rwc stars 11-9-15

With a week to go to the rugby world cup here are some of the stars I expect to see shine in this year’s world cup

Julian Savea (New Zealand)

The All Black wing tormented England last summer with the power as well as cleverness of his running, just as he has done to every defence since making his debut. A superstar. He is definitely one to watch out for in the world cup playing for the best team in the world can only help him

George North (Wales)

A man who has the capacity to do as Savea has done: to be a player who gets the crowd on the edge of its seat and the opposition on full alert. North is Wales' strike weapon, a real threat to England's prospects. A top welsh star in an average Welsh team for him to shine wales will have to go very far in this years world cup.

Israel Folau (Australia)

A triple-code genius, able to adapt whether it be Aussie Rules, rugby league or union. He and North were the draw cards of the Lions tour, vying with each other for the most stunning solo scores. Folau can attack from anywhere. I had not heard of him in the world of rugby but Australia are a giant in rugby circles definitely

Kieran Read (New Zealand)

A key men in the New Zealand brain trust, an  athletic No8 forward, always in the right place and always doing the right things. Alongside Richie McCaw, the pair direct operations between them. One of the few names that I had heard of in the world of Ocenia rugby and one that will be a star definitely this year

Jonathan Sexton (Ireland)

Sexton will be back in the Irish bosom by the time the World Cup begins, his two years playing at Racing Metro in Paris at an end. The return home will boost the fly-half's morale, put him more at ease with himself, and that is good news for all Ireland fans. His boot will give Ireland points for sure and if he steps up to be the leader we know he can Ireland will be one of the best in the world.

Gael Fickou (France)

There was a time when a World Cup gallery of stars would have included half a dozen Frenchmen, blessed with flair or forward-based ferocity. How times have changed. Fickou, the young Toulouse centre, has the potential to remind us of Gallic glory days, all grace and speed. The French are an interesting team filled with unbillable good and bad performances weeks apart if they are expected to shine this year he will be the one to do so.

Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)

The Springboks still exude a sense of menace in all that they do. To beat them you have to stop them, be it upfront or behind. It's a macho challenge and Etzebeth, the young South African lock, has inherited the mantle of Bakkies Botha: the enforcer. South Africa are expected to reach the quarter finals and it will be there where he will be expected to shine as early as he can in the world cup especially with South Africa having an easier pool.

Sam Burgess (England)

A powerhouse presence in rugby league, can Burgess do what he has done so successfully in Australia for England as a union centre, or even in the back row? It is a monumental task, one that would be beyond the capability of many. Burgess, though, is exceptional. He has presence. Presence may be well and good but if he does not understand what he is doing is right within the law he may have a few problems adjusting to the game from Rugby League but England will be a force.

Niki Goneva (Fiji)

Goneva has proved to be a dynamic force in the Premiership for Leicester, a player with magic in his feet as well as power in his legs. Fiji are in England's pool and if the Fijian forwards can get ball, then Goneva will be dangerous. Fiji, Samoah and Tonga produce quality players time after time and he will be one to watch out for but in the group that they are what can he do I am not sure

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/rugby-world-cup/pictures/11102195/Mick-Clearys-nine-Rugby-Union-World-Cup-stars-to-watch.html?frame=2950113