The best players from Tier 2 nations not at RWC 2019

A look at some of the top players who could have represented Tier 2 nations at RWC 2019 but for a variety of different reasons were not named in the final 31 man squads.

1. Zurab Zhvania (Georgia)

Reason? Seemed a likely selection as a second/third choice loosehead who could also cover as third choice hooker, but had a fall out with coach Milton Haig who uncharacteristically visibly annoyed at a press conference stated "he just wasn't fit enough" and being in a position of such huge depth in Georgia meant he was deemed dispensable.

Another chance? A late injury withdrawal in 2015, now out for 2019, Zhvania risks being remembered as one of the best players never to play in a RWC. Only 27 so certainly not too old, but Georgia are producing so many prospects at prop it will be tough to make it in 2023.

Other notable absentees:
Loni Uhila (Tonga) a 30 year old uncapped player reported to be a target for Tonga having left Super Rugby but appears to have chosen to remain at his club instead.
Karlen Asieshvili (Georgia) an unlucky late cut who would walk into any other Tier 2 side but missed out following an injury limited season and the rapid rise of Guram Gogichashvili.
Alex Hodgman (Fiji) could have been a possible starter for Fiji at this RWC but neither he or another loosehead target George Bower were available due to NZ Super Rugby contract restrictions.

2. Elia Elia (Samoa)

Reason? A young player (who would have been the youngest in Samoa's squad in fact) set for his first RWC, he picked up a hamstring injury in the PNC which ruled him out the tournament.

Another chance? With just two caps over the past two years (neither of them starts), his senior international career cannot be said to have taken off yet as may have been hoped, but still has plenty of time left in his career and could reach at least two more RWCs.

Other notable absentees:
Samisoni Taukei'aho (Tonga) a homegrown Tongan player but again was unavailable (even as the Ikale Tahi had a reported crisis at hooker) in order to keep New Zealand eligibility in Super Rugby.
Badri Alkhazashvili (Georgia) a former U20 captain who led them to the promotion in 2015 and was one Georgia's best young prospects but his senior career hampered by persistent injuries.

3. Lasha Tabidze (Georgia)

Reason? Another former U20 captain long regarded as one of Georgia's best prospects, but in a competitive position Beqa Gigashvili came from nowhere last year to become a certain selection who could cover all of the front row, and his former U20 teammate Giorgi Melikidze got the nod over him for the third tighthead spot.

Another chance? The competition on both sides of the scrum in Georgia is fierce, and all the 2019 squad tightheads should still be around in 2023, plus new prospects like Kharaishvili. So it will not be easy, but Tabidze will be closer to his peak in four years and still has plenty of time to make a RWC.

Other notable absentees:
Mario Sagario (Uruguay) the veteran first choice tighthead for Los Teros retired in May due to off field business commitments which was a big loss for the Uruguayans.
Davit Kubriashvili (Georgia) an old fashioned scrummaging specialist tighthead he missed out to younger, more mobile options and announced his retirement after missing the squad.
Dave Ryan (USA) has no longer been on eligibility dependant contracts for four years now but still never been recalled to a USA squad despite having a lot more experience at a top level than Paul Mullen.

4. Grant Hattingh (Japan)

Reason? Qualified on residency and would have been sure starter Japan at this RWC adding significant height to the second row as their first ever 2 metre plus tall player. However a groin injury suffered in May and a faltering rehabilitation process ruled him out.

Another chance? At 28 Hattingh can certainly still make another RWC, from his quotes it seems he has the desire to do so, and could be a very valuable addition in a weak position for Japan in the 4 year cycle after this tournament.

Other notable absentees:
Samu Manoa (USA) had a very unhappy injury hit time in Cardiff which saw him depart early, returned 6 months later in MLR clearly lacking match fitness, and soon retired from international rugby.
Anton Bresler (Namibia) no longer a Scottish project player since joining Worcester, but still not representing country of his birth who he could have played for at three RWCs at this point.
Brian Alainu'uese (Samoa) the colossal 2.02m 135kg lock still has never got a call up at senior international level but is currently out with a back injury in any case.

5. Rodrigo Capó Ortega (Uruguay)

Reason? He has been an incredibly durable player but 2018/19 turned out to be the most injury hit of his near 400 match 17 season pro career and he was ruled out for 9 months with surgery on a herniated disc last December. He might have possibly made it just back in time for the RWC, but unable to take part in Uruguay's preparation he decided to withdraw.

Another chance? At 38 this was planned to be the farewell in Uruguayan colours for Capó, who will finish his career as a Uruguay great but also one with a mixed relationship with the national team.

