"Overrated show pony" - Fans pick the five most 'overrated' rugby players of all-time

Rugby News
Saturday, 02 July 2022 at 08:34
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In the world of rugby debates, the labels 'overrated' and 'underrated' are about as loaded as they come because the conversation is instantly about more than just their ability on the field.
Due to the simple fact that both those tags are related to how much fans sing their praises, it's sometimes inevitable that great players are called overrated and average ones are underrated.
And often that has nothing to do with the players themselves because it's not their fault that fans on social media might be hyping them up more than their performances would necessarily warrant.
So, yes, we're well aware that taking a peek at the 'most overrated rugby players in history' is a little like walking into a minefield of controversy, but when has that ever stopped us?
And hey, it's the fans that we're looking to here because the voters over at thetoptens.com have been making their opinions known.

Most overrated rugby players ever:

#5. George North (Wales)

"He had a few good years between 2011-2013 and then he has died down. Hasn't looked good as the commentary teams make him out to be."
"George bloody North!"
"I think it's important to separate the player he was back in 2013, with the player he became once injury and loss of form hit. Definitely overrated though, but I think that's the media's fault."
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George North of Wales goes over for a try during the summer international match between Wales and England at Principality Stadium on Saturday 17 Aug 2019 in Cardiff, Wales. Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

#4. Chris Ashton (England)

"Lazy player with a terrible workrate, decent positioning at times that sees him finish off the good work of other players and get all the undeserved credit. Poor tackler too."
” That man lived off his ‘solo’ try against Australia and managed to get in the England team every time. He couldn’t tackle a crossword! Lacks creativity and only works running a line of a short pass from number ten. Overrated definitely!”
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Jack Goodhue of New Zealand is held in the tackle by Maro Itoje of England and Chris Ashton of England during the Quilter International Match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on 10th November 2018. - PHOTO: Gareth Davies/PPAUK

#3. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)

"Maybe he got so many caps as there's been such a paucity of Welsh second rows. Maybe."
"At this point he only gets chosen because Wales Online will go nuclear and blow up Cardiff if he doesn't"
"I really really really don't understand why he is rated so highly"
"H'es been a great player. But he should have been nowhere near the starting jersey for the Lions in my opinion."
One fan argue back, saying: "Maybe he’s got 12 lions caps in a row, won numerous 6N championships, been nominated for world player of the year twice 4 years apart, and is the record cap holder in history because he is one of the greatest locks of all time...maybe.
"If there’s one player in world rugby who has caused more people to have egg on their faces after writing him off and downplaying his rugby ability, it’s AWJ."
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#2. Sergio Parisse (Italy)

"Going to be controversial but Sergio Parisse. Sure he had fantastic skills but he was a show pony and not a work horse and people often overlooked this. He looked fantastic for Italy but that was because he was allowed to do all the flashy stuff but was mediocre in other areas."
"I think Parisse got a lot of credit just for being a leader and a quality player in a poor Italy side and was never rated by anyone as anywhere near world class"
"Consistently made world xv teams on scant evidence."
"Never has a cliche ever fit a player more than overrated show pony for Sergio Parisse"
"Honestly.... by the end of his career Parisse."
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#1. Sebastien Chabal (France)

"The French forward is a player who jumps to mind."
"His appearance was half his reputation. Whenever he was given the appropriate attention he folded."
"Talented athlete who put in the odd big tackle but when push came to shove he always seemed to wilt away from the physical side of the game."
"Maybe not any more but I think Chabal was always vastly overrated. He did the odd massive hit and good carry but overall his impact on most games was pretty average for a man with so much hype."
"Good 6, terrible 8, even worse lock."
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