Rugby World Cup 2019: A team of winners from the departure lounge

Statisticians have pored over the pool-stage data to bring you the finest XV, plus replacements, from the 12 eliminated nations.

TOKYO, 15 Oct – Their teams failed to qualify for the quarter-finals but these players still covered themselves in Rugby World Cup glory according to our team of data gurus.*

1. Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro (Argentina)

Tetaz Chaparro made more carries and tackles per minute than any player playing 50% of his team’s game time in the pool phase – showing a level of stamina and commitment few loose-heads possess.

2. Joe Taufete’e (USA)

Taufete’e showed remarkable staying power in clocking up 244 minutes during the tournament, topping the hooker carries chart with 37, while he was third on tackles and turnovers.

3. Michael Alaalatoa (Samoa)

Completing a durable front row is the 128kg tight-head, whose 39 tackles puts him second on the list of No.3s. Alaalatoa, whose brother Allan is in the Australia squad, also had the second-most turnovers of any tight-head.

4. Guido Petti (Argentina)

The second-row’s numbers speak of a top-class all-rounder: 70 metres made (third in his position), most lineout steals of any player (5), second in second-row turnovers, third for defenders beaten.

5. Jonny Gray (Scotland)

A renowned tackling machine, Gray’s 28 against Japan was a tournament high. But with 14 passes and a third-place ranking in his position for offloads and try assists, the Scotland second-row is so much more.

6. Juan Gaminara (Uruguay)

Not only did Uruguay’s captain play a key role in the shock win against Fiji, he also made 52 tackles in the pool stage, the third most by a blindside flanker, despite starting the match against Australia on the bench.

7. Jake Polledri (Italy)

Polledri’s barnstorming performances included beating 27 defenders, the most recorded in any Rugby World Cup by a forward, despite playing just 196 minutes.

8. Beka Gorgadze (Georgia)

A worthy successor to the similarly named Mamuka Gorgodze as Georgia’s go-to go-forward man. He made 149 metres, as well as the most tackles (38) and turnovers (5) of anybody in his position.

9. Santiago Arata (Uruguay)

Tackles (38), defenders beaten (6), turnovers (six), the Los Teros scrum-half had it all, proving key in the win against Fiji. He’s got a decent boot on him, too…

10. Finn Russell (Scotland)

Third-most metres made (126), second-most defenders beaten (11), third-most clean breaks (4) and most offloads (6). Impressive fly-half numbers in a Scotland team that was not always going forwards.

11. Semi Radradra (Fiji)

Metres made (400), defenders beaten (29), carries (62): Semi-trailer topped all those categories. Throw in six tries and two Player of the Match awards and his figures, and performances, were simply breathtaking.

12. Siale Piutau (Tonga)

He will be remembered for a try-scoring farewell to international rugby against USA, but the Tonga captain’s tackle count was most impressive, 42 the most of any inside-centre.

13. Waisea Nayacalevu (Fiji)

The leading outside centre in metres made (219) and clean breaks (5), Nayacalevu also scored tries against tough opposition in Australia and Wales

14. Mattia Bellini (Italy)

A breakout tournament for the tall winger, who made 160 metres and seven clean breaks in just 120 minutes of rugby, scoring a try in each of his games.

15. Telusa Veainu (Tonga)

The leading full-back in metres made (248) and tries scored, including this beauty, below, against Argentina. Say no more.