PLAYER POWER RANKINGS | 7. OPENSIDE FLANKER

With the World Cup still fresh in our minds here's my thoughts on OPENSIDE FLANKER. The link man between backs and forwards and the breakdown assassin who can speed up their teams ball or slow down the oppositions. An awesome field for this one and some great players not even making the cut.

[jameswyatt]

I think considering there's Duane and Jasper Wiese at 8, it would make more sense to classify Kwagga as an openside, obviously he does work for both though.

[daverogers]

I agree. As a Springbok supporter, I have to agree that Siya is brilliant. But the 2 above him are sheer class. But I am sure that both of them would love to be Siya!!

[thomaslequesne]

Charles Ollivon is a fan favorite in France because his story is incredible. He suffered several potentially career-ending injuries in a row but came back through sheer willpower, got back to his best level and earned back his spot on the national team. An absolute legend.

[fedoremelianenkothelastemp]

Hey Tim love the channel mate. Keep up the good work. An idea for a list of 23 northern hemisphere players to take on a 23 from the southern hemisphere. Love to see that every 4-8 years! could be as big if not bigger than a lions series if given the chance with the right marketing! Make it happen!!!!

[cian]

I think Sam Cane was really impressive in the World Cup, he made a mistake in the final, but you can’t crucify him over that forever. He was immense against Ireland. I think Josh set the bar so high and lately in games he hasn’t been the standout player because people like Beirne and Doris have just been next level. Would have them both higher personally.

[Kid_Senekal]

Love this series, well done!
Where is my man Kwagga "Wrong Turn" aka the Swiss Army Knife Smith?
Ps. Commented before you did mention him end of vid. Look forward to the rest of the vids.

[virtual_paper]

From these top 10 videos seeing so many top players whose teams didn't do as good in the world cup really shows how much of a TEAM sport Rugby is and not carried by any individual

[StopTheRot]

Jac Morgan would absolutely be there for me. Kwagga too.

[subbie]

Isnt marcos kremer a blindside and matera the openside? and where is kwaaga? Id argue hes one of our most useful players and hes definitely not an 8 hes really a 7

[Mistadave]

I'd humbly throw Ben Earl into the mix (no, I'm a Chiefs fan, not Sarries) . I know England played him at 8 but I reckon that was covering a bigger weakness in the back row. His pace, reading of the play and ability at the breakdown worthies consideration.

[sniperdps]

You did a good job, Tim. Very hard to rank when players play out of position so much.

[thibautmerlin]

Nice list. Btw never understood why Ollivon didn't get captaincy back when he returned from his injury, I believe this role suits him better than Dupont.

[StevenBenjaminAuthor]

Kwagga Smith is actually a typical open-sider... He just shifts in the back 3 a lot, but he is through n through a wold class open side flanker.

[tilmanvondelft]

You’re off the hook Tim!
Was wondering where the hell is Kwagga Smith hahaha 😂
He better be in top 3 no.8s!

[connorhawkins]

Great list again Tim, with each video I lm starting to agree more and more with your selections! On this list I would say that I would have Tom Curry a bit higher. Probably at number 4

[daggaboom]

One thought that jumped out on your assessment of Ollivon " I think any international team on earth would START Charles Ollivon". Before this world cup, you'd be 100% correct, now that Springboks are playing a 23 man game and aren't necessarily playing best player at the start. This has me wondering if Rassie/Jacque approach will become more pervasive. Cause if you ever get around to doing a top 10 bench. That'll be heavily dominated by Springboks with Ox and Kwagga competing for 1st

[joeritchie]

Another great list. I wouldn’t quibble with a single pick.

[bertusbekker]

I was just about to ask about kwagga😂 and where you would put his position.

[AllanAJLFarming]

Tim, please do a video of the best tries of the World Cup. It may be difficult to use material that 'belongs to World Rugby'. But my vote will go to the Japanese lock (no.5) who did the kick and chase to score a great try.

[ridgerunnersp]

Well I definitely have stronger feelings about this position than any others as it's near and dear to my heart. So, a few things: Dalton Papali'i is 100% a better player than Sam Cane. Hopefully Scott Robertson finally gives him a fair shake. I was surprised that Cane is only 31 is it? He does have mountain of experience which doesn't count for nothing.
Glad you put Kremer that high, he is a phenomenal physical specimen and perhaps the Smashiest player on earth?
Curry I would have lower on the list if at all. He has the potential to be there but on current form I just can't see it.
I would also have Botia lower. Class player, but above Siya? Probs nah.
One ommission I might add in would be Rory Darge. He displaced Hamish Watson, who while not at his peak was still playing decently. And Darge had some banger games in the WC. At the very least he'll definitely be on this list before long.