The Scarlets ace is among the best goal kickers in World rugby and produces the goods or Wales on a consistent basis. His ability in the air rivals the best in the business and, his speed makes him an invaluable asset to Warren Gatland’s side both offensively and defensively.

His running with ball in hand, and ability to do the unexpected make him a massive influence on how the Springboks attack, and are also reasons why the 29-year-old has become one of the most feared attackers in world rugby.

For many, he’s the top full-back on the planet. “Ben’s the best on both sides of the ball,” says Jeff Wilson. He calculates risk like some sort of super-computer and invariably takes the perfect option – you can wait a long time for a Smith mistake! Despite taking a sabbatical, the quiet leader finds himself on this list for those peerless moments of rugby clarity.

Omitted from New Zealand’s RWC 2015 squad after revealing plans to move north, Piutau had Ulster fans swooning in 2018. He set the bar for defenders beaten and offloads in last season’s Pro14 and duly won the Players’ Player gong. He's now back from injury and will want to do the same again for Bristol Bears.

of Bristol Bears poses for a portrait during the Bristol Bears squad photo call for the 2018-19 Gallagher Premiership Rugby season at Ashton Gate on August 15, 2018 in Bristol, England.[/caption]

When he was signed from Melbourne Rebels, it was a case of Veain-who? But two years after pitching up at Leicester, the Tongan has proved to be one of their best-ever signings. Elusive – he regularly tops the Opta charts for defenders beaten – with a jack-hammer sidestep, he terrorises Premiership defences.

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Well, it ain’t Superman but Folau jumps just as high. The former Aussie Rules and league star can run too. The full-back began a short hiatus from rugby recently, having been in high demand since his arrival in union in 2013, but his form last year was electric.

Scotland’s very own Billy Whizz, Hogg has searing pace, vision and classic ‘draw and give’ execution. He can welly the ball a mile or put in a deft grubber behind the line. Player of the Six Nations for two of the last three years, his 18 Test tries attest to his attacking brio.