Seven players to watch in 2019

Colin Newboult
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With 2019 in its infancy we thought it was worth looking at the year ahead and picking seven players to watch out for in both the club and Test game.

Among our selection, we have an ambitious Australian, three talented young players looking to make their mark and two experienced fly-halves who are hoping to guide their country to Rugby World Cup glory.

Here they are…

Seven players to watch in 2019

James O’Connor

After several years in the international wilderness, the Australian seems to have re-found his drive having recovered from a long-term injury. He signed a three-year deal with English club Sale Sharks in June 2017 but has stated his desire to play for the Wallabies once more. Of course, he does not qualify under ‘Giteau’s Law’ having not reached the 60-cap requirement to be considered, but it will be interesting to see what happens should O’Connor continue to play well for the Sharks. Since returning from an ankle issue, the back has been excellent and has been adept in both centre positions, so Michael Cheika may look to bring him in. Some wrangling will be needed but O’Connor’s story will be an interesting one this year.

Joe Cokanasiga

International rugby was given a glimpse of what a talent Cokanasiga is last November and, if that was an audition for a spot in Eddie Jones’ Rugby World Cup plans, then he passed with flying colours. Yes, there are rivals for this position in the shape of Chris Ashton, Denny Solomona, Jack Nowell, Jonny May and others but the Bath finisher is unique in that he is arguably England‘s only destructive winger. The 21-year-old needs to maintain his form at club level and during the Six Nations and then the world’s his platform in Japan in September.

Siya Kolisi

At one point against Wales in November it seemed Handre Pollard and Duane Vermeulen had taken over making decisions for South Africa. Test rugby and especially Rugby World Cups demand a captain who is firm but calm and if Kolisi does not have his team-mates looking to him when tough calls need making then problems will arise. There is no doubting the flanker’s ability as a player at this level so what he must work on over the coming months is his leadership, first at Super Rugby level and then when South Africa continue their preparations for Japan. Pressure galore on the Bok skipper who will be under the spotlight.

Ataata Moeakiola

If you don’t know who Moeakiola is then simply look at the tries below from 2016 when the wing tore through the Junior Springboks’ defence and scored a hat-trick. It was a devastating performance and led to plenty predicting bright things for the Japanese back, but it hasn’t quite worked out like that since. There was a bizarre attempt to convert him into a back-row but he has now been snapped up by the Chiefs for the upcoming Super Rugby campaign where he will thankfully feature either on the wing or at centre. He is a destructive presence and could be exciting to watch at the World Cup should he perform well for the New Zealand outfit and be called up to the national team.

Danny Cipriani

Probably the most the discussed rugby player in Europe over the past decade, despite starting only one game for England in that time, but is this the year Eddie Jones finally trusts the incredibly talented playmaker? Cipriani has quite simply been the best fly-half in the Premiership in the 2018/19 season and Gloucester have certainly missed his presence following the chest injury he picked up against Exeter Chiefs. Although that will likely rule him out of being picked for the Six Nations, Cipriani is determined to force his way back into the reckoning and Jones would be a brave man to leave him out should the pivot continue to perform well.

Johnny Sexton

The World Rugby Player of the Year is crucial to Ireland‘s hopes of lifting the Webb Ellis trophy for the first time. If he tops his 2018 performances then it’s tough to see a fully fit Irish not being crowned champions this year. Of course there will be hurdles along the way but alongside Conor Murray and, with a spine and depth oozing quality under head coach Joe Schmidt, the experienced and hugely confident Sexton has all the tools to guide Ireland to victory. He’ll also have PRO14 and Champions Cup titles to defend for Leinster too.

Isaia Walker-Leawere

Another potential bolter here in the shape of the Hurricanes lock. The second-row was absolutely outstanding for the Baby Blacks in the World Rugby U20 Championship as they destroyed England in the final, but he found it tougher in 2018 and only made one appearance for the franchise. A shoulder injury was part of the reason for that, while Walker-Leawere was only in the squad as cover anyway, but the talented youngster showed his immense athletic ability for the Maori All Blacks later in the year. Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock have the New Zealand lock positions sewn up, providing they steer clear from injury, while Scott Barrett’s versatility is crucial, but the 21-year-old has the ability to enjoy a breakthrough campaign and possibly put himself in contention for the World Cup.

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