Close calls for Sean O’Brien and Robbie Henshaw, who only featured in two games.
The pool stages are in the history books and eight teams remain standing, with many of their players on crutches.
We are now into the knock-out stages of the tournament with four northern versus southern hemisphere clashes taking place on quarter final weekend – next Saturday and Sunday.
Before we move on, however, let us heap praise on 15 men that did their countries proud.
15. Rob Kearney (IRE)
May well benefit, here, from having missed Ireland’s borefest against Italy. Was outstanding in the opening win and a gamebreaker against France, while coming off the bench and immediately dotting down against Romania. Excellent counter-attacker, assured under the high ball and on a try-scoring streak.
14. JP Pietersen (SAF)
Still knows where the tryline and has enough nous and just enough speed to get there. Hat-trick against Samoa and too good for the Scots. England’s Anthony Watson was one of the few positives to emerge from England’s disastrous hosting of the tournament.
13. Ciaran Hearn (CAN)
A strong runner and a great linkman for his backline. Played key roles in a coupl of fine Canadian tries and made 27 carries over the gainline for a total of 177 metres. Says something, though, about the lack of outside centre dazzle when a plucky Canuck gets the nod.
12. Matt Giteau (AUS)
The classiest 12 of the tournament so far. Allows Foley to get involved in set-plays as Giteau is nearby to fill in. Soft hands, intelligent running, tryscoring and not afraid to roll his sleeves up when his side go down to 14, or 13, men. Robbie Henshaw (Ireland) was excellent in his two outings but missed Ireland’s opening romps.
11. DTH van der Merwe (CAN)
Scored a try in each of his pool matches and was next to impossible to control. A classic, classy winger that possess lethal steps off either foot and goes 0-60m in no time. Memorable try against Italy. Notable mention for Julian Savea.
10. Bernard Foley (AUS)
A brilliant tournament so far from the Waratahs out-half. His kicking has been on the money when it counts and his performance against England [28 points, including two tries] will go down in Aussie lore. They always unearth a gem for the RWC.
9. Tomas Cubelli (ARG)
Some of Argentina’s backline play has been a sensation. Much of that goes down to Cubelli. Encourages his runners on and plays sharp, flat passes as well as setting off on snipes of his own. Gareth Davies (Wales) and Aaron Smith (NZ) unlucky to miss out here.
1. Scott Sio (AUS)
Australia’s scrum was heavily questioned coming into this tournament but they have now bested England and Wales whilst taking part in a ding-dong with Fiji. Valuable tackler and carrier around the fringes.
2. Shota Horie (JAP)
Our first member of the Japanese squad and a deserved inclusion. Lineouts and scrummaging work are on point and his play in the loose is a joy to behold. Likes himself a poach too.
3. Sekope Kepu (AUS)
Along with Sio and Stephen Moore, he is part of a front row on the march. Offers himself up for more carries than he shuld be able to handle while doing more than his share of the tackling and clearing out.
4. Iain Henderson (IRE)
One of the tournaments best players so far, even if he did start the France win on the bench. His tackle count and carries have been impressive but his sheer physicality – in attack and defence – have given Ireland an added dimension and plenty of front-foot ball.
5. Leone Nakarawa (FIJI)
One of the players of the tournament. It is a shame we have to see him go so soon. Plays like a back row who can do 100-metres in 10 seconds flat. Lovely offloading ability and pitches in with a try or three.
6. Michael Leitch (JAP)
Somewhat harsh on Scott Fardy (Australia) but Leitch has been a revelation. Brings so much fire and accurate fury to the breakdown while being a hard back to track, and sack, with ball in hand. Constantly drifting into exciting backline forays.
7. Michael Hooper (AUS)
Michael Cheika’s idea to team him up with Pocock is proving inspired. Winning the breakdown is very often the winning of the match and Hooper is a titan in there. Lucky to be just banned for a game after his mindless charge on Mike Brown. Edges out Sean O’Brien (Ireland) by the merest of margins.
8. David Pocock (AUS)
The man who would be breakdown king IS king after a superb comeback from two knee operations in just over two years. Not even dynamite will shift this man from a ruck. Wins his team at least three turnovers per game.
*We aware aware that New Zealand have won all four games and yet have no player selected. Call that a mix of a weak pool and the collective flourishing ahead of the much heralded individuals.
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