WHERE DOES ANTOINE DUPONT RANK AMONG THE GREATS?

Right now, today, where would you rank Antoine Dupont among the most famous, iconic and talented rugby players of all time? It is a testament to how special he is that I would even entertain the question. But is it too early to suggest that he is one of the GOATs of our sport?

[@Carbojaco]

I'm french and I grew up idolising Wilkinson, just like half of french people around my age. That's how big of a deal he was. The amount of respect we have for him here is unbelievable. Not the flashiest but such a great work ethic, and such a great man.

[@dulls8475]

Dupont is on a different layer to any player I have ever seen. Possibly the greatest player ever.

[@joachimmahoudeaux8619]

That’s also because Jonny brought us so many trophies with Toulon, that’s why he’s been so appreciated in France. Cos’ it was absolutely not the case before he came to the RCT 😅 Dan Carter has done a decent career in France too, too bad he had that bloody injury with USAP.

[@Carbojaco]

@@joachimmahoudeaux8619 true but even before he came to Toulon

[@BTBDech]

@@Carbojaco Not really. He began to gain popularity when he answered in French to a French journalist after a VI Nations game. Then he became a legend in France - well, most specifically in Toulon - when he got there. BUT that is forgetting quite quickly that if you ask the French rugby connoisseurs who was the best rugby player ever, 90% of the people would say Dan Carter. McCaw falls behind because of his lack of class.

[@PB22559]

Been watching rubgy for 4 decades. If Dupont continues on his current trajectory I think he will be remembered as the greatest playmaker of all time.

[@romainviry3185]

He can do it all, left/right foot, dazzling speed and steps, his fends are phenomenal and he can tackle 1 to 8 no questions asked. Absolute freak and the nicest on the pitch, refs love the way he calmly talks with them. You can't take your eyes off him or he's GONE past you. Electric and inspiring, Antoine is already in my top 10 modern era ever.

[@markc3258]

Dupoint is on another level . The consistency .. He’s plays at a level week in week out .. Can’t remember a bad game he’s had . Irish fan ☘️

[@financialliberty2381]

Yeah that's the most insane thing with him, especially for a back as it's easier for example to be consistent as a backrower than as a halfback

[@BTBDech]

He's even getting better and better. A few years ago, we were saying that his kicking game was a flaw. How could we say that now? He finds a way of reinventing himself, and I would not be surprised to see a new Dupont at the WC.

[@davet6079]

Dupont for me is on a par with Carter, O'Driscoll, McCaw, Lomu and Wilkinson right now. And I think he might end up being better than that group of players. I'm an Irish fan and the moment he held up Hansen for a certain try is one of my fav moments in the 6 Nations

[@EggchasersRugby]

One of the best rugby moments full stop.

[@davet6079]

@@EggchasersRugby Couldn't agree more. Thanks for all your vids and analysis. Really delighted to have found your channel this year. The most unbiased analysis channel I've come across along with Alfred and Two Cents rugby. You'll end up with a large following sooner than you think.

[@financialliberty2381]

Absolutely agree. Despite what he thinks, the KZbinr is actually underrating him by just putting him at 10th place even at 26

[@Stubby779]

If he keeps it up he may become as good a Joost Van der Westhhuizen

[@davet6079]

@@Stubby779 SA fans really cant help themselves, can they?

[@tiekumark]

Brilliant List. I played against Jonny when I was 15 and B.O.D the same year on a tour to Ireland against Black rock Collage. Both times we got absolutely pumped both times I was in awe at how incredible they were even though we were kids

[@onjadar]

Mad respect to all the greats, even the many not mentioned. But fact is, we are witnessing something else here with Dupont. The guy's attack and defence COMBINED makes a fool of the other greats (in the nicest possible way). Only Dan Carter comes close (and we all know how good he was). My best trait about Dupont: his humility.

[@brianbarcroft9167]

I live near to Toulouse and have been watching Dupont since he was 19. I feel privileged every time I see him.