Other notable absentees:
Joe Tekori (Samoa) a veteran coming off a successful season with Toulouse, but since the last RWC played sparingly at international level and retired from international rugby before the tournament.
Michael Fatialofa (Samoa) no longer in New Zealand, but like his second row colleague Bresler, has still seemingly not become available since joining Worcester.
Sergei Sergueev (Russia) one of Russia's only three professional players in Western Europe he quite simply has never wanted an international career with all his 5 only caps coming back in 2010.

6. Jordan Taufua (Samoa)

Reason? A player who has been on cusp of the All Blacks but who remains uncapped, it seemed when that cap didn't come and a move to Leicester was announced it might open up his availability for Samoa, unfortunately for them though this was not the case.

Another chance? It still is possible Taufua could have a good 5-6 year career for Samoa if he wants, although if he does want that then it's not clear why he would not start by appearing at this RWC.

Other notable absentees:
Renaldo Bothma (Namibia) retired from international rugby on the eve of the final squad being announced, but coach Phil Davies revealed he was simply dropped, with rumours of some falling out.

7. Giorgi Tsutskiridze (Georgia)

Reason? A revelation of these past 12 months for Georgia, but unfortunately suffered a broken ankle in the first few minutes of the first warm up match vs Southern Kings and now is out long term. Even with Gorgodze rejoining the team, this is still a big blow for Georgia and it is very disappointing not to see Tsutskiridze make his mark as part of the 2016 U20 back row trio on the world stage at this RWC.

Another chance? At only 22 he can certainly come again more than once. This is another position Georgia has quite a few young players coming through, so there will be competition, but if he recovers from injury with his pace intact Tsutskiridze adds an extra dimension to some of the others.

Other notable absentees:
Vito Kolelishvili (Georgia) a mainstay of the Lelos who would have reached a third RWC but after suffering repeated heavy concussions not played since October and now taken a sabbatical to recover.
Colby Fainga'a (Tonga) players' player of the season in his first year at Connacht and with 100 Super Rugby caps may have been a good addition for Tonga but possibly now a "project player" in Ireland.

8. Rahboni Warren-Vosayaco (Japan)

Reason? One of the most dynamic players for the Sunwolves this year, he looked like he could have added to an already impressive list of back rowers for Japan. He was named in the RWC training squad, but then it turned out he fell just short of residency qualifying criteria.

Another chance? If he stays in Japan he could certainly become an international and will be close to his prime in 2023. However there is significant back row competition with other young players like Shota Fukui, Tevita Tatafu, Ben Gunter and the current squad members in contention. Also eligible for Fiji if both parties were interested.

Other notable absentees:
Tevita Tatafu (Japan) starred for Junior Japan with some big performances in the Pacific Challenge, but Jamie Joseph was not considering University players so simply never got a chance ahead of his RWC.
So'oatala Fa'aso'o (Samoa) had a big season for Brive helping them to promotion to the Top 14 but still was ignored by the selectors and yet to make his senior international debut.
Sione Vailanu (Tonga) was overlooked despite a big ball carrying performance in the final game of the PNC against Canada.
Anton Rudoy (Russia) one of the top players for the Bears this RWC cycle and scored a hat trick in a big win vs Canada in his last test in June 2018 but then suddenly disappeared from the international scene.

9. Folau Fakatava (Tonga)

Reason? A homegrown Tongan prospect, who even represented them in touch rugby as a 15 year old at the 2015 Pacific Games, however he is not available for his home country at least not at this stage of his career so not to lose eligibility for New Zealand. Unfortunately his absence didn't come as any surprise whatsoever.

Another chance? He is just 19 so will certainly get another chance, with the All Blacks obviously getting the first pick, and possibly Tonga if he falls short of that and moves to a pro club Europe.

Other notable absentees:
Will Percillier (Canada) scored some brilliant tries at U20 who made his debut in the ARC earlier this year but somewhat surprisingly never got an opportunity in the PNC.

10. Takuya Yamasawa (Japan)

Reason? A hugely exciting playmaking fly half, well suited to Japan's style of play, who is a star in the Top League offering a lot more threat with ball in hand than Yu Tamura. He was noted by Eddie Jones on departure as the young player who could breakthrough for RWC 2019, however strangely simply never been given a chance by Jamie Joseph who has cited his lack of experience as a reason (although this hasn't stopped him selecting a pair of converted 8s as props despite only playing in the position for a couple of years).

Another chance? Certainly at just 24 he can come again for two more RWCs and still the most likely eventual successor for Tamura. However it feels a wasted past year where he could have gained some experience with the Sunwolves and as part of Japan squads even if not ready to be first choice at a RWC.

Other notable absentees:
Peceli Nacebe (Fiji) was emerging on the selection radar, but had an ill fated year in France where he was moved to wing, whilst Alivereti Veitokani took his Fijian Drua place and thrived to surpass him.

