Rugby World Cup XV: Pool Stages

As the final 8 teams prepare for their quarterfinals this coming weekend, Bet Central puts together the best XV of the Pool stages.

15. Liam Williams (Wales)

Hugo Keenan, Thomas Ramos, and Damian Willemse have all been brilliant at this World Cup. But the fullback who has quietly stolen the headlines is Liam Williams.

The Welshman has been so good covering the backfield and has been an able playmaker on attack. His boot has been massive for Wales.

Honourable mention: Hugo Keenan (Ireland)

14. Damian Penaud (France)

The best winger in the world by quite a margin. The ease with which Damian Penaud has scored some very difficult tries is a testament to his quality. That has been on full display through the Pool stages.

Louis Rees-Zammit has had some standout moments of his own. Apart from a bad 1st game, Emiliano Boffelli has looked good.

Honourable mention: Louis Rees-Zammit (Wales)

13. Waisea Nayacalevu (Fiji)

A huge part of why Fiji have made the quarterfinals for the 3rd time in their history is the performances of captain and outside centre Waisea Nayacalevu. The Toulon centre hasHonorable mention: George North (Wales) been a supreme ball carrier and his decision-making has been at a very high level.

Garry Ringrose and Wales’ George North have been very good in their nations’ pool stages and both will be hoping for that to continue in the quarterfinals.

Honourable mention: George North (Wales)

12. Bundee Aki (Ireland)

Josua Tuisova, Nick Tompkins, Damian de Allende, all of these inside centres have looked good at respective stages in this World Cup.

But Bundee Aki has been the best of the lot with his abrasive carrying-on attack, he hasn’t just been a battering ram but his link-up play has been very good. A standout in the pool stages.

Honourable mention: Nick Tompkins (Wales)

11. Mark Telea (New Zealand)

The Blues MVP this season in Super Rugby Pacific and close to being the MVP for the All Blacks at this World Cup, Mark Telea has had a memorable year in the black jersey. Even in the losing effort in the World Cup opener, he was a standout player.

Fellow New Zealander Leicester Fainga’anuku has been excellent when called upon to start. The same can be said of Monty Ioane in a difficult Italian campaign.

Honourable mention: Leicester Fainga’anuku (New Zealand)

10. Johnny Sexton (Ireland)

His World Cup participation was in doubt pre-tournament due to a pending suspension and when Johnny Sexton was cleared to play in time for the World Cup, it would have a sigh of relief for the neutral spectator. His game management has been of high quality throughout the tournament so far.

Mathieu Jalibert has been excellent, and Richie Mo’unga has been good. Gareth Anscombe and George Ford have had their moments.

Honourable mention: Richie Mo’unga (New Zealand)

9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland)

It almost feels weird to have any player other than Antoine Dupont at 9 such is his quality, but the Frenchman despite starting well was injured in their 3rd game of the pool stage allowing Jamison Gibson-Park to edge ahead.

The New Zealand-born Irishman has been excellent in tandem with Sexton. He sets the tempo for Ireland and is unplayable at times. Gareth Davies has also been very good.

Honourable mention: Gareth Davies (Wales)

8. Gregory Alldritt (France)

Earlier in the year Caelan Doris threatened to take away the title of best 8th man in the world from Gregory Alldritt, but through his performances at this World Cup, he has wrestled that title back. A world-class proponent of 8th man plays in every aspect.

Taulupe Faletau has been excellent, likewise Ben Earl for England. Doris himself has been good.

Honourable mention: Taulupe Faletau (Wales)

7. Levani Botia (Fiji)

The loss to Portugal is a bit of a blight for Levani Botia who has otherwise been in a league of his own in the openside ranks in this tournament. His breakdown work has been impeccable, ball carrying has been even better and his defensive work – outstanding.

Jac Morgan has probably been closest to Botia, he is a showstopper at openside flank, and his added leadership makes him that much more effective.

Honourable mention: Jac Morgan (Wales)

6. Peter O’Mahony (Ireland)

Ireland would not be as good as they are without Peter O’Mahony for the simple fact that no one can replicate the kind of industry that he brings around. He provides equilibrium for Ireland and he is crucial if they are to go deep in this tournament.

Courtney Lawes has had a good tournament likewise Pieter-Steph du Toit who is slowly finding his 2019 form again.

Honourable mention: Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa)

5. Theo McFarland (Samoa)

The only player in this XV whose tournament ended in the pool stages, Theo McFarland’s Samoa failed to cut, but through his dynamic performances, he makes this team. The Saracens forward has freakish athleticism to add to his hard edge. He was also very good at the set-piece.

Will Skelton showed some early promise in the tournament, while Scott Barrett has had some good contributions. Japan’s Amato Fakatava was excellent throughout including one of the most memorable tries of the tournament.

Honourable mention: Amato Fakatava (Japan)

4. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)

Eben Etzebeth’s form over the past 2 seasons has been really good and going into the tournament, he was the man to watch at 4. But at this World Cup, he has been slightly outdone by Tadhg Beirne.

The Munster lock has been excellent in this tournament. His engine means Ireland plays with a 4th loose forward and his defensive contribution is unreal. Special mention to Cameron Woki.

Honourable mention: Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)

3. Tomas Francis (Wales)

With Tyrel Lomax injured for the bulk of the pool stages as well as Tadhg Furlong and Frans Malherbe not regularly hitting the heights, we have become accustomed to. It’s fallen on the other tightheads outside this quality trio to stand up and be counted.

Tomas Francis has been the brightest of the lot as he helped Wales get into the playoffs of the Rugby World Cup. Luke Tagi of Fiji deserves a mention along with Uini Atonio of France.

Honourable mention: Luke Tagi (Fiji)

2. Peato Mauvaka (France)

Julien Marchand’s injury misfortune has opened the door for Peato Mauvaka to have an impact on proceedings for France. The Toulouse hooker has looked good whether starting or coming off the bench, a bit overeager at times, but still a positive contributor all-round.

Dan Sheehan is only just finding his best form now. Codie Taylor and Jamie George have both been tidy.

Honourable mention: Jamie George (England)

1. Eroni Mawi (Fiji)

Another tight 5 forward who contributes like a loose forward with his incredible work rate and intensity. Eroni Mawi has had a tournament to remember for Fiji, he has scrummaged well.

Angus Bell was one of Australia’s better players in a frustrating tournament for the Wallabies.

Honourable mention: Angus Bell (Australia)