...Round 1 According to Stuff opinion piece...
..15. Beauden Barrett (New Zealand). Brilliant attacking display and got the All Blacks out of trouble with one incredible kick under pressure.
HANNAH PETERS/GETTY IMAGESAll Blacks fullback Beauden Barrett bisects Frans Malherbe and Eben Etzebeth to set up George Bridge's try.14. Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa). Was harder to pin down than a rumour and is one of the best advertisements for rugby's often-said (and often ignored) 'game for all sizes' line.
13. Anton Lienert-Brown (New Zealand). Will be hard to take the All Blacks' No 13 jersey off the Chiefs' midfielder in current form although his ability to play 12 or 13 makes him such an asset on the bench.
12. Gael Fickou (France). Has been overhyped for years but finally looked elusive against Argentina. France need him to step up in Wesley Fofana's absence.
11. Josh Adams (Wales). Had a field day in the first half against Georgia as the Welsh ran some lovely lines from first-phase attack. Finished up with a try and 100-plus running metres.
10. Richie Mo'unga (New Zealand). Nailed a pressure penalty kick with his last act and his try-saving tackle on Kolbe might not be bettered in the entire tournament.
9. Aaron Smith (New Zealand). Box kicks were accurate, passing was largely excellent and made some incredibly brave tackles on men twice his size.
8. CJ Stander (Ireland). Not the most naturally talented loose forward but his determination is incredible. Wanted it far more than any Scot.
7. Ardie Savea (New Zealand). Ranged wide when the All Blacks attacked and then defended one of the ruck to pounce for turnovers when it got tight in the second half.
JAE HONG/APPieter-Steph du Toit scored a try during his fine game for the Springboks against the All Blacks in Yokohama.6. Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa). Shot out of the line once too often but was otherwise excellent and has an incredible engine for a big man.
5. Scott Barrett (New Zealand). Easy to forget that when Brodie Retallick missed the France series last year Barrett was the All Blacks' standout forward.
4. Guido Petti (Argentina). Inspirational figure with ball in hand, while Los Pumas' lineout was accurate. Having a huge year.
3. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland). Contributed to a serious injury to a Scottish player with his ruck cleanout but can't deny his overall impact.
APIreland's Tadhg Furlong crunches over for a try against Scotland during their Rugby World Cup clash.2. Tolu Latu (Australia). Quite the comeback after being found slumped behind the wheel of a car in Sydney in May. Low centre of gravity makes him so hard to stop.
1. Steven Kitshoff (South Africa). Virtually impossible to bring down in contact but did Rassie Erasmus leave him on too long? Looked cooked as Boks coughed up a crucial scrum penalty on their own ball after 63 minutes.
