SA Rugby magazine identifies the players to watch at the global showpiece in France.
Josh Adams (Wales)
The top try-scorer at the 2019 World Cup with seven touchdowns, Adams was a big reason why Wales were able to go as far as they did. Since then, Adams has played for the British & Irish Lions and helped Wales claim a first victory against the Springboks in South Africa, scoring the winning try as a substitute in Bloemfontein. The 28-year-old has endured a dry spell in 2023, but at his best is an opportunistic game-breaker and excellent finisher. Wales will need him to rediscover his best form if they hope to progress through what will be a competitive pool in France.
Marika Koroibete (Australia)
One of a handful of overseas-based Australians who will represent the Wallabies at the World Cup, Koroibete has enjoyed a sensational run of form to the tournament. The winger, who plays in Japan, has owned the No 11 jersey under former coaches Michael Cheika and Dave Rennie and was named Australia’s Players’ Player of the Year for 2022, winning just his second John Eales Medal, despite featuring in nine Tests last year and missing the November tour through injury. The 96kg Fijian-born speedster was particularly influential in Australia’s 25-17 win over the Springboks last year in Adelaide, where he scored a try and made a crucial tackle to prevent Makazole Mapimpi from dotting down in the corner. Koroibete’s work-rate on defence is a big part of what has made him a fan favourite, while his size and speed give him the ability to exploit any space out wide.
Levani Botia (Fiji)
There are plenty of France-based stars in Fiji’s squad, but above all Botia will be counted on to make his presence felt. Nicknamed ‘The Demolition Man’, Botia has successfully transitioned from a tackle-busting centre to a ball-poaching openside flanker and has been key to La Rochelle winning the Champions Cup and progressing to the Top 14 final. The 34-year-old will be making his third World Cup appearance and has made 100 appearances for La Rochelle.
– Read the full Pool C team previews in the 164-page World Cup special edition of SA Rugby magazine