To be considered one of the best players in the world, aged only 21 and playing in one of the most unforgiving positions on the pitch, was a mighty achievement for Tom Curry to take away from the World Cup last year. For much of his life, the fiercely physical flanker had been engaged in a tussle simply to be considered the best player in his family.

Ever since he edged ahead in that particular battle, pipping his twin brother, Ben, to a first cap when both were on tour with England in Argentina in 2017, Curry has taken to international rugby with remarkable poise, blending destructive defence and a natural nose for turnovers at the breakdown with a clear feel for the attacking rhythms