Top 100: Only one Bok in second last group

SPOTLIGHT: The next batch of RugbyPass’ Top 100 for 2024 (20-11) has been revealed and only one Springbok made the cut.

Springbok wing Kurt-Lee Arendse comes in at 19 and is the highest-rated South African in the Top 100 to date.

The diminutive wing is often underrated due to his small stature, however, he became one of the most lethal finishers in the game.

His 18 tries in 24 Tests in 2024 are a testament to a man with lightning feet and courage in abundance.

His Opta stats reveal he made the most line-breaks of any player from a Tier One nation in 2024 (17) while his average of 9.8 metres gained per carry was the best rate of any player this year.

The words of Felix Jones, the former Springbok assistant coach, ring true: “He just seems to win all the moments or battles that he’s in.”

Arendse is topped at wing in this category by only one other, Damian Penaud of France (13). The 28-year-old is just two tries short of the great Serge Blanco with his 36 tries in 53 Tests. He is described as a unique player who likes to have the ball, to look for space, and is especially good at evading tackles.

Hot on the heels of Arendse is another wing, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (20), who was shortlisted for World Rugby Breakout Star of the Year this year.

The England wing was in devastating form in the Nations Series this year scoring a sublime try against New Zealand before concussion against Australia curtailed his involvement.

The top-rated player in this group is Beauden Barrett (11). Although starting the season off the bench, he quickly elevated himself to the starting berth thanks to his strategic decision-making and accurate tactical kicking from the back.

At the age of 34 Barrett is still contracted to stay in New Zealand until 2027 and it is clear he has not lost any pace or acceleration.

* You can now view the list, as Rugbypass gradually releases more players: Top 100 Men’s Rugby Players 2024.

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