In sport, everyone wants to discover who the next great talent is.
With the COVID-19 pandemic wreaking havoc upon the rugby season, we have put together a handy guide to ensure your eyes are fixed on the game’s best young stars.
In this series, find out the most exciting rugby players around the world who are aged 23 or below. Some are already capped, while others are yet to be capped for their nations.
Today, our focus is on New Zealand, three-time World Cup winners, and one of the finest rugby nations in the world.
RIEKO IOANE (BLUES)
With 24 tries to his name, Ioane has cemented his status as one of the most dangerous backs in world rugby since making his All Blacks debut in November 2016.
He will, of course, be disappointed at how his 2019 season unfolded, playing only three of New Zealand’s seven matches at the World Cup.
Minor blips and a loss of form will happen in every players’ career and, looking forward, Ioane’s marquee years are ahead of him.
Still only 23, he possesses blistering pace, an imposing frame, neat decision making and fine finishing ability. If there is one improvement to make, it is the accuracy of his reads in defence.
With Beauden Barrett switching to the Auckland Blues this season, having a man of his calibre around him could restore Ioane’s confidence and golden try-scoring touch.
Strengths: Pace, agility, finishing touch, hands, carrying
LUKE JACOBSON (CHIEFS)
AGE: 22
CAPS: 2
POSITION: Backrow
Widely regarded as the future of All Blacks’ backrow, Jacobson has all the tools to be a key player come the 2023 World Cup.
Most New Zealand fans are hoping the Chiefs man can recover from concussion issues, having sustained three in the space of 13 months, thus ruling him out of the 2019 World Cup in the process.
The 22-year-old is a smart player, ticking all the boxes with strong support play, decision making, line-out work and running with the ball.
With strong leadership skills – he captained the Junior All Blacks to victory at the U20 World Cup in 2017 – all the Cambridge man needs is a consistent run of game time to build his contribution further.
Strengths: Workrate, carrying, tackling, intelligence, set-piece prowess
WILL JORDAN (CRUSADERS)
AGE: 22
CAPS: Uncapped
POSITION: Full-back/Wing
Looks a future All Black in waiting, whether that’s on the wing or full-back.
With some rising stars, it is hard to make a genuine prediction of their development as a combination of injuries and general bad luck may hinder their progress.
But, nevertheless, Jordan is destined for the big time. Blessed with searing pace, vision and a tremendous skill set, he scored eight tries in seven appearances for Crusaders last season and looked a bolter for the World Cup squad.
If the 2017 World Junior Player of the Year nominee can build on his maiden season in Christchurch he will surely be in contention for a place in Foster’s squad, especially with Ben Smith moving to France.
Strengths: Pace, vision, footwork, aerial ability, kicking from hand
