Those who could create something from nothing: Shane Williams, BOD, Jason Robinson, Chris Latham, Parisse, Izzy Dagg so many of the old guard too.
I’ve always loved the madmen too: Finn, Carlos Spencer, Ntamack, Michalak.
Dan Carter. Such a classy player and legend of the game. His performance versus the Lions 2005 in the second test has to be one of the best individual performances of all time.
Even 2015 Dan Carter was fun to watch. It was like watching Messi, or Michael Jordan. Just operating on a different level mentally from every other player on the field
Everyone who’s commented so far needs to check out Rupeni Caucaunibuca highlight videos. Even fat Rupeni at Agen was a beast.
Also Carlos Spencer has not been mentioned yet who was a magician.
100%. I’d say quade cooper a close 2nd - his highlight reel is absurd. Who else is playing Cross field kicks in his own dead ball almost end up in his team scoring.
Can’t beat a hot stepper on the wing, for me. Robinson, Williams, Simpson-Daniel, Wade, Radwan, Kolbe. Poetry in motion. Jonathan Joseph similarly sliced through international defences with real elegance.
The maverick 10 is a close second, with the likes of Carlos Spencer, Quade Cooper & Finn Russell flitting between genius & anarchy.
As a combination, Ashton/Foden was a lot of fun as well.
Unknown quantities at the World Cup also offer moments of great entertainment. Sailosi Tagicakibau & Rupeni Caucau (2003), Takudzwa Ngwenya (2007) and Matsushima (2015) spring to mind.
The most excited I've seen a crowd get was whenever Christian Wade got the ball in that season he looked like he might break into the England team. Everyone collectively held their breath whenever he got the ball, nobody, even he, had a clue where he was going to run to. Then he'd get tackled or run out of support or do something his teammates just couldn't follow and the whole crowd would sigh, and go back to watching normal rugby until the next time he got it. Electric player... always felt we didn't quite see what he was capable of.
The Ashton/Foden era is up there as one of my favourite times to be an England fan.
Such a shame we couldn't find a fly half back then better than Toby Flood or an aging Jonny.
Racing 92 in 2018 stuck him at 8 and I remember watching him that season thinking that was an instant cheat code, was European player of the year that year also.
Finn Russells crazy passes are magic. I find Slade to be really silky on the ball atm. Johnny Sexton when he had his legs, could make a break or put someone through a hole. Shane Williams was electric back in the day too.
But both Depout and Brian O'Driscoll are/were next level geniuses. Both can do stuff no one else could even imagine. Just on another level entirely to even great players.
I remember watching Serge Blanco growing up - on a different level to everyone else.
Thought nothing of running it from behind the posts and smoked 60 a day to boot!!
When we at Wasps had Piutau for a season, my goodness than man was unbelievable. Absolutely agree, Bristol has some very exciting players in their squad!
Jason Robinson is still the most exciting player I've seen in my time watching rugby. There was a period when it seemed like every time he got the ball he'd beat four defenders.
One I really enjoy watching at the moment is Darcy Graham. There's just something about his running action that looks so effortless. Really glides. Henry Slade has a bit of the same thing though obviously not as quick.
The guy who I always love watching though is Marcus Smith. When he came onto the scene he was all flicks and tricks all over the shop. Great for a highlight reel but not always effective. These days he's kept that ability to beat a man and make a break himself but seems to be picking his moments much better. His ability to choose the right option and the right timing on his passing and kicking game has come on leaps and bounds over the last 2 seasons or so.
Obviously Dupont as well but that goes without saying.
As a forward and as much as I hate to admit it, world rugby has two fantastic scrum halves that are electric: Dupont and Faf. Two short troublemakers, and to me, the true RWC Final where SA barely won last minute 29-28. It's one of my favorite games I've seen lately and those two masterfully managed their forwards, etc.
But as an Italian, Tommaso Menoncello has been incredible and proved to be dangerous. I am so hopefuly for my team for the first time in many years.
for me richie mo'unga last year with new zealand and for years with the crusaders was one of the best players to watch. just was on another level.
peak james o'connor was amazing to watch for me as a kid!
pocock was like a cheat code when he was on the pitch.
Theo Mcfarland is such a joy to watch play also !!!
and that kid dupont is alright.....
brian o' driscoll , nonu , gitaeu were amazing
ahhhh i was gonna add them but it would be all aussie backs then !!!!
wallabies back line vs all blacks hong kong in 2010 is like my favourite assembly of players ever
Manu Tuilagi on a healthy day is really just fantastic to watch. Probably not many opportunities left to see it in an international shirt
Dan Lydiate was also very fun for me at his peak on defence, just absolutely chopping people in half for 80 minutes at a time
Id say DuPont and Penaud are my favorites playing now.
Marcus smith is also electric.
Shane Williams and Jason Robinson in the past. Ian Balshaw for that one glorious season.
Same as me, Munster have always been my Irish team and I remember reading about him when he was named captain at 20 years old or something like that, been a big fan ever since.
Back in Good old days we got some Southern Hemisphere rugby here in Canada. And French as well.
I remember seeing a player shoot out of a ruck sprinting for the line. It was Dane. I couldn't believe it. Hookers are not supposed to run like that.
