Bok duo named among world’s best rugby players

Rugby World Cup-winning Bok duo Pieter-Steph du Toit and Cheslin Kolbe were named among the world’s best rugby players, according to a poll ran by UK publication, The Times.

The two teammates were nominated for the prestigious World Rugby Player of the Year, following their success in Japan, with Du Toit walking away with the big prize in the end.

England’s Itoje leads the pack

According to the publication, the reigning World Player of the Year only just cracks the top five in the list, with England lock Maro Itoje voted in as the best on the planet.

The towering second-rower may have only walked off with a silver medal in Japan, but was among the standout players throughout the tournament, as produced 11 turnovers and pipped Wales skipper Alun Wyn Jones in terms of the number of rucks he was involved in.

Itoje beat New Zealand flyhalf Beauden Barrett for top spot, with France scrumhalf Antoine Dupont rounding up the top three.

Also in the top five is Fiji utility back Semi Radradra, who is just ahead of Du Toit in fourth place, with Kolbe coming in at sixth place.

Kolbe crossed the line three times in Japan, most notably providing the try that clinched a third Rugby World Cup title for the Boks as he danced around Joe Marler and Owen Farrell to dive over.

Also in the list is New Zealand lock Brodie Retallick, with England pair Kyle Sinckler and Tom Curry completing the top ten.

Top 10 players in world rugby, according to The Times

1. Maro Itoje (England, lock)
2. Beauden Barrrett (New Zealand, flyhalf-fullback)
3. Antoine Dupont (France, scrumhalf)
4. Semi Radradra (Fiji, wing-centre)
5. Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa, flanker)
6. Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa, wing)
7. Brodie Retallick (New Zealand, lock)
8. Ardie Savea (New Zealand, loose forward)
9. Kyle Sinckler (England, prop)
10. Tom Curry (England, loose forward).