The group stages of the 2023 Rugby World Cup have produced some of the most thrilling matches in the tournament’s history. In fact, many believe that Ireland’s 13-8 win over defending champions South Africa was the greatest ever.
The tournament has also produced a huge shock, with lowly Portugal overcoming a much stronger Fiji side. As we proceed through the knockouts, fans will be hoping for more, but which players have stood out in the competition so far?
Ben Earl: England
England’s Ben Earl had already impressed in the group stages, as he showed his versatility. The flanker had been crucial in defence in a tight match against Argentina before showing an attacking threat in the follow up versus Japan.
Earl then produced a game-winning play in England’s quarter final with Fiji, intercepting and running half the length of the pitch to win a penalty.
The 2003 champions now head to the semifinals as third favourites to win the tournament, but Earl’s performances could upset those sports betting markets.
Bundee Aki: Ireland
An early contender for player of the tournament, Bundee Aki is flying home after his Ireland team were defeated in a thrilling quarter final with New Zealand. The veteran centre left a huge impact on the tournament, scoring four tries in the group stages, including a vital five-pointer in the narrow win over South Africa.
Aki showed all of his quality and experience as he added another try in that heartbreaking loss to the All Blacks. He won’t top the leading try scorer table, but his impact for the Irish will long be remembered.
Damian Penaud: France
France winger Damian Penaud sits at the top of that try scorer list with six. He opened the World Cup with a stunning hat trick against Namibia before adding two more in the group win over Italy.
Opposing teams should have been aware of the threat. Penaud was the leading try scorer in this year’s Six Nations with five efforts. With France eliminated by South Africa in the quarter finals, he won’t add to his tally, but Damian Penaud may yet top that try scoring list.
Cheslin Kolbe: South Africa
Prior to his team’s dramatic quarter final win over France, South Africa’s Cheslin Kolbe had experienced a quiet World Cup. The winger had crossed the try line against Ireland in the group stages but wasn’t an automatic starter moving forward.
Against France, however, Kolbe produced a few minutes of magic to turn the game. After sprinting out of defence to block a French conversion, the Toulon player added a try for South Africa. With his team winning by a single point, Kolbe’s contributions at both ends of the pitch were pivotal.
Leicester Fainga’anuku: New Zealand
The All Blacks are looking ominous after a solid progression through the group stages and the early knockout rounds. New Zealand have rarely looked troubled in defence, while their attacking play has been led by their winger Leicester Fainga’anuku.
The Crusaders back has scored five tries so far including a hat trick against Uruguay, but he has the potential to deliver in the big games too. Speed is Fainga’anuku’s biggest asset, as he showed when latching on to Beauden Barrett’s chip to land the first try in the quarter final win over Ireland.
Nicolas Martins: Portugal
Of the developing rugby nations at this year’s World Cup, Portugal will be most proud. Everyone will remember their stunning win over Fiji, but the team had already secured some impressive results in the group stages.
After a noble bonus point defeat against Wales, Portugal drew with Georgia before inflicting that shock defeat on the Fijians. At the heart of all their good work was the flanker Nicolas Martins. After scoring a try in that loss to Wales, Martins was influential in defence and attack as the Portuguese finished the group stages strongly.
Emiliano Boffelli: Argentina
They’ve been an improving nation for many years now, and nobody should be surprised that Argentina have made the semifinals. They’ve impressed in all areas, but the Pumas would not have made it to the last four without the key performances of Emiliano Boffelli.
The Edinburgh winger has been an effective player since his international debut in 2015, and he is Argentina’s leading point scorer with 51, a record that included four penalties and two conversions in the quarter final win over Wales.
Those players who are still involved in the Rugby World Cup will be aiming to maintain those form levels as their teams go deep into the knockouts. Those representing the last four nations standing can yet influence the destiny of the trophy.
For those who are heading home, the chance of ultimate glory has passed, but these contributions will long be remembered after the tournament comes to a close.
