Top 5 tier 2 players

Rugby World cup 2015 has been a huge success in many ways, most noticeably in the competitiveness of the tier two nations against their tier one counter parts. Japans historic victory over South Africa aside, the likes of Fiji, Georgia and USA all looked more competitive than ever. Here we run through our picks for the top 5 players from these nations.

1. Ayumu Goromaru

The Japan side that took to the field etched their names into rugby folklore with their heroic win over South Africa. The man at the centre of that was Ayumu Goromaru, Japan’s goal kicking fullback. Incredibly cool under what was intense pressure on the day, Goromaru slotted 5 penalties and 2 conversions, as well as scoring a fine try for a total haul of 24 points. A further seven penalties over the two wins against Samoa and USA helped the Brave Blossoms to a record three world cup wins, making them the first side to do so and not qualify for the quarter finals. A steller effort from the Japanese, in no small thanks to the skills of Ayumu Goromaru.

2. DTH Van Der Merwe

Fans of Glasgow Warriors in the Pro12 will be familiar with the hard running and combative style that DTH Van Der Merwe possesses. Clearly he took the rest of the Rugby world by storm however, beating defenders at will in what was an impressive tournament for the Canadian flyer. Playing all four of Canadas pool games, Van Der Merwe notched four tries, beating 14 defenders in the process. Having now moved on to the Scarlets for this seasons Pro12, his try scoring exploits look set to continue.

3. Vasil Lobzhanidze

Having made his test debut aged just 18 years old in February 2015, Lobzhanidze has become one of Georgia’s standout performers. Still just 19, the diminutive scrum half made history as the youngest player ever to play at a rugby world cup, and looked completely at home as he led his side to victory over Tonga in their first match of the tournament. The future looks bright for Georgia, and with Lobzhanidze at the helm in four year’s time they could be real contenders at Japan 2019.

4. Nemani Nadolo

Fiji were handed the toughest of draws in this years world cup, finding themselves in what was probably the most competitive World Cup group on record. Never the less, the pacific islanders made sure to leave their mark with some impressive displays against quality opposition. None were as impressive as giant winger Nemani Nadolo. Touted as one to watch before the tournament, Nadolo scored a magnificent early try against England in the competitions opener to immediately deliver. He also showed his skill as a place kicker, making him his country’s top points scorer at this years World Cup - despite sitting out one game suspended. At the age of 27, it is likely we will see the big man in four years time in Japan.

5. AJ MacGinty

AJ MacGinty went the long way to the international rugby stage. Educated in Dublin’s well known Blackrock College, the skilled ten traveled to America to further his education, and it is here he made a name for himself as a stellar distributor of possession and reliable place kicker. This he showed in his performances for his adopted country in the World Cup, landing 7 penalties in a number of narrow losses for the USA. He has since been signed by Irish province Connacht, giving fans of the Pro12 a chance to see MacGinty as he furthers his career closer to home.