76. Danny Care – England & Harlequins
Position: Scrum-half Age: 30
Industrious and inventive, the 30-year-old keeps England and Harlequins’ attack ticking, feeding the backs with incisive passes or with wonderfully weighted kicks over the top. He played an influential role in Eddie Jones men retaining the Six Nations before starting both Tests in their 2-0 series win against Argentina. An exciting player to watch.
75. Keith Earls – Ireland & Munster
Position: Winger Age: 30
Despite missing out on the British & Irish Lions tour, the winger was in good form for club and country in 2017. Scoring seven tries in eight Tests this year, which included a man-of-the-match performance against the USA, Keith Earls has cemented himself in Joe Schmidt’s Ireland side ahead of the 2018 Six Nations. Meanwhile, for Munster, his two tries as they overcame local rivals in October stands out as fantastic display.
74. Jerome Kaino – New Zealand & Blues
Position: Flanker Age: 34
He has been one of the most devastating loose forwards in world rugby, with his tenacious defence and slick ball handling skills earning him 81 Test caps in an All Blacks jersey. After an injury-troubled 2016 and a stop and start 2017, it feels like the legend is past the peak of his powers now, however, he is still a consistently quality performer.