2015 Rugby World Cup: Tier 2 form XV

Some great talent has been seen at Rugby World Cup 2015 from the Tier 2 nations. What are your thoughts on this form XV?

15. Ayumu Goromaru (Japan)
His performance against South Africa was one for the ages. He scored 24 of Japan’s 34 points and amassed 58 in total for the tournament, which is second behind Scotland’s Greg Laidlaw. Goromaru attacks with flair, kicks accurately and is a reliable defender.

In 55 Tests he has scored 695 points.

14. DTH van der Merwe (Canada)
Scored a try in each game, made the most metres in the pool phase (389) and was a constant threat with ball in hand. His positional play and defence was very good.

Telusa Veainu – the diminutive winger from Tonga – had a really strong tournament, if only Tonga could get him more of the ball. Still he was ranked in the top five for metres run and defenders beaten.

13. Davit Kacharava (Georgia)
Rock solid on defence, Kacharava hassled the All Blacks into some mistakes with his well timed and heavy hits. He is a bustling runner who was tough to restrain.

12. Lepani Botia (Fiji)
Invigorating in attack and efficient in defence, Botia consistently challenged every team he played.

Samoa had a disappointing tournament but Ray Lee-Lo played an absolute blinder against Scotland. He made five clean breaks and scored a try in one of the most impressive displays by anybody at the tournament.

11. Nemi Nandolo (Fiji)
Though he missed a game, the 125kg colossus was in imperious form. He scored a spectacular try in the opening match against England and tore up Uruguay several times. A goal kicker to boot, Nandolo might be the best wing in world rugby at present.

10. Kosei Ono (Japan)
The former Christchurch Boys High School old boy steered his team around the park with great flair and intelligence. His combination with Tanaka was electric at times.

9. Fumiaki Tanaka (Japan)
The speed and accuracy of the pint-sized halfback’s pass was the catalyst for much of Japan’s success. The 52-Test veteran challenges the defence with his searing acceleration and punches above his weight on defence. A world-class player.

8. Mamuka Gorgodze (Georgia)
Received a standing ovation from a sold out Millennium Stadium in Cardiff when he was announced as the official man of the match against the All Blacks. He only played 50 minutes. Against Tonga he made a staggering 27 tackles as Georgia scored an upset win.

He is in the top ten for lineout catches and offloads. He has played 65 Tests and scored 26 tries, including two at this tourney.

7. Akapusi Qera (Fiji)
He was Fiji’s top tackler and won the second most turnovers of any player in the group stage. A great link man, Qera more than held his own against the likes of Michael Hooper, David Pocock, Sam Warburton and Chris Robshaw. An honourable mention for Nili Latu who led lead Tonga with great pride.

6. Michael Leitch (Japan)
An inspirational figure for Japan his leadership at the end of the South African game, opting for the try instead of the penalty will be forever remembered. He is a ‘follow me’ type of player. He scored the first try against South Africa, heads the tournament in carries (49) and tackles (51). Against the USA he made 14 tackles and against South Africa a huge 17.

5. Leone Nakarawa (Fiji)
The ex-army man was a beast at this World Cup. Explosive with ball in hand he made more offloads (10) in the group stage than any other player. He also claimed 26 lineout catches and provided a strong push in the second row of a vastly improved Fijian scrum.

4. Kane Thompson (Japan)
Ranked in the top five for tackles and lineout catches, Thompson is a workhorse of the highest calibre. Effective with ball in hand he had an outstanding tournament. Tjiuee Uanivi from Namibia was another lock who stood out. He has claimed more lineout catches than any other player.

3. Levan Chilachava (Georgia)
The Toulon tighthead taught All Black Wyatt Crockett a thing or two at scrum time. He removes bodies with aggression and regularity at the breakdown and can carry strongly.

2. Shota Horie (Japan)
Japan was expected to struggle at scrum time but didn’t concede a tighthead, Horie’s ability to get a quick strike was a major reason for this. Of the tier two nations Japan had the best lineout success.

The lineout was a major source of strength for Japan, think of the move to tie the scores against the Springboks. Horie gets around the park and is difficult to stop with his low centre of gravity. A special mention for Namibian hooker and the tournaments leading tackler Torsten Van Jaarsveld.

1. Soane Tonga’huia (Tonga)
Gave All Black veteran Owen Franks a torrid time in the scrums on Friday. Strong with ball in hand with nimble hands, scrummed his backside off and was prominent around the park with some very deft touches the Racing Metro big man was excellent.