Rugby World Cup 2011: Ones To Watch - Part 2: Southern Hemisphere

 

Tonga
Soane Tonga'uiha is one of the most effective props in the Aviva Premiership today. A potent attack threat, a strong runner with soft hands and assured in the loose. Tonga'uiha gets tries, he gains yards and can reduce some of the best scrummagers in the world to nervous wrecks. He is in great form at the moment and looks set to have a great World Cup. I would also recommend watching out for Atieli Pakalani during this World Cup.

Namibia
Jacques Burger is the bruising captain of Namibia and current Saracens flanker. A committed athlete he puts every ounce of effort into every game and leads by example. His intensity on the pitch is unrivalled. Burger tackles with great ferocity and likes to run with the ball in hand. Namibia will almost certainly be looking to him for inspiration at every opportunity.

Fiji
Napolioni Nalaga has the potential to be one of the most explosive players of this years Rugby World Cup. At 6ft3 and 100Kgs he is a powerhouse winger with a great turn of pace and immense strength reminiscent of the great Jonah Lomu. Nalaga has the gift of a perfectly timed hand-off which rarely misses its mark. He is likely to show us at this World Cup just why he is nicknamed 'The Next Lomu'.

Samoa
Tasesa Lavea is Samoa's experienced fly-half. He has the ability to pull the strings for Samoa. A good passer of the ball and good at offloading in the tackle, vital to keeping the pace of the game up. Lavea's goal kicking will however need to be at it's best come the world cup, as the big Samoan pack will look to grind through sides and gain kickable penalties. Expect a few cross field kicks heading Tuilagi's way as he is their most potent try-scoring threat.

South Africa
Zane Kirchner is likely to be a huge player for South Africa this year. Amidst a sea of big name, big game players I think this year we will see the best of Kirchner. With top quality kicking, being solid under the high ball and a ferocious defender being just a few of the qualities accredited to him, he will prove himself a worthy adversary to any opposition.

New Zealand
Dan Carter is the obvious choice really, but in a side full of such talent his presence along with Richie Mccaw could be what galvanizes the All Blacks to a World Cup victory. Dan Carters pinpoint kicking will be crucial along with his well timed runs, and the spectrum of amazing passes in his locker. Carter is undoubtedly going to play a large part in New Zealands efforts. If he can avoid injury I expect him to be 'Top Points Scorer' of the tournament.

Australia
Kurtley Beale is a talented young full back for Australia. Beale possesses great pace and can leave a lot of players trailing in his wake. His superb agility means he has a devastating step. Beale is comfortable under the high ball  and is equally comfortable when returning the ball. Whether it's the long boot up field or the up'n'under. With his great acceleration and wicked sidestep he also likes to run the ball back into the action. If he can answer the questions over his defensive work and improve his defensive positioning then I am sure we will see a future great in the making.