@EggchasersRugby there was a match in last year's Sox Nations or the WC where Henderson tucked three men off the ball. One friend of mine also saw the moment - no clip of it exists.
@@fergalbannon4614 I was more agreeing about the fact he is underrated but he definitely wouldn't be on the list if it was just based on the last year. Just nice to hear Eggchaser appreciating a guy who doesn't Always get appreciated.
@@newchannelname3395 I feel like flanker is where we have the most depth. Although chessum was amazing in the 6N I think his ability to cover both positions makes him a better impact sub.
@@adamrussell6442 we have lots of depth at 7, but less at 6, and if Earl is playing 8 (which he should be) then we need a big 6. I actually think Roots deserves another look - he's not a Rolls Royce of a player but he did very well in the 6N, but assuming its between Chessum and CCS I'd go with Chessum, because CCS doesn't seem to be an 80 minute player yet. Finally though, if there's only room for 2 locks in the starting XV I'd go with Chessum and Martin. Itoje has played really well, but I think they've played better.
Wow I can't believe you got Hendy in there despite the fact he hasn't played any rugby lately. Big Joe is the real deal, was good in the second saffa game but man that french game, was something different indeed.
Another great list Tim, really appreciate your channel particularly because of how open-minded and unbiased you look at the game. Keep up the amazing content! Do you have a patreon or anything like that to support your work?
I feel like Henderson currently being in the top 10 of tighthead locks is pretty fanciful, honestly. Hasn’t been that level of player for quite a while imo. Otherwise can’t argue. Love Gilchrist inclusion & excited to see the battle between Martin & McCarthy over the next few years.
Spot on on henderson people forget how good he is because he always gets injured as hes hitting form again but at his best i think he starts every game for ireland
Love these player power rankings, Tim @Eggchasers! As a South African, I'm pumped to see such great representation in all four videos thus far! RG could probably be in the top 10 loosehead locks as well, such as his talent. Would love to see you do a video on your Lions 2025 squad a year out following the July internationals and Six Nations. I know you mentioned them when you reviewed the videos and are speaking to it in these videos but would be great to hear your thoughts specifically on that. For now, I'll find your selections based on where you've rated players in the top 10.
The South African lock pairings are like Batman and Robin. Eben is the enforcer and Mostert is the work rate guy who allows him to play the way he does. I can see a similar dynamic with Snyman and R. van Heerden or Nortje at RWC 2027.
Great list and video Tim! South African fan here, I'm a bit worried about young enforcer locks coming through for SA after RG and Eben retire. We have some skillful locks coming through but not many giant enforcers. France and Ireland are producing some real quality locks. Love the channel!
I agree any side would struggle to replace such quality players such as RG and Eben . However what did you mean when you write about giant enforcers? I know that the word enforcer is still used a lot but do they really exist? I thought that camera coverage and TMOs made that role extinct ? The Bakkies Botha type of player I don’t think exists anymore. I’m not criticising just interested why the term is still used
A fit Snyman is 1 for me. His partnership with Klien in the WRC always looked more balanced to me and he looked far the more dangerous option against Ireland when he came on. This is purely based on that last 5 to 6 odd games though.
There's another list of locks to pick on the next video. The fact that McCarthy has that 'enforcer' slot sewn up and Ryan started alongside him might mean Ryan is in the other camp ;)
Ryan has been constantly underrated since WC. A few ex Leinster pundits saw his lack of presence has depreciated Irish rucking dominance, aggressive tackling and it has clearly shown. I think James Tracey has said this.
Joe McCarthy George Martin Will Rowlands Would be the 3 TH locks id bring on the lions tour. A 6 lock rotation of Tadhg Beirne, Maro Itoje and James Ryan at loose head lock and Joe McCarthy, George Martin and either Iain Henderson or Will Rowlands would be a Titanic lock group.
Gilchrist jumps up a couple of places for me. Him and Zander are the reason Scotland are getting a bit of parity up front, do an aweful lot of heavy lifting in a fairly weak pack and are the first names on the teamsheet for me.