[@kimnguyen9224]

What about players like Thierry Dussautoir ?

[@brianodonnell854]

Brilliant analysis & selections

[@onepiecepedia]

My favourite player of all time was and still is O'Driscoll (In BOD We Trust!). Maybe because I grew up watching the 6 Nations and calling my grand-dad, he played rugby for Hendaye in the French Basque Country, and he loved him too. We used to "love hating" Wilkinson too haha!! Moved to New Zealand in 2010 so I watched McCaw and Carter very closely, but I will say, Dupont is a very special player. So young and yet everytime he touch the ball you just want time to slow down so you can take in and digest what new creative and never seen before move he's gonna pull from his incredible rugby brain!

[@sawdoctony]

Excellent video well done.

[@dbcooper8676]

I would have put Thierry dusautoir in there

[@notthisprickagain8499]

Most underrated player ever. Got the better of Mcaw in 2 World Cups

[@paulbismuth10]

He will for sure end up like the best 9 ever ( if it's not already the case). I dont know where he will rank overall right now, probably very high. My issue is people are downgrading players if they aren't in big teams or without a World Cup title. Also you're right about his longevity playing too much games in top 14. However, i reckon he will end up in the top 5.

[@jamestaylor3855]

A player so many people forget about is Joost Van der Westhuizen - 89 Test 38 Tries for a Scrum half - 1 world cup win in 1995. RIP Legend

[@dominiclucas1272]

Who can ever forget his tackle on Jonah Lomu in the 1995 RWC Final ?

[@FernandPerson]

Thing is, all these SA players were so full of products I think it disqualifies them. They deserve honor for sacrificing their health to help a political reunion of the country, but they hurt the game doing so...

[@scottrobertson9788]

0 seconds ago Awesome list, super interesting to hear your comments! It’s always great to think about who might make top 10 lists; I think Tim Horan, Victor, Matfield, and George Gregan would be in the ballpark as well. Zinzan was in the 87 squad and played a bunch so he does have a World Cup medal!

[@INFACTparis]

Very very interesting question, really... so really really interesting answers😊😊

[@owenfarmer4197]

Good video, I wanted to be able to argue your selections but couldn’t , well considered and I agree. I’d be interested to see a comparison of the Blanco era back three Vs todays French back three although as you say other than the number of players and the shape of the ball much has changed.

[@ChrisBrown-or8ky]

I'd like to throw a shout out to Joost Vander westhuizen and George Gregan. Unsure who I'd pick from them as on the greatest list. Possibly they're "honourable mentions". Both so smart and controlled matches singlehandedly. GG delivery from an often outclassed pack was usually impeccable. Joost, kicking, vision. Fwiw, I'm a kiwi, so big love/hate relationship with those two. Definitely watching Dupont with interest. 🐐? Let's wait and see

[@EggchasersRugby]

100% They were the 2 contenders for my number 10 spot. And says everything about Dupont that I would put him alongside (and a tiny bit above) those 2 amazing players

[@ChrisBrown-or8ky]

Yup, can't disagree. It took me 10 years to accept mccaw was better than Sir Michael Jones, and I'm a cantabrian, so I'll probably accept Dupont some time around 2035 🙄

[@gurucartel3422]

Martin Johnson won the WC, captained the Lions when they beat Sth Africa. That's why he pips AWJ

[@joedennehy386]

I agree

[@yello2154]

Beauden Barrett deserves a nod here IMO. Personally I think at his best he’s the best ive ever seen do it and I include Wilko, DC10, & Richie on that list. The most physically gifted 10 ever in my opinion. Certainly in my top 10. AWJ also a really strange inclusion for me. Always loved his work rate and his offload game is sublime but is he one of the 10 best players ever? Defo not, not even top Welshman ever! Controversial I know but does the legend of Jonah Lomu take him further than his skill owes? Class obviously but you ask me to pick one back to have in my team and I take Wilko, DC, & BOD over him.

