Will one of Will Skelton (left to right), Antoine Dupont and Johnny Sexton be number one?
With less than two weeks until the Rugby World Cup, Telegraph Sport's rugby experts have come together to rank the world's top 100 players.
Players 100-81, 80-61, 60-41 and 40-21 were rated and here's the cream of the crop with the world's No. 1 player revealed.
20. Will Jordan (New Zealand)
You can often gauge a player's intuition by their off-the-ball moves, and Jordan has a rare sense in that regard, whether it's holding width or accelerating off a teammate's shoulder to find space. His aerial prowess was palpable when New Zealand recently stunned South Africa with their first goal in Auckland, and it makes him as proficient on the wing as at full-back.
19. Stephen Kitschoff (South Africa)
Without a doubt, the best slacker in the world, considering Keatskhoff's ability to crush dumb opponents and smash his way across the field. It's unlikely to be a shock if it lasts 80 minutes, although South Africa's preference for the “Bomber Squad” makes this a rarity. Ulster fans should be very excited about his upcoming visit to Belfast after the Rugby World Cup. When the knockout matches in France get tense, Keatskhoff will be the one to act during the scrum.
World' The best slacker is Steven Kitshoff from South Africa. Photo: Getty Images/Warren Little. 18. Malcolm Marks (South Africa)
Criticism of Marx used to be light—that his accuracy in the hallway wasn't quite up to par, one of those annoying prostitute labels that's hard to get rid of. It's safe to say this is a myth: his lineout accuracy in the Rugby Championship is around 90 percent, and if you add to that his phenomenal breakthrough work, winning passes and ability to break down defenses with the ball in hand, then you have a player which pairs well with Springboks and Bongi Mbonambi.
17. Samu Kerevi (Australia)
You will hardly find ball handlers in the game more unpleasant to tackle than Kerevi. Eddie Jones and his predecessors have in recent years been looking for players who could plug holes in Australia's top team, but a central center is far from a problem as Kerevi's dynamism and physicality are a huge asset to the Wallabies, and understandably earn him higher salary by playing in Japan. . If you take into account the unloading game of Kerevi and his ability to overcome the winning line, then he will become a player that any team would like to have.
16. Thomas Ramos (France)
Two seasons ago, who would have thought Ramos would be on this list? Then he was the third defender of the French team and then appeared, then left the team of Toulouse. Now he is a well-deserved regular for both. The coolest defender on this list is also DeDai Dick out.
15. Levani Bothia (Fiji)
A saucer from La Rochelle is just a strong World Cup that does not give top 10 status. After some of the most spectacular performances the European club scene has ever seen, including inhumane burglaries, Botia conquered the continent. International fame is well deserved and must be expected.
Great for La Rochelle, can Levani Botia help Fiji cause some World Cup turmoil? Photo: Action Images via Reuters/John Sibley 14. Johnny Sexton (Ireland)
Following Sexton over the past couple of years, I have come to appreciate a master in the art of manipulating the defense and organizing nimble, complex team attacks. On a cerebral level, few can match the veteran linebacker. His stamina, which apparently cost him his spot on the 2021 British and Irish Lions tour, will be put under scrutiny at the World Championships. Two tough pool matches and a tough quarter-final won't be easy.
13. Julien Marchand (France)
The best shackaller in France, the best sniper in France – and his arrows are sharp too. In a crowded field, Marchand is the second best prostitute in the world. If Les Bleus delivers on its promise this fall, expect Marchand to play the title role.
12. James Ryan (Ireland)
Few people have done more to change the perception that Ireland are a team that can be mocked by bigger and more dangerous opponents. Ryan's solid defense against the maul and his aggression on the break strengthened the team. Add in tremendous speed on both sides of the ball and you have a very special player. His absence was felt by Leinster when he was substituted during the European Cup final against La Rochelle.
International top 100 squad 11. Dan Sheehan (Republic of Ireland)
When Sheehan made his first Test start for Ireland at the 2022 Six Nations, it was like being shot out of a cannon into Test rugby. With the mobility, speed and precision of set pieces, the number 2 shirt, which seemed like open competition for Ireland after the departure of Rory Best, is now owned by an avid prostitute from Leinster who was named the URC Players' Player of the Season for the 2022-2023 season. The moment he passed to set up Robbie Henshaw's try in that All Blacks-beating series was superb. At 24, his potential is simply amazing.
