So How Good Was Sam Warburton? | Squidge Rugby

Last week, Wales captain Sam Warburton retired from rugby, only to be proclaimed "not a great player" by professional gammon Stuart Barnes. So what made Warburton a great player, and just how good was he?
If you've enjoyed any of the channel's content, you can also support Squidge Rugby on Patreon by visiting / squidgerugby , and giving a few pennies so that I can buy afford to put milk in my tea.
You can also check out the channel's sponsor, Rugby Warfare- a rugby clothing brand that creates unique, technical and functional apparel crafted for the rugby lifestyle. Use code "SQ20" at checkout for 20% off. Visit www.rugbywarfare.com/store to shop now, or whenever you feel like it frankly.

[@georgehornsby2075]

Loved your 44 minute 36 second homage when played at the correct speed

[@yeetwchybaban]

😂

[@greenkodex]

Hahahahaha. never thought about watching his videos at normal speed. :D

[@paulcoffield2102]

"Read's half-customer service, half-serial killer smile ..." Quality line.

[@tatoemonkey]

That has properly made me laugh. Perfect

[@floydkingi4364]

They didnt call him the smiling assasin for nothing

[@andrewy362]

As a Scot, I'd like to see him doing more commentary. He was really good during the 6 nations this year and wasn't super biased towards Wales the way most pundits are to their own country Hopefully we'll see more of the gent in future!

[@jase6709]

Martyn Williams and Warburton are great. (Players and Pundits)

[@grahamdaley4224]

@@jase6709 ironically both William's and Warburton have been snapped up by Pivac as Team manager and breakdown coach respectively

[@phantom1657]

Best one yet. Always appreciated Warburton but have to say I didn't realise just how good he was. I want to go and watch past matches now to see this all in action! Cheers

[@mpowlesland]

Respect from New Zealand. One of the greats, who unfortunately, like others (Johnny Wilkinson, Christian Cullen), ran into injuries later in their careers. He was a bigger but less fitter version of Richie McCaw. Equally as good at the breakdown and arguably a better defender. Excellent leader too and was unfortunate not to lead Wales to a RWC final in 2011 (something Wales has never achieved).

[@bena3341]

Actually Ritchie was the bigger man. Sam just looks bigger because he spent more time in the gym.

[@xxwales15xx33]

Sam is extremely fit, just injury prone. If he had an injury free career he'd be considered up there with the best of all time

[@cliffhughes6010]

McCaw is more widely recognised as one of the greats. Warburton did the business though and deserves a video like this.

[@magnuspeacock5857]

Never achieved *yet*

[@remyd1984]

loved watching sam warburton over the years as an england and/plus BIL fan wish him and his family the very best

[@SleafordLock4]

Love seeing the squidgy rugby notification!!

[@matthewbacon4605]

Great video! It's true, I don't think many people realise just what a great player that man was!

[@matthewbacon4605]

Are you a cubby boy fan? Navidi? Tipuric?

[@SMC01ful]

Warburton was a good player and he had it all. Like I've said, he didn't have quite the supporting cast around covering him in the manner loosies in the Irish and New Zealand national sides did/do.

[@peteryoungpeteryoung965]

Everyone In Wales did. In England you had assholes like Stuart Barnes calling Warburton average because he was jealous that they never had anyone nearly as good as him.

[@LinebreakRugby]

0:41 Dan Fish finally getting the recognition he deserves.

[@karlosdeevs]

that was helpful, for guys who aren't up to date. Like myself who thought he'd be a fellow flanker (nope, he's a gutsy full-back + always on the job) rewarded as a challenge cup winner.

[@mw643]

Quality review!! I'm Welsh and can proudly say he is a class act, world class. There's some big boots to fill in the Wales camp now. Navidi, Shingler, Tips, Moriarty, Davies etc etc etc......please watch this and take note!!!!

[@freddiedavies2333]

I'm watching this in 2022 as it came up in my feed and have only just clocked the picture of Dan Fish in the 'best players in the world' section. Absolutely brilliant.

