RANKED: The five most feared back threes in Test rugby
With the Rugby World Cup looming, Planet Rugby will be taking a look at the units of a team to measure who has the advantage in the lead-up to the tournament.
We continue with an area of rugby union that has always got bums off seats in both the stadium and at home through X-factor, skill and speed; the back three.
5. Scotland: Darcy Graham, Stuart Hogg, Duhan van der Merwe
One of the more complete back threes that possess pace, power and a booming boot, Scotland have an outstanding trio they hope will be in top form in France.
Graham is such a livewire in possession and punches well above his weight, while on the other wing, the sheer size of Van der Merwe is just one of his strengths. Indeed, the South African-born finisher is such a handful to opposition defences, and he and Graham compliment each other so well when both are fit and firing.
Meanwhile, Hogg is such a reliable performer at full-back, whose powerful right boot is backed up by a strong running game that Scotland will sorely miss when the veteran hangs up his boots at the end of the global tournament. That decision took the rugby world by surprise, and he’ll no doubt want to go out on a high.
Waiting in the wings is Kyle Steyn, Ollie Smith and possibly Blair Kinghorn as an option, but that trio are yet to push hard enough to dislodge those starters.
Strengths: Power, elusiveness, kick return threat, line breaks
Weaknesses: Shaky under high ball, defensive question marks
4. South Africa: Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Makazole Mapimpi
The Springboks rank next in our list as when on song, this trio are a joy to watch, with Le Roux’s creativity, Kolbe’s X-factor and Mapimpi’s eye for the try-line making them a dangerous proposition for opposing teams. These three started 2019’s Rugby World Cup final and are such a reliable force in green and gold.
While some may say they are not as potent as they once were, Test match nous and intelligence makes them strong options to Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber. Le Roux, while not known for his defence, is such an intelligent footballer, while everyone knows what a special talent Kolbe is, with only really Mapimpi being pressed for his spot in the past year. However, one would expect the Springboks to revert to this trio in the key games as they compliment each other very well.
One player who is doing the pushing for selection is Kurt-Lee Arendse, who has shown he’s made for international rugby with strong performances in 2022. There is also the excellent Damian Willemse as an option at full-back, as South Africa have two impressive cabs waiting to come off the rank if needed at France 2023.
Strengths: Pace, creativity, high ball chase and defence, X-factor
Weaknesses: Le Roux’s brain fades, lack of opportunities due to game plan
3. New Zealand: Will Jordan, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke
Perhaps not an ideal scenario in a Rugby World Cup year, but there’s some uncertainty over selection for New Zealand in these positions due to injury and form. But as we’ve done for all sides, we’ve tried to focus on the most recent end-of-year selections that saw Barrett occupy the 15 spot and with Sevu Reece out for the Rugby World Cup, the excellent Jordan comes in at 14, as he should return with time to spare and just edges the in-form Mark Telea for the right wing jersey.
While there’s uncertainty in two of the positions, Clarke looks to be locked in at left wing, and rightly so, as he’s earned his shirt and will go from strength to strength. A player who can bust any defence and with speed to burn, the Blues finisher will be vital to New Zealand’s hopes at the global tournament.
It will be interesting to see what head coach Ian Foster decides with Barrett, as with Richie Mo’unga and Damian McKenzie shining at 10 in Super Rugby Pacific, full-back might be his best option. Barrett, alongside Clarke and a fully fit Jordan, with Telea on standby, is quite the attacking trio that has pace to burn.
Strengths: Counter-attack, speed, strength, Barrett’s playmaking and kicking
Weaknesses: Balance of the trio, lack of cohesion
2. France: Damian Penaud, Thomas Ramos, Gabin Villiere
An outstanding trio, with Penaud and Ramos especially being absolutely top drawer of late, with Villiere unfortunately being absent for a period due to injury.
Penaud has consistently brought the goods for both Clermont and France, but right now, there are few more silky and balanced runners in the international game. He simply glides past defenders and has turned up time and again for Les Bleus when they needed a touch of quality. A crucial player at their home World Cup.
Meanwhile, Ramos has gradually become one of the best full-backs in world rugby as he has gone from strength to strength, racking up the points through solid goal-kicking or excellent support lines en route to scores. Quietly the experienced Toulouse star has also become vital to the Les Bleus cause.
As mentioned, injury has limited Villiere’s game time over the past year, but prior to that, he looked a complete player, offering so much both with and without the ball. A lethal finisher who went looking for work and is elusive, he backs that up by being a breakdown threat and fierce defender. France need him fit.
Ethan Dumortier has filled in admirably in Villiere’s absence during the recent Six Nations, but there’s little doubt what France’s first choice back three is.
Strengths: Running game, solidity, game breakers, playmaking skills, Villiere’s breakdown threat
Weaknesses: Ramos’ brain fades and Villiere’s injury
1. Ireland: Mack Hansen, Hugo Keenan, James Lowe
Incredibly tough on Les Bleus not to take the top spot, especially with Ramos and Penaud’s current form, but the complete Test match package right now is Ireland.
A trio put together from both the northern and southern hemispheres, Hansen, Lowe, and Keenan have developed into a solid yet exciting combination at the back. The former pair, who were born in Australia and New Zealand, respectively, made the move to Ireland, and their decisions have paid off for province and country. The duo possess an incredible appetite both defensively and in attack that is infectious to those around them while they have an impressive skill-set to boot.
Meanwhile, Keenan puts in high-class performance after high-class performance at full-back, with his solidity, line breaks and awareness making him one of the best number 15s in the world at the moment. All three players are in the prime of their respective careers, which is fantastic news in a Rugby World Cup year.
Jimmy O’Brien has shown he’s more than an able deputy for Ireland when called upon, but when the current crop are fit, it’s an easy selection for Andy Farrell.
Strengths: Rugby intelligence, playmaking, lines of running, cohesiveness
Weaknesses: Out-and-out gas, depth at full-back.
Honourable mentions
England have a plethora of back three options but have not really settled on a combination. It has generally been ‘Freddie Steward and two others’ with Ollie Hassell-Collins, Max Malins, Anthony Watson and Henry Arundell all being handed starts during the recent Six Nations. If they can get that sorted, then the Red Rose can be challenging those teams.
Similar could be said of the Wallabies, who keep having to change their back three. Marika Koroibete is a certainty when fit and available, while Tom Wright, Andrew Kellaway, Tom Banks, Mark Nawaqanitawase and Jordan Petaia are all in the mix.
Finally, a nod to the Pacific Islanders, who could be very dangerous come World Cup time. For Fiji, Josua Tuisova, Kini Murimurivalu and Vinaya Habosi will be potent if selected, while Tonga have Israel Folau and Charles Piutau available following the change in World Rugby laws, who could partner the talented Moana Pasifika flyer Anzelo Tuitavuki or Telusa Veainu.
READ MORE: RANKED: The five most feared back-rows in Test rugby