Over the weekend we were treated to four outstanding games in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals in Japan with a host of players standing out.
England, New Zealand, Wales and South Africa progressed to the semi-finals but who has made our team of the quarter-finals.
Check out our starting XV below with some tough decisions in certain positions.
Backs:
15) Beauden Barrett – There was no need to think twice about who was taking this jersey. Barrett was outstanding as the All Blacks ran riot. Ireland tested him with a couple of high-balls early on and found no joy as he dealt with everything. As they game wore on he seemed to get better and better. His kicks over the top, his assist for brother Jordie’s try and his own try showed how deadly he is in open play. England will have to keep the game tight this weekend because if they don’t he will cause all sorts of problems.
14) Jonny May – On his 50th cap he scored two tries as his side run-away with the game in the second-half against the Wallabies. Started on the left-wing but we had to fit him in due to how clinical he was. His upcoming battle with Sevu Reece will be fascinating.
13) Virimi Vakatawa – Should have ended the game on the winning side as he was that good. Scored a try and his offloading game was unbelievable. Every time he touched the ball he looked dangerous and made metres. Will rue the red-card his side received as he put in a massive individual performance.
12) Gael Fickou – Again like Vakatawa was seriously impressive in defeat. Looked lightening quick as he has all tournament and if his side had their full compliment you would not have been surprised to see him cause Wales more problems. Samu Kerevi and Anton Lienert-Brown were impressive as always but Fickou just pipped them.
11) Makazole Mapimpi – Before we talk about Mapimpi we have to give a shoutout to Marika Koroibete as he was sensational during Australia’s loss and if not for the Springbok he would be in the team. However, Mapimpi just continues to get better and better! Two tries on the day and five in two games against the Japanese. His pace and upper-body strength are so impressive. Defensively he seems to be solid and is clinical in attack. Wales will need to watch out!
10) Owen Farrell – This could have gone to Romain Ntamack, but injury meant he only played one half. That half was incredible though and if he had have been on for the full 80 who knows how things would have ended. Although it is Farrell who is our fly-half. His kicking was perfect, his passing was crisp and even when shifted back to the centre he looked like causing the Wallabies major issues. England will need another strong showing from their captain if they are to stand a chance against New Zealand.
9) Faf de Klerk – The little scrum-half was just everywhere. A try and a try assist as well as running the show for his side against an energetic Japanese outfit. Definitely staking his claim to be called the best No 9 in the world. Have to mention Antoine Dupont and Aaron Smith though as both shone brightly for their teams. Are those three the top three in their position on the planet?
Forwards:
1) Jefferson Poirot – Put in a mighty shift in the front-row, staying on for almost the full game and putting in every effort to help his team hold onto their narrow lead with less men on the pitch. Has been brilliant to watch all tournament.
2) Tolu Latu – Another man who lost but hard to leave out. Like Poirot he stayed on longer than most would in his position but never stopped causing England problems with his ball carrying. His set-piece work was on-point and on an individual note he should be proud.
3) Jiwon Koo – Completing our front-row is again a man who’s side lost but against a massive Springboks pack he produced a huge performance. All competition his team out-did themselves and once again he did so here.
4) Brodie Retallick – Returning to the starting line-up and if we are honest you wouldn’t have noticed he had only played 30 minutes of rugby since July. Dominated the collisions and was fantastic at the set-piece. His seamless return proves how good he is. He is a vital component to this New Zealand team and his recovery has put them back in the driving seat.
5) Maro Itoje – He has had an unbelievable tournament so far and that continued on Saturday. His physicality is just something to behold at the highest level of the game and that is why we moved him to five as we had to get him into the team. His battle with Retallick this weekend will be key to who wins the match.
6) Michael Leitch – He might have lost but he has led his Japanese side to history and was immense yesterday. As we expected he had to be physical and didn’t shy away against the Boks powerhouses but it was his handling skills that caught the eye also as he produced a couple of offloads that Sonny Bill Williams would have been proud of. What a player and leader!
7) Tom Curry – Is the second of three players to have worn the number six jersey for their side in our back-row but he was just too good to leave out. Michael Hooper was outstanding but for determination and smacking tackles Curry had to be in. At 21 he has stepped up on the biggest stage of all and not looked out of place. The future looks bright and he will be tested to the max in the semi-final against some of the best back-rowers in the world once more.
8) Ardie Savea – Yes he also played at six, but even at scrums he went to No 8 such is his versatility and quality with ball in hand. Ireland couldn’t cope with him all game. With every game he turns it up a notch and seems to be faster, stronger and more skilful. One of the best in the business and will relish the chance to face a back-row like England’s this weekend.
