WORLD XV: Coles, Creevy, George? Who is the world’s best hooker?

Top 10s/Lists

by Rugby Rucker

Monday, 07 August 2017 at 10:29

byRugby Rucker

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Next up in our World XV poll series is the hooker with us once again giving you a six-man shortlist.

Marrying solidity at the scrum with accuracy at the lineout plus the ability to get around the park, the modern day hooker has plenty to do.

You can skip to the poll HERE or scroll through the contenders before making an informed decision.

Here are our nominees:

1. Jamie George - England

The same age, at 26, as club and country team-mate Mako Vunipola, albeit with half the caps, George made his first three starts at Test level in Lions red rather than the white of England.

In beating out Ken Owens of Wales and Ireland's Rory Best to start in the Test series, George has put himself right on the podium when it comes to the game's best hookers.

2. Dane Coles - New Zealand

His line-out is exemplary, plus he can run like a back, pass like a back and yet he's big enough to more than hold his own in the pack.

Despite missing the Lions tour due to ongoing concussion problems, it would be impossible to leave him off of our shortlist.

3. Rory Best - Ireland

Touring with the British & Irish Lions this summer, Best showed at times how fierce he is at the breakdown and how reliable he can be with his lineout throwing. He also loves a turnover.

A pivotal figure in the 2014 and 2015 Six Nations wins, has captained his country well and is effectively deployed as an extra loose forward.

4. Agustin Creevy - Argentina

Powerful in the scrum, good at lineout time, and superb in the loose, the Pumas skipper is a quality operator. The dynamic 31-year-old’s excellent ball-handling skills and offloading skills saw him dubbed ‘Sony Bill Creevy’ by former club Montpellier’s fans.

Since making his pro debut in 2005, the La Plata-born star has made 62 appearances for his country and appeared in two World Cups.

5. Ken Owens - Wales

Wales’ own Mr Reliable, Owens’ stock rose dramatically during the 2017 Six Nations, which earned him a spot on the British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand.

6.Guilhem Guirado - France

Whilst he may not have had the most successful of seasons for club or country, Les Bleus skipper Guilhem Guirado has looked like one of the more consistent performers in both sides.