Best player in a "weaker" nation

In the past people have always highlighted Parisse as a top top player in a weaker team. Now, I think he can be a touch overrated, but can be great. However, with him out injured right now and weaker nations playing in the RWC, are there some more strong candidates? Tanaka for Japan, though they put in a great TEAM effort? DTH Van Der Merwe for Canada?

Personally I think Gorgodze is an even better 8 in some ways than Parisse and his influence on the pitch this weekend was huge. Who would you pick?

Big Naka even tho he didn't show much for Fiji. A player who in his best moments is completely impossible to defend against

Manoa for USA must be up there. Great, skilful 8. Versatile too.

I thought Lood de Jager looked pretty handy for South Africa

Gorgodze for me. Was immense

Notch wrote:I thought Lood de Jager looked pretty handy for South Africa

I wondered who would make that jibe first!

In all seriousness, Leitch and Tanaka were both very good for Japan, I would absolutely love a monster like Gorgodze for the Irish back row and I was quite impressed with the USA out half, AJ McGinty, can see him getting a contract in Europe somewhere.

Agree McGinty was good, think as a back up 10 he'd be good in a lot of European clubs

Lele Mafi was immense when he came on for Japan. The French clubs will surely be after some Japanese players after this world cup.

LeinsterFan4life wrote:Lele Mafi was immense when he came on for Japan. The French clubs will surely be after some Japanese players after this world cup.

Not sure we can compete with Japan salary wise.

whocares wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:Lele Mafi was immense when he came on for Japan. The French clubs will surely be after some Japanese players after this world cup.

Not sure we can compete with Japan salary wise.

Most Japanese players from what I hear are semi professional in the league (of course the players in the WC squad are well paid full time pros but nothing that the French can't compete with). It's really their foreign imports that are really well paid.

ChequeredJersey wrote:Agree McGinty was good, think as a back up 10 he'd be good in a lot of European clubs

Not so sure I agree about McGinty and the good press he is getting.  I think he has a nice step and a good pass, but his kicking is mediocre and his defense is poor (for a fly half).  If the Americans had a decent set of halfbacks they could really up the ante. I wouldn't mind seeing him get some time with a Premiership club as the experience can only make him a better player.

Notch wrote: I would absolutely love a monster like Gorgodze for the Irish back row

Iain Henderson?

Gorgodze is first and foremost a second row.

Thought the Fiji tighthead was immense and had Marler in all sorts of troubles.

Samson Lee.

VinceWLB wrote:

Notch wrote: I would absolutely love a monster like Gorgodze for the Irish back row

Iain Henderson?

Gorgodze is first and foremost a second row.

Thought the Fiji tighthead was immense and had Marler in all sorts of troubles.

Gorgodze has played in the back row for years now, not sure he can be considered a second row any more, he's been immense for Georgia every time i've seen them play.

Jonny Gray? Does Scotland count as a "weaker" nation for this? Japan will probably be above them in the rankings now

Yeah, but as good as Henderson is (and I think he has the potential to be very, very good) he is our only ball carrier right now with Healy still working his way back. Eventually teams will have to gameplan for him specifically and the rest of the pack aren't at his level in terms of making those bursts. We've got Henderson in the second row, I'd love an 8 with that kind of carrying ability, and then to get Healy back fit and in form in the front row. Then we'd finally have decent, multiple carrying options.

I thought England had one or two that showed promise fair play.