Rugby World Cup 2019 Player Of The Tournament: The Contenders

Whether it’s scoring tries or carving out openings to create for others, the skillful and quick 28-year-old is deadly with ball in hand. Probably the best rugby player on the planet.

He was outstanding against Argentina and Australia, getting the better of the acclaimed David Pocock and Michael Hooper as England dumped the Wallabies out of the World Cup, pickinh up the man of the match award with 17 tackles.

Radrada, who was unarguably the standout performer in the pool stages, who has only a few months left on his contract at Bordeaux. The rugby league convert, nicknamed Semi-trailer, won two man of the match awards, ran for 400m, made eight clean breaks and beat 29 defenders in his four games. Unstoppable.

Tipuric’s first two performances for Wales, against Georgia and Australia, were Herculean in stature. The Welshman led by example as he set about dominating his opponents at the breakdown, stealing possession and bringing a dynamic attacking presence to Wales’ forward play - even picking up a try in the clash with the Georgians. 

The 23-year-old made 161m in three matches, and his strength and aggression drew comparisons with All Blacks back-row wrecking ball Ardie Savea.

The wing has been electric for the Japanese, having ran in a total of five tries to make him the leading scorer alongside Josh Adams. His injections of pace helped alleviate Japan’s initial nerves against Russia in the tournament opener while his performance in the win over Ireland was sublime, serving as a constant threat.