Rugby is a sport where superhuman players send shivers down their opponents' spines, be it with their towering height, Herculean strength, or immense size.
Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. These modern gladiators are set to dominate in the upcoming Six Nations. Let’s dive into the standout beasts who could wreak havoc on the pitch.
1. Andrew Porter – Ireland’s Powerhouse Lions contender Andrew Porter is a key weapon for Ireland, known for his bulldozer-like carries and unshakeable presence in the scrum.
The 28-year-old loosehead from Leinster has racked up 64 caps, all while building a reputation for his extraordinary gym feats.
According to The Irish Times, Porter’s squat maxes out at 350kg, equivalent to three Cian Healys stacked together. He’s Ireland’s scrum enforcer and gym legend rolled into one.
2. Duhan van der Merwe – Scotland’s Speed and Strength Standing at 6ft 4in and tipping the scales at 16st 7lbs, Duhan van der Merwe is a wrecking ball of a winger.
The South African-born star, who earned three Test caps with the British & Irish Lions in 2021, has a deadly combination of pace and power. He’s set to terrorise defenses, sending tacklers flying with his battering-ram runs down the flank.
3. Joe Marler – England’s Scrummaging Savage A cornerstone of English rugby, Joe Marler is the definition of front-row grit. Revered for his mastery of the dark arts in the scrum, the Harlequins prop is a constant thorn in the side of opposing packs.
In training, Marler has benched a staggering 210kg and squatted 230kg, showing why he’s built for rugby’s raw physicality. Even as a veteran, he’s still one of the most feared props around.
https://www.reddit.com/r/rugbyunion/comments/173powv/marler_benches_190kg/
4. Maro Itoje – England’s Athletic Marvel At 6ft 5in and 18st 2lbs, Maro Itoje combines the agility of a back with the brute force of a forward.
The Saracens lock is a nightmare to face, whether he’s swiping lineout ball or bulldozing through rucks. "The Pearl" brings unmatched versatility to the England setup.
If he weren’t dominating rugby, he’d look perfectly cast as a warrior prince in
Game of Thrones.
5. Ebene Etzebeth – South Africa’s Enforcer South Africa’s modern-day enforcer, Ebene Etzebeth, has taken on the mantle once held by Bakkies Botha. Known for his raw physicality and intimidating aura, Etzebeth is the ultimate Springbok lock.
His gym routine is the stuff of legend: at Western Province, they had to order custom 165lb dumbbells because the standard weights weren’t enough. It’s no wonder he’s one of the most fearsome forwards in world rugby.
EDITORS PICKS:
Antoine Dupont didn’t hesitate when naming his toughest opponent so far
Let’s dive into why these three legends have earned Dupont’s respect and what makes them so hard to beat.
Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. Beauden Barrett – The All Blacks' Game-Changer
If anyone can make even Dupont sweat, it’s Beauden Barrett. New Zealand’s speedster isn’t just lightning fast—his rugby IQ is next level. Whether he’s running the show at fly-half or sweeping in at full-back, Barrett’s ability to read the game and create opportunities is unmatched.
With over 100 international caps and two World Rugby Player of the Year awards, Barrett’s legacy is already cemented. His breakneck pace, combined with silky offloads, make him a nightmare to defend. Dupont knows better than anyone how dangerous Barrett can be.
Game-changing ability? Through the roof. Usually found ghosting past defenders before anyone knows he’s there.
Faf de Klerk – South Africa’s Defensive Dynamo
South Africa’s Faf de Klerk may stand at 5’7”, but his impact on the game is absolutely towering. The Springbok scrum-half is a constant menace in defence, relentlessly disrupting the flow of opposing playmakers. His speed, fearlessness, and pinpoint kicking make him a major threat at every turn.
Dupont has faced off against De Klerk in some of rugby’s biggest clashes and knows how effective the Springbok can be. Whether it’s through his fierce tackles or clever box kicks, De Klerk embodies the high-energy, physical style that has made South Africa a force to be reckoned with.
Rugby’s most ferocious disruptor? You bet. You’ll find him at the heart of South Africa’s World Cup triumphs.
Owen Farrell – England’s Enforcer
Owen Farrell is the kind of player who can turn a match into a war of attrition. Known for his uncompromising leadership, fierce defence, and cool-headed game management, Farrell is the ultimate no-nonsense enforcer.
His physical presence on the pitch is impossible to ignore—whether he’s crashing into tackles, controlling the game with his kicking, or barking orders at his team. Farrell thrives in pressure moments, and Dupont has had to contend with his relentless intensity more than once.
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QUIZ: Can You Name the England XV that Won the 2020 Six Nations?
England last won the Six Nations in 2020, in what was a crowning achievement during the Eddie Jones era. Coming off the back of the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final heartbreak, England bounced back to win their seventh Six Nations title since the competition's Italian expansion in 2000.
England secured the trophy with a win in Rome, as they handed Italy a one-sided 34-5 bonus point defeat. We are challenging you to remember who started for England that day, as the match was played in front of an empty stadium during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
You have five minutes to provide your answers, good luck!