New Zealand’s Dan Carter: he’s pretty good , I guess. David Jones/PA Wire.
Pool A
Dan Carter – Taking place on home soil, this World Cup should be a career-defining moment for the highest scorer in Test Rugby. The All Blacks have several players they can rely on to destroy opponents, but no one can ignore the fact that when their first-choice ten is in form and on the pitch, the Kiwis rarely lose.
The 29-year-old was used sparingly during New Zealand’s Tri-Nations campaign because Graham Henry wanted him fit and ready to go following hamstring concerns earlier this year.
His consistent kicking, creativity and eye for try-scoring opportunities – for both himself and others – have him rightly regarded as the best fly-half in rugby union right now.
Whatever the All Blacks will be up to over the coming month, Carter is guaranteed to be at the heart of it.
Thierry Dusautoir – A formidable opponent in the back-row, all signs point to a big tournament from this French international. An excellent ball carrier, whose speed and strength mark him out from the majority of forwards, the Toulouse man is equally capable of leading a strong defensive line.
He made a stunning 38 tackles to help halt the march of New Zealand at the 2007 World Cup.
Also: Sonny Bill Williams, Kieran Reed (both NZ), Maxime Medard (Fra).
Pool B
Chris Ashton – A relative newcomer to the England set-up, former Rugby League star Ashton has brought a new dimension to his country’s attacking options. A regular try scorer for Northampton Saints, the versatile centre is quick, can seemingly create space for himself from nothing and is one of the most potent threats in Martin Johnson’s squad.
His support play has marked him out as a future international for many years to come and supporters need only look at the try he scored against Australia almost a year ago for an example of his abilities. Camped on their own line, England turned the ball over and fed it out wide to Ashton, who then ducked and weaved the length of the pitch to score under the posts.
Felipe Contepomi -In the former Leinster man, the Pumas have a player who has tasted success at European club rugby’s highest level and who can play convincingly at both centre and No10.
His consistent kicking and creative running has always been vital to their cause, and if the South Americans are to halt their slide down the world rankings, Contepomi will have to commit himself to making a difference.
Also: Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe (Arg), Ben Foden (Eng), Richie Gray (Sco).
Pool C
Quade Cooper – Born in New Zealand but capped in the gold and green of Australia, the 2011 RWC will mark Cooper’s introduction to the world stage.
Coming as the high-point of a career threatened by a series of controversies away from the pitch, Cooper was named Australia’s Super 14 Player of the Year last year — scoring a record 171 points– and has continued that form into 2011, despite being strongly linked with a move to Rugby League. He opted to sign a one-year extension with the Australian Rugby Union– tying him to the Wallabies and Queenland Reds until the end of 2012– as a means of ending speculation and heads to the World Cup as Australia’s primary fly-half, the long-serving Matt Giteau having been left behind by coach Robbie Deans.
Sergio Parisse: ‘an immense ball carrier’ (Tony Marshall/EMPICS Sport)
Sergio Parisse – There is no bigger name in Italian rugby than that of Sergio Parisse.
Considered one of the best No8s in world rugby, the 27-year-old is by far his national side’s most successful player, having been nominated for IRB Player of the Year honours and captained Stade Francais at Heineken Cup level.
Born in Argentina, Parisse is an immense ball carrier and a crucial part of his country’s set-piece options. Though Italy’s results have been up and down over the years, the back row has always been a reliable performer and will be central to anything positive that comes the way of Nick Mallet’s side in the coming weeks.
Also: James O’Connor, Kurtney Beale (both Aus), Takudzwa Ngwenya (US).
Pool D
Morné Steyn - The kicking abilities of Morné Steyn have been a key feature of South Africa’s game ever since his heroic performance in the second Test of the 2009 British & Irish Lions tour, when, after replacing previous favourite Ruan Pienaar, he coolly slotted home two conversions and two penalties – including one from 53 metres out – to secure victory (and the series) for the ‘Boks.
The fly-half produced one of the great halfback performance in the following year’s Tri-Nations series, scoring all 31 of South Africa’s points during their defeat of the All Blacks at King’s Park.
The world champions play to their strengths, defend resolutely, work hard and make no apologies for the manner in which they try to grind out results. Steyn’s abilities mean they’ll succeed against all but the very best.
James Hook – When Shane Williams dazzled at the Rugby World Cup eight years ago, it heralded a bright new dawn for Welsh rugby. James Hook is part of a second generation of players following through on the winger’s initial breakthrough, and hopes will be high that the versatile back can work some magic in New Zealand.
Hook’s strength is that he is so good at many things: his distribution, kicking and tactical awareness are top class, but his eye for a counter-attack means that coach Warren Gatland can play him nearly anywhere in the back line.
A massive talent and one that supporters will be hoping can unlock the South African defence.
Also: Gio Aplon (SA), Sam Warbuton (Wal), Alesana Tuilagi (Samoa)