11. Nemani Nadolo (Fiji)

Reason? Announced his international retirement following an injury disrupted season saying he was feeling the wear and tear on his body. He is currently out injured again after requiring knee surgery.

Another chance? This would have been a last RWC for Nadolo, it's a shame as last time his only RWC had the regret of missing a key match whilst on great form as WR at the time went super strict on "neck rolls". Although Fiji have depth to cope with absences at wing more than any other position losing a player with such a strong strike rate is still a blow.

Other notable absentees:
Hosea Saumaki (Tonga) no secret of interest from Japan, but he is not eligible due to 7s caps, and doesn't seem to be going through Olympics loophole, but still not featured in the Tongan squad.
Monty Ioane (Samoa) players' player of the season nominee in the Pro14 for his form with Benetton but not called up by either Samoa or Fiji (who he is both eligible for) and a possible project player for Italy.
Tevita Li (Tonga) the record try scorer in the U20 Championship for New Zealand, but at senior level never entered All Black plans, but still not available for Tonga even though he has now moved to Japan.

12. Michael Little (Fiji)

Reason? Had an impressive first season of Super Rugby in 2018 with the Sunwolves, which apparently led to some discussions with John McKee, however his 2019 season got cut short to just 5 games due to concussion leaving him with no opportunity to make the squad.

Another chance? He could possibly have one more opportunity to play a RWC in 2023, but there is plenty of competition from both current players and upcoming youngsters like Vilimoni Botitu, and might be helped if he were to move to a club in Europe where most of the Fijian squad is based, or at least a better Japanese club.

Other notable absentees:
Harumichi Tatekawa (Japan) one of the best players of the Eddie Jones era he was a leader for Japan in the first couple years under Jamie Joseph but got axed in 2018.
Willis Halaholo (Tonga) a former Tonga U20 but now waiting as a "project player" to be eligible for Wales who he qualifies for on residency soon after the RWC.

13. Yusuke Kajimura (Japan)

Reason? Another prospect in Japan who had his early career delayed by University rugby. He finally got into the Top League and had an excellent first season where displaced current Japan incumbent Ryoto Nakamura as first choice at Suntory Sungoliath, but a lack of versatility and experience likely cost him a RWC spot.

Another chance? Similar to Yamasawa, he should be a player who could arrive as an important player for the Japan team over the next 4 year cycle and for RWC 2023.

Other notable absentees:
Tumua Manu (Samoa) one of the few homegrown Samoan players currently in Super Rugby he became first choice starter at the Chiefs but again remaining New Zealand eligible took him out of contention.
Joaquín Prada (Uruguay) offered valuable experience and started every game of the successful ARC campaign earlier this year but withdrew as could not get time off from his doctor studies.

14. Sevu Reece (Fiji)

Reason? In May John McKee said Reece "would love to play for Fiji" but for NZ Super Rugby contract restrictions preventing him. However afterwards his form (14 tries in 11 games for Waikato in Mitre10 Cup, 15 tries in 14 games in Super Rugby for Crusaders) continued to be so spectacular he ended up being an All Blacks call up.

Another chance? An exception the title of this article, he is at the RWC just for the All Blacks not Fiji.

Other notable absentees:
Toni Pulu (Tonga or USA) eligible for two Tier 2 nations at this RWC, however spent his entire career in Super Rugby remaining uncapped to keep eligibility for the two Tier 1 nations he is also eligible for.
Akihito Yamada (Japan) still at 33 has a super try scoring rate in the Top League but omitted as Jamie Joseph said he wanted a bigger wingers to deal with aerial bombardments from Ireland and Scotland.
Eroni Sau (Fiji) part of the squad over this past year but got pushed out by Filipo Nakosi, at 29 and with Fiji producing tonnes of talented wingers this was likely his only chance at a RWC.

15. Melani Nanai (Samoa)

Reason? Much the same situation as with Taufua. Having left Super Rugby for a European club it seemed this could now possibly free Nanai to play for Samoa but this was not to be. He is a third uncapped player at Worcester eligible for a Tier 2 nation (fourth if you also add Callum Black who withdrew from a USA squad shortly after signing for them last year) who could have made this tournament but hasn't.

Another chance? Only just turned 26 so could play the entire next 4 year cycle for Samoa if he wants, but then if he did want to why wouldn't he start at a RWC?

Other notable absentees:

Seta Tuicuvu (Fiji) an ill timed injury last November robbed of a chance to make a strong case as a starter and got little opportunity in the PNC with Kini Murimurivalu the preferred 15.

Divan Rossouw (Namibia) the only homegrown Namibian player currently in Super Rugby and former U20 player for them but never been named in a senior squad (most likely to eligibility restrictions ...).

