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?
Robert Wojcik
Guest
Wales & Samoa No12s. This 2 men are very creative and born No12s. I have great respect for them
Sprigs
Guest
My favourite players so far: Romanian captain Marcus Tincu, who said: "We are not professionals. We play for happiness and our families." USA: Todd Clever (as you mention, Brett) , Tim Usasz (the Aussie-American whiz of a half back) Russia: Shortest man in the comp, the tough, dynamic halfback: Alexander Yanyuskin NZ: Israel Dagg -- the find of recent years for ABs Australia:JOC for his chase and capture of speedster Tommy Bowe Canada: Adam Kleeberger, DTH Van Der Merwe (can't take your eyes of these brilliant players...O Canada.!) Namibia: True captain......Jacques Burger Argentina: Fullback...the wizard Lucas González Amorosino All the Samoan and Fijian players: for kneeling together as one in prayer at the end of their game.
Ivan
Guest
Steenkamp, vd Linde, Juan Smith, Flo Louw are all young enough to keep going. This will be the end for Smit, Victor, Bakkies, Fourie du Preez, Butch.
Colin N
Guest
I'm a huge fan of Tuilagi and I've been very excited about him for a very long time. He's also done well in his brief test career but it's interesting the way England have employed him this tournament. They seem to be underplaying him slightly from most first phase attacks, but will suddenly spring him off a lineout or scrum like against Georgia. Perhaps the Scotland game will be the first high pressure game that he dominates? Agree about Haskell. I was too not a fan previously, but he seems to developed a rugby brain. Instead of blindly taking the ball into contact like he used to, he looks for space, passes at the right time (he has shown surprisingly dextrous hands recently) and is a nuisance at the breakdown. He's not a natural fetcher but he wins his fair share of turnovers. But you feel Easter is the prefered option at 8, Moody is the captain and Croft is a world class forward.
Bakkies
Guest
BOD has said he would continuing on playing. In terms of Ireland I guess the management will let him go out on his terms rather than tap him on the shoulder.
Johnno
Guest
Players of RWC in my mind so far have been this Wales: Jamie Roberts. There is a bit of Jonah lomu about this man. Massive unit 6'4 he gave Samoa and South africa nightmares all match a total handful. Lookinf forwad if it happens to his clash with SBW or Ma Nonu SOuht afirca. Frans steyn. Been storng at I/C or fullback. His massive kicking game form fullback gets so much territory when playing forcing back or kicking for touch in broken play to get lineout, massive territory. and big man to 6'3, And Bismark du plessis has arguably been forwad of the tournament. Happy for him he is starting vs Samoa George NORTH. WALES WINGER ONLY 19 but a real handful. 6'4 young strong man. Italy. Sergio Parisse, wouldn't every team love player like him. Natural leader, and simply a quality rugby player in all areas. best no 8 in world currently ANd castrogiavani and the italian halfback i like to Wales. ALen wyn jones big lock, and mike phillips half back have impressed me to
Rugby Fan
Roar Guru
Some players in the Home Nations may well have an eye on the Lions Tour in 2013. To have a decent chance of selection, though, they'll probably still need to be playing Test rugby. The Lions tour does odd things to retirement schedules. Coming two years after a World Cup, a player can still imagine himself being in the frame without having to think about another four years. And, then of course, the Cup is only two years after the tour is over, so players can go through that process again. I recall reading in 2009 how South African World Cup winners had delayed retirement for the chance to play the Lions. However, quite a few seem to have stuck around for 2011 as well. Dallaglio prolonged his career after the 2003 Cup to go with the Lions to New Zealand. If he'd had a good tour, he might have retired but he picked up a bad injury early on. This seemed to motivate him to get fit for another bite at a World Cup. I don't know whether any older Australian players will put off retirement because of the prospect of facing the Lions. I suppose some might wait and see how this tournament plays out. One England player in question right now is Andrew Sheridan. A report today says he'll be out until February which means he will miss next year's Six Nations. He didn't enjoy rehab last time, so it depends on the medical advice and his appetite for the game.
Bakkies
Guest
Knowing England it will only be Shaw's last cap as he doesn't have a club. Stirling Mortlock to the Australia list.
Ben S
Roar Guru
NZ: John Schwalger, John Afoa, Neemia Tialata, Bryn Evans, Mike Delany, Joe Rokocoko.
bokka
Guest
Mark Gerrard - AUS Jimmy Cowan - NZ .. ?
Ben S
Roar Guru
On the topic of eye-catchers, which players are we likely to see in their international jerseys for the last time this WC - or who have we already seen for the last time pre-WC? All of this is presumption, of course - devil's advocate and all that: England: Steve Thompson, Simon Shaw, Lewis Moody, Nick Easter, Jonny Wilkinson, Mike Tindall; Ireland: Marcus Horan, Jerry Flannery, John Hayes, Leo Cullen, David Wallace, Ronan O'Gara, Gordon D'Arcy, Brian O'Driscoll, Geordan Murphy; Wales: Martyn Williams, Stephen Jones, Shane Williams ; Scotland: Allan Jacobsen, Nathan Hines, Dan Parks, Chris Paterson France: William Servat, Sylvan Marconnet, Lionel Nallet, Julien Bonnaire, Damien Traille, Cedric Heymans; South Africa: Gurthro Steenkamp, John Smit, CJ van der Linde, Bakkies Botha, Danie Rossouw, Victor Matfield, Juan Smith, Frans Louw, Fourie du Preez, Butch James; Australia: Dan Vickerman, Nathan Sharpe, Radike Samo, Luke Burgess, Matt Giteau; New Zealand: Brad Thorn, Stephen Donald, Luke McAlister, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Mils Muliaina. Have I missed any?
Armchair Sportsfan
Guest
Has been going okay...but he made two very poor decisions late in the Argentina game that I think lost Scotland that game. Scotland up by 3 points with 10mins to go...he potted the field goal when Scotland were hard on attack and had the penalty advantage on the Argies line...at least have a crack at the try to get more than 7 ahead!. After the Argy try, Scotland down by 1 point with 5 mins to go, scots in posession just short of the halfway line and he put up a midfield bomb, no territroy, poession gone. Probably not in my notable player list from the tournament on that basis!
Bakkies
Guest
The Quinnells had four elite rugby players. Father Derek, Scott, Gavin and Craig. All massive lads. There have been a few Ropatis and 4 Whitelocks.
Glasseye
Guest
Italy won with the bonus point. The game on Sunday will be massive!!!
bokka
Guest
Yeah probably.
Bakkies
Guest
Rossouw will get exposed against better teams like he usually does.
Brett McKay
Expert
Amateur, are you taking the piss saying Horne has been eye-catching?? Have you seen how far up his cheekbone his injury is?!?
Brett McKay
Expert
Jonny G, there's no better place to play yourself into an All Blacks spot than at the RWC, playing for the All Blacks....
peter
Guest
If u are paying any attention to what has been going on in the rugby world u would know that Italy have never beat Ireland in there history,also Ireland won the 6 nations 18 months ago and the 2 Irish clubs have won the European cup 4 times in the past 5 years,those teams are the backbone of th3 Ireland team , the teams Ireland put out for there world cup warm up matches were botched teams ,do u think they really care about winning the warm up games and playing a full strenght team leading up to a huge world cup?
johnnoo
Roar Pro
I have really like the big 19 yr old winger form Wales George North, and also form what i have seen the big Wales I/C Jamie Roberts has been the player of the tournament.