TEAM OF THE WEEKEND

Japan’s dream run at home ended with a quarter-final exit. The four semifinalists have won six of eight World Cups between them, with Wales the only side left who have yet to lift the Webb Ellis Cup.

Beauden Barrett New Zealand Stole the player of the match award from Aaron Smith, but he was still top class as New Zealand made easy work of their occasional recent tormentors Ireland

Makazole Mapimpi South Africa His two tries book-ended one by Faf de Klerk as the Springboks played the role of the Grinch in Japan. He could have had another, too, but butchered a good chance with the line in sight

Henry Slade England

Justified his elevation to the starting XV in front of George Ford with a key intervention that gave England breathing room against Australia. His interception and kick set up Jonny May’s second

Damian De Allende South Africa Japan knew they were in for a tough night when the Springboks defence swarmed them in the opening exchanges. De Allende set the tone. He made 14 tackles over 80 minutes

Jonny May England

Touched the ball three times in the first half against Australia, and scored two tries that gave England a lead they never looked like relinquishing. Could hardly be more clinical

Owen Farrell England Was uncharacteristically errant with the boot in pool play. When it started to matter in knockout play, he was perfect. Plus his pass for Kyle Sinckler’s try was silky

Aaron Smith New Zealand

The smallest player on the field, yet towered above everyone else with two tries as New Zealand dominated Ireland. Who knows how he was overlooked for the player of the match award

Joe Moody New Zealand

It might not be his primary role, but Moody was even good with ball in hand against the Irish, making one telling run in his own 22, and one in attack, too

Malcolm Marx South Africa

He only came on in the 37th minute when Mbongeni Mbonambi limped off. How can a player of Marx’s class be on the bench? His effort characterised the Boks’ set-piece dominance

Kyle Sinckler England

Tom Curry was the official player of the match against Australia, but Sinckler won the online vote of England fans. Scored a try, and made a vital steal near his own tryline to stub out the Wallabies

Alun Wyn Jones Wales

Wales were short of their best in beating 14-man France, but their captain never lets his standards drop. Wales missed 18 tackles in the first half. Jones made all 15 of his, though

Lood de Jager South Africa

The power of South Africa trumped the pace of the effervescent host nation. Japan found South Africa’s scrum and rolling mall too tough to defend, with De Jager to the fore

Aaron Wainwright Wales

Made 64 metres with ball in hand – only Liam Williams managed more for Wales. Scored an opportunist try. And he has a jaw of stone. He barely fussed when chinned by Sebastien Vahaamahina

Tom Curry England

Just edges out the other half of his “Kamikaze Kids” partnership with Sam Underhill, on account of the tackle on Reece Hodge that sent the Wallabies winger reeling

◀ 8 Kieran Read New Zealand

Given the amount of work New Zealand’s captain gets through in defence, he should not be allowed to be as skillful in attack. Fourteen tackles, none missed – and a try assist, too