RWC2015: Eight players to watch at the World Cup

The Rugby World Cup kicks-off this weekend and all the teams are making their final preparations, with champions New Zealand looking to be the first team to defend their title against the rest of the international elite.

The best players in the world will do battle and there are several key men to keep an eye on. In previous World Cups the players who excelled the most were either those with the highest technical ability, or those who through their leadership and dedication, brought the best out of their teammates and pushed them towards victory. Here we profile eight key players who could make the difference for their nation, and it’s not just with the traditional powerhouses that great individual talent can thrive...

Chris Wyles, USA. As one of the best players for Saracens in the English Premiership, Wyles has scored 43 tries in 177 appearances for the club. A versatile back with great technical ability he played a crucial role in the club’s Premiership win in the 2010/11 season, leading in metres gained. For the US team he shoulders enormous responsibility as his nation’s highest ranked current player with 48 caps, following in the footsteps of legends such as Mike Hercus and Paul Emerick.

Chris Robshaw, England. Only six other men can comprehend the enormous responsibility this player has on his shoulders - the six former World Cup captains of England’s national team. Leading the team over the past four years, he is his country’s Admiral Nelson and embodies the motto of “England expects every man to perform his duty”. Perhaps there are better players on the team, but if England are to become the third team to win the RWC on home soil it will be due in large part to Robshaw’s character and leadership.

Julian Savea, New Zealand. The heir apparent of All Black legend Jonah Lomu, a second title for Savea may even seem him surpass Lomu in the eyes of many. Savea’s numbers are impressive - in 34 games, he’s registered a total of 30 tries, and has only lost twice. There are few bigger wingers in world rugby and he poses a constant threat to defenders with his size, speed and strength, can be unleashed at any time. Savea could be the key to the All Blacks winning their third World Cup title.

Agustín Creevy, Argentina. If anyone can carry the Pumas towards an unlikely first World Cup title, it will be Creevy leading from the front. He puts his heart and soul into the game for his teammates and his country. The hooker’s tough character coupled with his speed, ability in the scrum, and modern playing style make him a key man to watch in this year's finals.

Sergio Parisse, Italy. Currently under an injury cloud but expected to feature at the tournament, Parisse is a real rugby legend and a true leader to his teammates. One of the few world-class players to come out of Italy, the team has been defined by his presence at number eight during the past decade. Of Argentine origin, the will to win is ingrained in Parisse’s psyche. He holds a record number of caps for Italy, has often been nominated on the Six Nations Best Player shortlist and possesses one of the best passes in the sport. This will be Parisse’s fourth World Cup.

Ayumu Goromaru, Japan. With great vision and a fine hand, the fullback has wonderful technical defensive ability and an impeccable kick. Despite previously being dropped from the squad and not playing for 18 months, Goromaru forced his way back into the team and he has not disappointed in his return. He is the now the captain of his national team at 29, with 48 caps and the leading scorer with 505 points. Goromaru will be accompanied by leading Japanese players such as prop Kensuke Hatakeyama with 68 caps, arguably the best player ever from the Asian nation, and veteran Hitoshi Ono, 37, with 88 caps, nicknamed Iron Man. A symbol of the internationalization of the sport, Japan will be the host of the World Cup in 2019 and Japan have been admitted into Super Rugby next season. The national team has experience in playing teams from all over the world and has won six consecutive Asian Five Nations titles.

Ruan Pienaar, South Africa. The South African side is always one of the strongest and most powerful forces in international competitions. If Pienaar can inspire the Springboks in their stampede, South Africa could return to the pinnacle. Pienaar can cover both halves positions, can kick well with both feet, reads the game astutely and possesses more than enough experience in international competitions. His 82 caps and 135 points for his country highlight his pedigree.

David Pocock, Australia. Many still remember the match he played against the Springboks in the quarterfinals of the last World Cup, producing perhaps the best individual display of the competition, as he inspired the Wallabies to a backs-to-the-wall 11-9 victory. The heavily built flanker, who has been compared to Wallaby legend George Smith, will lead the Australian national team into the tournament. Along with teammate Michael Hooper, Pocock can lodge a strong claim to being the best openside flanker in the world, and at the age of 27 he still has more to show the world.

It's not only the players, but fans will be flocking to England and Wales from all over the world to take in the action. When it comes to demand Ticketbis have released data stating volume of sales for match tickets has been highest in the UK (30.5% of ticket sale volume), followed by France (13.5%), Japan (13.5%), Italy (8.3 %) and Argentina (5.0%). Fans will also be travelling from New Zealand, USA, Australia, South Africa, Uruguay, Canada and many other countries to watch the action.

The five games for which tickets have most been in demand through the Ticketbis platform are New Zealand vs Argentina, South Africa vs Scotland, South Africa vs Japan, France vs Italy and France vs Ireland.