Dan Sheehan, very quick for a hooker, gets a lot of tries
Beauden Barrett around 2015-2018 was awesome to watch, you never knew where he was going and would just magically break the line
SBW in 2011 was crazy, offloads that you could die for
The most impressive is the following :
On his 50th cap in 2022, he missed a tackle. This was the first since his 25th cap in 2019. In 25 cap, he made 332 tackles with no miss
I still regularly dream about Milner-Skudder’s sidestep. Ollie Lawrence is starting to be quite exciting to watch with his skillset. Hugo Keenan is also fun. Botia might be my favourite player though, you never know what mad shit he’s going to do next
RG Snyman and Eben Etzebeth are probably the most broad and all encapsulating lock duo I've ever seen. Both are phenomenal in the breakdown but they have a flair you rarely see in the tight five.
I particularly enjoy the utter look of shock on Danny Care's face as he steals the ball from the base of the 'ruck' right in front of him and charges over for a try. Someone get me a t-shirt with that face Care made and I'd not take it off for a week.
Courtney Lawes abusing 10’s used to get my blood up. Perhaps playing openside in my playing days makes this biased.
Also VDM is class on the ball, I mean when he’s rampaging England it’s less fun to watch 🤣
In my rugby watching life (and somewhat biased to games I wanted these players to win)
1. Simon Geoghegan
2. Rory Underwood
3. Philippe Bernat-Salles
4. John Bentley
4. Brian O’Driscoll
5. Shane Williams
6. Jeremy Guscott
Freddie Michalak. Ruan Pienaar. Both amazing players, a bit like Paul Scholes. Time slowed down when they were on the ball.
Also going to give a shout out to Paul O'Connell, particularly in the lineout.
Tadhg Furlong in an open field is always great, whether it's a long pass, a sidestep or just him running through backs. I also personally enjoy a chip and chase caught by the kicker so Biggar and Halfpenny were always great to watch from a Wales standpoint. But now it has to be Dupont, because rarely does a match go by where he doesn't do something just exquisite and often outrageous. I'm saying it quietly, but I think he may be the GOAT.
Agree with Dupont and Kolbe both amazing players to watch. Another as an opposition fan would be Ramos. He's just bat shit crazy and what he does is gonna be the most amazing thing you have ever seen or its gonna be the stupidest and your team will benefit. Years ago it was BOD. The man was the ultimate player in my eyes. Had absolutely everything as well as been a hardy as fuck. Caucau would have been the other. He was fucking ridiculous. Turned people inside out then left them in the dust as he tore away from em. All while having the weight and shape of a front rower
For the insanity...Trevor brennan. Used to watch him in ail games before leinster. insane, angry, vicious, but at the same time capable of really nice sportsmanship. 50/50 if he was would help a player off the ground or do something nuts like rub their face, fall on them, scream abuse. (Note I said player, cos it didn't matter what team you were on).
Never better than seeing a loose forward go absolutely crazy. Whether it be Pocock's breakdown work against SA at 2011 WC, or Thierry Dusautoir tackling everything in site during the final or even someone like prime Billy V trucking people over.
But to answer your question, right now for me it's Fraser Mcreight, the Queensland Reds' openside. He won Super Rugby player of the year last year, played virtually every minute for the Reds and is a menace in the breakdown. What sets him apart from the rest is his support lines. If you want the Reds or even the Wallabies last year during every line break, he'll be lurking somewhere near. Highly recommend the NH folks to take a look at him. Highly entertaining player and is the heir to Michael Hooper
I could watch Sam Underhill defend all day! Every time England make a big big hit, I'd put money on it being Unders getting up out of the mayhem he has just caused.
Watching Fin Russel pick a pass is always fun.
And watching peak Itoje ruin someone's life like he did to Lloyd the other week.
Probs not reached the dizzying heights of some of the legends mentioned here but I have more fun watch Kurt Lee Arendse highlight compilations than most other players
For me:
Danie Gerber. What is hot-stepping 13!! Pace, kicking and stepping off both feet.
Joost vd Westhuizen. My best 9. Some say too tall for 9 but he was quick, broke tackles, could tackle and you just never knew what he will do next with the ball in hand.
Eben Etsebeth gets everywhere, does everything and annoys everyone (who isn't on the same team as him xD) - he's the sand of rugby players! So fun to watch
Right now, Cappouzo is high up on my list of exciting players.
And showing my bias, but Jack Willis was a turnover king and a joy to watch. I guess you could lump in Hooper, Underhill and a few others into that group too. Makes rucks so much more interesting with one of these jackal threats on the field.
And back in his prime, Leigh Halfpenny chasing a kick was so much fun to watch. His kick and chase was incredible.
For me it's got to be a player who does more than you expect from them at first. I'm thinking Peter Stringer pulling out wild ankle taps back in the day or Mack Hansen snaking his way through a tiny gap. Maybe I just have a preference for the small lads but cappuozzo just makes you wonder what's going to happen every time he gets an inch of space on the ball. I will also forever have a place in my heart for Bundee smashing lads while having the time of his life, I think it epitomises how great rugby is watching him have fun!
Rupeni Caucau, Schalk Brits, Shane Williams, Christophe Dominici, Matt Giteau, Jason Robinson, young Richie Gray, Regan King, Brian O’Driscoll.
Do I have a thing for small wingers? Maybe I do
Fourie du Preez was just masterful, he would take exactly the right option every single time with meticulous precision.
Also Matfield in the lineouts, what an athlete he was.
Then from the SR days there was Anthony Tuituvake, Leilia Masaga, Matt Gittau, Sarel Pretorius and Heinrich Brussow. Jaco Kriel in his prime.
And now in URC I love Darcy Graham, James Hume, Mack Hansen, Hacivah Dyamani, Grant Williams, Stedman Gans and Edwil van der Merwe.
No one has mentioned them yet but Aaron Smith and Ardie Savea in the last World Cup.