[@mrb1380]

He's a fantastic talent and incredibly influential, but judge him when he retires. Wilkinson at the same stage was on the same path , but injury well and truly put that to bed. I also want to shout out Jonny Sexton. He must have back ache from the number of teams he has carried and has done so over a long time.

[@EggchasersRugby]

Agreed - a special player

[@financialliberty2381]

Wilko in his peak was great but no where near as dominant and as consistently freakish as is DuPont. I've followed rugby for 30 years and I've never ever seen anything like that

[@Frugbyy]

French here, I think Wilkinson is number 1. He is the essence of talent, hard work and dedication, and this combination makes him the Goat IMO. His 2003 WC was phenomal, but the fact he was able to come back after multiple injuries to win the Champions cup 2 times in a row as Toulon's n#10 and become a legend in a foreign (rival) Country is the mark of the greatest. Lomu is the icon of rugby. Most talented rugby player ever, but not quite the self denial example that Jonny was. Also, Mccaw was a great leader, his dominance in the back row of the best AB team ever was indubitable. However, I always found the referees more permissive with him due to his status maybe. Immense track record though.

[@onepiecepedia]

A documentary could be made about McCaw and the referees haha! But we have to give prop to the guy, he new the rules (even the newest) sometime better than the referee and the pitch and, most of all, he knew how to play on the very edge of said rules (and if crossing the line, was making sure not to be caught! i.e. NZ v France WC final 2011 being the best example)

[@TheBlackJersey]

Interesting to see you’ve got Dupont up so high! I think we should probably wait for the end of his career, there’s been a fair few guys like Ben Smith who have definitely played past their prime 🥶

[@Cenotaur1]

I ran a third of the pitch and scored a try while still pissed from the night before. Where's my mention? We lost the game but i'm still proud of my feat on a cold Sunday morning in 97/98/99 or thereabouts.

[@stevenbissett]

Congrats.

[@t2theizzo146]

I've never laughed as much as I did during the last 6N. DuPont did so many things that just defied belief. Running back around rucks and kicking left footed to touch, perfect left footed box kicks, that tackle on Hansen. Ludicrous. With regard to BOD, he's the only 1 on this list that wasn't playing for 1 of the best teams in the world and still was 1 of the best.

[@brianmsahin]

Dupont is definitely one of the greats of world rugby. To say he is better than other greats is a fools errand as every player has specific super strengths that other greats may not possess. It's liking voting for the best hair. It's not something that can be measured. I'd include them all as equally great. Still I suppose you have to make videos to keep us entertained! 😁

[@EggchasersRugby]

hahah - rugby players with the best hair is the next video

[@abrahamtomahawk]

These are always difficult as people's thoughts on what makes a great player differs do much. Personslly I'd have John Eales in there somewhere. He really changed how 2nd rows played. Plus he won 2 world cups, captaining Australia in '99. Was strong as an ox, but had an all-round game (including place kicking) and was quick enough to chase down England fly-half Rob Andrew on one notable occasion.

[@paulbismuth10]

Eales was great. i reckon he was playing through the '90ies were the pro side of the game was just beginning, so maybe outside of the era for this debate. Anyway, he was a freak of a lock, so agile for his size.

[@IronCross666]

There is a lot of great's throughout the sport, certainly Du Pont would be one of them. a few I can ad to your list: Johnny Sexton, Tana Umaga, Francois Steyn, Os du Rand, Christophe Dominici, Bakkies Botha to name a view. In South Africa there was a couple of greats before the boks was introduced to international rugby: Danie Gerber, Naas Botha, Gysie Pienaar, Mannetjies Roux and I'm certain the would make such a list too if they had the opportunity.

[@EggchasersRugby]

Cracking list of names that

[@joachimmahoudeaux8619]

If you put Domi on the list, then there’s Michalak and François Clerc too, he’s been the best try scorer in HCup for a while ! Dupont’s gamestyle is probably exactly the same as Fred Michalak was, as Michalak used to play scrum half too, when he had the ball for a counter attack after the opponent’s kicking, anything could happen, Australia’s Beale left for dead before Michalak’s pass to Fofana, maan… that 2012 test won 33-6 was a pure masterpiece from Fred Michalak.

