Five Emerging Talents

1: Cheslin Kolbe [South Africa]

Buzzed around on the right wing for the Boks and caused every team he played considerable problems. He was the man no one could tackle.

So quick on his feet, elusive and aware he started the tournament with a virtuoso performance against the All Blacks and ended it with a brilliant solo try in the final.

2: Pecili Yato [Fiji]

He became internationally famous after being the victim of a head high tackle by Reece Hodge that went unpunished during Fiji’s match with Australia.

His work rate, speed and ball skills were all shining before he was clunked out of that opening pool game. He looks a gifted athlete and natural ball player and tackler to the extent that had he stayed on and Hodge had been sent off, the World Cup could have turned out differently.

3: Kotaro Matsushima [Japan]

Kotaro Matsushima is Japan’s equivalent of Kolbe. A fleetfooted wing with the ability to beat defenders and score tries when it looked like nothing was really on.

Could become an even better player if he’s able to regularly play against the best sides in this next World Cup cycle.

4: Jordan Lamour [Ireland]

Quite why Ireland didn’t pick Jordan Lamour to start at fullback against the All Blacks is a question that may linger a while in the Emerald Isle. Lamour looked to have all the attacking goods in the pool rounds. He is quick, aware and elusive. He made a number of telling runs, used the ball wisely and damaged defences.

The All Blacks would have picked him in their team.

5: Tom Curry [England]

It was a little premature for some in England to say this young flanker is already the equal of Richie McCaw, but there is no doubt the 21-year-old is a supreme talent.

He wore six but played as a seven and owned the breakdown against both Australia and New Zealand. Brave, quick and blessed with good instincts, he's going to be a special player.