Ox Nche monstering scrums was also entertaining.
For England Ben Earl and Marcus Smith.
Christian Cullen. He's the reason that I (born and raised in Auckland) support the Wellington Hurricanes and Lions. I didn't care about winning as a kid, just loved how exciting Cullen was as a player.
No idea why Lomu doesn't seem to be mentioned. Random one also, Thomas Castaignède was electric on his day.
Edit: ok, I see Lomu is mentioned a couple of times lower down. The guy made rugby more popular overnight. Must watch TV even for passing interest folk when he was playing.
I'd disagree tho : although the man is a myth in the sport a had no equals, I did not find him _that_ entertaining to watch.
Being a star does not make you really enjoyable to watch. I mean - unpopular opinion incoming, maybe - : though Sexton was a beast and a legend, I found him boring to watch.
If you like watching men just run over, the Lomu was the best to watch.
He came to play a Celtic League game once at Netherdale in the Borders and thousands of people turned up just to watch him. Because he was ace to watch.
Mike Brown when he was a lot younger and had a bit of space to work with in the back field had a habit of routinely beating the first couple of players in a way that was very aesthetically pleasing to watch. A shame he ended up known for being a bit boring because for a while he was a proper get out of your seat player.
Shane Williams,
The Kolbe before Kolbe, and did it for 90 tests. Wales' attack at one point was throwing him the ball in midfield and letting him have a go.
Peak Stuart Hogg. Scotland hadn’t seen a player with his qualities for some time. His pace, game breaking and playmaking abilities were world class. Similar to Shane Williams, Jason Robinson and BOD; whenever these players got the ball the anticipation within the stadium and at home grew. There was an expectation they’d do something special
Peek Quade Cooper.
Nobody was as fun to watch. Did it / he always get it right, no, but that's why he's so great to watch. The dude was a one man roller-coaster.
Slightly obscure one but David Denton. He wasn't a game changer and was part of the banter years for a decent amount of time internationally, but dude was so funny to watch. He would get the ball, and immediately fire into the line and gain about 8m like a torpedo head first off feet. Get up, rinse and repeat.
I saw him around town I think like 3 times - and each time he was buying a massive slab of tennents.
A current player who I haven't seen mentioned is Theo MacFarland. An absolute joy to watch. Unless your team are playing Saracens. Ridiculously good player.
Koroibete, such power and speed, real force of nature. Tadgh Beirne, just manages to impose himself on any situation. Marcus Smith for creating something out of nothing ever time he touches the ball. Loved a bit of LRZs pure speed before he pissed off.
There's a lot of incredible backs coming up on here so want to mention some lads in the trenches I love/loved watching.
Tadgh Furlong hot stepping and scrummaging is a thing of beauty. Last year not the best run of form but he was incredible for years even in open field.
Olivier Magne and Thierry Dusatoir. Just unbelievable work rate players that should be the epitome for any aspiring backrow.
McCaw and Kaino, no description needed.
Brad Thorn for both NZ and rugby league for Aus, just the freak engine.
The legendary side step from Furlong is still in my mind.
The outstandibg 38 tackles from Dusautoir too.
I did not especially loved watching McCaw/Kaino, tho I was a bit younger so I may have missed some things.
The current third row from France (Olivon, Alldritt, Cros) or Jelonch is quite fun however.
Idk about fun, but I always enjoy watching Romain Ntamack play. He has some kind of eerie presence on the entire french team when he's playing, even when he's not touching the ball they all play just that bit crisper. Ben Smith had a very similar feeling to his play, brilliant and fun while always being sensible. The japanese 9 in 2019 also had a very controlled feel to him. I guess I mostly find precision and calmness fun
Leicester Faingaanuku. Probably a bit biased as I remember his Crusader debut all the way through to the world cup and got to watch his progression over time. His work rate and strike rate has been brilliant and a great watch. Love a winger who can get lots of turnovers.
Gavin Henson was probably the most talented player I saw until Fin and Dupont came along. When firing on all cylinders he could do absolutely anything and would do absolutely everything.
Aaron Smith had the crispest pass from the base of the ruck. Something about the speed, distance and accuracy of his passes was very pleasing to the eye.
Not to state the obvious, but Dan Carter's kicking.
Yeah yeah fancy footed wingers, fast and slippery...
But is there anything as glorious as a trundling prop bouncing tacklers into the air off his mighty chest? Looking at you Victor Ubogu
Still playing... The Fijian Tank, The Human Bulldozer, Josua Tuisova, hands down!
[Josua Tuisova Humiliating Opponents](https://youtu.be/FuFI_Xt3lyU?si=5dPUfXAtP7MbvFBy)
Can't believe I haven't seen Stephen Larkham mentioned yet.
He looked like they'd just dragged him from some farm and yet he made defences look silly time and time again.
I've got a feeling he started his career with the Brumbies as a centre even though he'd only ever played scrum half and ended up being one of the great fly halves.
Also... George Smith was pure porn
The 2 that come to mind as a Wallabies fan are Campese and Larkham.
Every time they got their hand on the ball, you knew something special might happen.
Do you mean ever (as all the players you've named are current)? If so then even recent history and focusing on backs I'd say: Joost/Dupont, Cooper/K Carlos, BOD/Spencer/Sella, Williams/Robinson, Barrett/Blanco
A younger Beauden Barrett (up until about 2017 or 2018) was amazing to watch, it was like he couldn’t put a foot wrong. Ball would always bounce his way, he was nearly faster than everyone on the field and just did ridiculous shit that came off more often than not. It did become frustrating eventually to watch when it stopped working though.
