Hidden Gems: The five underrated stars from World Cup Week Three

Tue, Sep 26, 2023, 2:44 PM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Scotland's Rory Darge was influential in their win over Tonga. Photo: Getty Images
Scotland's Rory Darge was influential in their win over Tonga. Photo: Getty Images

The third week of Rugby World Cup 2023 saw a host of big-name players deliver quality performances.

Henry Arundell lit up the tournament, tying the record for most tries in a game with five.

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Welsh replacement Gareth Anscombe delivered a match-winning performance after Dan Bigger's injury as Ireland centre Bundee Aki had another blinder.

These players have dominated discussions over the past week but there are several remarkable performances to highlight.

Using stats from Opta, Rugby.com.au looks at five Hidden Gems from the past weekend of Rugby

Rory Darge (Scotland)

Darge has become a key piece to the Scottish pack as they fight for their spot in the quarter-finals.

The flanker recorded a perfect 15 from 15 tackles and had three tackle busts and a line break.

Darge is becoming a try-scoring threat, with the 23-year-old crossing the line again to secure the bonus point, his third try in four games.

Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France)

Bielle-Biarrey is giving Fabian Galthie major selection headaches heading into the knockout stages.

The young winger was superb again, crossing for a double in their thumping win over Namibia.

He also recorded five line breaks, a try assist and 120 metres.

Marcus Smith (England)

Smith slotted into the back perfectly for England.

Arnudell's five tries stole the show but the playmaker was electric, crossing for a double that included a nice chip and chase for himself.

He also assisted a try and made four line breaks and seven tackle busts.

Manuel Ardao (Uruguay)

Arado is slowly making his name as one of their better pilferers in World Rugby.

He leads the tournament with six breakdown steals, winning five turnovers in their defeat to Italy.

The flanker also had a lineout steal to go with a linebreak, a perfect tackle performance and an incredible 61m kick.

Davit Niniashvili (Georgia)

Niniashvili has an insane first half for Georgia and deserved more than a draw.

He beat defenders at will, recording three linebreaks and a try assist in the opening 40 minutes.

In total, he finished the game with 11 tackle busts to go with over 300m on the boot and a game-high 20 carries

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