The past few years has seen Rugby’s world be dominated by one group of Villains that we have come to respect, hate, admire, deride, sledge and applaud. Let’s take a look at these Bad Guys and their alter-egos – whilst not forgetting that most of these guys eventually get their comeuppance. – Enjoy!
15. Ben Smith -Keyser Soze – The usual Suspects
Keyser Soze – The Usual Suspects
This is one of those moments where we are lulled into a false sense of security. The guy looks harmless enough and seems to melt into the background when surrounded by other more unsavory types. But it is with the Big reveal that things unfold and the manipulator truly emerges.
14. Corey Jane – The Terminator – T-101
Terminator – T-101
A Cyberdyne Systems Model 101 Terminator – sent back in time from some weird future where personalities are bereft and the accents are short and clipped. Not the soft hearted, thumbs up, ‘smiling’ version of Terminator 2.
13. Conrad Smith – Agent Smith – The Matrix
Agent Smith – The Matrix
It often appears as if there are more than one of him. Defending the legacy of years of domination. He is faster than he seems – often working in Bullet time motion to avoid defenses.
12. Ma’a Nonu – Predator – Predator
Predator
We know its cliche but the effects of the makeup and dreadlocks are just too close to pass this one up.
11. Julian Savea – Anton Chigurh – No Country for old Men
Anton Chigurh – No Country for old Men
The immaculate hair – The massive build. The friendly smile. The choice of weapon. All the marks of an assassin with and unstoppable need to score the bounty.
10. Dan Carter – Patrick Bateman – American Psycho
Patrick Bateman – American Psycho
With the look of a Ralph Lauren model and no soul to speak of, Carter embodies the clean-cut villain that Christian Bale brought to the table. The character needs to be loved and has an intense friendliness with nothing behind the eyes.
9. Aaron Smith – Gunnery Sargent Hartman – Full Metal Jacket
Gunnery Sargent Hartman – Full Metal Jacket
Barking orders at slow, lazy country lads and turning them into numb machines is what this guy does best. Telling others to put their bodies in places they don’t want to go comes naturally to this bad -ass drill sergeant.
8. Kieran Read – The Joker – The Dark Knight
The Joker – The Dark Knight
All Bad Guys have the best lines and seem to be wearing an awkward smile. read is no exception. Willing to lead from the front in causing chaos or to sit back and wait for his opportune moment. The chaotic nature of his personality makes it easy to laugh along but gasp at the audacity.
7 . Richie McCaw – Hans Gruber – Die Hard
Hans Gruber – Die Hard
Stealing shit is what this guy does. He doesn’t do it like a cat burglar, he does it in plain sight. In front of the officials. He struts around like he owns the joint.
6. Jerome Kaino – Rev. Harry Powell – Night of the Hunter
Rev. Harry Powell – Night of the Hunter
This film noir classic reminds us of our greatest fears. Those characters that we should trust, just shouldn’t be trusted. A true depiction of menace and cold hearted danger. All wrapped in a facade of charm.
5. Sam Whitelock – Tywin Lannister – Game of Thrones
Tywin Lannister – Game of Thrones
Delivering from deep within the bowels of places few people will go – you will see very little of him in in the open – but his mechanations behind the scenes and away from the lime light is what gives him his authority.
4. Brodie Rettalick – Zombie Merle – The Walking Dead
Zombie Merle – The Walking Dead
Not on the scene for long but what an impact. Silent – lumbering – unwavering need to inflict pain. Doesn’t speak much.
3. Owen Franks – Leatherface – The Texas Chain saw Massacre
Leatherface – The Texas Chain saw Massacre
A shivering nervous almost apologetic phycopath. Able to cut a swath through anyone willing to oppose him. It’s the subtle sense of having a soul that allows us to empathise. The need for acceptance over his siblings and the need to impress the father figure are what tip this scared little boy over the edge.
2. Kevin Mealamu – Gollum – The Hobbit/Lord of the Rings
Gollum – The Hobbit/Lord of the Rings
A true Middle earth survivor. Has lasted decades by hiding in the dark places only to emerge when there is Gold to be taken. Its seems like this crouching, hissing, gnarly eared creature is a thousand years old. Need we say more?
1. Tony Woodcock – Norman Bates – Psycho
Norman Bates – Psycho
The best villains have 2 or more personalities. The charming sympathetic character eventually makes way to the pure evil that scares to poop out of us. Woodcock plays the role of quiet sheep farmer-next door and front row destroying machine with ease. All while providing that stare that will loosen bowels for decades.
Sourced on Green and Gold Rugby-Author Brett Gibson