10. Hugo Keenan (Ireland)
In this age of the game, when the best test coaches emphasize the importance of being able to win a battle in the air, here's an important fact to remember about Keenan; he is 5 feet 11 inches tall. The suggestion that Testa defenders need to be tall to dominate the air looks a bit silly when you watch Keenan control the fight so well with his feet, a prime example of which is his performance in Ireland's victory over Wales in the Six Nations match. His influence on Ireland's recent triumphs in New Zealand and a Grand Slam victory cannot be overestimated.
9. Damien Peno (France)
Peno's rise is, at first glance, confusing and mesmerizing in equal measure. The fact that this flank became the winner of the XV World Cup and one of the most prolific scorers in the sport is a testament to its amazing evasive abilities: arms and legs flapping like caught octopuses. It often seems like even he doesn't know what's going to happen yet – it can make playing with him a nightmare, but defending him becomes even more nightmare.
The best striker in the world is Damian Penot from France. Photo: Getty Images/Catherine Stennkeste 8. Jonathan Danti (France)
Such is the importance of Danti for France: when he is absent, the World Cup favorites look somewhat out of control, and his absence in the first leg is a huge blow. France has the biggest wealth of rugby talent on the planet, but Danti's direction and drive are critical to bringing it together. Star for European domestic titans, La Rochelle too.
7. Tudg Beirn (Ireland)
Going into the last Rugby World Cup, Byrne found success domestically after spending time with the Scarlets but was still a rookie in the Test, only making his debut last fall. His development over the next four years under Andy Farrell was remarkable as he lost the title of utility. Beirne's break-stealing has become his hallmark, but it's the other aspects of his game – breaking mauls, lots of tackles and rucks – that make him exceptional.
6. Will Skelton (Australia)
If the Gito Law had not yet been passed, then Australia might have chosen to name it after Skelton, whose performances in Europe, first for the Saracens and more recently for La Rochelle, brought him world-class status. With relentless physical strength, Skelton will smash crabs and opponents until the tank is empty, while improving the fight in Australia with the ballast he provides in the second row. The decisive player, and now also the captain of the Wallaby.
5. Calan Doris (Ireland)
After a period where Doris suffered from a concussion, he has established himself as a top-level force. Most effective at the start of a scrum, the back rower combines delicate footwork and ball handling skills with rare athleticism. He also did not relinquish his status as a defensive nuisance. An utterly stylish, rounded operator capable of creating magical moments.
Kalan Doris combined great aesthetics with great hands to become one of The world's best back rowers Photo: Getty Images/Brendan Moran 4. Gregory Aldritt (France)
It is the French No. 8's deceptive strength, coupled with prodigious rugby intelligence, that sets him apart on a crowded field. There are more destructive players, better tacklers, and more athletic eights, but none of them are as versatile as Aldritt.
3. Ardy Savea (New Zealand)
Now it's strange to think that at some point there were questions about Savea's number 8 play, because he has excelled in that role since Kieran Reid retired. Outstanding in their field, tireless ballplayers and now key leaders of the All Blacks, it's hard to imagine them succeeding in France without Savea leading the attack.
2. Eben Etzebet (South Africa)
Fierce, dynamic and insightful, Etzebet is the ultimate test rugby union player. He turns 32 the day after the World Cup Finals and, having recovered from a shoulder injury, will play a decisive role in whether the Springboks defend their title. From dodging crabs on tiptoe to pickpockets in scrum and leg warm-ups in open play and unattractive grunting, the castle is a constant threat.
1. Antoine Dupont (France)
What more can be said or written about rugby Hercules, the hero of France who already threatens inclusion in the XV World Cup of all time and attracts a godlike status in French rugby mythology? The indomitable midfielder and captain of the French national team is the strongest and most skilled player on the planet. All that's left is rugby's Olympus, the Webb Ellis Cup.
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