LIST: Five players out of form heading into the Rugby World Cup
Rugby World Cup 2019Monday, 09 September 2019 at 15:47
Not every player can head into a Rugby World Cup playing at their best and these five have struggled to put in the sort of performances we'd expect in recent weeks.
They are undoubtedly very talented individuals, but their countries supporters will be hoping to see more from them when the showpiece kicks off in Japan a week on Friday.
1. Jonathan Davies (Wales)
An up-and-down couple of weeks for the centre. His defence has been far from sturdy and his attacking hasn't been noteworthy, especially against Ireland in Dublin although it could be argued he didn't have a platform to work off. The player of the series from the 2017 British & Irish Lions tour, Warren Gatland will be hoping Davies is simply keeping his best for Japan.
2. Adam Hastings (Scotland)
The only back-up they have for their star man Finn Russell. After not being involved much, getting a start against Georgia was his chance to prove he can do the business. He just still doesn't look assured and must learn to control the pace of games if he is to become a viable World Cup option for Scotland.
3. Jonathan Joseph (England)
Only recently returning from injury, the Bath centre has struggled to build any momentum heading into the Rugby World Cup. Made a great start in the first game against Wales, but he struggled to make an impression a week later and seemed happy to provide a link rather than take centre stage. He's since missed two games through injury, killing any chance of breaking into Eddie Jones first XV heading into the tournament.
4. Bernard Foley (Australia)
Foley, Australia’s ‘Iceman’ after a clutch kick in the Wallabies’ quarter-final victory over Scotland at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, now finds himself behind Christian Lealiifano and Matt Toomua in the pecking order three weeks out from the tournament in Japan. His goalkicking, which kept him in the team, is simply not on the same level right now.
5. Jean Kleyn (Ireland)
More still needed to justify selection ahead of Devin Toner. The South African-born lock's carrying has brough little reward and he's coughed up a number of needless penalties in the last few weeks. He is someone who is certainly under a lot of pressure heading into the World Cup.
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