3. PIETER-STEPH DU TOIT – SOUTH AFRICA
Pieter-Steph du Toit was simply phenomenal against Scotland, and was a decisive figure in the outcome of Sunday’s can’t-miss match. Starring in both attack and defence for the Springboks, du Toit battled his way over to score a key try early in the second half, as well as asserted his ever-present defensive dominance on the Scottish back-line.
Each of du Toit’s seven completed tackles hit like a truck, with his physicality further imposed at the breakdown. The Tokyo Verblitz man muscled his way for 26 metres in attack, with each of his six carries coming at the extent of a bruised Scottish defender. The openside flanker beat Scotland black and blue in attack and defence, with each collision wearing down the defensive structure of Gregor Townsend’s men, for an eventual Springboks win.
The winner of the 2019 World Rugby Men’s Player of the Year put in an inspired performance, and reminded the international rugby landscape as to why he won this accolade four years ago. Du Toit took home the award just two days after South Africa lifted the Web Ellis trophy in Japan, and history could well repeat itself if du Toit and the Springboks maintain this impressive run of dominance.
4. BUNDEE AKI – IRELAND
The Ireland centre was at his very best for the opening match of Pool B, as he ran roughshod on Romania for the full 80 minutes, despite the sweltering heat in Bordeaux. Aki crossed over to two tries against the Eastern Europeans, with Andy Farrell’s men hitting top gear in a match that presented little issues. The only slip-up was when Romania scored a break-away try in the opening minutes, however, few would have believed that Farrell’s side were set to suffer such a shocking defeat, given their status as world number one.
Admittedly, Ireland were a different class against Romania in this 12-try landslide. However, this match was more than just a try-scoring fest for Ireland, who know all too well the importance of points difference in this year’s ‘Pool of Death’. With Scotland and South Africa alongside them, Ireland had to establish a healthy margin of victory, should the pool stage progression come down to point’s difference on the 8th of October.
Aki made a huge contribution for Ireland, as he broke the gain-line repeatedly in each of his 20 carries. Aki finished the match at the top of the carries chart, as well as making the most metres with the ball in hand. The centre steamrolled his way through Romania, to make 240 total metres in this one-way contest. Ireland take on Tonga next Saturday, in what is expected to be more of a challenge against the Sea Eagles. Aki will once again need to be firing on all cylinders, to take on a Tongan side that has recently been re-enforced by former All Blacks Charles Piutau and Malakai Fekitoa.
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