Cutting a caper to kick off World Cup

Christopher Reive picks his best 15 players of the first round of the World Cup

15

The Wallabies fell short against Wales but Haylett-Petty worked hard to try lift his side. He took on a do-it-all role on attack, leading the game in running metres, shaking off defenders and breaking the line, and putting his kicking ability to great use.

14

Zura Dzneladze (Georgia)

Caused all sorts of problems for the Uruguayan defence with ball in hand; played an important role in his own side’s defence and led the side to a dominant win.

13

Garry Ringrose (Ireland)

Beat defenders with ease and broke the line, scored a try and stepped up as a kicking option when he had to. Made plenty of tackles and was well positioned defensively. An impressive individual performance in a disappointing loss to Japan.

12

Samu Kerevi (Australia)

Strong with ball in hand, beating defenders across the park. He was defensively sound in what was a physical match against Wales.

11

Sean Maitland (Scotland)

Tokoroa’s finest went on a tear against Samoa, beating defenders at will, breaking the line and getting across the try line in a 34-0 thrashing.

10

Felipe Berchesi (Uruguay)

Terrific on both ends of the paddock in Uruguay’s upset win over Fiji. His tackle count was in double digits; he won three turnovers, managed the attack well and made sure his side didn’t miss out on any points from the tee. Backed it up against Georgia, although the scoreline wasn’t flattering.

9

Santiago Arata (Uruguay)

Strung two impressive performances together. His individual defensive efforts were strong; he got stuck into the gritty areas and won five turnovers for his team. He played an important hand in the attack, particularly in the win over Fiji.

8

Followed the lead of his captain and racked up a huge tackle count in an impressive defensive performance, put plenty of work in at the breakdown and worked hard to provide a platform for his backs to launch the attack from.

7

Pieter Labuschagne (Japan)

The Japanese captain set the tone in what was one of the most impressive defensive efforts of the tournament so far.

6

Kazuki Himeno (Japan)

Impressive across the park against Ireland, Himeno was strong at the set piece and at the breakdown, carried the ball with intent and played his part in Japan’s brick wall defensive performance.

5

Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)

The Welsh captain showed up in a big way in their win over Australia, making a whopping 25 tackles and working hard at the breakdown on both attack and defence.

4

Luke Thompson (Japan)

One of a number of star performers in Japan’s famous win over Ireland, Thompson was faultless on defence, making all 19 tackles he attempted. He was a force at the set piece and stole a lineout, and put in plenty of work at the breakdown.

3

Levan Chilachava (Georgia)

Georgia is known for their scrummaging and Chilachava anchored a characteristic Georgian performance at the set piece. He put in plenty of work at both ends of the park and was rewarded with a try.

2

Mbongeni Mbonambi (South Africa)

With two tries and the team’s highest tackle count, Mbonambi put in plenty of work in the side’s demolition of Namibia.

1

Andrea Lovotti (Italy)

Strong defensively and at the set piece, Lovotti helped set the platform for an impressive win over Canada.