[@mauveijn]

"Last week, in a move that finally made Bryn Gatland his dad's favourite player" HAhahahahaha too true

[@donalcorley8151]

Do a brian o driscoll video

[@seanreynolds911]

But also focus on Irish centers for rwc19 I left a long comment a while back about this but can't find it. Ireland have so many good options I want to see who's the best according to squidge

[@donalcorley8151]

LIGER ZERO shutcho ass up

[@alexgordon8419]

please!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@atourdeforce]

@LIGER ZERO Its soo funny when you read the small few who just don't get O'Driscoll. Straight away you know not to bother because they just don't understand Rugby. 🏉

[@ThunderDawg89]

@LIGER ZERO bitter much 😂

[@joswatson130]

I've watched this video 3 times now and cant get enough of it

[@joswatson130]

4 now

[@tjplitfc]

The Beaudy vs humans was hilarious lmao

[@nickjohns1192]

Nearly choked on my splif 😂😂

[@MrBurkestain]

I think this is genuinely my favourite KZbin channel going.

[@metalgearsmiffy]

You make some amazing content my man, that was informative and beautiful at the end especially. I really liked your video on Leinster's rucking from a few months back, I even gave you a shout out on a podcast. Keep up the good work dude.

[@justbailey9625]

i honestly always watch the videos about 5/6 times just to admire every detail

[@yannisleroux9942]

Met Squidge rugby in real life! He’s such a nice guy down to Earth, really nice to talk to! Very approachable took a few pics with him it made my day😂😂loved his video once again 👌🏽Cant wait for the next one

[@bennygriffiths8416]

Behind the quick cut editing and funny comments is a mind that really understands the laws of rugby... Outstanding work yet again Squidge! It may take me 2 views to take in all the info but it's worth it

[@HeyItsAJOmega]

I've just revisited this, and only now spotted the Mark Kermode joke. Well done, sir.

[@stewartpage1690]

Your content is top notch, great to see someone actually using visuals properly on KZbin rather than putting pretty pictures to what could be a pod cast. No sure I’m fully on board with your analysis of Warburton though. Good player though he is, but you make a pretty good case 🤔

[@skittles074]

I think it shows how technical the game really is and how me do miss what key players truly do.

[@SMC01ful]

Very good player, he had a lot of heart, pace, strength and mobility. Barnes isn't taking into account how slow and ponderous Welsh forward packs have been. Look at how quickly the Irish move around the pitch as a unit for a comparison. With a bit more support from those around him, Warburton could have done a lot more. Thus, it's a tough call from Barnes. At the very least Warburton has been a true "great" of modern Welsh Rugby and will be difficult to replace. I know for a fact he is well thought of and respected over here in NZ.

[@brentmeistergeneral6074]

One of the biggest things I’m gutted we never got to see was the 2011 RWC Final in which Warburton vs MacCaw would have been epic!! Both doing really well at that time and I think Warburton would have staked a claim as best 7 in the world had it not been for that shite semi final ref!! And I’m an England fan!!

[@littlenick2559]

Really hope squidgy makes more of these player profiles, absolutely love them.

[@edgreen7390]

Fantastic video, as always. I'm half-enjoying the torturous pace you run these at, as I find it all the more amusing when I catch a comment. Fave one from this video is 'What's Mark Kermode doing here?'

[@edwinrichards6431]

marvellous player. A stupendously fit strong guy. Worked himself to death in the gym and totally clean brave as hell too. Off the field total class act and a credit to Wales.

[@nickyramirez2322]

The end of this video when squidge is thanking warbuton is so kind

[@Demondoink1]

Really great video. I thought he was completely over-rated but this has changed my mind. Keep it up!

[@wtfunk1875]

Yooooo my friend! Glad to see you doing well! Bittersweet occasion, but absolute class as always. 😆👌

[@davidpurkiss7777]

5th time of watching still can't get enough, i love your stuff you inspire me to push on with rugby and if I don't make it I'd love to add to the rugby community in a similar way to yourself!

[@floobadoo]

You manage to say all the things I want to say to my English mates about Welsh rugby that gets shouted down with Farrell is the G.O.A.T comments until I give up.Now I can just send them a link to all your videos. Thanks you.

[@SolracFS]

rewatching these is great as well

[@samhouldsworth1267]

You've got to be the fastest growing rugby channel around. Keep it up 👍

[@paulthemckenna]

Great video yet again. Sad to see Warbs having to retire from the game. He'll be missed by Wales, but he was pretty much a passenger when playing for Cardiff.

