After the fireworks of the opening ceremony and jubilation of a home victory for Japan, the Rugby World Cup continues on what could prove 'Super Saturday', kicking off with Australia vs Fiji in Sapporo.
The Pool D encounter sees an Australian side who look to be on the up, with a win over the All Blacks on their record in the recent Rugby Championship and a number of key players back from Europe for the two-time World Cup winners.
The Wallabies also have David Pocock back from injury, with the back-row reunited with Michael Hooper to form the famous ‘Pooper’ combination that was so successful in 2015.
Fiji though have been touted as one of the teams to watch at the World Cup and may well have an upset in them, with the Pacific Islanders targeting victories over the Aussies and Wales to try and reach the last eight.
John McKee’s side have three Olympic gold medalists in the starting XV in the shape of Leone Nakarawa, Viliame Mata and Josua Tuisova who starred in the Sevens at the 2016 Rio Olympics, and they have crossed over to become big names of the 15-man game. Georgia and Uruguay make up the pool, with Wales up next for Australia and Uruguay on the horizon for Fiji.
Who is the greatest player to feature at the Rugby World Cup? It's a question that has been asked time and time again, and will continue to be asked as long as the sport continues, with the true greats of rugby union shining on the biggest platform when it matters most. Ahead of the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, we asked out team of rugby experts to come up with the the top 100 players of the Rugby World Cup era, beginning with 1987 and running through to the 2015 tournament. Here's the definitive list that they came up with.
Getty
The Japan captain is preparing to lead the side into yet another World Cup, but he proved an inspiring figure in 2015 as his phenomenal work-rate set the example for those around him. He will forever be remembered as the man who lead the side that defeated the Springboks.
Getty Images
A member of the 2003 winning squad, Moody went on to feature on the 2007 run to the final before captaining the ill0fated 2011 campaign. However, with three tournaments under his belt and his sheer bravery in every one of his performances, he just squeezes onto the list.
Getty Images
The two-time Rugby World Cup winner lined up in the same front-row as younger brother Owen to help the All Blacks to back-to-back world championships, before heading to Europe.
Getty Images
A legend of the Italian game. Dominguez played at three consecutive World Cups between 1991 and 1999 and displayed a talent at fly-half that is yet to be displayed since.
Getty Images
It takes something special to oust Willie Ofahengaue from the Australian No 8 shirt, but Kefu was able to do exactly that to play a pivotal role as the Wallabies' starting No 8 at the triumphant Rugby World Cup.
Getty Images
'Inga the winger' has the unusual accolade of playing at two Rugby World Cups for two different nations. He arrived on the scene with New Zealand in 1991, but it was his role in 1999 with Western Samoa that really caught the eye as he helped them defeat Wales.
AFP/Getty Images
A World Cup winner he is not, but Chabal provided one of the great moments in the tournament's history as he lead the confrontation to the Haka ahead of France's 2007 World Cup quarter-final victory over the All Blacks.
AFP/Getty Images
Probably no better example of a man who has carried a national team on his own shoulders. Gorgodze was famously named man of the match against New Zealand, and his reaction said all that you needed to know about what it means to him to play for Georgia.
AFP/Getty Images
Who can forget 'The Tackle'? Mick 'The Munch' Skinner sent Marc Cecillon in reverse with one fo the great World Cup tackles during England's quarter-final victory at the 1991 tournament.
Getty Images
Not New Zealand's first choice, or second, or third, but the fourth-choice fly-half who wasn't even named in the All Blacks squad for the 2011 World Cup. Injuries meant he was drafted in for the final against France, where he wrote his name into the history books by kicking the final-winning penalty to end the All Blacks' 24 years of hurt.
AFP/Getty Images
Bryan Habana was considered that fastest man at the World Cup - until Ngwenya turned up and completely roasted him on the outside. The United States may have gone on to lose the match, but the moment remains one of the 2007 tournament highlights.
AFP/Getty Images
Lacroix's international career never really took off until the 1999 World Cup when a scintillating 30-minute display paved the way for the All Blacks's dramatic exit.
AFP/Getty Images
If this list was judged on moments alone, Hesketh would be No 1 on the list. The Japan wing finished one of the great tries to secure their first ever victory over the Springboks, a moment where everyone who was watching remembers exactly where they were at that moment in time.
