This was published 9 years ago
Rugby World Cup 2015: Matthew Burke's team of crowd favourites
By Matthew Burke
As the 2015 Rugby World Cup draws to a close it's time to look back at who made a difference in the tournament.
Now I thought I would take a little bit of a different view on choosing a team of the tournament because it's of course going to be stacked with Aussies and Kiwis since they were contesting the final, so I thought I would base it on the crowd favourites.
I was fortunate to spend two weeks over in the old dart and the atmosphere was just brilliant. The locals came out to play, throw in the international crew and the support for all the teams was immense, so I think that's where I will start.
Not even the early exit of the hosts could slow the momentum of the tournament. Nearly 2.5 million people attended games with over 250 tries scored, with the gap closing between the top nations and what were the minnows. To me that sounds like a big tick in the box for world rugby.
A tournament to remember: Ayumu Goromaru.Credit: Getty Images
No.15 Ayumu Goromaru, Japan
Set the tone for the Cherry Blossoms for success with his masterful kicking and his ability with the ball in hand. Always seemed to have time and space on the ball. At age 29,hopefully he will be around for the next RWC in his backyard.
No.14 Nehe Milner-Skudder, New Zealand
14. Nehe Milner-Skudder Credit: David Rogers
Just an unbelievable step that sets him apart from every other player. Great balance allows him to change direction sharply and leave defenders clutching at air. Such an engaging player to watch because something is going to happen on every touch of the ball.
No.13 Johan Deysel, Namibia
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 24: Johan Deysel of Namibia celebrates his teams opening try during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Pool C match between New Zealand and Namibia at the Olympic Stadium on September 24, 2015 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)Credit: Getty Images
Purely for bumping off Malakai Fekitoa, in crossing the line to score the try against New Zealand and in the process winning over the crowd at the Olympic Park.
No.12 Rey Lee-Lo, Samoa
Took some time to get going from the Pacific Island nation but the highlight was the down to the wire game against Scotland where the "Razor" started to come into his own.
No.11 Nemani Nadolo, Fiji
Fijian Flyer: Nemani Nadolo celebrates a five-pointer.Credit: Getty Images
Put the fear into the English, Welsh and the Aussies with his powerful running. We knew what was coming from his time at the Crusaders but the world stage proved just that. He is a player to be reckoned with.
No.10 Nicolas Sanchez, Argentina
11.Credit: Stu Forster
Really came of age as an international five-eighth, controlling the games by varying the speed and tempo of his backline. Plus his ability to kick effortless goals got me from the first strike.
No.9 Greig Laidlaw, Scotland
L1Credit: Shaun Botterill
Nearly constructed a victory over the Aussies and in turn a quarter-final berth. Just an absolute general at the back of the scrum, bossing players around. Picked up a cool 26 points against Samoa.
No.8 Mamuka Gorgodze, Georgia
Georgia captain Mamuka Gorgodze scores his team's first try against Argentina.Credit: Getty Images
Captaining a tier-two nation takes courage, but the gallant No. 8 led with guts and vigour, often prone to break the advantage line.
No.7 David Pocock, Australia.
Different class: David Pocock has been a standout for the Wallabies in this World Cup.Credit: Getty Images
I think he has to be the player of the tournament. I understand there are players that come up with big moments in games but the consistency of this bloke is incredible. Turnover after turnover make him very much a thorn in opposition sides.
No.6 Jacques Burger, Namibia
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 24: Jacques Burger of Namibia looks on during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Pool C match between New Zealand and Namibia at the Olympic Stadium on September 24, 2015 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)Credit: Getty Images
Retired at this RWC but had such a massive influence on rugby in his home nation. Contesting three RWCs, was always a standout performer in the team.
No.5 Leone Nakarawa, Fiji
Fiji's Leone Nakarawa makes a break against Wales.Credit: AP
Just an absolute genius on the park. Comfortable with running the ball or stealing it from the opposition and equally brilliant on the counter-attack. It was plain bad luck that Fiji landed in the pool of death, otherwise they could have found themselves advancing to the quarter-finals.
No.4 Hitoshi Ono, Japan
Japan players wave to the crowd after the Rugby World Cup Pool B match between USA and Japan at Kingsholm, Gloucester, England, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015. Japan won the match 18-28. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)Credit: Frank Augstein
One of the instigators of that win over South Africa. The 37 year old is fast approaching the century of tests, but still shows the nouse to sneak around the park. Who could ever forget that afternoon at Brighton. It set the tone of the tournament.
No.3 Tendai Mtawarira, South Africa
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 30: Tendai Mtawarira of South Africa poses for selfie photographs with fans after the 2015 Rugby World Cup Bronze Final match between South Africa and Argentina at the Olympic Stadium on October 30, 2015 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)Credit: Mike Hewitt
Playing in his home country the cries of 'Beast' resonate around the stadium and nothing has changed at this tournament. Packing down in every game at the RWC he is fast becoming a cult hero.
No.2 Agustín Creevy, Argentina
Photo: Getty Images
Every time this hooker got the ball he made metres on the pitch. Such a bullocking runner of the ball, became such a difficult man to drag down. Plays in the ilk of former Irish captain Keith Wood. A follow me type of player.
No.1 Scott Sio, Australia
History beckons: Scott Sio.Credit: Stuart Walmsley/ARU Media
If there was ever a revival of sorts this guy has stepped up. Not only controlling at scrum time but having a major influence around the park with his carries and defence.