Team of the group stage

Bit of a lengthy post this (got a bit carried away), but hopefully will be food for thought. Given that most of the big sides have yet to really be tested, they have very few representatives in this XV. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Argentina and Fiji dominate, as they are surely the two sides who have led the way in terms of achievement so far. Who will still be in this team after the final? Who is missing from the list?

1 - Rodrigo Roncero, Argentina
The Argentinian front row have been outstanding in all facets of the game. They have scrummaged with typical Argentinian relish, and made a huge impact around the field, tackling and carrying at key times. Roncero's work-rate has been prominent throughout, especially against Ireland.

2 - Mario Ledesma, Argentina
The Pumas' best forward against France, always in the right place at the right time, and still managed to recover to put in a performance against Georgia four days later. The aggressive approach of the Argentinian pack has forced turnover after turnover throughout the group stages.

3 - Juan Martín Scelzo, Argentina
No-one has particularly caught the eye at tighthead so far, but Scelzo has been a part of the fabulous Argentinian front row effort, and deserves to be alongside his colleagues. Honourable mentions go to Avtandil Kopaliani for Georgia's narrow loss to Ireland, Kisi Pulu's performances for Tonga, and Matt Stevens' showings for England.

4 - Kele Leaware, Fiji
The difficulty for Fiji has always been marrying their audacious sevens skills to good 15-a-side basics, and laying a good platform. Leaware has epitomised their efforts, at the centre of a massive effort from the pack, and still managing to score three tries from the second row.

5 - Sebastian Chabal, France
Aside from Leaware, no-one has really shone in the second row, so Chabal gets the nod. His best position is still number 8, but he has handled the line-outs and the work in the tight well, and he adds another dimension to any side that picks him. It will be interesting to see what role he plays in the quarter-finals.

6 - Akapusi Qera, Fiji
This is cheating slightly, as he's an openside, but Qera has been dynamic, and is a real try scoring threat from any range, as he has already shown in the group stages. Worth acknowledging Elsom's hat-trick and the general high standards of the All Black back row too at this point.

7 - Nili Latu, Tonga
At the heart of everything good for Tonga, and in the absence of memorable performances from the big name opensides, Latu has been a model of how to play the role, linking backs and forwards, and ever present in attack and defence, scoring at crucial times.

8 - Vasco Uva, Portugal
The Portugese went home without a win, but they surprised with their passion and durability, and their captain's bravery stood out against the odds. He missed their last couple of games through injury, but is seeking a professional club, and on the basis of his performances, should get one.
An honourable mention goes to Finau Maka reproducing his Toulouse performances for Tonga.

9 - Augustin Pichot, Argentina
A familiar face to fans throughout Europe, he may not quite have the incisive pace of old, but the way he has marshalled his side in attack and defence, whilst providing good service, and a running threat, has illustrated everything that a scrum half should be.
Fourie du Preez was awesome against England and comes a close second, only because he wasn't under much pressure. Mosese Rauluni also deserves a mention.

10 - Juan Martin Hernandez, Argentina
Outrageously talented, and not afraid of showing it, Hernandez initially left lingering doubts about his tactical ability, but his array of kicks off both feet and his ability to create chances out of nothing have turned the tide. It would still be nice to see him kick less ball away, but the tactics are working for his side.

11 - Vilimoni Delasau, Fiji
Seized the match against the Welsh in a way that wingers rarely do. Went looking for the ball, scored tries, and created the match winning score.

12 - Matt Giteau, Australia
Harsh on Felipe Contempomi, but the Australian backline has been the best so far, and Giteau has been pulling the strings: putting team-mates into space, running supporting lines, making breaks and kicking goals. With any luck Stade Francais will throw all their owner's wealth at the Australian, as the world deserves to see a Hernandez/Giteau partnership in action.

13 - Seru Rabeni, Fiji
Familiar to Leicester fans, he has proved a handful for defences throughout the tournament, has tackled hard, and was instrumental in the critical win against Wales.

14 - Bryan Habana, South Africa
Impossible not to select, South Africa's opponents know exactly what's coming, and yet he remains untouchable. His compatriot, JP Pietersen has also impressed.

15 - Chris Latham, Australia
Somewhat unfortunate to have to compete with Matt Burke and Mat Rogers earlier in his career, over the last couple of years Latham has made the Australian number 15 jersey his own. He is elusive and deceptively strong, whilst his kicking game is underrated, and all of these elements have been on display throughout the group stage. Has a habit of scoring against England, so expect to see him on the scoresheet in the quarter-final. Loki Crichton also deserves a mention for dragging a disappointing Samoan side towards respectability.