Three ABs in RWC form team
The Rugby World Cup is about to get serious. This weekend’s quarterfinals will see a huge step up in intensity as teams fight for the right to stay in Japan for another week.
But who has already impressed in the pool stages?
takes a look back and picks its best XV from the first month of the tournament.
15. Beauden Barrett (New Zealand): Dual playmaker role hasn’t diluted his influence but has released him into the areas where he causes most damage.
14. Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa): The power wing has been replaced with smaller, fast, multiskilled athletes at this tournament and Kolbe is leading the way.
13. Semi Radradra (Fiji):
Starred on the wing but was shifted to centre to make room for Josh Adams. Unstoppable with ball in hand.
12. Anton Lienert-Brown (New Zealand): Simply on fire with his elusive running game. Somewhere in Japan Wayne Smith is nodding and saying: ‘‘I told you he was good.’’
11. Josh Adams (Wales):
Try-hungry wing (he has five already) appears to have a great attitude and work rate and is so much more than a finisher.
10. Richie Mo’unga (New Zealand): Has only played two games but was the best player on the park in one of them and set up and stopped tries in the other.
9. Gareth Davies (Wales): Most athletic halfback in the world was huge against the Wallabies. Give this guy even a hint of a gap and he’s gone.
8. CJ Stander (Ireland): Not the most gifted loose forward in the world but one of the toughest. All Blacks will be keen to shut him down because he is key for Ireland.
7. Justin Tipuric (Wales): Welsh back row has been largely superb and this guy is always a pleasure to watch. Genuine footballer with great hands.
6. Michael Leitch (Japan): Chiefs fans already knew he was world class but now the whole rugby planet does, too. Massive engine puts him at elite level.
5. James Ryan (Ireland): Been flying under the radar a bit but the Irish know exactly how good this guy is and what he consistently contributes to their game plan.
4. Maro Itoje (England):
Aggressive lock has been part of a strong English defensive effort so far and looks so comfortable beside Saracens team-mate George Kruis.
3. Allan Alaalatoa (Australia): Wallabies scrum has been very good and the Brumbies-schooled tighthead is one reason they can’t be discounted against England.
2. Shota Horie (Japan):
Always looked like a good player in Super Rugby but has taken his game to the next level. One of Japan’s many warriors.
1. Keita Inagaki (Japan):
Nailed his core roles while offering plenty on attack on defence. Scored that memorable try against Scotland.The modernday prop.