Chrysander Botha (Namibia) a regular for Namibia for years and on his way to a third RWC, but was another surprise exclusion of a senior player with the rumours of fall out inside the camp.

RWC 2019 squad facts, figures, & trends

Now all the final 31 man RWC squads have been confirmed. Here is a look at various facts, figures, and trends worth commenting on regarding the age, experience, and background of the squads.

Russia the oldest RWC 2019 squad with no players from past 5 years of U20 rugby

In their RWC debut in 2011 Russia were in the younger half of squads at the tournament. Since then though the average age of the Bears squads has gradually crept upwards owing to a lack of new talent emerging and now in 2019 they are the oldest squad at the RWC with an average age of 29 years and 10 months. They push down Tonga and Samoa, who usually top this category, to second and third oldest.

Nearly half (15 out of 31) the squad are aged over 31, which is 6 more than any other squad. There are still four players from the 2004 U21 squad (the most capped single age grade side of all time), but not a single player from any of their past 5 years of U20 squads. There are 131 players at this RWC (21% of the tournament) who are younger than youngest member of the Russian squad.

There has been a feeling for a while this Russian side has slowly moved past its prime. Even if a couple of young post-RWC 2011 players like Valery Morozov and Tagir Gadzhiev have come through, not many have. Hopefully for them some of their veterans can make the most of what is an unexpected and likely final RWC opportunity of their careers and produce some credible performances.

Average date of birth for each RWC squad. Russia are the oldest squad, owing to relative lack of new young talent having broken through. Uruguay, shorn of the experience of veterans Capó Ortega and Sagario, are the youngest. France are the youngest squad of the main quarter final candidates. Overall tournament average date of birth is 24/09/91 which is roughly around about where most teams fall.

Uruguay (the youngest RWC 2019 squad) built 100% from their age grade sides

The youngest RWC squad with an average age of 26 years and 2 months is Uruguay who have constructed their 31 entirely from their youth system. Every single member went through the age grade system and played for Los Teritos at the U20 Trophy (or the pre-2008 U19 version). The only minor exception being Juan Manuel Cat, who made his senior international debut in 2016, but missed the U20 Trophy that year through injury (although still remains very much a product of the Uruguay age grade system).

Uruguay includes 11 players aged 23 or younger, all from the U20 sides from this RWC cycle, which is the joint highest in the tournament alongside Georgia. Their 2011 U20 Trophy squad also contributes 8 players to the 31, the second most (behind Ireland U20 2012) from any single year's U20 side at this RWC.

Uruguay's RWC squad has been entirely built from their age grade system. 30 out of their 31 players played for Los Teritos in past U20 Trophy (or its U19 predecessor) tournaments with the one exception only not doing so due to injury. Their South American neighbours Argentina, with 28 out of 31 players having represented Los Pumitas at age grade tournaments, lean similarly on their U20s as well.

Los Teros select from their age grade setup more than anyone else as they have an eligible player pool which is totally homegrown, small, and mostly started quite young so the system unlikely to miss many players. Similar is true for their neighbours Argentina and now also Pool D opponents Georgia as well.

The young age of this squad reflects the emergence of the young players such as Germán Kessler, Ignacio Dotti, Manuel Leindekar, Santiago Arata, Juan Manuel Cat into first choice starters since the last RWC, 2018 U20 standouts Manuel Ardao or Santiago Civetta selected in their first year of international rugby, whilst experienced veterans Rodrigo Capó Ortega, Mario Sagario, Joaquín Prada all withdrawing.

Georgia and Uruguay have the joint most U23 players (born 1996 onwards and mostly graduates from U20 sides of this RWC cycle) of the RWC squads. For Georgia all 11 of those players have been part of their U20 Championship squads, and all of those are also multi-year U20s (assuming Karkadze plays again next year). There would have also been a 12th such player had Tsutskiridze not broken his ankle.

Samoa have only 3 homegrown players out of 31 (the lowest in RWC history)

Samoa only have 3 homegrown players (those raised in the country at least up to age 15/16) in their squad of 31. This has been on the cards for a while based on recent Samoan selections and a reducing number of homegrown players at pro clubs abroad, but still that is a shockingly low number.

This is the least homegrown squad in RWC history and that is a terrible indictment on their "on-island" development pathways. Questions need to be asked of why as there must be plenty more on-island talent with potential in Samoa, but lately relatively little is reaching the top level.

Melani Matavao is not only the lone homegrown player under 30 to make the RWC squad, but also one of only a couple Samoan raised players under 25 to have played Mitre10 Cup level this past year. He is the exception in terms of young "on-island" talent becoming a first choice starter for Samoa in recent times.

