Stock Up, Stock Down on the World's Best Rugby Players in 2014

Just like Wall Street, the upper echelons of rugby is a most volatile stage upon which one's fortunes can sink or soar in the blink of an eye.

For teams, it's a longer process which takes months to develop, but the players we monitor so closely are more readily accountable for their exploits, whether for good or bad.

This past year has provided the global elite with another opportunity to showcase their talent, but as we'll discuss, there are those who cope more comfortably with the pressure than others.

Age, future prospects and the standards shown in 2014 to make them a contender at all play heavily on these judgements, deciding which players have risen in value, who's fallen and where they go from here.

Buy in Bulk: Brodie Retallick

This year's IRB Player of the Year has seldom put a foot wrong in making his way to the 2015 accolade, playing a major role in seeing New Zealand to their third consecutive Rugby Championship and an unbeaten autumn tour.

Following in the footsteps of Dan Carter (2005, 2012) and Kieran Read (2013), Retallick is the third All Black in succession to win the award, fourth to win it overall, including Richie McCaw's three triumphs.

The heavy investment in Retallick comes due to the fact that he's still only 23, though. This makes him the youngest player to claim the IRB honour since compatriot Carter's first win in 2005.

Taking that into account, the lock still has so far to go on his rugby journey and is already one half of what's arguably the best second-row partnership in the world alongside Sam Whitelock.

Already a two-time Super Rugby champion with Chiefs, the behemoth does a fine job of going above and beyond the natural order as a lock, a prime example of the All Blacks' habit for evolving ahead of the rest of the pack.

One can bank on Retallick to have an even bigger hand in New Zealand success in 2015, where his influence on the Rugby World Cup campaign will be one of huge expectations.

Sell Now: Israel Folau

Ross Setford/Associated Press

Selling the stock of arguably the finest fullback in the world sounds like a crazy decision, but when considering the year Israel Folau has ahead of him, there's reasoning behind what would be a pure business decision.

Right now, the 25-year-old is enjoying a peak in union; however, 2015 poses many a hurdle that he'll struggle to overcome after such individual success in recent times.

The Waratahs are under immense pressure to make a go of their Super Rugby title defence, but with Michael Cheika now juggling duties between the franchise and his role at the Wallabies' helm, results may suffer.

And speaking of the international game, Australia have looked uninspired once again this year, enduring yet another deflated Rugby Championship, along with mixed fortunes on their tour of the northern hemisphere.

It makes for some low prospects at next year's 2015 Rugby World Cup, and for all his individual might, Folau isn't a one-man army.

In terms of when to cash in, now signals the ideal time for Folau investors, although that's in no small part due to the fact his stock rose so much in 2014.

Steady Riser: Julian Savea

If his omission from the 2013 shortlist was considered an error to some, the IRB made up for it by throwing Julian Savea's name into the hat for 2014 Player of the Year.

Although unsuccessful in the chase, the 24-year-old's nomination is but another sign of how he's progressed since storming on to the international scene two years ago.

With 30 tries in 33 Test appearances for New Zealand, the winger once more showed what a clinical beast he is throughout 2014, ranging from his fine work with the Hurricanes to his prolific All Blacks record.

Altogether Savea grabbed 11 international tries in 2014, showing no indications that his progress is likely to be halted any time soon.

What's most daunting about his talent is that Savea still has years to run before reaching his physical peak. At 24 years of age, the Wellington native may yet have another decade at the elite level.

Plummeting Stock: Jean de Villiers

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

It was a gut-wrenching scene not only for South Africans but rugby fans in general when Jean de Villiers cried out in pain at the Millennium Stadium last month.

At the last hurdle of their 2014, the Springboks were left dismayed to see that their captain had dislocated his knee against Wales, putting his 2015 Rugby World Cup involvement in jeopardy.

The Stormers aren't likely to see the talisman turn out for them next year, it would seem, and for all his progress in managing to stay fit this year, it all came crumbling down in Cardiff.

With World Cup dreams in doubt and his highly regarded talent sidelined for the foreseeable future, De Villiers' value is at a low point.

Reaching Peak Value: Jonathan Sexton

Christophe Ena/Associated Press

Another name to make this year's IRB Player of the Year nominees list, Jonny Sexton is reaching his peak precisely when Joe Schmidt needs it, much to the delight of the Ireland coach.

With his time at Racing Metro winding to a close, Leinster will be overjoyed to see the prodigal son make his way back to the county at the end of the 2014-15 season.

Often these emotional reunions can lead to a mental boost for a player, and after seeing out 2014 with a Six Nations title and an unbeaten autumn tour, Sexton promises only to excel further.

The fly-half was pivotal in overcoming France to claim the Six Nations title, too, and has shown a more intense side to his game with ball in hand, notably making more of an effort in try-scoring of late.

Ireland are in top shape to make a challenge for the World Cup as European favourites, and with Sexton pulling their strings, they have one of the world's most reliable No. 10s hitting top form at the right time.