@@Karma-qt4ji I'd argue with depth of talent in all positions in NZ that being an All Black starter and captain absolutely guarantees that you are world class in that position. I'm not saying he should be number 1 but he would be in the world top ten.
I disagree with McCarthy at 3. James Ryan the best 5 in the world, reasoning why Mcarthy looked better in the second test.. As a South African = Will Skelton is the best lock in the world... He just suffers from being in a weak Australian side.... George martin is also class I would say number 4..
Great list but I think i would swop Skelton for RG and drop everybody down a position . Australia have not got the best out of him for whatever reason . You have selected 10 fine players and they all deserve their place in the top 10
@@vuyaniman9440 Nah the Boks were out played and manhandled by a much better Irish team. You were at home home crowd won the week before albeit with some dodgy decisions going against Ireland, making excuses is just making it look worse for you.
Personally, I believe Chessum is better than Henderson, but other than that spot on! There also seems to be a trend with the number of South Africans in these player rankings! 😆
I think it’s controversial having McCarthy above Martin, I’d swap them over. Martin has dominated more international games than McCarthy so far in their young careers. They’ve both hit those heights at times mind!
@@newchannelname3395 That might be the single best performance they've had between them, that's a fair call. I would argue Martin was very influential in the SA WC semi, against Ireland and France in the 6N and against NZ on tour - that's a murderer's row of opponents and he was one of the best on the pitch every time. He's been key to England elevating themselves to a level where they're competitive with anyone. McCarthy for me has done it twice, in that French game and in the second test in SA, and has bags of potential too.
@@DanielPugsley-sv5zo don't disagree Martin is very good too. I think he's England's best lock, but idk how key he is to England when Itoje and Chessum are also playing so well, whereas I think there's a case for saying that Ireland are more directly reliant on McCarthy.
@@danielcillie1856 yeah. He's a good player, but not as good as Joe McCarthy or George Martin. I think people overrate Snyman sometimes because (1) he plays in a very well functioning Springbok pack, and (2) generally is used as an impact player, so he's up against tired and 2nd choice players most of the time.
@@EggchasersRugby I heard that Woki had extra-sporting issues which impacted his performances this season. He is maybe not in the right club (Racing 92) also. Still a great player if he can get back to his 2022 level Agree with Romain, as of today Flament-Meafou looks like the pair of the next 5 years
He partnered Itoje and wore 5. The shirt Ribbans wore. The shirt Martin wore most recently. He packed down behind the tight head prop. As the England number 5s tend to.
@@EggchasersRugby4 vs 5 isn’t tight versus loose. Did you think it was? He partnered Itoje because England were basically playing two “loose head” locks. Both athletic, for line out options; because they didn’t have that in the back row. Get real now: Chessum played six, as a line out option - not a carrier or defender. When I said silly, I meant utterly ridiculous.
That's a very confusing ranking. So you start with the number 5 position before the number 4, with the title "4. Tight Head Lock" and with in first position a player who plays EXCLUSIVELY 4 ? What's going on here 😂
Different countries number the position differently. England, France, for example have it 4,5 - left, right in the scrum. Ireland, South Africa, NZ have the 'enforcer' in 4.
@@EggchasersRugby you've absolutely taught me something there, I've followed rugby for almost 20 years and never noticed they switched the 4 and 5 positions in the scrum why on earth would you do that haha 😂.
It was only 9 months ago and he had that incredible performance against France in a RWC - try saving intervention and barnstorming score too. There's only been a couple of SA games since RWC so might be too early to make that call. Interesting perspective though, thanks.
@Camcolito Be careful of publicly throwing shade on (any) Etzebeth. The world is a small place, and life is long; someday you may find yourself on the wrong side of that family.
As a one eyed wallabies supporter, Eben is world class and has been for a long time. I think RG is overrated. Hes a penalty magnet and doesn’t have the engine/work rate of Mostart or Eben.
