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 the Wallabies, World Cup finalists in 2015, and a nation aiming to recover after a mixed 2019 season.
JORDAN PETAIA (QUEENSLAND REDS)
There are other rising stars coming through the ranks, but as of now, there are no better players around the world at U20 level than Petaia.
Fast in attack and strong in the tackle, the Melbourne man has demonstrated his consistency and versatility with aplomb over the last 24 months at Super Rugby level.
Although he only made his Wallabies debut last October, former coach Michael Cheika believes Petaia has the potential to be one of the best players in the world.
Building his way back from shoulder surgery, the 6ft 3in wing-cum-centre has an imposing presence, lightning footwork and a gliding running style that is difficult to stop.
Strengths: Speed, defence, footwork, game-intelligence
IZACK RODDA (QUEENSLAND REDS)
AGE: 23
CAPS: 25
POSITION: Lock
Since making his debut against New Zealand in 2017, the New South Wales man has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the game.
Strong at the line-out, the 23-year-old was one of the Wallabies best players at the Rugby World Cup, using his 6ft 8in frame to carry ball and pick clever angles at first receiver.
The likes of England’s Maro Itoje or South Africa’s Eben Etzebeth may push the boundaries more with referees, but Rodda is smart, athletic and shows willingness at the breakdown.
An influential leader at club level, Rodda has all the traits to be a future Wallaby captain.
Strengths: Workrate, line-out presence, carrying, tackling, leadership
TANIELA TUPOU (QUEENSLAND REDS)
AGE: 23
CAPS: 19
POSITION: Prop
The ‘Tongan Thor’ is one of the most promising props in the game and has the potential to earn well over 100 international caps.
The fact that the Australia Rugby Union are willing to pay him over one million dollars per year shows how highly they rate him.
Standing at 5ft 8in and 135kg, he has frightening agility and fitness levels for his size. His smoking footwork and low centre of gravity is also a nightmare for the opposition.
In the Super Rugby season so far, the 23-year-old has scored three tries in seven matches, and forced the most scrum penalties, made the most metres and linebreaks for a prop.
A freakish player.
Strengths: Scrummaging, speed, footwork, power, carrying