Whilst Samoa squads have long had many New Zealand or Australia raised players, and you obviously would expect a considerable percentage of their players to be so, but even so this has been trending upwards and 28 out of 31 is very high even by previous norms. By comparison their 2015 RWC squad had at least 13 homegrown players out of 31. Recently they have fielded matchday squads of 23 with only two homegrown players, and now it is not even implausible in future they could have one with zero.

Tonga have also selected a number of players raised in New Zealand or Australia as well (including 11 former New Zealand or Australia U20 players). However in the past few years they have also produced half a dozen homegrown Tongan All Blacks and Wallabies, young Super Rugby pros like Samisoni Taukei'aho and Folau Fakatava, plus players in Japan including their best ever forward. So that figure is not such a reflection on the recent success of their young "on-island" talent as Samoa.

Samoa have selected just 3 homegrown players in their 31 man squad which is the lowest number in RWC history. Both they and Tonga have many New Zealand or Australia raised players in their squads. Japan also selected their least ever homegrown RWC squad as well.

Samoa U20 produces lowest number of players to graduate to a RWC squad

Samoa have spent more years in the U20 Championship than any other Tier 2 side and between 2008 to 2014 did reasonably well achieving 5 top 10 finishes. Over those 8 years at the top level of U20 rugby, they must have had at least 150+ players involved who are now aged 25-31 close to their prime. Yet only 4 players from those U20 sides have made this RWC squad, the lowest number graduates of any nation.

If these squads were all low level (more along the lines of Samoa's U20 Trophy last year which got thrashed 58-8 by Fiji) it would be less surprising, but these were relatively decent sides with more U20 Championship wins over Tier 1 than any other Tier 2 nation, yet seem to have gotten lost at senior level.

Samoa's best ever U20 side of 2009 (which beat both Scotland and Ireland) has ended up producing just one player (Viliamu Afatia, who wasn't even a starter for that U20 team) to go on and represent them at a RWC. Since he is injured this time around there are no players from that team at this tournament.

Samoa pushed South Africa hard at the
2014 U20 Championship but like most of
their past U20 groups that squad has not
yet amounted to anything at senior level.

Their U20 side of 2014 also beat Scotland again and notably led for over 60 minutes against a South Africa team which went on to finish 2nd place and has since produced 8 Springboks (including Jesse Kriel, Handré Pollard, André Esterhuizen, Wilco Louw). Yet has so far that squad has produced just 2 caps for Samoa at senior level in Henry Stowers. One of the lowest returns of any U20 Championship side ever.

This Samoa RWC 31 has just 12 U20 Championship appearances between four players. By contrast Georgia has only been in the tournament four years, and even though the peak RWC for all those players won't be until 2023 or 2027, their squad has 11 players with 87 U20 Championship appearances between them. Tedo Abzhandadze on his own played 15 matches in the tournament. It's hard to know exactly what has gone on with Samoa but a lot of potential and development from all those years in the U20 Championship simply appears to have gone to waste.

Pacific Challenge provides very little pathway to the RWC for Samoans and Tongans

On the topic of non-existent pathways, World Rugby's press release for the Pacific Challenge described it as a "proven player development platform" which is "to provide pathway to RWC".

Yet only one side (Fiji Warriors) legitimately uses this tournament as a vehicle to test fringe depth and young players for the national team. Unsurprisingly they have also dominated it, as all the others field sides with little relevance to any near or even medium term international selections.

Over the course of this 2016-19 RWC cycle we have had four Pacific Challenge tournaments. From those tournaments only two players from Samoa 'A' (scrum halves Melani Matavao and Dwayne Polataivao) have reached the RWC, Tonga 'A' has just one player (reserve fly half James Faiva), whilst Junior Japan seem to use it more to prepare U20s than fringe national team players.

Tonga A has proven to be almost no
pathway to national team selection.

For Samoa and Tonga the national team simply seems disconnected from what is to supposed to be their own pathways and development programs like the 'A' or U20 sides as they instead favour dipping into what the New Zealand system provides their player pool.

That may be understandable as they have many eligible players there. However when Tonga in particular virtually ignores their 'A' team, so much so that they have just opted to pluck an amateur hooker out of Canterbury club rugby on the basis of a recommendation of Facebook (who was so obscure their own forwards coach said when he turned up "no one knew what he looked like") before considering any Tonga 'A' players, you have to then query the value for money spent on a team which has such minimal relevance to their national team program.

Number of Fiji, Samoa or Tonga RWC squad members who have represented their 'A' teams in a Pacific Challenge tournament over the course of this 2016-2019 RWC cycle. Only the Fiji Warriors (10 players) team can really be said to be a platform to the national side. The vast majority of the Tonga 'A' players in particular have never even been remotely close to making the RWC squad.