[@dominiclucas1272]

Some great players on the list and Dupont has an awesome array of skills. I'm English and I bet Siya Kolisi will be on the list if the Boks win back-to-back RWCs. A great leader, player, and even better man.

[@crystalwhite4869]

Dupont is definitely one of the greatest.

[@ThePaPaPiCHu]

If he wins the WC, he gonna be in the top 3. And the fact that he would have managed to accomplish that with a head injury would participate to construct his legend ans his status of GOAT.

[@nolans11]

While it's hard to compare players of different positions and of different eras, I'm fairly certain I'd rather have Dupont in my team than any other 9 that I have ever seen. There could be some recency bias there though 😅😅

[@EggchasersRugby]

Agreed. He is unreal!

[@nothingoriginal8461]

What's crazy about Dupont is that he is at the moment only 26 and he is already being put in the pantheon of the greats. He seems to be on his way to be the greatest 9 to have ever played the game. To say he's the GOAT is something we could only say when his carreer has ended. Also if Ireland goes far in the world cup this year I think Johnny Sexton can make a claim on being in the Top 10 best rugby players to have played the game

[@andrieslouw3811]

Francois Steyn - could kick it from anywhere. Two world cup winning medals. Centre, wing fullback flyhalf even flanker if you needed one.

[@andremaube5069]

I am french, and to me Wilkinson is the greatest (hard to admit AHAHAH) He is an example of hard work and perseverance. He has been the core of his team. He is also a great man off the field. Wilko is not only an example of rugby, but a model of life and success. O'Driscoll is perhaps the most talented player before the rise of Dupont. Mccaw is without a doubt the greatest leader, and one of the best at his position. I like Dan Carter, but I can't rank him as high as Wilkinson. It was easier for him to shine with the best generation of All Blacks. That doesn't take away from his talent. He would have been a great 10 in any team, but not as great as Wilkinson Dupont is by far the best French player since Serge Blanco. In terms of pure talent, intelligence and knowledge of rugby, it is clear that he is already a step above the others. However, he needs to accomplish something very big if he wants to be forever remembered as the best. For that to happen, Dupont must win a World Cup with France. He can do it, but France has failed too often at the last step. It will be necessary to break this curse. Whatever happens, he is still young and will surely play other world cups.

[@jean-louisbeaufils5699]

We were stolen the 2011 world cup.

[@hanooneeme8947]

Je ne comprends pas pourquoi le sélectionneur l'a aligné contre la namibie. Si ca avait mal tourné il aurait pu entrer.

[@lukestaples-preston]

Great player and career internationally but dont think AWJ can be considered one of the best as his club career is pretty barren

[@ryanlawlor7862]

Gimme Paul O Connell over Alun Wynn Jones any day

[@HC-uf4tv]

Is Alun Wynn Jones really on the list? I don’t think he was ever even the best second row in the world let alone in history. Eben Etzebeth, eales, Botha, matfield, O’Connel, retalick?

[@rafafederer832]

DuPont outstanding the heartbeat of an excellent french team. To get on my list without winning a World Cup you’d need to be a Lomu . So DuPont is a not yet for me. Expect carter lomu Richie Wilkinson Martin Johnson probably habana would be on most peoples lists. There are French and Irish players who could be very much in contention if they win this years World Cup . As could be beauden Barrett if he wins a second. After that when you look at some of the players missing out and their accomplishments there are 4 questionable in your top 10 imho, Australia campese gregan lynagh. England Jason Robinson will greenwood dalaglio. South Africa forwards ... du rant smit du plessis Marx etzebeth vermeulen matfield ... New Zealand whitelock read nonu savea Conrad Smith sonny bill retallick coles. A starting 15 with 2nd and 3rd choice for each position would be very interesting. Great topic

[@draaz7171]

Nice vid !