@@reclusiarchnotrobsimmons there is no lock out there with a better skillset than RG, his crash ball running game with the offloads blows my mind every time. I have been impressed with Scott Barret's skill set, but he is the closest to RG. That being said its only my opinion.
Absolutely spot on with iain Henderson, doent always get the credit he deserves for Ireland!
Deceptively hard man and tough competitor. And lovely bloke too.
@EggchasersRugby there was a match in last year's Sox Nations or the WC where Henderson tucked three men off the ball. One friend of mine also saw the moment - no clip of it exists.
Hendo is the best forward Ulster have produced in years. Probably only surpassed by Stevie Ferris for sheer physicality.
Honestly, you'd have him seventh in the world???
Great player on his day. One week...
@@fergalbannon4614 I was more agreeing about the fact he is underrated but he definitely wouldn't be on the list if it was just based on the last year. Just nice to hear Eggchaser appreciating a guy who doesn't Always get appreciated.
When Bakkies was nearing retirement I wondered how are we going to replace this bastard... Now we have 2! 🇿🇦😍
100%.
Bakkies is a goat. He won every competition he played in. World Cup, Tri-Nations, B&I Lions, Currie Cup, Super 14, Top 14. What a legend of the game.
@@Alias-gy3tz Not to mention Champions Cup as well 🏆
The fact the England can start Martin and have Chessum on the bench and their both 23 makes me very optimistic as an Englishman.
100% agree!
Yeah that's a good setup!
Why not start both?
@@newchannelname3395 I feel like flanker is where we have the most depth. Although chessum was amazing in the 6N I think his ability to cover both positions makes him a better impact sub.
@@adamrussell6442 we have lots of depth at 7, but less at 6, and if Earl is playing 8 (which he should be) then we need a big 6.
I actually think Roots deserves another look - he's not a Rolls Royce of a player but he did very well in the 6N, but assuming its between Chessum and CCS I'd go with Chessum, because CCS doesn't seem to be an 80 minute player yet.
Finally though, if there's only room for 2 locks in the starting XV I'd go with Chessum and Martin. Itoje has played really well, but I think they've played better.
Wow I can't believe you got Hendy in there despite the fact he hasn't played any rugby lately. Big Joe is the real deal, was good in the second saffa game but man that french game, was something different indeed.
Great List. I can't wait to see the young guns unseat the top two. Talking of twos Mc Carthy and Snyman in Leinster this season.
McCarthy, Snyman, Ryan is crazy talent for a match day 23.
You're a better Ireland supporter than I am. I forgot Henderson existed. Good player as he is, you need to play to be considered
Another great list Tim, really appreciate your channel particularly because of how open-minded and unbiased you look at the game. Keep up the amazing content! Do you have a patreon or anything like that to support your work?
I feel like Henderson currently being in the top 10 of tighthead locks is pretty fanciful, honestly. Hasn’t been that level of player for quite a while imo.
Otherwise can’t argue. Love Gilchrist inclusion & excited to see the battle between Martin & McCarthy over the next few years.
Good list and good call on Snyman, fully agree
Spot on on henderson people forget how good he is because he always gets injured as hes hitting form again but at his best i think he starts every game for ireland
England fan here. Great list but I think Chessum fits better into the loose head lock position myself and is the natural long-term successor to Itoje.
Actually spot on with this list.
Again Tim.you nailed it.
Love these player power rankings, Tim @Eggchasers!
As a South African, I'm pumped to see such great representation in all four videos thus far! RG could probably be in the top 10 loosehead locks as well, such as his talent.
Would love to see you do a video on your Lions 2025 squad a year out following the July internationals and Six Nations. I know you mentioned them when you reviewed the videos and are speaking to it in these videos but would be great to hear your thoughts specifically on that.
For now, I'll find your selections based on where you've rated players in the top 10.
The South African lock pairings are like Batman and Robin. Eben is the enforcer and Mostert is the work rate guy who allows him to play the way he does. I can see a similar dynamic with Snyman and R. van Heerden or Nortje at RWC 2027.
Eben and Lood 2027
@@jameswyatt4443 Eben will be nearly 36 years old and Lood has had a lot of injury problems though
@@henrybullock4514 And?