Getty Images
Sheridan played in two World Cup, but is fondly remembered for the way he dismantled the Australian scrum in 2007 to form the basis for England's quarter-final victory.
Getty Images
Lewsey was one-third of England's elite back-three at the 2003 World Cup, but his tournament highlight came in 2007 when he scored inside 80 seconds in the semi-final victory over France.
Getty Images
An Australian centurion who was first-choice scrum-half in both 2011 and 2015, where he claimed third and second-place finishes respectively. Will 2019 be the year he goes one better?
Getty Images
The centre enjoyed a phenomenal World Cup try-scoring record of seven in nine matches across 1999 and 2003, going on to help England triumph Down Under.
Getty Images
Arguably Scotland's greatest ever player, who featured across three World Cups - the final one in 1995 as captain - before hanging up his boots after their quarter-final defeat against the Springboks.
Getty Images
The main reason that Australia made it to the 2015 Rugby World Cup final, Pocock starred playing out of position in a partnership with Michael Hooper that has strongly influenced the 2019 tournament as other teams follow suit.
Getty Images
Despite his nickname of 'The Beast', Tendai Mtawarira is possibly one of the most understated greats of the game. Fans love him and for good reason, having helped South Africa to third place in 2015.
Getty Images
A double-World Cup winner who made the full-back berth his own as the All Blacks cemented their dominance at the top of world rugby.
Getty Images
One of the greats from the originals, Shelford played in six of seven games as the All Blacks won the 1987 Rugby World Cup. Remembered as the man who revitalised the Haka, his legacy in the sport will go on long after he is gone.
Getty Images
Guscott featured in three World Cup campaigns, the first two of which produced a final and semi-final appearance. He could have added to that record had injury not ended his 1999 campaign, where an England side without him crashed out.
Getty Images
A formidable opponent who was highly respected by his opponents, such was his talent. However, he features low on the list due to featuring at just one World Cup due to injury.
AFP/Getty Images
'The Chiropractor' by name, Brian Lima was a World Cup force to be reckoned with - just ask Derick Hougaard. The centre became the first player ever to appear at five Rugby World Cups, starring at the 1991, 1995, 1999, 2003 and 2007 tournaments, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame four years later.
AFP/Getty Images
The Australian was a key part of the victorious 1991 Wallabies side and also featured at the 1995 campaign.
Getty Images
The veteran lock will feature at his fourth World Cup in Japan since his first appearance in 2007, and was a key part of Wales's run to the semi-finals in 2011.
Getty
The lock was a linchpin in the 2011 Rugby World Cup-winning New Zealand side, starting all but one of the games including the final against France, and he also played at the 2003 event eight years before, though missed out on the 2007 tournament.
Getty Images
Killed off England's hopes in 1999 with his memorable five drop-goals in the quarter-final, writing his name into World Cup folklore.
Getty Images
The scrum-half was South Africa's starting No 9 for three World Cup in a row, an was instrumental in their kick-heavy strategy at the 2007 World Cup that saw the Springboks defeat England in the final.
Getty Images
The 100-cap full-back was a mainstay of the All Blacks side tat went through the toil of the 2003 and 2007 World Cups, only to secure a fitting farewell by winning the 2011 tournament. A lethal finisher who also had the defensive craft to match, Muliaina was the standout No 15 for much of the noughties.
Getty Images
Inspired France's 2011 campaign when the players took control from coach Marc Lievremont and played the style of rugby they wanted to play. Dusautoir always led by example as one of the best No 7s to play the game.
Getty Images
A two-time World Cup winner who proved pivotal to the All Blacks' back-to-back triumphs. Franks changed the game with how tighthead props play, and was unlucky to miss out on a third tournament after being overlooked for 2019.
Getty Images
His brutal dump tackle on George Gregan in the 2003 final showed all the hallmarks of England's defiance in that campaign. Unlucky to miss the 2007 tournament with a broken leg, and although the less said about 2011 the better, his exploits in Australia eight years before cement his place on the list.
Getty Images
Another member of the All Blacks' double-World Cup winners club, Mealamu was heralded for his performance off the bench in the 2015 final.
