Rugby World Cup Groups 2015: Biggest Surprise Players in Pool C Teams

The beauty of the Rugby World Cup is seeing the globe's greatest talents assemble in one tournament, but witnessing the emergence of some surprise stars can be equally as satisfying.

Of course, there are only so many surprises to be had when assembling 20 of the best teams in the world, but there's plenty of room for some better-known faces to dazzle when handed their opportunity.

Pool C has the household figures of New Zealand and Argentina present, while the likes of Georgia, Tonga and Namibia may be considered more liable to produce unassuming heroes of the first round.

However, the All Blacks' fine form has also been helped by the emergence of some lesser-known players in their opening two games, as discussed here.

1. Beauden Barrett, New Zealand

While Dan Carter may be playing out the final leg of his New Zealand career, Beauden Barrett is already showing why he'll be ready to take up the All Blacks' No. 10 mantle when the veteran takes his leave.

The Hurricanes star, 24, was already known as a top talent, but he's had a surprisingly big impact in the reigning champions' success after two rounds of the pool stage.

First we saw Barrett fill in at full-back as a 50th-minute substitute against Argentina, with both New Zealand's tries coming after his introduction, before he enjoyed a majestic 80-minute display in the win over Namibia.

As Fairfax Media's Liam Napier suggested, Barrett may not have the same goal-kicking accuracy as Carter—very few players do—but he injects a pace to the line attack that very few other fly-halves can match.

2. Santiago Cordero, Argentina

Like almost every Pumas player, Santiago Cordero was prevented from stepping out of second gear during the clash against New Zealand, but his talent is widely known now following a dazzling display against Georgia.

Stepping is the operative word when it comes to Cordero's area of expertise, exploiting the slowness of Georgia's defence to guzzle up no fewer than 137 metres against the European side, with two tries to his name.

The 21-year-old—who has agreed to play for Argentina's Super Rugby team next year—may not be a household name just yet, but his blurring pace is already becoming a thing of Rugby World Cup 2015 fame.

3. Johan Deysel, Namibia

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Namibia have never won a game in their four previous World Cup tournaments, so hopes weren't high for the African representatives as they opened their tournament against New Zealand.

However, amid the gloom of a 58-14 demolition, centre Johan Deysel provided a silver lining for his side, as he went over the line for an impressive score.

As well as grabbing his team's only try of the competition so far, the 24-year-old was also in eager defensive mood, as ITV Rugby depicted his fine work without ball in hand.

Namibia may not have many technically gifted players, and it may be premature to call Deysel one just yet, but the midfielder showed great promise against the huge odds presented by the All Blacks.

4. Victor Vito, New Zealand

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After playing a part in both of New Zealand's matches so far, Victor Vito is already flaunting the kind of versatility that makes him such an asset during a World Cup tournament.

First came the cameo at lock against Argentina before Vito showed his back-row talents in the thrashing of Namibia.

The Hurricanes man spoke to the New Zealand Herald's Patrick McKendry prior to the tournament regarding his willingness to move around for the team's benefit:

"

My whole career in this team has been looking to back up No. 6, No. 7 or No. 8, and potentially lock at a pinch, now, with the make-up of our squad. But I'm ready to put my hand up for wherever is necessary. That's what I did at the last World Cup - whether that's starting or on the bench or not playing, that's the role I'm here to play for the All Blacks.

"

Like club-mate Barrett, Vito managed to get on the scoresheet with the opening try against Namibia at the Olympic Stadium.

One might argue whether Vito would make Steve Hansen's XV from a full-strength squad, but the 28-year-old is certainly stating his case for increased involvement.

5. Merab Kvirikashvili, Georgia

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Georgia may not have been expected to challenge in a group that includes two southern-hemisphere giants, but the talismanic Merab Kvirikashvili has provided a spot of flair for the European side so far.

The 17-10 victory over Tonga was far from glamorous and organised almost exclusively through the work of the forwards, but full-back Kvirikashvili was there to give the back line a more refined sheen at times.

ITV Rugby showed just how vital the 31-year-old is as a kicking asset, not to mention the fact he is Georgia's record caps holder and points scorer.

All statistics courtesy of ESPN Scrum.