@@jameswyatt4443 AND .... It makes it less likely they will be the pairing in 2027
@@JandL855 Eben is the best lock. Only injuries can stop them. Predicting injuries is unwise.
Great list and video Tim! South African fan here, I'm a bit worried about young enforcer locks coming through for SA after RG and Eben retire. We have some skillful locks coming through but not many giant enforcers. France and Ireland are producing some real quality locks. Love the channel!
Don't worry broe this is south Africa we got this we always produce great forwards
I agree any side would struggle to replace such quality players such as RG and Eben . However what did you mean when you write about giant enforcers? I know that the word enforcer is still used a lot but do they really exist? I thought that camera coverage and TMOs made that role extinct ? The Bakkies Botha type of player I don’t think exists anymore. I’m not criticising just interested why the term is still used
A fit Snyman is 1 for me. His partnership with Klien in the WRC always looked more balanced to me and he looked far the more dangerous option against Ireland when he came on. This is purely based on that last 5 to 6 odd games though.
No James Ryan? know he's been injured but he was the biggest reason Ireland physically outplayed the Boks in the 2nd test
Might be in the other list
There's another list of locks to pick on the next video. The fact that McCarthy has that 'enforcer' slot sewn up and Ryan started alongside him might mean Ryan is in the other camp ;)
@@EggchasersRugby Oh right, shows how confusing separating the 4s and 5s, thanks for clarifying
Think Scott Barrett James Ryan and half of South African are better than Rowlands and Gilcrist
Spot on again tim
As much as i like Ian Henderson, i do believe James Ryan is the better player. Ahead of Henderson in the international pecking order too
Ryan has been picked in the number 5 role, so I have him and Beirne considered for the next video to pick the other lock role.
Ryan has been constantly underrated since WC. A few ex Leinster pundits saw his lack of presence has depreciated Irish rucking dominance, aggressive tackling and it has clearly shown.
I think James Tracey has said this.
@@EggchasersRugby Ah you're right. My bad. Beirne and McCarthy playing both sides mixed me up a bit.
Great list 👏🏽
Joe McCarthy
George Martin
Will Rowlands
Would be the 3 TH locks id bring on the lions tour.
A 6 lock rotation of Tadhg Beirne, Maro Itoje and James Ryan at loose head lock and Joe McCarthy, George Martin and either Iain Henderson or Will Rowlands would be a Titanic lock group.
I'd agree with the top 3 for sure.
Edwin Edogbo could be in the mix in a season or two
I have to say I think you got that spot on. Again.
Love the channel!
Gilchrist jumps up a couple of places for me. Him and Zander are the reason Scotland are getting a bit of parity up front, do an aweful lot of heavy lifting in a fairly weak pack and are the first names on the teamsheet for me.
No Scott Barrett?...
He's one of the ABs best players and captain. Surely he deserves a spot on the list.
Being one of the AB's best players does not make him a world class 4.
Retallick was on this list last time - the NZ number 4. Barrett was the All Black #5. Maybe check back tomorrow ;)
@@Karma-qt4jithis is the correct take.
@@EggchasersRugby ah, I wondered if that might be the case. He's been playing 4 this season under Razor.
Love this ongoing series Tim.
@@Karma-qt4ji I'd argue with depth of talent in all positions in NZ that being an All Black starter and captain absolutely guarantees that you are world class in that position. I'm not saying he should be number 1 but he would be in the world top ten.
Love the Iain Henderson call
Greetings
Pls do similar analysis on your Top 10 Coaches & Referees
Great show
Thank you
I sense Meafou may be climbing the ranks in the coming months / years to come.
My only issue with Martin is that England only have one of him…! Man needs to stay fit for a decade
He's a serious talent. Agreed
Wallabies really need Will Skelton, particularly for maul defence. Hopefully him and Nick Frost can build a solid partnership.
Martin is a gem
Scott Barrett?
Martin Gleeson?
