15. Ayumu Goromaru (Japan)
Showed that there is so much more to his game than goal-kicking (his radar from the tee was strangely off); out of hand he was nothing short of exemplary. His performance summed up another fine day for this wonderfully surprising Japanese side.
14. Santiago Cordero (Argentina)
It wasn’t always pretty for Argentina in their win over Tonga, but Cordero in full flight is certainly a joy to behold. To borrow a Honey Badger-ism, he bagged a bit of meat at the weekend, while also making a host of metres and generally leaving would-be tacklers trailing in his wake.
13. Vereniki Goneva (Fiji)
Goneva had looked a shadow of his former self this World Cup, but against Wales he came back to life. Exuded danger every time he got the ball – which, to be fair, you could say about most of the Fiji players in their best outing to date.
12. Matt Giteau (Australia)
If the main lesson Australia taught England was the value of a breakdown specialist, then a close second is the value of having two playmakers. Giteau’s presence was a calming one to Foley, and his sublime distribution and kicking often gave the Wallabies a second choice at first receiver.
11. Julian Savea (New Zealand)
It was a scratchy performance in general from New Zealand, but you can’t argue with a hattrick from a winger and Savea showed once again that he is the best finisher in World Rugby.
10. Bernard Foley (Australia)
How could it be anyone else? Foley responded to the doubters with one of the great fly-half performances, kicking flawlessly from tee and hand and attacking the line to such devastating effect that he finished with a brace. To be able to follow your pass and collect the ball back is a hugely underrated skill and it is not the first time he has proved how good he is at it. Mention to Nicolas Sanchez and Freddie Michalak, who both orchestrated their team’s win.
9. Fourie du Preez (South Africa)
Cool heads prevail at a World Cup and there are few more composed individuals on a rugby pitch than du Preez. Against Scotland his decision making and service were again on point, allowing a seamless transition from the power of the forwards to the skill of the backs.
1. Matias Aguero (Italy)
The Italian scrum went well against Ireland and the loosehead prop also pulled more than his weight in the loose, finishing with 14 tackles completed.
2. Shota Horie (Japan)
Got through a mountain of work in the loose to complete 13 tackles as well as making 12 carries – and the line-out was generally solid.
3. Sekope Kepu (Australia)
Kepu has to be near the top of the list for players that have enhanced their reputation this World Cup. He had Joe Marler on toast at scrum time and again showed another side to his game, with a glorious offload that built momentum in the build-up to Foley’s second try.
4. Iain Henderson (Ireland)
Another titanic performance from Henderson, who is repaying Schmidt’s faith in him as first choice. He bristles with physicality in both the carry and the tackle.
5. Lood de Jager (South Africa)
16 tackles made, none missed, 13 carries for 32 metres – sometimes stats don’t do a performance justice, but in this case, they certainly do. De Jager is the baby-faced assassin in this gnarled Springbok pack.
6. Schalk Burger (South Africa)
Burger continued his brilliant form this tournament with another pivotal performance in the Springboks’ best win to date. He was always available as a carrier and usually made good ground when doing so.
7. Michael Hooper (Australia)
Pocock made the headlines but really it is his combination with Hooper that works so well. If he was lucky not to see yellow for a shoulder charge at the ruck, in general the chaos he brought to the breakdown and the loose was controlled.
8. David Pocock (Australia)
Showed the world (never mind just England) the true value in having a breakdown specialist, and had the temerity to do it from the number eight shirt. Accuracy and strength at ruck time meant England’s attacks were often sapped of momentum, even if he didn’t necessarily steal the ball.
By Jamie Hosie
Follow Jamie on Twitter: @jhosie43
Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images
As you know by now, we are hilarious, and you should be following us on Facebook and Twitter. 
Three openside in the back row, could be fun!