We’ve been lucky enough to see some absolute fantastic scrummaging and lineout play during the Rugby World Cup, but which one these hookers has been your number one? Comment below with your vote!
Agustin Creevy
Games Played: 6
Tackles: 22
Tackle success rate: 73%
Turnovers won: 8
Tries: 0
Carries over gainline: 15
Lineouts Won: 29
Moment of the Tournament: His performance in the Quarter Final victory over Ireland was one to be admired, helping his side to a 43-20 triumph.
The captain of Argentina led his side to the Semi Final of the Rugby World Cup for just the second time in the Pumas history. The 30-year-old played in all 6 of the Puma’s matches, completing more turnovers than any of our other contenders. There were doubts about his fitness ahead of the Semi Final against Australia, but he passed a late fitness test and was cleared fit to play, although had to withdraw during the first half. Creevy had put in a masterclass display against Ireland in the Quarter Final, dominating Rory Best in the scrum, and earning the right to call himself one of the best Hookers in the World.
Dane Coles
Games Played: 6
Tackles: 38
Tackle success rate: 90%
Turnovers won: 4
Tries: 1
Carries over gainline: 4
Lineouts Won: 56
Moment of the Tournament: His try against Georgia was only his fifth international try, and his first in Rugby World Cups.
A winner in his first ever Rugby World Cup, Dane Coles was impeccable in all six games he played in for the All Blacks. His lineouts were the standout feature of his play, with 56 successful throws, which is the most of any player in the tournament. With a tackle success rate of 90%, Coles rarely missed a tackle, making 38 throughout the tournament. He also contributed five points to his side, scoring the Kiwi’s fourth try iduring their romping 43-10 victory over Georgia. Coles also made 63 metres with the ball in hands, an impressive amount for a front row forward.
Shota Horie
Games Played: 4
Tackles: 37
Tackle success rate: 88%
Turnovers won: 1
Tries: 0
Carries over gainline: 14
Lineouts Won: 37
Moment of the Tournament: The role he played in the 34-32 triumph over South Africa is one that will be remembered for ever in the rugby world.
Shota Horie is the only one of our contenders who didn’t play the maximum six games. Japan were knocked out in the group stages, and as a result, Horie only played four games in the RWC. However, during those four games, he epitomised the Japanese sides spirit, with hard work and determination being at the forefront of the Brave Blossoms success. The hooker had 37 succesful throws from the lineout, and with a tackle success rate of 88%, Horie proved a difficult obstacle for his opposition. If Japan had progressed further, Horie’s stats might have been more impressive, but the 29-year-old certainly showed the world his capabilities.
Stephen Moore
Games Played: 6
Tackles: 44
Tackle success rate: 92%
Turnovers won: 0
Tries: 0
Carries over gainline: 7
Lineouts Won: 46
Moment of the Tournament: Leading by example, Moore’s solid defence held strong against Wales to ensure the Wallabies topped the group.
The Australian skipper was Mr consistent for his side throughout their run to the final. With a tackle success rate of 92%, Moore demonstrated his defensive abilities throughout, and led the line for the Wallabies impressively. At the age of 32, this was likely Moore’s final ever Rugby World Cup, and he will be disappointed that he wasn’t able to lift the Webb Ellis trophy. Nevertheless, Moore’s throwing was also excellent throughout, with 46 successful throws, making him the fourth most efficient hooker in the World Cup when it came to Lineouts.