Getty Images
Osborne's best displays of his career came at the Rugby World Cup, scoring five tries in six games across 1995 and 199.
Getty Images
Underwood starred for England at the first three World Cups, with the nation's all-time record try-scorer claiming 11 World Cup tries throughout his illustrious career.
Getty Images
One of the great back-row forwards of his generation, Kronfeld went through the agony of twice seeing New Zealand's World Cup aspirations fall short in 1995 and 1999, though it was through no lack of trying on his part.
Getty Images
The lack of Irish players can easily be put down to their dismal knockout record, but O'Driscoll simply has to be on the list for his exploits across the 2003 and 2011 World Cups. For a player of his talent, his World Cup record is no doubt disappointing, but he remained a joy to watch.
Getty Images
'Willie O' was a giant of the game who helped the Wallabies to World Cup glory in 1991, leading the pack from No 8 with distinction. He retired with the rare accolade of having beaten the All Blacks more times than losing to them.
Getty Images
Crowley (far right) is one of just five Australians to have won the Rugby World Cup twice, and started the 1999 final against France before hanging up his international boots.
AFP/Getty Images
A three-time World Cup attendee, Ntamack's versatility came in great use for the French on their run to the 1999 final, where he started at centre despite spending most of his international career in the back-three.
Getty Images
One of the most lethal finishers in the game's history, Williams enjoyed a breakthrough tournament in 2003, starring against New Zealand and England, and picked up where he left off in 2007 with a stunning try over Fiji.
Getty Images
The other part of the famous Australian centre partnership with Tim Horan, Herbert was a star of the 1999 Rugby World Cup, having also featured at the 1995.
Getty Images
The skipper of the 1991 World Cup winners, Farr-Jones demonstrated phenomenal strength and passing even for a scrum-half, while his leadership skills saw the Wallabies become the dominant force of the era.
AFP/Getty Images
Mr Dependable when it came to his World Cup exploits, playing for England in 1991, 1995, 1999 and 2003 when he finally became a much-deserved World Cup-winner.
Getty Images
A two-time wrecking ball of a World Cup winner, Williams' ability to offload in contact is matched by no other. However, he stole the show in 2015 when he gave his winners' medal to a young fan who ran onto the pitch to hug him. One of the good guys of the sport.
Getty Images
Had he finished that try in the 2003 World Cup final, he would've been a lot higher in the list. But perhaps he can take credit for producing that thrilling extra-time final in Melbourne. Either way, he formed a formidable partnership with Leicester teammate Martin Johnson.
Getty Images
Part of the famous English back-row os 2003, Back had a unique ability to play openside flanker his way, while he was never short of a trick or two to help his side out.
Getty Images
Hugely influential in helping France to the 1999 World Cup final, in what was his third appearance at the global gathering. A towering lock who never failed to let his presence be known.
AFP/Getty Images
Came within a whisker of becoming a World Cup winner in 1995, only for the Springboks and Joel Stransky to deny him. Sadly his World Cup career ended in 1999 as he was overlooked for the 2003 tournament, but by then he had already left a solid impression on the sport.
Getty Images
Arguably the most eye-catching player in World Cup history, Caucau took the 2003 tournament by storm with three devastating tries in two games. Had he had more discipline, we may have seen even more from him at other tournaments, but his 2003 showcase is enough to leave a lasting memory in itself.
Getty Images
A World Cup winner in 2003, Vickery emerged as the somewhat surprising man to captain England to the 2007 World Cup, where an unexpected resurrection saw them come within a whisker of retaining the Webb Ellis Cup. Arguably England's best tighthead prop.
Getty Images
Thrown in at the deep end as Wales captain in 2011, Warburton was one of the stars of the tournament as they reached the semi-finals - only for his red card against France seeing the wheels fall off. That said, he lead the team fantastically once again in 2015 as they knocked England out in the pool stage, and remains one of the most pleasant individuals to have played the game.
Getty Images
Selected for the 1995 World Cup at just 19 years old, Roff made an impressive start to his international career before starring at the successful 1999 edition. Roff made a third World Cup in 2003, though had to make do with a role as a replacement for the latter stages.
Getty Images
One of the more unheralded All Blacks of the double-World Cup triumph, but with 118 caps to his name Woodcock's worth to New Zealand cannot be done justice. One of the great loosehead props of all time.