Fiji and Tonga provide 13 players for other RWC squads

Fiji has comfortably been the lead exporter of talent from a Tier 2 nation to Tier 1. In total there are six homegrown Fijian players in Tier 1 squads for this RWC. Half of them they could face in their opening match vs Australia who have Isi Naisarani, Tevita Kuridrani, and Marika Koroibete. There is also Virimi Vakatawa and Alivereti Raka with France, plus Sevu Reece with New Zealand. John McKee said earlier this year Reece "would love to play for Fiji" but restrictive Super Rugby contracts were preventing it, however his form with the Crusaders ended up being so strong he's now become an All Black starter.

In addition to this Nathan Hughes (England), Waisake Naholo (New Zealand), Sefa Naivalu (Australia) have all played for Tier 1 teams within the past 12 months but failed to make RWC squads.

Tonga have a homegrown player in both the Wallabies with Taniela Tupou and the All Blacks with former U20 Shannon Frizell, whilst Vaea Fifita was also a late cut. The Ikale Tahi in fact have 7 homegrown players in other RWC squads (not far off how many there are in their own squad), as Japan have selected five who went to University there with another former Tonga U20 Amanaki Mafi the most noteworthy.

The only other Tier 2 nation to have a produced player who is now in another RWC squad is Zimbabwe with Tendai Mtawarira. Paul Willemse from Namibia and Lucas Paulos from Spain were in wider squads for France and Argentina respectively but neither made the final cut.

The very high number of New Zealand developed players in other squads is obviously largely down to Samoa and Tonga. Although they also feature in a several Northern Hemisphere squads as well. It should be noted the Tier 1 developed players are mostly those who could not make that nation's team, whereas every one of the Tier 2 developed players are all in higher ranked nations squads.

Huge divide between Tier 1 and Tier 2 in terms of high level international experience

Tier 1 is used to describe the 6 Nations and Rugby Championship sides, those with significant in built off field advantages in terms of fixtures, finances, and WR council voting power. However there are only 9 main nations who in the professional era have held 98% of RWC quarter final spots, with Italy despite their off field advantages still on the field below them more on the level of an upper Tier 2 side.

The 10 Tier 1 squads (including Italy) have a total of 8825 caps in matches against those 9 perennial RWC quarter final sides (over 80% of their total caps), compared to the 10 Tier 2 squads 993 caps (less than 10%). None of this is to say this should be something completely even, the ideal is for a balance of fixtures against sides ranked above and below (not like Italy), but still the clear divide is demonstrable.

Vereniki Goneva and Yu Tamura are the players from Tier 2 squads with the most caps (17) against the big 9, whilst there are five other players all experienced ones in their 30s and on their third RWC with 15 or more caps. 77 players in Tier 2 squads will be playing a top 9 team for the first time at this RWC.

Total caps against the 9 usual quarter finalists per RWC squad. SANZAAR sides are the highest as they play 6 games every Rugby Championship, as opposed to the 6 Nations 4, as well as also playing Tier 2 sides less often. It is not hard to spot the divide between Tier 1 and Tier 2. Australia have very close to over 300 more caps against top 9 opposition than all 10 of the Tier 2 sides combined.

France the youngest Tier 1 squad but with the most domestic top level experience

This reminds me of Ben Ryan's lazy article on French rugby back in February which blamed foreigners for national team failings. He claimed "the best of the French" struggled to get a game in the Top 14 especially in certain positions (one of which he stated was 9 which has in fact always been the position in France with the very least foreigners), "the younger players have rarely made the matchday squads", and "the consequence has been national teams with a lack of experience". All of that is total garbage.

France are the youngest Tier 1 side at this RWC (third youngest of all 20 teams). They have more players (14) aged 25 or under than any other quarter final contenders (Ireland by comparison only have 6).

Yet despite this France's squad has a total of 4081 appearances at Top 14 or European level (Louis Picamoles short stay at Northampton the only overseas stint adding to that total). That is an average of 132 per player. This of course could not possibly have happened if as Ryan said "the younger players have rarely made matchday squads" had even been remotely close to being correct.

The idea that the leading French players and prospects, the ones with any relevance to national team and likely to succeed at international level, all get no opportunity because of the presence of foreigners is complete and utter nonsense and always has been. They in fact play more hard pro rugby from a younger age than virtually all their rivals and if anything there's a stronger argument they play too much.

France are the youngest Tier 1 squad but have the most domestic professional experience. European teams head this list because their season is longer and for the most part have more clubs they can play for (if you consider Scottish internationals are also free to play in England or France). Argentina would have been higher in previous tournaments, but now less experienced relative to other Tier 1 because largely selecting from only one pro team (although now also have much more top level international experience than before). Uruguay are a much more professional side now but minus Capó Ortega and his near 400 Top 14 matches have negligible experience (just 3 matches with Leindekar) in top leagues. Japan might have been a bit higher on this list had they used the Sunwolves differently.