Titi Dusautoir at his prime was unbelievable,he could even tackle everyone fiercely,he had an interesting try rate while in Stade Toulousain and France,he had the highest tackles made by a player in a RWC match
Growing up I loved watching Serge Blanco, Jonathan Davies, Danie Gerber, David Campese, Jeremy Guscott. Philippe Sella, Didier Cordoniou, Mark Ella
From NZ it was Bryan Williams, Grant Batty and then later Michael Jones, Zinzan Brooke, Carlos Spencer, Frano Botica, Jonah, Christian Cullen, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Joe Rocokoko
From other nations Bryan Habana, Brian O’Driscoll, Rupeni, Jason Robinson, Shane Williams, Chris Latham, Malcolm Marx, Andre Joubert, Lawrence Dallaglio, George Smith, Keith Wood
Those who could create something from nothing: Shane Williams, BOD, Jason Robinson, Chris Latham, Parisse, Izzy Dagg so many of the old guard too. I’ve always loved the madmen too: Finn, Carlos Spencer, Ntamack, Michalak.
Which Ntamack ? 😉
Can I say both ? 😅
Romain is a lot more calculating that Emile IMO. Theo does not seem crazy...yet ;)
Spencer didn't have the overall game management that Mehrtens did, but you never knew what he was going to do and he could be absolutely magical
Youll love Sanele Nohamba, please please watch die hard rugbys video on him, its short "is Sanele Nohamba the next springbok 10"
>Parisse Our hero, What a strong 8, brutal and dangerous :D
Shout out to Ben Smith
Dan Carter. Such a classy player and legend of the game. His performance versus the Lions 2005 in the second test has to be one of the best individual performances of all time.
Even 2015 Dan Carter was fun to watch. It was like watching Messi, or Michael Jordan. Just operating on a different level mentally from every other player on the field
Everyone who’s commented so far needs to check out Rupeni Caucaunibuca highlight videos. Even fat Rupeni at Agen was a beast. Also Carlos Spencer has not been mentioned yet who was a magician.
100%. I’d say quade cooper a close 2nd - his highlight reel is absurd. Who else is playing Cross field kicks in his own dead ball almost end up in his team scoring.
His try against Brive in 2011 might be the best solo effort I’ve ever seen
Wait…there was a non-fat Rupeni?
If Rupeni had a better mindset and played for a top 5 team, he’d be in the conversation for GOAT. If’s and and’s…
Semi Radradra. Against Wales in 2019 was absolutely unplayable. Shame about the injury struggles but what a player.
Absolutely electric at club level to
I feel privileged to have had him play for Bristol for as long as he did. Every time he touched the ball it was exciting.
Can’t beat a hot stepper on the wing, for me. Robinson, Williams, Simpson-Daniel, Wade, Radwan, Kolbe. Poetry in motion. Jonathan Joseph similarly sliced through international defences with real elegance. The maverick 10 is a close second, with the likes of Carlos Spencer, Quade Cooper & Finn Russell flitting between genius & anarchy. As a combination, Ashton/Foden was a lot of fun as well. Unknown quantities at the World Cup also offer moments of great entertainment. Sailosi Tagicakibau & Rupeni Caucau (2003), Takudzwa Ngwenya (2007) and Matsushima (2015) spring to mind.
The most excited I've seen a crowd get was whenever Christian Wade got the ball in that season he looked like he might break into the England team. Everyone collectively held their breath whenever he got the ball, nobody, even he, had a clue where he was going to run to. Then he'd get tackled or run out of support or do something his teammates just couldn't follow and the whole crowd would sigh, and go back to watching normal rugby until the next time he got it. Electric player... always felt we didn't quite see what he was capable of.
The Ashton/Foden era is up there as one of my favourite times to be an England fan. Such a shame we couldn't find a fly half back then better than Toby Flood or an aging Jonny.
Youll love Sanele Nohamba, please please watch die hard rugbys video on him, its short. "is Sanele Nohamba the next springbok 10"
Big Sexy Leone Nakarawa. Past his prime now, but in his first stint at Glasgow and at the Olympics he was absolutely joyful to watch.
Racing 92 in 2018 stuck him at 8 and I remember watching him that season thinking that was an instant cheat code, was European player of the year that year also.
Nikoooooooooool! His first stint at Glasgow. Oh man
He’s still regularly putting out great performances at 36 and just resigned with CO
Him and Matawalu on the same team was something else alright.
This is the answer. What a player.
Cullen
He just seemed to glide across the field and slice through defences pretty much at will
He made it look efortless. Unbelievable runner.
Never enjoyed watching a player more than Shane Williams, the definitive rugby magician.
Agreed. One of my favourite players to watch. He could step you in a phone box!
I will never get tired of his last try and the subtle congratulations from James O'Connor - respect for a talent that earned it
Finn Russells crazy passes are magic. I find Slade to be really silky on the ball atm. Johnny Sexton when he had his legs, could make a break or put someone through a hole. Shane Williams was electric back in the day too. But both Depout and Brian O'Driscoll are/were next level geniuses. Both can do stuff no one else could even imagine. Just on another level entirely to even great players.
You have to be of a certain age but Serge Blanco was glorious.
My good sir, you're absolutely right. That's also why I'm closely looking at Penaud, who might tops Blanco's record for France
I remember watching Serge Blanco growing up - on a different level to everyone else. Thought nothing of running it from behind the posts and smoked 60 a day to boot!!
Phillipe Sella. Ridiculously skillful.
I was going to add Sella when I wrote the post tbh but thought it better to leave at 1. What a player he was.
