The 50 best rugby players in the world 2009

[pieter blackie]

The Top 50 list is back for another year with the star performances of 2009 forming the basis for our rankings.

Click here or to launch our guide to the 50 Best rugby players in the world.

Once again the IRB's choice doesn't take the No.1 slot in our list. Richie McCaw has had a good year, but not outstanding by his high benchmark. Outstanding is certainly something you can say of the 12 months Brian O'Driscoll has had.

Here is some names worth a mention:
1. Brian O'Driscoll, 30, centre, Ireland & Leinster
2. Heinrich Brussow, 23, flanker, South Africa & Cheetahs
12. Rocky Elsom, 26, Flanker, Australia & Brumbies
23. Will Genia, 21, scrum-half, Australia & Queensland Reds
24. David Pocock, 21, flanker, Australia & Western Force

27. Pierre Spies, 24, South Africa & Bulls
When asked who the best No.8 in the world was in a magazine interview, he replied. "That player is still in the making. It's me."

40. Wycliff Palu, No.8, 27, Australia & Waratahs
41. Adam Ashley-Cooper, utility back, 25, Australia & ACT Brumbies

50. Brock James, fly-half, 28, Australia & Clermont Auvergne
James has never won a full cap for Australia, but his form for Clermont Auvergne earns him status as one of the most accomplished No.10s playing the game. From January 4 to March 28, 2009, he scored 41 place kicks in a row, a new record for the Top 14, and his percentages this season have been up in the 90s. He also knows how to get the best out of the array of talent outside him with his long range passing and pinpoint cross-field kicks. A hugely underrated player, but adored in France.

[KenyaQuin]

For those wondering, other Aussies -

7. Matt Giteau
31. George Smith

[slomo]

not one jock in the top 50 WTF!...

[Burgs]

Probably "fair" when you consider there's only six representing the third ranked country Slomo...

[pieter blackie]

For those wondering, other Aussies -

7. Matt Giteau
31. George Smith

Sorry kenya I do not find them important so they slipped through the cracks

[shasta]

There's any number of arguables in that list. There's no question BOD is the best centre in the game and I wouldn't argue that he's not the #1 player ATM. This came up in another thread a while back and I reckon it's a toss up between BOD and Du Preez if the list only relates to 2009. If that's the case, there's no way Matt Giteau was the 7th best in the world in 2009. let alone the second best fly half.

[fulvio sammut]

Why isn't Burgs on that list?

[Burgs]

Why isn't Burgs on that list?

That would be "The 50 best rugby tragics in the world 2009" Fulv

Edit----

Except it would be more like 500,000, least others got to more live matches

[brokendown gunfighter]

build a ground up there Burgs & they will come

three rivers stadium has a certain ring to it