[@williamwallace2278]

A superb player and leader. A good advert for rugby and for younger future players to emulate. Shame you didn't have two more years. Cheers Sam!

[@nathanspencer9983]

Wow. This was emotional. And I'm a tipuric fan 😢

[@lachlanmcgrigor5913]

Please upload more your the best rugby youtuber

[@AhJong0]

11 minutes is such a deceptive length! Must have taken me at least 20 minutes to watch with all the pausing for reading - SO much content. Warburton was an exceptional player, some of the most partisan England fans I know still liked and respected him. Perfect video.

[@mruv5944]

Warburton was GREAT, that’s coming from a Kiwi 💯

[@PosterChild63]

This a great video. I admit to believing that SW was a bit over-rated, but have changed my understanding based on this. Really well constructed video. Thanks.

[@hc9870]

Could you do a video on the Leicester Tigers? Perhaps a 'What happened' or 'What went wrong' video in a similar vein to the England or Ospreys one. I mean the answers are quite self explanatory to a follower of the club like me, but I'd love to see your analysis on it. Love your videos man, keep them coming

[@owenquilter5849]

Watching this after the 2022 6nations where Sam Warburtons analysis was the best in the game

[@stoneleighful]

SW the man thnx n respect frm NZ n thnx Squidgey!

[@dualranger]

oh my good ness. A squidge vid!!11 I can't wait for a vid on the new welsh coach!

[@blackmoreproductions3259]

Tres excellent young sir. Nice to see multi dimensional commentary on 'Sport'. Keep it up.

[@johannmcloughlin4457]

Squidge is the best! Totally agree, Sam was one of the greats. Great vid!

[@stevenwhite3693]

sam was the captain of Wales. the captain of a welsh side who knocked England out of their own world cup. the Welsh nation salute you. take your place with jpr and g. edwards

[@martincheape2127]

As always, insightful, funny and ...well...just.... right.

[@vantheman1244]

He was world class and should be appreciated by his fellow countrymen.

[@fazertace6837]

What a stupid statement. The welsh public adored him.

[@senanoneill7202]

What's the actual difference between a customer service smile and a serial killer smile

[@jacobsworder]

Senan O'Neill customer service smile just wants to kill you, serial killer smile is actually likely to do so...

[@RB-kr6jo]

size of pay cheque

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

Ask Reid

[@nigelclats6970]

Alan roland is still acunt

[@fredmode6356]

😂

[@superstartv7871]

I see Sam down the gym , he still looked like a beast and he seemed to be on the mend

[@Eoin_Collins]

That O'Brien/Warburton axis was terrifying

[@uniqueaerialvideoltd2863]

He was brilliant. What a man.

[@schnozz87]

Interesting watching Kieran Read's body language around 8:49 and how he seems to deliberately put himself between Warburton and Poite. Sort of forcibly but not quite, very subtle but very clever power play, trying to stop Warburton have a direct line of communication with the ref at a crucial point. It didn't work but it's very clever management of people, like a smart trick taught in business.

[@danevans44]

Scrum v needs to sign you up, great analysis

[@matthewnoone2439]

Beautiful sentiment

[@tim40gabby25]

100k! Well earned, Squidge

[@bridie.d5539]

Worth the wait but pls upload more

[@yappy5853]

really good video mate keep this up please very enjoyable!!!

[@bsgrjsbrsqdbarj3900]

You just made me love Sam Warburton

[@davidpurkiss7777]

So much goes into your videos you make brilliant content, really great work can't wait for what's next

[@driftertravels928]

Great player, as good as McCaw, Dusautoir, and Pocock...Wales are still very lucky to have so many top class choices at openside with Davies, Navidi and Tipuric.

[@SumYungGai1]

Eric Tan-W davies?

[@DropItLikeACat]

@@SumYungGai1 James Davies.....Just realised this is a year old, but sod it

[@butchcoolidge8031]

Awesome as always and I learnt some shit on relativity too 11/10

[@nash3timemvp]

A few digs at the All Blacks here,i like it,if you can't possibly come close to them on the rugby field mock them. How long of the All Blacks been at the top now? If you wanna see a real rugby show with insightful analysis check out 1014 rugby.

