Joining the Rugby World Cup elite needs the element of surprise | Eddie Butler

Apart from the 1987 All Blacks – the very best from 1 to 15 – an unregarded player often emerges to stir a sideThis is a bit of a strange one. To speculate now on the identity of the player or the nature of the happening that will be adjudged after the event to be the surprise of the World Cup rather takes the surprise out of it all. It is certain, however, that somebody unexpected will shine or that something unforeseen will happen. It’s what adds a little mystery and allure to a tournament whose seven finals have been contested by five teams.Wales very nearly broke into the elite group of fi…