[@EggchasersRugby]

cheers for watching

[@mikegray8776]

This broadcast was sponsored by the All Black Supporters Club of South Manchester 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 I know you conveniently drew the line at “the professional era” but even putting England aside (and yes I am it seems a rather more proud Englishman than you), did you never hear of Barry John and Phil Bennett, or maybe Gareth Edwards and JPR Williams. Or in your totally superior “professional” era a certain Scott Gibbs. But of course, none of them were All Blacks ….. just minor figures from small Welsh villages who actually dominated World Rugby in the very same era as Pele and early Maradona. I have really enjoyed some of your output over recent months - but this, young man, was an abject fail - presumably intended to boost your circulation in the NZ market. And rather nakedly evident.

[@EggchasersRugby]

😂

[@andreemurray7039]

Very hard to pick a great because the game has changed so much

[@johnhealy6494]

Potentially the greatest ever

[@ianarnett]

Why does everyone forget pre professional era players? Surely the greatest comparison and the one to measure him against must be Gareth Edwards? I speak as an Englishman as well, so come on, before crowning someone let’s consider all the options!

[@jakm1264]

Many weren't born yet.

[@ianarnett]

@JAK M fair enough but that isn't really a reason to say someone is the greatest of all time without considering all time. Its like saying in a quiz I can't answer any questions about the time before I was born.

[@ianarnett]

@luke fair point and I do understand that rationale, but stick to my point 👍

[@patanouketgersiflet9486]

Very fair assesment in my opinion. I also fear playing too much, with the kind of energy he uses on the pitch, is kinda dangerous. On the flip side, he already tore an ACL : he scored 3 tries on his first or second top14 match after he came back from it. I think he can be compared to Lomu in the sense that both Lomu and him redefine their respective positions, what a winger or a 9 can do on the pitch. Dupont has the brain of a halfback ( and a great halfback brain too), the legs of a winger ( he's got absolute wheels ), and the arms of a back row ( his tackling and handoffs are something else, given his size and weight ). Plus he's the face of rugby right now.

[@EggchasersRugby]

On every metric he is up there.

[@thomaslequesne5475]

I'm french and I love Antoine Dupont, I obviously dream of having him as the goat one day but let's not get ahead of ourselves here. I think he is still far from catching up to the very op of this list. He may very well have the talent to surpass them at some point, I wholeheartedly wish for it to happen, but talent isn't everything. If France cannot maintain their current level or fail to win a World Cup he may never have the chance to be seriously in that discussion. A couple of other points I wanted to adress, I have never hated a player more than McCaw but I have to admit he does deserve that spot. The only one I would argue is Sergio Parisse. He is an icon, a model in attitude and values, but he lacks to the achievements to be on that list (in my opinion at least).

[@AlexBrown-xp7mt]

So you mean to tell me that 6 of the top 10 rugby players of the pro era are northern hemisphere players? That sounds wrong given the state of rugby in the last 25 years.

[@guillaumeshearmur656]

In rugby it is difficult to say who's the best ever player as each position has its own roles to play. A prop won't ever get the same level of recognition as a scrum half would. It would be fairer to make a list of the best players for each position.

[@robertwhite9621]

Alun Wyn Jones being on the GOAT list is insane imo.

[@stevenbissett]

I agree. I think he has been included because of how many caps he has.

[@lucascarlisle9116]

Consider a hypothetical rugby edition of “Superstars” that attempts to assess the 10 GOATs across all the attributes below. Where’s your money? For me, Dupont is winning this contest by a distance. I bet he’d even be handy in the lineout with a couple of decent lifters 🐐 **Physical:** 1. Acceleration 2. Agility 3. Balance 4. Speed 5. Stamina 6. Strength 7. Recovery Rate / Durability **Technical:** 9. Ball Handling 10. Offload Ability 11. Passing 12. Breakdown Skills (e.g., Rucking, Mauling) 13. Tackling 14. Kicking from Hand 15. Place Kicking 16. Lineout Jumping 17. Scrummaging 18. Positional Versatility **Mental:** 19. Composure 20. Decision Making 21. Vision 22. Work Rate 23. Leadership 24. Mental Toughness 25. Communication

[@stevenbissett]

Could Dupont score a try with five Frenchmen hanging off his back like Lomu?

