In the world of rugby, the debate over who are the best players in their respective positions is a never-ending conversation. And when it comes to the back row, England's Ben Earl has some strong opinions that might just leave Steve Borthwick, the England coach, feeling a little despondent.
Earl, a talented back-row player himself, has some high praise for his teammates and opponents alike. He starts by naming Tom Willis, his club teammate at Saracens, as one of the best players in the world right now. But here's the catch - Willis has committed to playing abroad, which means he's not in the England reckoning for the time being. This is a significant loss for the national team, as Willis was starting to make his mark at the Test level and was instrumental in England's series victory over Argentina last year.
"Tom at eight is an absolute game-changer. His impact is immediate and unique. He creates rucks and opportunities out of nowhere, leaving defenders scratching their heads." - Ben Earl on Tom Willis
Earl's commentary on Willis' style of play is a fascinating insight into the mind of a player who has witnessed his teammate's brilliance up close. Willis' ability to create opportunities from seemingly nothing is a rare skill, and Earl's description of it as "a joke" in a good-natured way highlights the respect and admiration he has for his teammate.
But Earl's praise doesn't stop there. He also singles out Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Jordie Barrett as exceptional players in the backs. Feinberg-Mngomezulu, he says, has performed well against the best teams, while Jordie Barrett's consistency is remarkable, with Earl noting that he's never seen him have a bad game.
When it comes to the flankers, Earl shows his patriotism by choosing fellow Englishman Sam Underhill over Ardie Savea. But it's his praise for Pieter-Steph du Toit, the Springbok star, that truly stands out. Earl calls du Toit the "standard-bearer" of match involvements for a back-row player, highlighting his freakish abilities and lack of weaknesses.
"Du Toit is an all-round package. He's like a Swiss Army knife - you need him for everything. His work rate is off the charts, and his impact is felt across the field." - Ben Earl on Pieter-Steph du Toit
Earl's commentary on du Toit's all-round game is a testament to the South African's versatility and impact. His ability to be involved in every aspect of the game, from charge downs to tackles and carries, is a rare skill that sets him apart.
So, while Earl might have left Borthwick despondent with his choice of Willis as the best in the world, his insights into the talents of his teammates and opponents provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of elite rugby. It's a reminder that, in this sport, the best players can often fly under the radar, and it's up to those who play alongside them to truly appreciate their brilliance.
