4. Kieran Read – New Zealand
When you’re captain of perhaps the most successful sports team in the world, a lot is expected of you, and Kieran Read is the epitome of what a number 8 should be.
The 2013 IRB Player of the Year, is a totem of New Zealand rugby, and led the world champions impressively during all three Tests. Defied a six-week injury absence to produce a monumental display in the opening Test against the Lions and edged his No. 8 battle with Taulupe Faletau.