The 2023 World Cup is upon us, where superhuman players will strike fear into their opposite numbers, be it with their colossal height, huge weight or Herculean strength.
Here, RUCK picks out the giants who look on course to make their mark during the tournament
Six Nations beasts:
1. Andrew Porter – Ireland
Lions contender Porter is poised to make a sizeable impact for Ireland moving forward.
The 27-year-old Leinster loosehead, who has won 52 caps, is a huge carrier, massive in the scrum and is renowned for his freakish ability in the gym.
According to Jonny Waterson in The Irish Times: “Noted for his strength, Porter, if the figure doing the rounds is accurate, can squat 350kg (772lb) or, if you like, three Cian Healys. Quite an effective mass of cleaning-out power.”
2. Duhan van der Merwe - Scotland
The 6ft 4ins, 16st 7lbs winger is a key weapon in his team and a player with three Lions Tests to his name from the 2021 tour of South Africa.
3. Leigh Halfpenny – Wales
The Wales fullback isn’t the biggest on the list, not by a long shot. Halfpenny has put on some serious size over the years and is a solid unit on the field. He has a great shape and very lean, women’s choice it seems!
4. Maro Itoje - England
18st 2lbs. 6ft 5in. Fast, strong, agile, intelligent and super fit. If The Pearl wasn't an elite rugby player, you'd half expect to see him crushing skulls in Game of Thrones.
5. Ebene Etzebeth - South Africa
Enforcers hold a position of immense value and influence within the Springbok rugby team. For several years, Bakkies Botha embraced this role with an intense passion, and now, he has gracefully passed the torch to another formidable lock.
It comes as no surprise that Etzebeth excels at intimidating opponents on the field — such fierceness runs in his family. His uncle, Clifford, gained notoriety while playing for Western Province between 1977 and 1981. However, the approach to enforcing the game has evolved, requiring a cleaner, though still physically formidable, style.
Searching for information about Etzebeth online primarily leads to discussions about his impressive strength and dedication in the gym. In 2012, he effortlessly lifted weights at Western Province, prompting the club to order custom-made 165lb dumbbells, with George Ford, the England fly-half, weighing just 20lbs more.
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