Rugby World Cup team of the week |Barrett, Hooper, Tuilagi
Rugby NewsSunday, 22 September 2019 at 17:49
The opening weekend at this year’s Rugby World Cup is now done and dusted.
Japan kicked off the tournament on Friday night by beating Russia before Australia, France and New Zealand claimed wins on day two.
On Sunday, Italy, Ireland and England all claimed bonus-point victories on day three of the Rugby World Cup.
But who were the standout performers? Here is our selection – do you agree?
Rugby World Cup team of the week:
Fullback: Beauden Barrett (New Zealand) - Effortlessly transitioned back to fullback in a pressure-filled Test against the Springboks. Somehow made a superb clear inside his own goal after taking a diving pass from Reece. Shook off a brutal boot to the face to slot an important penalty late on.
Winger: Kotaro Matsushima (Japan) -The speedster claimed three of his side’s four tries against Russia to earn himself the honour of scoring the first hat-trick by any Japanese player at a World Cup.
Centre: Manu Tuilagi (England) - The star performer by a country mile, scoring two tries as England overcame Tonga. The first try was born out of his brute strength while the second try was more of a case of right place.
Centre: Gael Fickou (France) - Almost cost his side with a soft penalty in the closing stages but that aside, the centre was back to his outstanding best, scoring his first test try in three years.
Winger: Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa) - The Springboks best player against the All Blacks by a country mile. Brilliant on attack and brave in defence.
Fly-half: Ben Volavola (Fiji) - Their star man against Australia. He has matured well since his World Cup debut against England at Twickenham four years ago. His time with the Crusaders, North Harbour and Racing 92 appears to have served him very well, as his tactical kicking and game management shone.
Scrum-half: Aaron Smith (New Zealand) - His tackling really stood out and it became futile for the Springboks to attack inside him at the line, even though he's small in stature. Box kicks were good and never really put a foot wrong in the hour he played.
Prop: Cian Healy (Ireland) - Absolutely destroyed Scotland tighthead WP Nel in a scrum before half time. Schmidt changed the props early on, but the game was won
Hooker: Jamie George (England) - Excellent in the lineout as he hit all of his throws and scored a try.
Prop: Tadhg Furlong (Ireland) - Strong scrummaging and looked dominant in defensive zones against Scotland.
Lock: Maro Itoje (England) - Handful for the Tongan pack particularly at the lineout where he has turned gap closing into an art form.
Lock: Guido Petti – Despite defeat against France, the Pumas lock was imperious on his 49th cap at the lineout while also making seven huge tackles and sensationally ran 57 metres with the ball in hand.
Flanker: Ardie Savea (New Zealand) - Made tackles, showed his undeniable speed, sidestepped a winger and caused havoc at the breakdown. Well and truly found his playstyle and it is something special to witness.
Flanker: Michael Hooper (Australia) - Was busy, as usual, with 15 carries and making all but one of his tackles. Satisfactory day at the office as he led his side to a win against Fiji.
Number 8: Sergio Parisse (Italy) - He became only the third man to play in five World Cups, matching the totals of compatriot Mauro Bergamasco and Samoa's Brian Lima, and his 141st international cap also drew him level with former Ireland and British Lions captain Brian O'Driscoll in second place on the all-time list. His performance wasn't bad either as Italy overcame Namibia.
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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