[@piercefoley9651]

Do you watch any super rugby

[@dohjones]

Unfortunately he'll always be underrated, but you had it right. He was a great. Lions win in Aus (at 25!!) and and a draw in N.Z , both as captain!?! Opposition hated playing against him, everyone he played with rated him, Gats loved him.

[@conormadden5415]

Hey, love your videos. Would you consider doing a video on Connacht rugby whereby they were nearly disbanded by the IRFU to later go on and win the Pro 12

[@jamescamilleri4487]

Could you do a video on the crusaders. How the hell are they this good??

[@ieuanconlin3760]

Great explanation of rugby

[@kiwi1lad]

Great job! Loved this, even as a kiwi who loves mccaw haha. Great stuff!

[@rhyspowell1564]

I think Warburton's criticisms have really been birthed out of playing in an underperforming Cardiff Blues team. Wales fans will soon come to realise that he was one of the best to wear the shirt. Whoever becomes the next cornerstone in the 7 shirt has a lot to live up to

[@McGarr178]

Tipuric is doing a pretty good job at that to be fair

[@fredmode6356]

@@McGarr178 Tipuric - class 👍

[@CalderClan]

What a brilliant video!

[@tobyross9230]

Can we have one on Taulupe Faletau next please?

[@GBH001]

I think people overstate his influence in the penalty u turn at the end of the 3rd Lions test, but what a wonderful player. I didn’t appreciate how good he was during his playing career but can see how outstanding he was.

[@mattjoebrowne2398]

Do a Peter O Mahony and Tadgh Furlong video

[@cshiels14]

Great video , loved every second

[@christopheredwards8092]

Completely agree with this commentary about the great Sam W...But VERY VERY hard to follow as the emotion behind it was obviously so strong it went too too too too fast and kept accelerating ...so difficult to follow. Suggestion; do it again in normal time so we can keep up.

[@olliehere23]

I know which topic should be next! Whichever one ppl who financially support you on patreon say

[@jameslenney]

Big love to big Sam. Great vid.

[@cotswoldcuckoo775]

Edited like a Jason Bourne film, so many quick shots and segments that one gets motion sickness with it all. Warburton ? Could have had a much better cv and eulogy if he hadn't been sent off so early in THAT vital RWCup game.

[@marrokklongfall1116]

subbed man good work

[@Slava-ukraini_]

Holy shit this video is amazing. Great job squidge.

[@aidanmccomisky3656]

make an early pre- world cup prediction video? just an idea

[@rhyscory3337]

Good video! Sam our captain.

[@fadhilahnaufal6781]

Awesome video essay

[@samprotheroe2798]

Awesome video again

[@andrewbarton8525]

A real rugby player valued as such. Rugby players and fans, true ones, value the game first, their country second, club third and them last. Sam was a classic example. The red card was a blip but not malicious. He didn't mean it. It was an error that happened. As an English born, Welsh bred, France playing for 48 years rugby player and trainer....? Sam was outstanding.

[@thegingerone1615]

Video says it is 11 minutes long more like 20 when you read all the things

[@yesjonno]

You're the best, mate

[@calumorford6868]

Fuck I nearly cried at the end

[@yoe91]

Fun video as usual but 6:00 "he was incffffedibly.." what is that English accent specifically ??

[@luobomu9747]

Got notified on my phone, but thought to myself "A Squidge video requires a 32" monitor and a finger on the space bar to pause in order to read all the text". I'm about 5 min and now I have to take a break to let my brain absorb the bombardment of information and relieve the tension in my finger. You're still sure about not slowing it down a tad bit Squidge?

[@evanhoier3802]

Best Rugby channel

[@jfmurphy5228]

I'm Irish and that drew a lump in my throat

[@thomascubitt6675]

I think u should do a vid on what happened to Northampton Saints or harlequins

[@marqstheman]

I’m 29 and I don’t think I’ll ever be “retired” 😂😂.

[@wd5330]

Please do a video on why Tipuric is such an intelligent player

[@henryburton6529]

Best bit was you saying what a POS Stuart Barnes is - I now love you even more