#2. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)
Age: 30
Test caps: 97
Nation: South Africa
Club: Toulon
Won his 100th cap for the Springboks during the summer, and will go down as one of the true greats of a country that has produced some magnificent forwards over the years. Such a presence with his contesting at the line-out and his physicality in the collisions.
Eben Etzebeth Facts:
- Etzebeth made his Test debut for the Springboks against England in Durban in 2012. England’s Joe Marler made his first Test appearance in the same match.
- In 2016, Etzebeth became the youngest player to play 50 Tests for the Springboks
- Etzebeth’s biceps have a circumference of 19 inches… 48.26cm.
#1. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
Age: 30
Test caps: 33
Nation: Ireland
Club: Munster
Arguably the best forward in the world right now, he was simply off the scale against the All Blacks during the summer as he found a succession of different ways of winning breakdowns over the ball. Add to that his athleticism in the lineout and around the field and you have a truly exceptional player. Undoubtedly, the best second-rows in the world right now.
Tadhg Beirne Facts:
- His sister, Alannah Beirne, is a TV personality and fashion model
- He made his first start for Ireland against Italy in November 2018. He also scored his first Test tries in that match, crossing for a double.
- Beirne earned successive Pro14 Dream Team nominations in 2017-18 and 2018-19,