[@greenplasticgun]

Simple, his career isn.t done so we can't say. Waaaaay to early to give him a spot.

[@aluncurtis6124]

Impossible job. By the way, where is Joost van der Westhuizen? Christian Cullen? Andre Joubert? John Smit? Sean Fitzpatrick? David Campese? There are so many missing from your list.

[@jksinorbit]

Thanks no thanks I would have Fourie du Preez ahead of du Pont and the first name on my all time team sheet. Most underrated player period

[@kpearseis]

AD hasn't built his legacy yet. I think he's the best player we've ever seen but it's a bit early to have the goat conversation based around him. But then at the same time if we have an all time superteam draft I'd probably take him first pick I think it will be really interesting how AD holds up over time considering everyone u20 has grown up playing positive rugby

[@notthisprickagain8499]

Dupont is already the best 9 I've seen. Imagine him and Dan Carter playing together...

[@normanmdavis3262]

Only one Saffer? Fourie? Burger? vd Westhuizen? Stransky?

[@henryburton6529]

I was thinking Smit

[@user-sz4bq2vi4u]

Joost van der Westhuizen

[@joedennehy386]

I can't recall seeing a better halfback, but what has he won? If he wins a world cup, but Sir Pope holiness, Lord Ritchie captained 2 rwc and a winning rate of 90% over ten years.

[@paulbismuth10]

Put Dupont with an AB side ( the one with Carter, Nonu, McCaw and SB Williams for instance) and we shall see the result. There are a lot of argentin, georgian or fidjian players worthy of a place in a top 10 or 20 list who has never won a World Cup so i'm on the fence with this argument.

[@paulconnolly8145]

Make a greatest 23 of the professional era

[@massoudberody]

The question is : what's the definition of " Greats " ? Perhaps players who, on their own, modernized a team sport : so ok for Lomu, Wilkinson and O'Driscoll...I think Kirwan, Campese, Blanco, Edwards, Michael Jones, Sella could also join them...Antoine Dupont ? Wait and see but he has already showed us things we never saw in rugby !

[@claudemillee7762]

3:34 Jordan to basketball

[@francoispassin4419]

well Dupont is already in front of AWJ and Parisse for me, so he's 8th for me ;-) so far

[@andrewharris1837]

Have to compare scrum halves not all other positions surely😮

[@branlotin]

Best team to ever play the game were the early 1990s Wallabies for me. Willie O, Eales, Lynagh, Farr-Jones, the best ever centre pair Tim Horan and Jason Little and of couse David Campese. Anyway, it seems a bit pointless to me to try and find a GOAT as the positions are so different.

[@richposports7030]

Positions and roles make GOAT rugby debates as tough as the sport itself. Dan Carter is the best I've seen.

[@davidstephen2955]

I honestly think it won't be long before I pick Dupont above Gareth Edwards in my all time 15

[@stevenbissett]

Lomu was the greatest of them all and will be forever.

[@mitchwheeler8880]

I feel keiran read has to be in the conversation

[@jimbo1706]

I've scrolled a long way down to find this comment 😂 Read's stats are ridiculous, specially his win rate as captain (52 times captain), WPotY 2013, 127 caps, 2 world cups etc etc 😂

[@TheIrishYoshi]

Johnny Sexton is this generation's Jonny Wilkinson

[@darren806]

All he needs now is the world cup trophy and he equals Wilkinson imo

[@TheIrishYoshi]

@@darren806 Yes exactly

[@henryburton6529]

Here cos its the last eggchasers video. Can't believe JB is rage quitting because he lost his election. So disappointed. Phil and Tim need a lunatic to disagree with them. Its the secret to the success of the podcast.

[@neilmontgomery3470]

The best rugby team of all time is the 2011 to 2015 All Black team. The question is how many of the non Kiwis could make it onto that team. I think probably only O Driscoll and Dupont would make it.