Getty Images
A magician with the ball in his hands of one the end of his boot, Hernandez it up the 2007 World Cup as Argentina announced their arrival as a force to be reckoned with. A member of the four World Cups club, Hernandez remains one of the most exciting and attacking-minded players to have graced the game.
AFP/Getty Images
The Australian full-back was instrumental in the 1999 World Cup victory, with his ability to kick goals for fun proving a key weapon in the Wallabies armoury. He also helped Australia to the 2003 final, though lost his place in the 15 shirt to Chris Latham by that point.
Getty Images
The man who pulled the strings in the 'Miracle of Brighton', Goromaru scored a brilliant 24 points to inspire the victory over the Springboks in what was a very successful campaign for the fly-half in 2015.
Getty Images
A genius with the ball who filled no fewer than five positions during his career with the Wallabies. Giteau was just 20 when he made his World Cup debut in 2003, but such was his worth to Australian rugby, the ARU changed the rules to bring him back for a fourth World Cup in 2015.
Getty Images
Known for his fiery character and physical approach, Kearns was hugely influential not just in 1991 but in 1999 too. Even though injury curtailed his third World Cup campaign, Kearns was a key figure in helping the Wallabies win the World Cup for the second time.
Getty Images
Smith never won the World Cup, making his Wallabies debut after the 1999 triumph, but there are few players who deserved to do so. He changed the game for openside flankers, and the respect he earned from back-row opponents stemmed from what a formidable force he was to compete against.
Getty Images
Scored the try in the controversial 1995 semi-final that kept the Springboks on course for glory. Sadly, Kruger passed away at the start of the decade after a 10-year battle with brain cancer.
AFP/Getty Images
Incredibly, Whitelock could become one of three players who win the World Cup for a third consecutive time this tournament alongside Kieran Read and Sonny Bill Williams, and he is young enough to have a crack at 2023 too. Whitelock is sometimes overshadowed by his younger teammate Brodie Retallick, but what he has given the All Blacks should not be underestimated.
Getty Images
One of the most powerful and physically-dominating blindside flankers the game has seen, Kaino brought a ferocious intensity to the game that helped him to World Cup wins in 2011 and 2015.
Getty Images
South Africa's goal-kicking full-back of the 2007 World Cup triumph, Montgomery was one of the best all-round players of his time - represented by the fact he finished his career with 102 caps to his name.
Getty Images
The other part of the Australian centre pairing that dominated the 1990s, Little often competed with Daniel Herbert to partner Tim Horan.
Getty Images
A Goliath on the pitch and not someone you wanted to run into, Botha formed a formidable partnership with Victor Matfield as South Africa won the 2007 World Cup. His lineout presence was intimidating enough before he'd even left the ground, while he wasn't half-bad at carrying either.
Getty Images
His performance against New Zealand in 1999 semi-finals remains one of the great individual displays in World Cup history. Lamaison was stereotypical of what French rugby is about: gifted athleticism, natural ability and a flare that was delightful to watch. His impact on Kiwi rugby remains to this day.
AFP/Getty Images
One of the players who learned from the errors of 1999 to dazzle in 2003. Remembered for making the break that set-up Jason Robinson's try in the World Cup final, but contributed so much more to England's campaign.
Getty Images
If Bakkies Botha wasn't bad enough, South Africa also possessed the mean Schalk Burger in their pack that inflicted plenty of punishment in opponents. Not always on the right side of the law, Burger remains one of the most combative flankers seen in the game, relying on his brute strength and athletic ability to wreak havoc at the breakdown.
Getty Images
Kicked all 15 points in South Africa's triumphant 1995 World Cup final effort, with his extra-time drop-goal going down in history as one of the epic World Cup moments.
Getty Images
One half of New Zealand's almighty centre pairing that proved pivotal in the 2011 and 2015 triumphs. Smith was never the most exciting or most dangerous player on the field, but he was the glue that held the back line together and without him, the All Blacks would not be what they are today.
Getty Images
South Africa's 2007 World Cup-winning captain made the brave decision to convert from a prop to a hooker and reaped the rewards by leading his country to glory. Lead by example as he never shied away from battle on the pitch, but a gentleman off it.
