Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Anthony Woolford

New Zealand media choose their team of the Rugby World Cup so far (and there's not a Welshman in sight)

It's unlikely to lead to any sleepless nights for Warren Gatland his Welsh World Cup squad out in Japan.

But the New Zealand rugby press have put out their World Cup team of the tournament so far, given all 20 sides in the Far East have now had a taste of the action.

And there's a distinct lack of Welshmen among the chosen XV, with Justin Tipuric arguably putting up the best case for inclusion from Gatland's squad following his spectacular showing in the opening 43-14 victory over Georgia.

Here's who the New Zealand Herald have chosen and the reasoning for their selections...

Beauden Barrett of the All Blacks makes a break (Getty Images)

15 Beauden Barrett (All Blacks)

Found room to move and didn't waste it. Always looked like a threat with the ball in hand, was well-positioned and played his part in two tries.

14 Kotaro Matsushima (Japan)*

The Japanese winger took it upon himself to save the hosts from their shaky opening, scoring a hat-trick against Russia. His pace, strength and flair make him a player to watch over the rest of the tournament.

*Special mention to South Africa's Cheslin Kolbe.

Manu Tuilagi of England prays after scoring his second try against Tonga (Getty Images)

13 Manu Tuilagi (England)

He was a familiar sighting when England had possession, showing his strength with ball-in-hand and running good supporting lines to score two tries.

12 Gael Fickou (France)

Put in a good, all-around performance. He beat a handful of defenders, scored a try, made plenty of tackles and even won a turnover in what was a strong start to his campaign.

11 Marika Koroibete (Australia)

Expected to be a handful on the wing for the Wallabies, Koroibete lived up to that billing with a dazzling attacking display in which he chewed through the metres and got across the stripe.

Johnny Sexton lines up a conversion in Ireland's opening World Cup clash with Scotland (Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images)

10 Johnny Sexton (Ireland)

Sexton controlled the play well and led Ireland around as they outplayed Scotland. His impact was felt across the park, with a solid defensive effort, too.

9 Tomas Cubelli (Argentina)

With the Pumas down big early, Cubelli led the comeback charge through his attacking prowess. Leading the game in running metres, Cubelli made great decisions on what to do with the ball and sparked what was almost a famous victory.

France prop Jefferson Poirot celebrates after their World Cup win over Argentina (FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)

1 Jefferson Poirot (France)

Made every tackle he attempted and got stuck in around the breakdown. He helped to provide the platform for his side to break out to an early lead.

2 Shota Horie (Japan)

Racking up the highest tackle count of the opening round, Horie welcomed ball runners and took them down one by one. He was strong at the set piece, particularly when it came to the lineout.

Fiji's prop Peni Ravai (WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images)

3 Peni Ravai (Fiji)

Muscled up at scrum and around the breakdown, made plenty of tackles and worked hard to gain extra possession.

4 Guido Petti Pagadizabal (Argentina)

It's not often a lock is the second leading metre eater in a match, but Pagadizabal worked his way to that mark. His was a fantastic performance despite the Pumas' loss, as he caused problems for the French all match.

5 Maro Itoje (England)

He put in a characteristically strong performance at the set piece and around the breakdown, was a rock defensively and tried hard on attack.

Ardie Savea playing against the Springboks (Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

6 Ardie Savea (All Blacks)

Dominant at the breakdown, Savea was credited with two turnovers but was more of a force than that. As well as putting in work in the non-glamorous areas of the game, he tackled well and threatened with ball in hand.

7 Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa)

He worked hard in the gritty areas of the game and was rewarded with a well-taken try from the back of the ruck from close range. Was a bright spot in the Springboks' average defensive effort.

8 Kazuki Himeno (Japan)

If you're looking for the most dominant player of the opening round, Himeno would have to come close. He was near unstoppable with ball in hand and near unbeatable on defence.

 
Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.