[@christophersmith8356]

You cannot ignore the pre-professional era. It makes no sense. Take any player from the Barbarians team that beat the All Blacks in That Game. Gareth Edwards undisputably the best scrum half there has ever been : the best compliment I could give Dupont is that he's shaping up to look a bit like Gareth. There's never been another standoff like Phil Bennett. Look at Willie John and his captaincy of winning Lions teams : you cannot place any lock above him. David Duckham? JPR Williams ? And what about the great back rows : Skréla and Rives for France in the late 70s. Just examples. Mike Gibson, best centre there's ever been... and I will never forget Christophe Dominici running round Lomu : great player ? Really ? He couldn't tackle for toffee. I do agree with Wilkinson, Parise and O'Driscoll. Your comments are usually pretty apposite must try harder in this case. (Mancunian resident in Paris - but only since 1980)

[@paulbismuth10]

40 years, you're a bit french mate. It's not a shame😂.

[@kevinehongobena5318]

He has to win a world cup by the end of his career to enter this conversation. In terms of pure talent we may have never witnessed such a player but he'll have to back it up with the WC, because since 1987 and its creation all the players being unanimously thrown into the GOAT debate have won it ( Wilkinson, Carter, McCaw...) with the notable exception of Lomu. If he pulls it off and is also able to maintain his current standards and the influence he has on his teams (toulouse and france) for a couple of years, not only will he enter the chat, but he is very likely to end up at the top...

[@Brucemcleod2345]

If Ireland win the RWC then I think you might have to add a couple of Irish players like Sexton or Tadhg. If France win the RWC definitely Du Pont and another French man. Du Pont could go to number one if France win some World Cups

[@jpb7887]

I agree with all your players except Richie McCaw: Always at the limit with the referees (some will say cheating), badly targeting French scrum half Morgan Parra at the 2011 World Cup final...not great sportsmanship from him.

[@svgs7310]

Is du Pont better than Fourie du Preez ?

[@paulmulryne8405]

He’s in that group for sure. Could go on to be THE goat if he wins a WC. McCaw still the best ever, though.

[@tomivins9246]

To have habanna ahead of shane williams is criminal

[@harrymelad942]

Just seen this and agree for the most part with all you said. But I cannot refrain from commenting when you mention that grossly overrated wide-track bully Dallaglio (just watch him during the 2003 world cup final - couldn't hit a ruck if his life depended on it and had his hands on his hips at outside centre when the boys were doing the hard yards for Wilko's drop goal) as a world-class No 8 when you don't even mention two time world cup winner Kieran Read. And I am English.

[@andrewharris1837]

Up with but different style from the great Gareth Edwards😊

[@martinfarrelly5196]

Dupont is a special player. But Lumu was my idol.

[@jean-louisbeaufils5699]

In all fairness, morally speaking, McCaw and Carter should be credited with only one world cup.

[@jameslarkin327]

Alun Wyn Jones 😂😂😂😂

[@henryburton6529]

Chatted to a welsh mate who called Gareth Edwards the greatest ever Welsh player - DuPont is probably better due to professionalism but in context of era a similar standard. Richie is greatest ever but Antoine hasn't finished playing yet, time will tell.

[@henryburton6529]

Dan Carter is no.2 for me

[@marccanavan9234]

Howdy, love the pod! surely BOD is higher then Jonno. I also think Dan the man is a little overrated playing behind that pack(it can't have been that difficult). Jonny Wilkinson was incredible if a little one dymentional . However wasn't there talks of changing the drop goal points from 3 to 2 after 2003. He was that good lol! total hero of mine. What a tackler. !!!

[@user-sz4bq2vi4u]

Only one SA player?!? 🤦‍♂️

[@joachimmahoudeaux8619]

And the underdog GOAT is Fickou, the french MVP.

