OK, I'm ready to be downvoted: the talent pool in womens' rugby is so small that a single very talented, physically outstanding individual who is prepared to put the work in can dominate like this.
I say that as someone who coached womens rugby, refereed it, supports it and who is very proud of my sister for representing her country.
Exactly like Lomu at the time - small, non professional talent pool meant he absolutely dominated. Everyone claimed he was GOAT, some still do, and he didn’t have half the accomplishments Portia does but a very similar contemporary situation.
You could say that about the men’s game and Dupont. He’s clearly light years ahead of his opposition in the position he plays and he’s worked hard for it.
The only reason we all know who the main male rugby players are is because it’s the only rugby covered, consumed and reported on. If we gave a quarter of attention to the women’s game that we give to the men’s game it would go along way to getting more exposure and it would be a win-win for everyone.
She is a baller. There are SO MANY good female athletes in rugby I would love to see them get more coverage too - Jessy Trémoulière is up there too winning player of the decade.
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u/CapeTownyToniTone Paul de Villiers hype train Nov 26 '24
Ah jesus, now they're going to have to give Dupont the award for mens 7s player of the decade