HALFBACKS:
#10. Damian McKenzie (New Zealand)
Stuff 10/10: “Thrived in the expansive play, able to run defenders ragged in scoring two tries, and also run his side out of trouble while at fullback for the final quarter. Sent one left-foot kick dead, while booted 8/11 off the tee in what were tricky conditions.”
Honourable mentions: Felipe Etcheverry (Uruguay), Antoine Hastoy (France), Johnny Sexton (Ireland), Christian Leali’ifano (Samoa)
#9. Cobus Reinach (South Africa)
Rugby 365 9/10: “It was an incredible performance by the No.9. He was amazing on attack. He scored the Springboks’ first try at the back of the scrum and bagged a hat-trick in the 23rd minute – missing his World Cup record by just three minutes. He was calm and read the game really well.”
Honourable mentions: Conor Murray (Ireland), Cam Roigard (New Zealand), Jonathan Taumateine (Samoa)
FRONT-ROW:
#1. Joe Marler (England)
RUCK 8/10: Highly disruptive in the breakdown and a dominant force in the scrum. An exceptional performance highlighted by a accidentally clever assist late on.”
Honourable mention: Ox Nche (South Africa)
#2. Sam Matavesi (Fiji)
Rugby Pass 8.5/10: “Completed his first six throws at the lineout and showed magnificent skill on a lineout play to rip a long pass out to the backs. Still finished with a team-high six carries.”
#3. Luke Tagi (Fiji)
Rugby Pass 8/10: “The powerful prop gave Fiji good gain line with four carries. He put in a mammoth effort after being recalled into action. Off at 50 but back on from 58, Tagi finished with nine tackles, anchored a strong Fijian scrum & maul throughout his time on.”