South Africa clinched a record-equalling third World Cup triumph by beating England 32-12 in Saturday's Yokohama Final to bring down the curtain on a memorable tournament.
Here Standard Sport's Will Macpherson selects his team of the tournament, looking at the players who have excelled in Japan.
15 Beauden Barrett
Just a class act. So slippery and swift, but solid under the high ball and in defence too. Barrett family scored more tries (8) than five whole teams managed.
14 Kotaro Matsushima
Edges out his team-mate Kenki Fukuoka for a spot on the wing. Lit up the opening night with a hat-trick against Russia and was a dynamic runner throughout.
13 Semi Radradra
Brilliant for Fiji, who had a tough campaign, losing to Uruguay. Gave both Australia and Wales a fright with his awesome offloading and running.
12 Damian de Allende
A colossus, and so hard to stop. The man who makes South Africa’s power game tick.
11 Josh Adams
The tournament’s top try-scorer. Honourable mention for Jonny May, who barely put a foot wrong, but Adams had a fine tournament, making 18 clean breaks.
10 George Ford
Struggled in the final but was brilliant before that. Nurdled England into strong positions with his boot, passed well, and punched above his weight in defence.
9 Faf de Klerk
So much more than an expert box kicker. South Africa’s little lieutenant guides them round the park.
1 Tendai Mtarawira
Was not starting when the tournament began but South Africa turned to his power and it paid off in handsome fashion. A legendary performance in the final.
2 Shota Horie
Punchy hooker who was at the heart of so much of Japan’s positive work. Dynamic, powerful and accurate – just like his team.
3 Kyle Sinckler
So cruel to see his final ended in sickening fashion. But had a huge impact on the tournament, especially in epic showing against Australia.
4 Maro Itoje
Itoje is becoming an outstanding all-rounder. A great carrier, but it is his work in defence and at the lineout that are most remarkable. Will be a star of 2023.
5 Alun Wyn Jones
Captain, leader, legend. Gets through so much grunt work for Wales, and made a tournament-high 79 tackles. Was his last World Cup, but still has much to give.
6 Pieter-Steph du Toit
A collision with PSDT looks like it could bring PTSD. An epic contribution from the giant flanker, who is an immovable object at the breakdown.
7 Sam Underhill
Underhill or Tom Curry? Both were phenomenal for England, and put their bodies on the line. Underhill edges it, for his thirst for dirty work.
8 Duane Vermeulen
Vermeulen was quite brilliant when it mattered, in the final two games of the tournament. Edges out the brilliant Japan No8 Kazuki Himeno.
Will Eddie Jones stay on? Have your say above!