It's unfortunate as France is the biggest land of opportunity in the sport for all players, and importantly so for those from Tier 2 nations, who would never realistically get any opportunity to pursue ambitions in high level pro rugby anywhere else. It's articles like that one repeating grossly inaccurate narratives that seeks to destroy those opportunities with harder restrictions on them. Harming the players themselves, the global game more broadly, the standard of French rugby, and all for very little benefit to anyone but maybe the 500th best French player (miles away from national team relevance).

To illustrate this point. As of writing there are 109 players in Tier 2 RWC squads with a professional contract in a Tier 1 country, 89 of those are in either France (with 54 players, a figure that would have been even higher had Romania and Spain not got kicked out) or England (35 players). Whilst by comparison only 9 players in those squads with a contract at a SANZAAR pro side.

However not only do French clubs offer the most opportunity in terms of numbers, but also do so for the widest range of nations as well. As written about before the Tier 2 players recruited in England are predominantly New Zealand/Australia schooled Pacific Islanders out of competitions like Super Rugby or Mitre10 Cup, and unlike France not so often ones actually recruited from Tier 2 nations. If it were not for French clubs the RWC and global game would be increasingly more like Cricket.

Number of players as of writing from Tier 2 RWC squad with a pro domestic contract for next season per Tier 1 nation. The difference between France and the rest would be even bigger still if you added all the Tier 2 players not at this RWC.

Pacific Islanders have most high level domestic experience among Tier 2 nations

Fiji's squad has 1844 appearances in top level domestic competitions  (Super Rugby, Premiership, Top 14, Pro14, or Europe) the most of any Tier 2 nation. 98.6% (1819) of those are with European clubs, with only one player (Ben Volavola) having played in Super Rugby. There are fewer players in the Fiji squad with Super Rugby experience than there are in European sides like Scotland, Italy, or Ireland.

Alivereti Veitokani had an opportunity in
Super Rugby blocked this year so had to
move to Europe to play pro rugby. Most
of Fiji's top level pro experience comes in
Europe as Super Rugby is horrible for them.

The leading Southern Hemisphere competition has been nothing but horrible for Fijian rugby. It has offered next to nothing for their young talents aside from having them either poached by New Zealand and Australia, or failing that just remain there uncapped like Pita-Gus Sowakula who Fiji can't select to keep his NZ eligibility. This year there were also reports that Australia actively prevented the opportunity for Alivereti Veitokani to play Super Rugby specifically so as not to help Fiji's RWC chances. So most of this Fijian squad has had to move to Europe, especially France, to find opportunity in pro rugby.

Samoa's squad is the second most experienced Tier 2 squad with between them 1734 top level domestic appearances, and Tonga's the third most with 1458 appearances.

Reasons behind this are players in the Samoa and Tonga squads (initially as NZ players) can play Super Rugby which is near impossible for 99% of players from other Tier 2 nations (aside from Fijians who then get poached). Over half their squads have played Super Rugby, and with that top level experience they then have an advantage in recruitment to European clubs as well especially English ones.

However these are also the two squads with least international caps. Many of those players only commit to Samoa or Tonga after having given up on New Zealand which often leads to a move in Europe as their contracts in Super Rugby get harmed. So you have got a combination of Pacific Islands only playing 6/7 tests in non-RWC years along with players like Sam Lousi and Michael Ala'alatoa only making their debuts this year at 28 which explains the relatively experienced squad with the low cap total.

Japan are the Tier 2 nation with the most individual players with some top level experience. 29 of their 31 has played Super Rugby for the Sunwolves in the past 4 years. However a number of those players did not play regularly, some not even playing at all this year. So they have lower elite level appearances than for example Georgia who have fewer players who have played elite level but individuals in their squad like Gorgodze, Nariashvili, Chilachava, Mikautadze with several long hard Top 14 seasons.

Only one player in any Tier 1 squad (Argentina centre Lucas Mensa) has no experience in a major league. The squad with the least experience is Uruguay, who are a much more professional outfit than before, but only have one player (Manuel Leindekar) to have played in a major league. Whilst the squad who remains most amateur is Namibia with 22 of their 31 locally based, although overall this will be the most professional a RWC has ever been largely thanks to the MLR which has 39 players at the tournament.

Georgia and Fiji have the largest number of RWC returnees

Pool D opponents Georgia and Fiji have selected the largest number of players from their squads of 4 years ago with 18 and 17 respectively, whilst England are third on 16 returning players.

This reflects sides that have in a number of positions actually had quite settled options for the most part over the past RWC cycle and not ones that were ripped up and started over again. That is perhaps not surprising given both Georgia and Fiji have the same coaches and not too many ancient players last time.