Edwin Edogbo this time next year!😉..Top 3
If his ankle holds up.
If not, Harry Sheridan is hopeful with Ahern and Cormac at 6s hybrid along with Baird.
@@andrewbrennan4423 yeah we're spoilt for choice in that area
I disagree with McCarthy at 3. James Ryan the best 5 in the world, reasoning why Mcarthy looked better in the second test.. As a South African = Will Skelton is the best lock in the world... He just suffers from being in a weak Australian side.... George martin is also class I would say number 4..
You said it yourself, James Ryan the best 5 in the world; this list is for 4's....
Great list but I think i would swop Skelton for RG and drop everybody down a position . Australia have not got the best out of him for whatever reason . You have selected 10 fine players and they all deserve their place in the top 10
dankie Tim
Etsabeth needs some time off as he is rugby fatigued with all the games he has played over the last 24 months.
Still producing though
His best is behind him imo.
@@CamcolitoI’m not so sure about that but then again it’s your opinion
@@Camcolito Who cares? He is still better than most if not all
Think etzebeth wasn’t that great in the second test against Ireland but yeah maybe.
Quite right. He had one poor game in the last 100-odd.
(Think he’s playing injured or maybe just getting old)
@@jacqloock i think he's going to slowly go downhill from now on, an age thing for me.
He's good at bullying bad teams.
The Boks all round was not Great on the day. ..
@@vuyaniman9440 Nah the Boks were out played and manhandled by a much better Irish team. You were at home home crowd won the week before albeit with some dodgy decisions going against Ireland, making excuses is just making it look worse for you.
Henderson too high on this sadly as he can't stay fit. Think he'll be one of those "what if" players when his careers done, similar to Ferris
Come on 100 000 followers!
Personally, I believe Chessum is better than Henderson, but other than that spot on! There also seems to be a trend with the number of South Africans in these player rankings! 😆
recently won a wc so makes sense not to mention wr snubbed sa in the awards
Front 5 is what they do!
joe mcarthy brings some dirty enforcing to the irish side
I always thought No.4 was on the left behind the loosehead, because you read left to right counting through the numbers of the pack
Some countries DO do it like that. England and France being two. I think NZ and Aus too. Ireland and SA, among others seems to do the reverse.
@@EggchasersRugby Why can't there just be consistency with it 😅
@@EggchasersRugbyNZ typically use the SA numbering system I think
Pity about De Jäger
Vhagar and Vermithor. 1 and 2.
Edwin Edogbo could be here if his ankle is kind.
George Martin is top shelf, the type about which a WC winning pack can be built.
If you wanted to amp up engagement you should’ve switched RG and Eben
Ha. Just call it as I see it.
I think it’s controversial having McCarthy above Martin, I’d swap them over. Martin has dominated more international games than McCarthy so far in their young careers. They’ve both hit those heights at times mind!
Id have McCarthy at #1. Martin has yet to produce the kind of dominance that McCarthy did against France this year.
@@newchannelname3395 That might be the single best performance they've had between them, that's a fair call. I would argue Martin was very influential in the SA WC semi, against Ireland and France in the 6N and against NZ on tour - that's a murderer's row of opponents and he was one of the best on the pitch every time. He's been key to England elevating themselves to a level where they're competitive with anyone. McCarthy for me has done it twice, in that French game and in the second test in SA, and has bags of potential too.
@@DanielPugsley-sv5zo don't disagree Martin is very good too. I think he's England's best lock, but idk how key he is to England when Itoje and Chessum are also playing so well, whereas I think there's a case for saying that Ireland are more directly reliant on McCarthy.
👍🏻
Is tadgh beirne being considered a 5 or is he simply not make the list?
Son of Snyman
Strongly disagree with Snyman being so high up, but overall a good list
Wowie, thats a brave take. Have you watched him play for the last couple of years, or only his last 2 matches?
@@danielcillie1856 yeah. He's a good player, but not as good as Joe McCarthy or George Martin.
I think people overrate Snyman sometimes because (1) he plays in a very well functioning Springbok pack, and (2) generally is used as an impact player, so he's up against tired and 2nd choice players most of the time.
