Nehe Milner-Skudder crosses to score against Namibia. Photo / Brett Phibbs
Nehe Milner-Skudder crosses to score against Namibia. Photo / Brett Phibbs
Before the quarterfinals begin tomorrow morning, the Herald on Sunday's Gregor Paul has named his team of the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
15: Tim Nanai-Williams (Samoa)
Managed to shine and look like he was born to play test football despite being part of a Samoan side that was mostly onthe back foot and playing average rugby.
14: Nehe Milner-Skudder (New Zealand)
Has used his fast feet and innate rugby brain to score tries and create opportunities for others. Totally uninhibited at this level.
Strong, quick and powerful. Scored a superb try against Wales and no side he played could shut him down.
12: Damian de Allende (South Africa)
Was this bloke always this good? He had potential in Super Rugby and is now filling it. Strong and elusive.
11: Juan Imoff (Argentina)
Yep, he's on the wrong wing here but he has to play. Been superb at this World Cup - one of the best wings when he's let loose with a lot of space.
Bernard Foley dives over to score against England. Photo / Getty
10: Bernard Foley (Australia)
Not many people thought he was this type of player. Solid and reliable yes. At this tournament he's been way more than that.
9: Gareth Davies (Wales)
Was the man who dragged Wales back into the contest against England and bailed them out against Fiji. Brilliant running game and alive to opportunities.
8: David Pocock (Australia)
A natural openside he's managed to take his skills to the No 8 role. The world's best at the tackled ball and he pretty much beat Wales on his own.
7: Nili Latu (Tonga)
The old warrior scrapped for everything and played with typical passion and influence. Tonga will miss him when he retires.
Mamuka Gorgodze was awarded the man of the match against the All Blacks. Photo / Getty
6: Mamuka Gorgodze (Georgia)
Was man of the match against the All Blacks and he only played 44 minutes. Huge man and gifted. Was a handful when he carried the ball.
5: Leone Nakarawa (Fiji)
Who didn't love watching this guy play? Brilliant offloader - so good Sonny Bill Williams said he was the master. Did all that and won turnovers, too.
Man mountain and has been playing like he's angry. Has a physicality that few can match and gives South Africa that edge they need to intimidate.
3: Sekope Kepu (Australia)
Was once a bit crap. Now he's not. Has come of age in the last 12 months and now looks like - he was at Wesley - that he's one who got away.
2: Agustin Creevy (Argentina)
Has led the charge for the Pumas. Has shown that he was a loose forward in a former life in the way he has carried the ball. Good over the tackled ball, too.
1: Scott Sio (Australia)
There we were thinking the Wallabies couldn't scrum and along comes Sio and changes all that. Has a bit about him around the field, too.