On the otherhand Samoa are bringing just 7 from the last RWC squad and Tonga just 9. Again not surprising as both of those sides with average ages of 29 and 30 did have older squads last time out, whilst Samoa with Steve Jackson are also on their third different coach of the RWC cycle.

Also notably Italy have a curious mix with behind only Russia (24) the joint highest number of RWC debutants (23), but alongside them also vast experience of the last remaining players from the Parisse/Castro generation that were all around back at RWC 2007 under Pierre Berbizier.

Russia have 7 players who played at RWC 2011 returning, but there are actually 9 returning from their original 30 man squad for that tournament. Andrei Ostrikov and Igor Galinovskiy were selected only to get injured beforehand, so to get another chance after 8 years will be particularly special for them.

There are 15 players from RWC 2007 who have made squads for this tournament 12 years on. Sergio Parisse is the only one of those who also played RWC 2003 meaning he will become the third player after Brian Lima and Mauro Bergamasco to play at 5 RWCs. Merab Kvirikashvili was another in the frame to make 5 RWCs as part of Georgia's wider squad but didn't make the final cut. Rodrigo Capó Ortega, who made his test debut way back in 2000, was also another player who could have returned from the 2003 tournament but unfortunately withdrew from Uruguay's preparation through injury.

Pictured left to right: Luke Thompson (Japan), Eugene Jantjies (Namibia), Mamuka Gorgodze, Davit Kacharava (Georgia), & DTH van der Merwe (Canada). Profile pictures from the RWC 2007 site of the five Tier 2 players who 12 years later are at their fourth RWC. Thompson (who will become the third oldest player in RWC history) and Jantjies are the first players from their respective nations to have done so.

Luke Thompson will be Japan's first ever player to represent them at 4 RWCs, Eugene Jantjies will also do the same for Namibia, whilst Adam Ashley-Cooper will be only the second from Australia after George Gregan. The other three players from Tier 2 nations at a 4th RWC are Davit Kacharava, Mamuka Gorgodze, and DTH van der Merwe. All these players are likely to retire soon after the tournament.

Georgia have the youngest player at the RWC for a second time in a row

For the second RWC in a row and third time in five RWC appearances Georgia will have the youngest player at the tournament. In 2003 it was Merab Kvirikashvili, in 2015 Vasil Lobzhanidze, and now in 2019 it will be hooker Vano Karkadze who is set to become the fifth youngest RWC player of all time (third youngest in professional era), and the second youngest RWC forward after Federico Mendez in 1991.

Karkadze's rise at senior level has been incredibly fast. He made his senior pro debut at Aurillac last December, then his senior international debut in February after getting the approval of Graham Rowntree who was sent to watch him play. With Badri Alkhazashvili having long term injury issues, and a fall out between Zurab Zhvania and Milton Haig, the opportunity opened up for him to make the RWC.

Pictured left to right: Gordon D'Arcy (Ireland, 1999), Merab Kvirikashvili (Georgia, 2003), Thretton Palamo (USA, 2007), George North (Wales, 2011), Vasil Lobzhanidze (Georgia, 2015), Vano Karkadze (Georgia, 2019). The youngest players at each professional era RWC. If he gets on the field Karkadze is set to become the youngest forward to play in a RWC since Federico Mendez in 1991.

He is one of just five U20 eligible players at the tournament. The other four being Jordan Petaia (Australia), David Ainuu (USA), Tedo Abzhandadze (Georgia), and Romain Ntamack (France). Although only the two Georgian players are doing the double of playing U20 and senior World Cups in the same year. There are also a further 15 players born 1998 who were eligible last year at U20 level.

Note also that Abzhandadze will face a big test as the youngest player to wear the 10 shirt at a RWC in the professional era (which previously was Jonny Wilkinson at RWC 1999) and more so than any of those other players mentioned he is expected to be a pivotal player in determining his side's success.

Having the youngest player is really only a bit of trivia a lot of which simply depends on the timing of the tournament and little can be read into. However fact there are quite a few Georgians amongst the youngest players at the tournament does reflect the recent rise of their U20s into top 10 in the world.

The oldest player at the tournament at 38 will be Luke Thompson, who after coming out of international retirement this year could become the third oldest player in RWC history. Two other even older players in Rodrigo Capó Ortega and Ray Barkwill were likely selections who could have become the second oldest ever player at a RWC behind Uruguay's Diego Ormaechea in 1999 but got forced out through injury.

Meanwhile Samoa's Tusi Pisi is also set to become the third oldest back ever to play a RWC, behind only USA's Mark Williams in 1999, and Canada's Spence McTavish in 1987. If Kahn Fotuali'i, who is a month older than Pisi, was available Samoa could have fielded a 9/10 combination with a combined age of 74.