[@ashBB2407]

Love your pods but there is a bit of Northern hemisphere bias there considering that up until now the Southern hemisphere have generally had the better of the North for most ( not all ) of the professional era. Victor Matfield... (line out genious) over AW Jones any day. Fourie Du Preez ( rugby genius).... No 4 on the list.... IMO Johnson was a great captain & player but give me Eben Etsebeth or Bakkies Botha anyday George Smith, George Greegan, Michael Hooper & David Pocock ......unreal players Top 10 of professional era should probably only see two from the Northern hemisphere ( Johnny Wilkinson & BOD) ..... with Du Pont & Sexton not far off.

[@stevenbissett]

Yes. We'll put. For me, as an All Black fan, the special players are those that put fear into the All Black camp. Bryan Habana and Johnny Wilkinson were two such players. David Campese was another.

[@ivanmynhardt]

how does Joost not get mentioned in this video I mean Joost is the rated as the greatest scrumhalf of all time.

[@mikecaseyoshea3594]

Yes he is an incredible player but a bit subjective given he has yet to reach 50 caps. A WC and another POTY might get him on similar terms to McCaw and DC in terms of success. HOWEVER there is maybe a difference between overall success and overall impact. Jonah Lomu RIP arguably has ahad greater impact on the global game than any All Black. Dupont for sure is on that trajectory but too early to tell.

[@ashercampbell8732]

Feels harsh to totally disregard Finn and Duhan

[@TrezenEN]

He's good but he isn't infallible. He overplays every now and then, in a similar way to Fin Russell. He is certainly up there though. IMO Shane Williams needs to be part of this discussion. 5ft 6, dropped for years due to his size, finally recognised and still became Wales' top try scores of all time against giants. He was a brilliant footballer, had great vision, fabulous hands, would beat any man 1v1, would search for the ball for the entire game and lit up the field and the fans whenever he touched the ball.

[@henryburton6529]

I normally agree with 90% of Tim's commentary but disagree with most of that top 10

[@christopheb.6121]

Sorry to be French... No Serge Blanco, Thierry Dussautoir, Émile N'tamack, etc, etc...

[@mjgclutch]

Surprising how many I disagree with. Suppose that’s inevitable when talking about the elite. Wouldn’t have Wilkinson in top 10. Hill is Englands greatest ever player. There’s a few second rows I’d have ahead of AWJ. O Connell, Matfield, Etsebeth. Would have Reed ahead of Sergio. I’d have Cullen in somewhere. Fun discussion

[@mjgclutch]

@@somenamethatdoesntmatter I’m in the minority but I’m not his biggest fan. He was still a phenomenal player but not quite at the top 10 level. Farrell won just as much at club level anyway. Plus rugby is a team game so hard to make the trophy argument when the other 14 players are all part of that success. That Toulon team was ridiculous.

[@mjgclutch]

@@somenamethatdoesntmatter not sure I’d have RW as number 1 though can’t give a reason why. Guess most of the greats are part of great teams. That’s what elevates them to greatness.

[@TheIrishYoshi]

The only player I would put above BOD is McCaw

[@dulls8475]

Dupont is above BOD.

[@TheIrishYoshi]

@@dulls8475 That's funny, good one. Maybe someday, but not yet.

[@dulls8475]

@@TheIrishYoshi sorry it does not suit your narrative.

[@sage6336]

Greatest player ever by a mile and then some time Christian Cullen

[@bluechief1]

McCaw Carter BOD Lomu Du Preez Joost Matfield Pocock Habana Retalick DuPont wins a World Cup and he could easily be up there with Carter and mccaw

[@patrickchilds2987]

Not sure the value of trying to compare players from different eras with different laws in different positions etc. I don't know about being a goat bit Dupont is the best player in the now

[@TheKing129129]

He could become the GOAT, but needs a World Cup medal before that

[@cgrw1]

I reckon Dupont could pull off any role at a strong international level bar prop or lock (latter just down to height). Despite that, don't agree with him being player of the tournament this year - he took a few games to get into his usual stride and I think Hansen's form was so consistently good he takes it over the 5 games.