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In anticipation of the final on Sunday, here is a look back at the players who have lit up the 2011 Rugby World Cup over the past six weeks.
15. Israel Dagg: Showed flashes of brilliance with the Crusaders and Highlanders in Super Rugby over the past few years, but in this tournament he has taken his play to a new level.
Reminiscent of Christian Cullen with his ability to ghost through gaps and past would be-tacklers. Backs it up with solid defence and a first class kicking game.
Honourable mentions: No real competition here, maybe had Leigh Halfpenny had more game time he could have challenged, same goes for Francois Steyn.
14. Chris Ashton: Not dragged down by the mediocrity of his teammates, showed he is a fantastic finisher with an unquenchable thirst for work.
Honourable mentions: Cory Jane, Vincent Clerc.
13. Jamie Roberts: I admit he plays 12 but I have picked a centre pairing as opposed to a 12 and 13. Never took a backward step, mighty in defence and a menace in attack. The man Wales built much of their play around.
Honourable mentions: Manu Tuilagi, Jacques Fourie.
12. Ma’a Nonu: Now free of the defensive lapses that blighted his early career, he is showing the world what a fine player he really is. A nightmare for opposing defences, and not shy of the big hit himself.
Honourable mention: Maxime Mermoz.
11. Alesana Tuilagi: One of the toughest positions to call, but the Samoan beast made fantastic viewing. It is a shame they didn’t progress so we could see more of him.
Honourable mentions: Digby Ioane, Richard Kahui, Shane Williams.
10. Felipe Contepomi: A lot of disappointing play from No 10s during the tournament (Cooper, Wilkinson etc.) so I have opted for the heartbeat of the Puma effort. Had Carter remained fit, he would surely have been here.
Honourable mentions: Rhys Priestland, Morne Steyn.
9. Mike Phillips: Seems to raise his game on the big occasions (Rugby World Cup, Lions tur), scored important tries, good quality service, excellent kicking game and a monster around the fringes.
Honourable mentions: Piri Weepu, Taniela Moa.
8. Toby Faletau: Tough to pick any of the back row positions, but the young Tongan/Welshman produced numerous standout displays in Wales run to the semis.
Honourable mentions: Kieran Read, James Haskell, George Stowers, Imanol Harinordoquy.
7. Sam Warburton: Electric in every game he played, a crying shame that his contributions ended in such ignominy.
Honourable mentions: David Pocock, Sean O’Brien, Richie McCaw; Thierry Dusautoir.
6. Jerome Kaino: My man of the tournament. Played every minute for the only unbeaten side in the run to the final. Brutal in defence, strong in the tight and carried well. Scary that he can still improve.
Honourable mentions: Schalk Burger, Dan Lydiate, Stephen Ferris, Julio Caballas.
5. Danie Rossouw: Moving forward from 6/8 has given the big Springbok a new lease of life. Injuries to Matfield and Botha seemed to matter little with Rossouw able to step up in their absence.
Honourable mentions: Luke Charteris, James Horwill, Lionel Nallet.
4. Brad Thorn: The powerhouse of the All Blacks forward pack. Abrasive, better in the line out than expected, his emotion at turning over Wallaby ball late on in their semi-final showed how much this means to him.
Honourable mentions: Patricio Albacete, Donnacha O’Callaghan.
3. Owen Franks: Almost like having another back rower with this guy around. Phenomenal work rate in the loose, but doesn’t shirk it at scrum time.
Honourable mentions: Adam Jones, Juan Figallo, Martin Castrogiovanni.
2. Bismarck Du Plessis: Showed in his all-too-brief appearances that he is the foremost hooker in world rugby. Unfortunately for the rest of the world, he can expect to be first choice for the ‘Boks for the foreseeable future.
Honourable mentions: Marius Tincu, Mahonri Schwalger, Keven Mealamu; William Servat.
1. Cian Healy: Came of age in the tournament. Strong at scrum time, and put in numerous big hits in the loose.
Honourable mentions: Gethin Jenkins; Jean-Baptiste Poux.
Thoughts?
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.