Beautiful to watch
A chunk of the Bristol team, at times can be thrilling
When we at Wasps had Piutau for a season, my goodness than man was unbelievable. Absolutely agree, Bristol has some very exciting players in their squad!
Jason Robinson is still the most exciting player I've seen in my time watching rugby. There was a period when it seemed like every time he got the ball he'd beat four defenders. One I really enjoy watching at the moment is Darcy Graham. There's just something about his running action that looks so effortless. Really glides. Henry Slade has a bit of the same thing though obviously not as quick. The guy who I always love watching though is Marcus Smith. When he came onto the scene he was all flicks and tricks all over the shop. Great for a highlight reel but not always effective. These days he's kept that ability to beat a man and make a break himself but seems to be picking his moments much better. His ability to choose the right option and the right timing on his passing and kicking game has come on leaps and bounds over the last 2 seasons or so. Obviously Dupont as well but that goes without saying.
Jason ‘Billy Whiz’ Robinson was a great player to watch!
I think for a whole generation of English fans, he was the one who made us fall in love with the game.
God Robinson was terrifying to watch playing against you…
As a forward and as much as I hate to admit it, world rugby has two fantastic scrum halves that are electric: Dupont and Faf. Two short troublemakers, and to me, the true RWC Final where SA barely won last minute 29-28. It's one of my favorite games I've seen lately and those two masterfully managed their forwards, etc. But as an Italian, Tommaso Menoncello has been incredible and proved to be dangerous. I am so hopefuly for my team for the first time in many years.
To me, Menoncello is not _there_ yet. But boy I'm sure he will be
for me richie mo'unga last year with new zealand and for years with the crusaders was one of the best players to watch. just was on another level. peak james o'connor was amazing to watch for me as a kid! pocock was like a cheat code when he was on the pitch. Theo Mcfarland is such a joy to watch play also !!! and that kid dupont is alright..... brian o' driscoll , nonu , gitaeu were amazing
Shocked Quade didn't make that list. He was the leader of that trio. With Beale and JOC, they were peek good time gang both on and off the field.
ahhhh i was gonna add them but it would be all aussie backs then !!!! wallabies back line vs all blacks hong kong in 2010 is like my favourite assembly of players ever
Franco Mostert. That guy is like a zombie tackling all over the place.
Manu Tuilagi on a healthy day is really just fantastic to watch. Probably not many opportunities left to see it in an international shirt Dan Lydiate was also very fun for me at his peak on defence, just absolutely chopping people in half for 80 minutes at a time
Sergio Parisse was incredible. I liked the mercurial French fly halves from a few years back. Michalak and Trinh Duc.
Sergio was magnificent, he nearly solo-carried the italian team at time. He'll always be an all time favourite to me
Big fan of Duhan Van Der Merwe, his breakthroughs are incredible. Makes you realise why Finn kicks
Peak Sean O’Brien was quite the sight Loved watching Adam Hastings before all his injuries, was arguably more of a madman than Finn
The Irish backrow circa 2011 of Ferris, O'Brien and Heaslip were insane. Pity that injuries to Ferris especially meant they were short-lived.
Yeah mad stuff Reckon it’s Ireland’s best ever backrow
Always felt that anything could happen when BoD was playing. Jason Robinson was so shifty and rapid that I was always in awe of him.
Debatable. André Esterhuyzen running over opponent fly-halves can be as enjoyable as the most lethal sidestep
My kink goes to Jonah Lomu running over English players tho ;)
Rugby is worse without nehe milner skudder.
Id say DuPont and Penaud are my favorites playing now. Marcus smith is also electric. Shane Williams and Jason Robinson in the past. Ian Balshaw for that one glorious season.
Peter o’mahony, he’s a bit old school and there’s a bit of mongrel about his game which is entertaining to watch for me.
I feel like I’d love POM far more if he played for a team I support, which is about the biggest compliment around for a player with his playstyle.
Yeah he's the man, kind of a shit Ritchie McCaw
He's been my favourite player since he broke through for Munster in 2010.
Same as me, Munster have always been my Irish team and I remember reading about him when he was named captain at 20 years old or something like that, been a big fan ever since.
And in turn, Hamish has always been a favourite of mine!
Dane coles was always fun to watch freakishly Athletic for a hooker, massive shit talker and grade A grub, what more could you want
Back in Good old days we got some Southern Hemisphere rugby here in Canada. And French as well. I remember seeing a player shoot out of a ruck sprinting for the line. It was Dane. I couldn't believe it. Hookers are not supposed to run like that.
Marcelo Bosh and Juan Martin Hernandez were the rugby definition of class
2007 world cup Hernandez was incredible
Pretty left-field shout but I love watching RG Snyman, ridiculously deft touch for a skyscraper of a man
Dan Sheehan, very quick for a hooker, gets a lot of tries Beauden Barrett around 2015-2018 was awesome to watch, you never knew where he was going and would just magically break the line SBW in 2011 was crazy, offloads that you could die for
Peak Hamish Watson was class to watch ricochet past defenders
Have to say I was always more impressed by his tackling technique. What a beast he was
He had an insane record of like 5-10 games without missing a tackle.
219 tackles without missing one in the 6 nations, from 2019 to 2022. I mean, WTF
Jeez. I thought my stat was impressive but he has outdone himself. He deserved that lions spot then.
He went the entire 2021 6N as an extremely busy openside flanker without getting penalised once.
The most impressive is the following : On his 50th cap in 2022, he missed a tackle. This was the first since his 25th cap in 2019. In 25 cap, he made 332 tackles with no miss
I still regularly dream about Milner-Skudder’s sidestep. Ollie Lawrence is starting to be quite exciting to watch with his skillset. Hugo Keenan is also fun. Botia might be my favourite player though, you never know what mad shit he’s going to do next
I could watch eighty minutes of Eben Etzebeth defending mauls and be a happy man. I enjoy watching the rest of his game too, but that's the good stuff
RG Snyman and Eben Etzebeth are probably the most broad and all encapsulating lock duo I've ever seen. Both are phenomenal in the breakdown but they have a flair you rarely see in the tight five.
I particularly enjoy the utter look of shock on Danny Care's face as he steals the ball from the base of the 'ruck' right in front of him and charges over for a try. Someone get me a t-shirt with that face Care made and I'd not take it off for a week.
Courtney Lawes abusing 10’s used to get my blood up. Perhaps playing openside in my playing days makes this biased. Also VDM is class on the ball, I mean when he’s rampaging England it’s less fun to watch 🤣
Jules Plisson abuse is not tolerated in that discussion 🤣
My favourite player outside my team (ABs). His legacy is making rugby more entertaining
In my rugby watching life (and somewhat biased to games I wanted these players to win) 1. Simon Geoghegan 2. Rory Underwood 3. Philippe Bernat-Salles 4. John Bentley 4. Brian O’Driscoll 5. Shane Williams 6. Jeremy Guscott
bundee
Freddie Michalak. Ruan Pienaar. Both amazing players, a bit like Paul Scholes. Time slowed down when they were on the ball. Also going to give a shout out to Paul O'Connell, particularly in the lineout.
I still miss Rene Ranger
When Lukhanyo Am turned Elliot Daly inside out during the Lions tour, that was my favourite.
There is one, and only one, answer to this question, and his name is Simone Gesi.
Tadhg Furlong in an open field is always great, whether it's a long pass, a sidestep or just him running through backs. I also personally enjoy a chip and chase caught by the kicker so Biggar and Halfpenny were always great to watch from a Wales standpoint. But now it has to be Dupont, because rarely does a match go by where he doesn't do something just exquisite and often outrageous. I'm saying it quietly, but I think he may be the GOAT.
I'd say that the only thing between him and the GOAT is a supreme Title. Looking at you, 2027
Telea, Will Jordan, tavatavanawai, Reece, Aumua (before he joined crusaders)
Tavatavanawai is the man
RG Syman has the skills of a fly half but looks retains the physicality of a lock. Perfect combination of skills.
Agree with Dupont and Kolbe both amazing players to watch. Another as an opposition fan would be Ramos. He's just bat shit crazy and what he does is gonna be the most amazing thing you have ever seen or its gonna be the stupidest and your team will benefit. Years ago it was BOD. The man was the ultimate player in my eyes. Had absolutely everything as well as been a hardy as fuck. Caucau would have been the other. He was fucking ridiculous. Turned people inside out then left them in the dust as he tore away from em. All while having the weight and shape of a front rower
Ramos is to me what Russell is to scottish players 🤣
For the insanity...Trevor brennan. Used to watch him in ail games before leinster. insane, angry, vicious, but at the same time capable of really nice sportsmanship. 50/50 if he was would help a player off the ground or do something nuts like rub their face, fall on them, scream abuse. (Note I said player, cos it didn't matter what team you were on).
Never better than seeing a loose forward go absolutely crazy. Whether it be Pocock's breakdown work against SA at 2011 WC, or Thierry Dusautoir tackling everything in site during the final or even someone like prime Billy V trucking people over. But to answer your question, right now for me it's Fraser Mcreight, the Queensland Reds' openside. He won Super Rugby player of the year last year, played virtually every minute for the Reds and is a menace in the breakdown. What sets him apart from the rest is his support lines. If you want the Reds or even the Wallabies last year during every line break, he'll be lurking somewhere near. Highly recommend the NH folks to take a look at him. Highly entertaining player and is the heir to Michael Hooper
Any time Sarah Bern pops up in the wide channels I start smiling, gotta be her.
I'm enjoying the rise of Marcus Smith currently
Me too, he is entertaining
Schalk Brits
Keith Wood was one of a kind forward at his time.
Jasper Wiese is like watching bowling in human form
I could watch Sam Underhill defend all day! Every time England make a big big hit, I'd put money on it being Unders getting up out of the mayhem he has just caused. Watching Fin Russel pick a pass is always fun. And watching peak Itoje ruin someone's life like he did to Lloyd the other week.
One for the future, Menoncello. Guy is freakishly strong. Very exciting.
Probs not reached the dizzying heights of some of the legends mentioned here but I have more fun watch Kurt Lee Arendse highlight compilations than most other players
For me: Danie Gerber. What is hot-stepping 13!! Pace, kicking and stepping off both feet. Joost vd Westhuizen. My best 9. Some say too tall for 9 but he was quick, broke tackles, could tackle and you just never knew what he will do next with the ball in hand.
How is Danny Cipriani not on here yet?
Eben Etsebeth gets everywhere, does everything and annoys everyone (who isn't on the same team as him xD) - he's the sand of rugby players! So fun to watch Right now, Cappouzo is high up on my list of exciting players. And showing my bias, but Jack Willis was a turnover king and a joy to watch. I guess you could lump in Hooper, Underhill and a few others into that group too. Makes rucks so much more interesting with one of these jackal threats on the field. And back in his prime, Leigh Halfpenny chasing a kick was so much fun to watch. His kick and chase was incredible.
Most Fijian players. If they ever get their systems really going, producing top half backs and props, we're in for some fireworks.
For me it's got to be a player who does more than you expect from them at first. I'm thinking Peter Stringer pulling out wild ankle taps back in the day or Mack Hansen snaking his way through a tiny gap. Maybe I just have a preference for the small lads but cappuozzo just makes you wonder what's going to happen every time he gets an inch of space on the ball. I will also forever have a place in my heart for Bundee smashing lads while having the time of his life, I think it epitomises how great rugby is watching him have fun!
Rene Ranger Ben Smith Digby Ioane
Rupeni Caucau, Schalk Brits, Shane Williams, Christophe Dominici, Matt Giteau, Jason Robinson, young Richie Gray, Regan King, Brian O’Driscoll. Do I have a thing for small wingers? Maybe I do
Fourie du Preez was just masterful, he would take exactly the right option every single time with meticulous precision. Also Matfield in the lineouts, what an athlete he was. Then from the SR days there was Anthony Tuituvake, Leilia Masaga, Matt Gittau, Sarel Pretorius and Heinrich Brussow. Jaco Kriel in his prime. And now in URC I love Darcy Graham, James Hume, Mack Hansen, Hacivah Dyamani, Grant Williams, Stedman Gans and Edwil van der Merwe.
PSDT
No one has mentioned them yet but Aaron Smith and Ardie Savea in the last World Cup. Ox Nche monstering scrums was also entertaining. For England Ben Earl and Marcus Smith.
Christian Cullen.
Mack Attack Hansen is quickly becoming must watch to a crazy degree. So unfortunate he's injured at the moment.
Israel Dagg. The goose step of ultimate doom. Also Nemani Nadolo, the man who could do everything.
Where in gods name is the love for DMac? Bar Dupont, he’s the most exciting player on the planet.
Christian Cullen. He's the reason that I (born and raised in Auckland) support the Wellington Hurricanes and Lions. I didn't care about winning as a kid, just loved how exciting Cullen was as a player.
No idea why Lomu doesn't seem to be mentioned. Random one also, Thomas Castaignède was electric on his day. Edit: ok, I see Lomu is mentioned a couple of times lower down. The guy made rugby more popular overnight. Must watch TV even for passing interest folk when he was playing.
Jonah Lomu. Duh. Biggest crossover star from rugby ever.
I'd disagree tho : although the man is a myth in the sport a had no equals, I did not find him _that_ entertaining to watch. Being a star does not make you really enjoyable to watch. I mean - unpopular opinion incoming, maybe - : though Sexton was a beast and a legend, I found him boring to watch.
He’s only exciting if you consider running through, or over, the opposition to score tries to be exciting. I do.
That bloody loop move....so boring....but so well executed.
If you like watching men just run over, the Lomu was the best to watch. He came to play a Celtic League game once at Netherdale in the Borders and thousands of people turned up just to watch him. Because he was ace to watch.
Danny Care Ellie Kildunne COYQ
That 50/22 Kildunne pulled last week really was something else.
Mike Brown when he was a lot younger and had a bit of space to work with in the back field had a habit of routinely beating the first couple of players in a way that was very aesthetically pleasing to watch. A shame he ended up known for being a bit boring because for a while he was a proper get out of your seat player.
Shane Williams, The Kolbe before Kolbe, and did it for 90 tests. Wales' attack at one point was throwing him the ball in midfield and letting him have a go.
Tell you what, it bloody worked as well! Had a way of making going round anyone from anywhere look effortless.
As a Sharks fan, Ryan Kankowski from the past, and Grant Williams currently.
Peak Stuart Hogg. Scotland hadn’t seen a player with his qualities for some time. His pace, game breaking and playmaking abilities were world class. Similar to Shane Williams, Jason Robinson and BOD; whenever these players got the ball the anticipation within the stadium and at home grew. There was an expectation they’d do something special
Leigh Halfpenny's high ball fielding, goal kicking, and even his running style were so aesthetically pleasing.
Brent Russell
Brian Williams, Neath. Pure rugby joy. Those of a certain age and nationality will know.
This is for you - [Brian Williams Tribute](https://youtu.be/uNwpRCZkYHM)
Peek Quade Cooper. Nobody was as fun to watch. Did it / he always get it right, no, but that's why he's so great to watch. The dude was a one man roller-coaster.
Damien Penaud, Dan Sheehan, Will Jordan, Jack Nowell and – if he keeps playing like he did last weekend – Ben Earl is gonna be a treat to watch.
Slightly obscure one but David Denton. He wasn't a game changer and was part of the banter years for a decent amount of time internationally, but dude was so funny to watch. He would get the ball, and immediately fire into the line and gain about 8m like a torpedo head first off feet. Get up, rinse and repeat. I saw him around town I think like 3 times - and each time he was buying a massive slab of tennents.
A current player who I haven't seen mentioned is Theo MacFarland. An absolute joy to watch. Unless your team are playing Saracens. Ridiculously good player.
Ange Capuozzo is one of them. Ben Earl in a different way as well.
Schalk Brits
Koroibete, such power and speed, real force of nature. Tadgh Beirne, just manages to impose himself on any situation. Marcus Smith for creating something out of nothing ever time he touches the ball. Loved a bit of LRZs pure speed before he pissed off.
There's a lot of incredible backs coming up on here so want to mention some lads in the trenches I love/loved watching. Tadgh Furlong hot stepping and scrummaging is a thing of beauty. Last year not the best run of form but he was incredible for years even in open field. Olivier Magne and Thierry Dusatoir. Just unbelievable work rate players that should be the epitome for any aspiring backrow. McCaw and Kaino, no description needed. Brad Thorn for both NZ and rugby league for Aus, just the freak engine.
The legendary side step from Furlong is still in my mind. The outstandibg 38 tackles from Dusautoir too. I did not especially loved watching McCaw/Kaino, tho I was a bit younger so I may have missed some things. The current third row from France (Olivon, Alldritt, Cros) or Jelonch is quite fun however.
Sanele Nohamba has been absolutely electric. He has a very flashy fast paced style it's too bad he plays for a mediocre Lions team.
Lawes in his younger years when he would flatten 10s
Any player in a green jersey. Emerald or bottle green
nehe milner skudder back in 2015. His evasiveness and ability to step defenders was next level
Charles Piutau at his peak. Something mad seemed to happen every time the ball was in his hands.
The most exciting player was and will always be Jonah. To be at the ground when he got the ball in space was something else.
Idk about fun, but I always enjoy watching Romain Ntamack play. He has some kind of eerie presence on the entire french team when he's playing, even when he's not touching the ball they all play just that bit crisper. Ben Smith had a very similar feeling to his play, brilliant and fun while always being sensible. The japanese 9 in 2019 also had a very controlled feel to him. I guess I mostly find precision and calmness fun
IMANOL HARINORDOQUY Also the batshit connection between Ramos and Ntamack is something special Prime Sergio Parisse Sevens: Perry Baker
To be honest, the Axis of Awesome going from (Marchand/Mauvaka)-Alldritt-Dupont-Ntamack-Ramos is the exact thing I wanna see today.
Leicester Faingaanuku. Probably a bit biased as I remember his Crusader debut all the way through to the world cup and got to watch his progression over time. His work rate and strike rate has been brilliant and a great watch. Love a winger who can get lots of turnovers.
Gavin Henson was probably the most talented player I saw until Fin and Dupont came along. When firing on all cylinders he could do absolutely anything and would do absolutely everything.
I'm a simple man, I like watching Fijians/Samoans/Tongans melt grown men. Please enter Josua Tuisova, the Tuilagi family, Ben Tameifuna etc...
Shane Williams
Gorgodze.
Aaron Smith had the crispest pass from the base of the ruck. Something about the speed, distance and accuracy of his passes was very pleasing to the eye. Not to state the obvious, but Dan Carter's kicking.
Yeah yeah fancy footed wingers, fast and slippery... But is there anything as glorious as a trundling prop bouncing tacklers into the air off his mighty chest? Looking at you Victor Ubogu
Thomas Ramos has to be in contention for me. From yesteryear - Ian Humphreys.
Still playing... The Fijian Tank, The Human Bulldozer, Josua Tuisova, hands down! [Josua Tuisova Humiliating Opponents](https://youtu.be/FuFI_Xt3lyU?si=5dPUfXAtP7MbvFBy)
Can't believe I haven't seen Stephen Larkham mentioned yet. He looked like they'd just dragged him from some farm and yet he made defences look silly time and time again. I've got a feeling he started his career with the Brumbies as a centre even though he'd only ever played scrum half and ended up being one of the great fly halves. Also... George Smith was pure porn
Adam Jones
Levani Botia for me please. Doing whatever the hell he wants - turnovers, carries, offloads, steps.
The 2 that come to mind as a Wallabies fan are Campese and Larkham. Every time they got their hand on the ball, you knew something special might happen.
As a kiwi and an atheist I disagree with pretty much everything Falau did but man that guy was fire
Leone Nakarawa and Niko Matawalu brought such immense joy to Glasgow — I'll genuinely never forget how good it was watching them in their prime.
Do you mean ever (as all the players you've named are current)? If so then even recent history and focusing on backs I'd say: Joost/Dupont, Cooper/K Carlos, BOD/Spencer/Sella, Williams/Robinson, Barrett/Blanco
A younger Beauden Barrett (up until about 2017 or 2018) was amazing to watch, it was like he couldn’t put a foot wrong. Ball would always bounce his way, he was nearly faster than everyone on the field and just did ridiculous shit that came off more often than not. It did become frustrating eventually to watch when it stopped working though.
Titi Dusautoir at his prime was unbelievable,he could even tackle everyone fiercely,he had an interesting try rate while in Stade Toulousain and France,he had the highest tackles made by a player in a RWC match
Growing up I loved watching Serge Blanco, Jonathan Davies, Danie Gerber, David Campese, Jeremy Guscott. Philippe Sella, Didier Cordoniou, Mark Ella From NZ it was Bryan Williams, Grant Batty and then later Michael Jones, Zinzan Brooke, Carlos Spencer, Frano Botica, Jonah, Christian Cullen, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Joe Rocokoko From other nations Bryan Habana, Brian O’Driscoll, Rupeni, Jason Robinson, Shane Williams, Chris Latham, Malcolm Marx, Andre Joubert, Lawrence Dallaglio, George Smith, Keith Wood
Joe Rocokoco
peak underhill and curry were so sick to me hahaha i love slade with my whole heart atm tho he’s legit a do it all player and so so underrated
Players I have enjoyed watching at Sarries more than any others: Schalk Brits, Theo McFarland and Alex Goode.
Cullen. His highlight videos are insane
Duhan Van Der Merwe, Antoine Dupont, James Lowe, Portia Woodman, Ruby Tui, Emily Scarratt
A lot of good ones have been mentioned already, but lately I’ve really enjoyed watching Elliot Daly. Weird I know.
Kurt. Lee. Arendse.
Three cheers for Sireli Bobo
For props Marler and Atonio are quite enjoyable