Getty Images
His experience, leadership and calmness under pressure were big factors in South Africa's success over the decade he featured in. Came out of retirement for one last crack in 2015, though his best days were behind him by then.
Getty Images
Played just three matches at the 2003 Rugby World Cup, but so important was he to England's hopes that Sir Clive Woodward was happy to carry him through the tournament knowing how much they needed him in the final. However, it was his semi-final return from injury that really stood out, keeping England's World Cup hopes alive against Wales.
Getty Images
One of the most gifted players in history. A No 8 with the carrying ability of a tight-forward and the passing and kicking skills of an out-half. A World Cup winner who spent a decade at the top of the game.
Getty Images
The other half of New Zealand's unrivalled centre pairing, Nonu overcame early struggles in his international career to become a force to be reckoned with. He provided one of the moments of the 2015 World Cup when he scored from nearly halfway in the final against Australia.
Getty Images
An enigma on the field who played with panache that befitted French rugby at the time. The full-back starred at the 1987 World Cup where France just came up short in the final, and hung up his boots after one last crack at it in 1991.
AFP/Getty Images
The man who emerged from the shadow of Richie McCaw to lead the All Blacks, Read was a key figure in the 2011 and 2015 World Cup efforts.
Getty Images
The only Springbok to win the 1995 and 2007 World Cup, Du Randt displayed a longevity rarely seen in the modern-day game. For years he was the first pick in any World XV side, and his importance to Springbok history cannot be understated.
AFP/Getty Images
Larkham formed a dominant partnership with George Gregan in 1999 to lead the Wallabies to victory with his brilliant vision and ability to read the game to create opportunity after opportunity for his teammates. Moved to centre for the 2003 World Cup, displaying his versatility at the highest level, and unlucky not to end his career as a two-time World Cup winner.
Getty Images
Would be the lead candidate to captain many all-time XVs, given his importance to not just the Springboks but to South Africa as a whole. What he achieved with Nelson Mandela in 1995 is unlikely to be repeated.
AFP/Getty Images
Where Pienaar was the leader, the late Chester Williams was the inspiration. His presence single-handedly brought millions of black South Africans to support the Springboks, and his four tries in the quarter-final victory over Samoa showed just how important he was to that team. His sad death earlier this month - and the outpouring of emotion that followed - only went to strengthen how important he has been to South Africa changing its ways.
Getty Images
Without doubt a genius of the game. Gregan had craft, vision and intelligence that saw him grow into one of the best Australian captains of all time, having learned his trade under John Eales in the 1999 World Cup before leading the Wallabies to the 2003 final where they just fell short.
Getty Images
The raw emotion of his try in the 2003 final is hard to rival for English supporters as the great moments in World Cup history. Arguably brought something to the game that had never been seen before, and his sheer defiance to go again in 2007 - dislocated shoulder and all - can only be applauded.
Getty Images
The outside backs start to come thick and fast at the top end of the list. Kirwan was very much the original World Cup finisher, with his breath-taking try in the 1987 World Cup opener going down in history as one of the most stunning tries ever seen.
AFP/Getty Images
'Campo' was never shy when it came to having a thing or two to say, but he got away with it because of what he could do on the pitch. The trademark goosestep inspired a new generation of wings as he took agility to a new level, and his ability to score almost at will was crucial to Australia's 1991 success.
Getty Images
The brains behind the brawn, Lynagh could do just about anything with the ball in his hands. He marshalled the 1991 side with complete authority and was not too bad at scoring himself.
Getty Images
A joy to watch throughout his career as he starred at three World Cups, including the 1995 success on home soil. His ability to be nimble around the ruck caught out countless opponents, while he possessed a rocket of a pass too.
Getty Images
One of the all-time great Wallabies who shone in 1991 and 1999. The double-World Cup winner is arguably the greatest centre of all time.
Getty Images
"Habana! Habana!" How many times did you hear his name ring out across the four World Cups that he featured in? 15 to be exact, as he remains the highest try-scorer in World Cup history alongside Jonah Lomu, and one of just three men to score eight in a tournament alongside Lomu and Julian Savea.
Getty Images
The ultimate leader on the field, Johnson was inspirational in the 2003 World Cup triumph for England. Things didn't go the way he hoped when he returned in 2011 as head coach, but the way that he lead his country eight years previous remains one of the most inspiring campaigns around.
