Rugby World Cup 2015: 10 players you must watch as the Wallabies take on the world

ESTABLISHED stars, ageing legends and young bolters. A World Cup is a place for all to shine. Here are our top 10 you should be looking out for.

17/09/2011 WIRE: Argentina's Juan Jose Imhoff runs towards the tryline during their Rugby World Cup Pool B match against Rom...

ESTABLISHED stars, ageing legends and young bolters. A World Cup is a place for any and all to shine. Here are our top 10 you should be seeking out to watch.

Damian de Allende (South Africa): This brilliant centre should be one of the stars of the World Cup. He has an enviable mix of speed, power and precision running lines. If the Springboks are to progress deep into the tournament, de Allende will be at the heart of their attacking success.

Nehe Milner-Skudder (New Zealand): It’s been a while since such an exciting winger emerged on the international scene, and unlike his recent predecessors, Milner-Skudder does not rely on the power game. The emergence of the 100kg-plus winger of the past decade has virtually killed off the small, sharp-stepping versions of yesteryear — until now. With his light feet and lightning acceleration, Milner-Skudder should see plenty of game-time and open spaces at the Cup.

David Pocock (Australia): The Wallabies’ backrower is undoubtedly the player opposition teams most fear because of his unparalleled ability to turn over possession. With pool rivals England and Wales sure to use suffocating defensive tactics, Australia’s great hope will be that Pocock’s turnovers can spark counter-attacking raids against a fractured defence.

Paul O’Connell (Ireland): The colossal captain plans to bow out in fairytale fashion by leading his nation to its first World Cup win. Ireland has enjoyed a remarkable two years and O’Connell, a lineout king and tackling machine, has been at the core. His follow-me-into-battle leadership style will be a key factor for the Irish.

Courtney Lawes (England): The Lawes legend has been building for years with only glimpses at Test level of his true potential, but in the past year he has shown himself to be a world-class lock. England will rely heavily on Lawes’ lineout prowess — particularly targeting Australia’s throw — and his impressive athleticism around the park to establish dominance.

Nemani Nadolo (Fiji): As far as tackle-busters go, Nadolo should be up there as one of the leaders of the field at the World Cup. The giant winger will be Fiji’s prized weapon against more highly fancied pool rivals Australia, England and Wales — but all three could fall victim to his line-breaking exploits. His brute power on the edge often stretches defences and creates openings inside him.

Dan Lydiate (Wales): The backrow workhorse will be a real handful at the tournament. He racks up extraordinary numbers in the tackle department and is a breakdown menace to boot. If teams are to get through the Welsh defence, it won’t be down Lydiate’s channel. In a pool of star-studded backrowers, Lydiate could shine brightest.

Juan Imhoff (Argentina): He’s only had 20 Test starts but has already bagged 16 tries. That tells you enough about the attacking threat this Pumas winger possesses, but he could have had many more in a stronger team. Imhoff is one of those players who is much stronger than he looks, frequently beating tacklers who are in good positions to shut him down, and regularly creating breaks in tight spaces near the sideline.

Tim Nanai-Williams (Samoa): The Samoans have a good record of progressing past the pool stages in World Cups and they’ll have a decent shot again, pitted alongside certainties South Africa, and vulnerable Scotland, Japan and USA. Should they get to the quarter-finals, it’ll likely be Nanai-Williams who comes up with the decisive plays.

The fullback/centre is one of the toughest players to grasp in the world with his swift sidesteps and jinks, and is a master at creating breaks.

Wesley Fofana (France): Known as ‘the Cheetah’, Fofana’s pace and step make him a formidable midfield threat. The centre has shown some glorious form in the Top 14 this year and at times has been sublime at Test level, although far too infrequently. With three years and more than 30 Tests behind him, Fofana should be ready to break out on the biggest stage here.

Originally published as Rugby World Cup 2015: 10 players you must watch as the Wallabies take on the world