign. He had a 100% record heading into his final two matches and finished with 31 of his 33 throws finding their target.”
The 33-year-old is just two places clear of 100 as he beats Wales’ Tomos Williams and Ireland’s Robbie Henshaw
Wiese is regarded as one of the ‘most influential warriors’ when it comes to attacking the gainline.
He missed the Springboks’ first six Tests of 2024 due to a six-match ban he picked up while playing for Leicester Tigers in the final round of the Premiership.
His killer stat revealed that he topped the regular-season Premiership charts for carries last term for Leicester Tigers, contributing 254 – only Gabriel Ibitoye beat more defenders.
A man who causes loads of debate is Libbok and he comes in at 87.
Despite being one of the best attacking players and the most astute tactical kickers, Libbok has loads of naysayers.
While he did not enjoy much success from the tee in 2024, the flyhalf amplified the Boks’ kick-chance approaches and he was at his best during the Springboks’ 48-7 win over Los Pumas in Mbombela.
The other prominent names on the list are Sam Cane (81), Julian Montoya (82), Caleb Clark (85) and Ange Campuozza (93).
*You can now view the list, as Rugbypass gradually release more players: Top 100 Men’s Rugby Players 2024.
The next batch of players is pencilled in for Thursday, December 12.
Who would you pick in the top ten?
