Our man, James Harrop-Griffiths, fancies himself as a bit of a scout. He's got a damned good pedigree, having spotted the likes of me, a bumbling, awkward fresher at university, to oversee the ultimate transformation into a bumbling, awkward, drunk fresher at university. And so, to that end, he's produced a Power of Five list that even Captain Planet would be envious of. Apologies for the 90s cartoon reference there.
Five to Watch
One of my favourite aspects of most of the sports I follow is the excitement over a potential new star, someone I have seen play for their club and think, “Wow, this kid has got it.” I certainly do not claim to know 100% what exactly “it” is, but I will back myself to have a damn good guess. These players more often than not sprinkle class over the field of play, whether it’s technique, mental strength, athleticism or just ‘right time, right place’ accuracy. This is relevant for all sports, however in rugby, we often look at the line breakers, the tactical gurus, the goose steppers, the finishers, and of course the ability to absolutely pole axe an unsuspecting, yellow-booted fly half face-first into mud. The latter being my favourite, naturally.
We all have our favourite players for a variety of reasons;
we all know our club stars, our countries’ stars, we have all made the £10 bet with
a mate declaring “this lad will play for his country”. I love it, I love it so
much that I envy the world’s sports scouts, who are sent across the globe
looking for the latest talent to sign and bring to the club, put resource into
and eventually see them grow to the top of their sport.
The World Cup is the theatre for those who have reached
their highest ability, who play for their teammates, fans, and countries, and
for those that provide magnificent entertainment! I have selected 5 players who
personify these qualities. Throughout last season I’ve seen them play for their
clubs and countries, performing wholeheartedly with a unique aura and talent
and, importantly, a commitment to the cause. They have the potential to shine at this
tournament, the greatest stage, the big show, Rugby World Cup 2015.
And so, without further delay, I give to you, my 5 to watch.
1. MATTHEW MORGAN: (Age:
23, Position: Fly Half/Full Back, Club: Bristol, Country: Wales)
The surprise call-up to the Wales squad by Gatland and, even
before Halfpenny was injured, Morgan was always earmarked as Wales’ diminutive
secret weapon. Cool, calm, fleet of foot
and no fear in defence or attack, I predict Morgan will make step up for Wales
in this tournament and produce some more highlight-reel worthy footage, like
the below. A throwback to the Barry John and Phil Bennett golden era, 5ft8
Morgan has speed, guile, subtlety and excellent vision – a ‘classic’ Welsh
player. Now playing regular rugby at 10
for Bristol (also being a distinguished 15), he has a confidence and X Factor
that will catch the eye and produce some spark (and maybe upset) to Pool A – if
he gets the chance.
2. IAIN HENDERSON (Age:
23, Position: Second Row/Back Row, Club: Ulster, Country: Ireland)
How do Ulster keep producing such fantastic rugby talent?! I commend the club structures, academies and the
Ulstermen genes. They have found a gem. Whether he is wearing jersey 5 or 6,
Henderson has shown an appetite for work and exudes power that is comparable to
Paul O’Connell and Ulster legend Stephen Ferris – and both are now offering the
youngster their guidance as he looks to secure a starting position in Schmidt’s
Ireland. He possesses great pace, power and a game intelligence to always make
an important contribution at the right time, whilst not being fazed by anyone. He will have plenty of attention now, and I
look forward to seeing him help Ireland into the knockout stages from Pool D.
3. ANTHONY WATSON (Age:
21, Position: Wing/Full Back, Club: Bath, Country: England)
Arguably this lad has already made it, having secured the 14
jersey for England in the opening game. Watson
was an unknown star only a year ago, but his quality was undoubted. Having followed his mentor Toby Booth to Bath
in 2013, he has excelled physically and tactically to add to his blistering
pace, and - quite frankly - ridiculous feet and movement. The two tries versus France at Twickenham
offer only a glimpse into the potentially breath-taking and crucial tries
Watson will score in this tournament and beyond. His first outing against Nemani Nadolo will
test his defence and mental strength but I expect him to pass with FLYING
colours. Note that Watson scored 25 tries in 21 caps for England U20s, and
depending on England’s progress, could become a leading try scorer in the
tournament.
4. NEHE MILNER-SKUDDER (Age: 24, Position: Wing/Full Back, Club: Manawatu & Hurricanes, Country: New Zealand)
Firstly, what a name! NMS (as we shall call him) is an explosive
trickster with his running lines and quite outrageous side steps, goose steps,
kick steps; you name it, he’s got it. With the ability to beat a player on a
penny coin, he has made some seasoned campaigners in Super 15 and Rugby
Championship look very ordinary as they grasped at thin air clouds formed in
his wake. Steve Hansen has had no choice
but to inject this player into the All Blacks setup, at the expense of proven Test
quality in Cory Jane and Israel Dagg. With
an NRL background before switching to union in 2011, his ability has slowly
grown over the last few years as he learnt the game, before bursting onto
radars in style during the 2015 Super 15 campaign for the Hurricanes, helping
them all the way to the final. Keep an
eye on NMS - expect the unexpected.
5. EBEN ETZEBETH (Age: 23, Position: Second Row, Club: Western Province & Stormers, Country: South Africa)
He’s already risen to prominence with Western Province,
Stormers and the Springboks - so much so, the South African press have created
more column inches on his calf strain than the English press did over Beckham’s
metatarsal in 2002. This giant man mountain is vitally important to the Boks
and, with stats of 6 ft 8 and 21 stone, he was never going to be
missed on a rugby field - or even your local coffee shop. The sheer strength of the man is mind boggling
at such a young age - this boy dispatched all men against him on debut in June
2012 and, although he has already been around for 3 years, I predict this to be
his tournament. He will be a force the Scottish will have to combat in the Group
to avoid a humiliating defeat up front; he has power, pace, line out nerve,
fearless defence and a genuine aura that all truly great second rows have. The
Boks have managed to combine Matfield and Bakkies into one 23 year old machine;
a terrifying prospect and a key component to a possible Bok resurgence in the
tournament.
Honourable Mentions:
- Harumichi Tatekawa (Japan): Igniting a Japanese onslaught with management and skill. Snapped up by Brumbies for temporary cover, providing him valuable experience going into the tournament.
- Pablo Matera (Argentina): A man who has the future of Argentina rugby on his young shoulders and will never have to pay for a glass of Malbec in Buenos Aires again.
- Sean McMahon (Australia): Hard as nails, quick off the mark and huge physicality.
- Tim Nanai-Williams (Samoa): Will find the gap before you’ve finished saying his name.
- John Hardie (Scotland): Parachuted or possibly nuclear launched into a Scottish team crying out for class at 7. Still no club but winning fans in the Highlands regardless of his accent.
- Nemani Nadolo (Fiji): Massive Fijian, dubbed the Jonah Lomu of Fiji and the modern game, who brings 122kg of pure pace and power. Watch out England and Wales, this guy is coming for you.
- Remaldo Bothma (Namibia): The Durban based Namibian tackling machine and star. Will take over from Jacques Burger as the heart of their team.
- Michele Campagnaro (Italy): The baby faced assassin for Italy, give him the 13 jersey - "Il O’Driscolla", I have heard him been called! Exeter have poached brilliantly.
- Jesse Kriel (South Africa): Lit up the recent Rugby Championship and a starter from game 1 of the Super 15 this year.
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