THE SECRET PLAYER

Our former pro provides a unique insight into the game

WHEN IT comes to the cream of the crop – when we’re talking about the very best of the Rugby World Cup – it fundamentally comes down to the luck of having the very best players in the world fit and ready to make a difference.

Cast your mind back to the Jonny Wilkinson drop-goals; think of the Dan Carter clutch kicks. We were lucky they made it through the tournament unscathed. It also makes you think of Ireland now with Johnny Sexton. Is he going to be ready for it all, having served time out for mistreating match officials? How much of a difference will that make to Ireland’s prep and indeed their confidence? Because there is no denying he has been their talisman over recent years.

Then you look at the players who it feels like the universe want to be the key men but aren’t quite there right now. Quade Cooper has looked rudderless for Australia and young Carter Gordon has got his chance. It’s an interesting topic because in New Zealand there will always be the debate over Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo’unga – who should get the No 10 jersey? Are England the same with Owen Farrell at centre? These are the big names.