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The calculations and recalculations are well underway for the quarter-final aspirants in the 2011 Rugby World Cup, and judging by the quality of matches thus far – generally speaking, of course – the knockout stage of the tournament will help maintain the stupid grins on the faces of rugby fans for a few more weeks yet.
And while there are plenty of teams putting forward decent performances on the park, I thought it might be worth taking a moment to look at a few individuals that have stood out to me so far.
That’s not to say that these four guys have been the standout players of the tournament, either, rather just a handful that have at various times made me stop and think ‘wow, how good’s he?’
Sam Warburton (Welsh openside flanker)
I have to admit I’d not heard of or seen Sam Warburton prior to the start of the World Cup, which surprised me somewhat as I’ve still usually got a reasonable idea of the key players and captains from teams I don’t see a lot of.
Then I discovered the reason: he’s barely out of school! Less than twenty Tests for Wales, and he’s named Captain for the RWC. At 22 years of age. Twenty-bloody-two. When I was 22, I was as close to captaining my country as … well, as close as I still am now, I suppose.
Once I’d watched Wales’ first few games, though, it soon became apparent why. What a player. It had been my perception that while Wales have always had a strong pack, they seem to have lacked that genuine “fetcher”, as we seem to be calling opensides in this part of the world.
Problem solved now. While my research department found several references to Warburton being “good enough to play anywhere in the backrow”, surely no.7 is his spot. Playing him anywhere else would be a classic case of weakening a strength.
If David Pocock and Heinrich Brüssow are among the best of the young opensides around the world, then Sam Warburton is not far behind them.
Marius Tincu (Romanian hooker)
While Romania started the tournament impressing everyone with the way they not just stood up to Scotland, but damn near beat them, it’s fair to say the highlights have been few and far between since.
But the one shining light for the Mighty Oaks throughout has been their inspirational captain and hooker, Marius Tincu. It’s clear that when the Oaks start losing their collective heads, they turn to Tincu for clear thinking, and if there’s a more level-headed, not-overly-fussed captain running around in New Zealand, I’ve not seen him yet.
Plying his trade in France, with Perpignan, it’s easy see why he is regarded among the best scrummagers in Europe. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve re-watched their demolition of Scotland’s scrum and pushover try in the first game, and even for a former back, it’s a joy to replay. Leading the way was Tincu, and it was his second shove that got the Romanian pack trucking its way over the top of the Scots.
Todd Clever (USA openside flanker)
It was disappointing that Clever (or Clee-ver, depending on which New Zealand commentator you get) didn’t play in the Eagles game against Australia, because I think he could have caused some real damage.
If there’s been a better player for the Eagles than their long-haired skipper, I’d be very surprised. He leads the way in defence, and is relentless at the breakdown, though his locks no doubt hinder his ability to get away with whatever it is no.7s try to get away with.
Kahn Fotuali’i (Samoan scrumhalf)
Anyone who’s watched the Crusaders at any length would not be surprised to see Fotuali’i’s name here, because while he’s deputised for All Black Andy Ellis for several years in Christchurch, the gap between the two has significantly decreased in the last season or two.
The Samoana have impressed plenty as a team in this World Cup, and would still be eyeing off the second quarter final spot in Pool D when they play South Africa later this week.
Samoa have been well-served in most positions, admittedly, but none have been better than their wily scrumhalf. When Samoa turn it on, it’s almost always on the back of the awareness and ability of Fotuali’i to sniff out gaps, exploit slow forwards, and put his men into space.
His ruck service has been among the best in the tournament, and is the main reason Samoa have been able to play as much attacking rugby as they have.
If there’s one unfortunate aspect to Fotuali’i’s showing during the RWC, it’s that we won’t see much more of him playing in these parts after the tournament; he’s signed with Welsh club Ospreys for the next two seasons.
So who have I left out? Well, plenty, I’d expect.
Argentinean fullback Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino has run excellent lines throughout the tournament, and scored the match-winner against Scotland in Sunday night’s thriller against Scotland. Ma’a Nonu has been outstanding for the All Blacks, while Ben Youngs has probably been one of England’s best. Bismarck du Plessis has been exceptional for South Africa.
My rugby-loving wife has absolutely loved watching Irish fullback Rob Kearney, but I’m not entirely convinced that has anything to do with his rugby ability.
And I’m still open for suggestion as to who’s been the Wallabies best so far, too.
So there we have it, Roarers, consider this a starting point.
Who’s caught your eye in the first three weeks, and who has been the player of the tournament so far?