AFP/Getty Images
Almost single-handedly won the All Blacks the inaugural World Cup, and all while refusing to play on Sunday's due to his religious faith. Jones was unstoppable at times during that 1987 campaign, and thankfully returned to the side for the Saturday World Cup final to seize his crowning glory.
Getty Images
It takes something special to be nicknamed 'Nobody', because 'Nobody's Perfect'. But Eales really was a player of the ilk we have not seen since: formidable in all aspects of the game, a natural leader and a goal-kicking forward. There may never be another player like him.
AFP/Getty Images
A rookie in 1987, Fitzpatrick immediately found his feet on the international stage to play a big role in New Zealand's World Cup triumph. He soon inherited the captaincy, and although further success alluded his teams, his influence on the game could not be questioned.
AFP/Getty Images
The man responsible for the greatest moment in English rugby history, Wilkinson was simply incredible in 2003. Yet the way that he battled career-threatening injuries to return for the 2007 campaign - and come within a whisker of winning another World Cup - and also rack up a fourth appearance in 2011, adds far more worth to his World Cup greatness.
AFP/Getty Images
There is no other player who has transcended the sport quite like Jonah Lomu. Non-rugby fans know who he is, those who followed the game enjoyed every second of his career and those who faced him genuinely feared what he could do. Lomu not only changed the way that wings played, but he changed the way the game was played as no one had ever seen someone - or something - quite like him. He is sadly gone, but will never be forgotten.
Getty Images
The agony of missing the 2011 knockout stages were eradicated by his virtuoso performance in the 2015 World Cup final, with his snap drop-goal providing the moment that killed off the Wallabies once and for all. Having featured at four World Cups during his career, Carter remains the highest points-scorer in World Cup history.
Getty Images
Can a two-time World Cup-winning captain not be top of the list. Not according to us. McCaw was, simply put, brilliant. A breakdown master, incredible athlete, inspirational leader and a man with a remarkable ability to talk referees onto his side, McCaw had everything. And perhaps what makes the fact that he goes down in our list as the greatest to have played the game is the fact that he was so normal off the field. As Steve Hansen put in in 2015 upon his farewell appearance, he's "just a decent bloke".
Getty Images
Here’s everything you need to know about the match.
Where can I watch it? The match will be shown live on ITV from 5:15am BST.
When is it? Australia vs Fiji takes place on Saturday 21 September at the Sapporo Dome Stadium.
David Pocock starts for Australia in their Rugby World Cup clash against Fiji
(AFP/Getty)
When does it start? The match will kick-off at 1:45pm Japan Standard Time, which is 5:45am BST.
Teams Australia: Kurtley Beale; Reece Hodge, James O’Connor, Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete; Christian Lealiifano, Nic White; Scott Sio, Tolu Latu, Allan Alaalatoa; Izack Rodda, Rory Arnold; David Pocock, Michael Hooper, Isi Naisarani.
Replacements: Jordan Uelese, James Slipper, Sekope Kepu, Adam Coleman, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Will Genia, Matt Toomua, Dane Haylett-Petty.
Fiji: Kini Murimiruvalu; Josua Tuisova, Waisea Nayacalevu, Levani Botia, Semi Radradra; Ben Volavola, Frank Lomani; Campese Ma’afu, Samuel Matavesi, Peni Ravai; Tevita Cavubati, Leone Nakarawa; Dominiko Waqanoburotu, Peceli Yato, Viliame Mata.
Replacements: Tuvere Vugakoto, Eroni Mawi, Manasa Saulo, Tevita Ratuva, Mosese Voka, Nikola Matawalu, Alivereti Veitokani, Vereniki Goneva.
Odds Australia to win: 1/6
Fiji to win: 7/1
Draw: 50/1
Prediction Australia 30-20 Fiji: The Wallabies may well get a fright, but they look to be a much more structured side than around a year ago and they tend to peak at World Cups. Michael Cheika remains a superb coach despite the pressure he’s under, and although Fiji have the individuals to upset the Wallabies, their recent defeat by Japan suggests they’re not quite ready to reach the quarter-finals.
Join our new commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies