Last month Argentina hosted the Junior World Championships, a fascinating tournament that was eventually won by favourites New Zealand. While some sides didnt fair as well as theyd hoped, a few stars caught the eye. Total Rugby has profiled five of them.
Starting with the host side, young flyhalf Ignacio Rodriguez Muedra may not have a name that rolls easily off the tongue, but in time youll find Muedra will more than likely become a prominent figure for Argentina with his flair eye for the gap.
Liam Gill makes the list for Australia. The 18 year old has already gained valuable experience on the IRB Sevens circuit, and with his impressive form in the JWC, has earned himself a Queensland Reds contract for next years Super 15.
South African Patrick Lambie is perhaps the player with the most experience on this list, having played a full season of rugby for the Sharks in the Super 14. Lambie possesses incredible confidence under the high ball, and has great composure both on attack and in defence.
Rhys Ruddocks rugby story is an interesting one. The son of former Welsh coach Mike Ruddock, Rhys now finds himself playing for Ireland after having been born in Dublin to an Irish mother. Powerfully built and mobile, Ruddock has already made his senior debut for Ireland.
The one player that perhaps got people talking more than any other though was young New Zealand wing Julian Savea, who was named player of the tournament and was awarded the prestigious IRB Junior Player of the Year for 2010 award.
His pace and strength have naturally drawn comparisons to other great All Black wings from the past, and coupled with his Sevens experience, he has an incredible finishing ability that had him equalling the try scoring record for the tournament.
What do you think of the five players named, and will they go on to become Test greats?
Time:
02:39
Note:
Thanks to
Total Rugby
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