Ten men ready to light up the cup

On rugby’s biggest stage the cream will rise to the top – here are 10 of the sweetest players on the planet. Toby Robson identifies the men who could light up the Rugby World Cup.

Dane Coles (New Zealand)

Is it a wing? Is it a centre? No, it’s a super hooker. Coles is in the midst of redefining the role of the hooker in international rugby.

The 28-year-old has rare pace and athleticism for a tight forward. His core work is good, but it’s the tries that have the rugby world buzzing. He’s only scored four tries in 30 tests, but you get the feeling he could add to that tally during his first World Cup.

Israel Folau (Australia)

Watching the Wallabies fullback play is a treat. Few players possess such grace and athleticism and there are no more awe-inspiring sights in rugby than that of Folau’s 1.93-metre, 102-kilogram frame soaring through the sky to reel in a high kick.

The former rugby league star has the ability to beat defenders with strength or pace. He is undoubtedly Australia’s most lethal attacking threat, but it’s the space he creates for the players around him that is his greatest asset. Capable of great things at the World Cup if the Wallabies pack fronts.

Will Skelton (Australia)

It’s unfair to write the Wallabies lock off as simply a big lug. Skelton can run, he can off load and he’s got some bite to his defensive work too. Put simply, the 2.04m, 148kg New South Welshman is coach Michael Cheika not so secret weapon.

Wallaby packs haven’t always had the bite and size to intimidate, but with Skelton on the park they have it in spades. He’s changed the playing field for the Wallabies and if they go on to win the World Cup their big Kiwi-born lock will have been a major factor.

Handre Pollard (South Africa)

For all the Springboks many issues leading into the World Cup, first five-eighth isn’t one of them. Pollard is a player of rare skill and character.

His unflappable composure and ability to take over a game came to light during the under 20 World Cup in New Zealand and he’s blossomed in Super Rugby and at international level since. Pollard takes the ball to the line without fear, kicks well, tackles everything and is mature way beyond his years.

Nehe Milner-Skudder (New Zealand)

The last time the All Blacks had a player with a side-step and X-factor like this might have been when the fabulous Christian Cullen was in his pomp.

As world rugby gravitates toward power players in the backs, players who use footwork rather than bulk to break the line have become a scarce commodity.

But the thing that sets MilnerSkudder apart from his rivals is his ability to off-load once he’s through the line.