Scott Barrett?
Meafou is a grizzly 😆
George Martin très fort et jeune, l' avenir.
Great stuff Tim...but please stop saying x years young!
6 Irishmen so far
8 Irishmen:
No 2 LH
No 2 and No9/8 Hooker
No 5 TH
No 3 and No 8 THL
No 5 and No 1 LHL
8 so far.
Martin above Mccarthy for sure.
Flament - Meafou will bé the best pair during the next World Cup, then Posolo Tuilagi will enter pitch to finish the game 😈
Those are superb options. Woki looking in from the outside.
@@EggchasersRugby I heard that Woki had extra-sporting issues which impacted his performances this season. He is maybe not in the right club (Racing 92) also. Still a great player if he can get back to his 2022 level
Agree with Romain, as of today Flament-Meafou looks like the pair of the next 5 years
So Leinster are only going to have Snyman, McCarthy and Ryan at lock next season....😂😂
Slim pickings! 😂
You have a personal issue with Scott Barrett.
I did explain there's two top 10 lists for the locks. Loosely separated as 'tight head locks' and 'loose head locks'.
@@EggchasersRugby He's a tight head lock in 2024.
I get you said it was arbitrary, but putting Chessum as a tight head lock is just silly.
He partnered Itoje and wore 5. The shirt Ribbans wore. The shirt Martin wore most recently. He packed down behind the tight head prop. As the England number 5s tend to.
@@EggchasersRugby4 vs 5 isn’t tight versus loose. Did you think it was? He partnered Itoje because England were basically playing two “loose head” locks. Both athletic, for line out options; because they didn’t have that in the back row. Get real now: Chessum played six, as a line out option - not a carrier or defender. When I said silly, I meant utterly ridiculous.
@@MKRM27relax
That's a very confusing ranking. So you start with the number 5 position before the number 4, with the title "4. Tight Head Lock" and with in first position a player who plays EXCLUSIVELY 4 ? What's going on here 😂
Different countries number the position differently.
England, France, for example have it 4,5 - left, right in the scrum.
Ireland, South Africa, NZ have the 'enforcer' in 4.
@@EggchasersRugby you've absolutely taught me something there, I've followed rugby for almost 20 years and never noticed they switched the 4 and 5 positions in the scrum why on earth would you do that haha 😂.
give stats: weight height age tests played etc again maefou not top 10
No kiwi
Retallick retired. He was number 2 on this list last time. Tuipolotu not there yet.
Barrett is on the next list of locks (as *was Sam Whitelock)
I hate the term "X years young"
Ce sont des 5 🤔
In France, yes. And in England too. In many countries these players are #4.
@@EggchasersRugby Ok, thanks
Estatbeth is good but not in hunt for best ever
no way ian henderson is bbelow. skelton...skelton is not top 10
Etzebeth overrated and on the decline. McCarthy too high also imo, more to prove.
i agree from sa rate snyman and retallick higher better at lineouts and have good hands and skills as well as gruny
It was only 9 months ago and he had that incredible performance against France in a RWC - try saving intervention and barnstorming score too. There's only been a couple of SA games since RWC so might be too early to make that call. Interesting perspective though, thanks.
@Camcolito Be careful of publicly throwing shade on (any) Etzebeth. The world is a small place, and life is long; someday you may find yourself on the wrong side of that family.
As a one eyed wallabies supporter, Eben is world class and has been for a long time. I think RG is overrated. Hes a penalty magnet and doesn’t have the engine/work rate of Mostart or Eben.
@@reclusiarchnotrobsimmons there is no lock out there with a better skillset than RG, his crash ball running game with the offloads blows my mind every time. I have been impressed with Scott Barret's skill set, but he is the closest to RG.
That being said its only my opinion.
I'm not a fan of Joe McCarthy 😒
I'm sure he's devastated.
@@Camcolito I should bloody well hope so! 😂🍻
He'll be destroying you for years to come
@@kristian762 ;)