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

A two-horse race has risen to the fore in Pool D of the Rugby World Cup 2015, where Ireland and France stick out as the two most talented outfits, while Italy, Canada and Romania look likely to finish as also-rans.

But with Joe Schmidt and Philippe Saint-Andre continuing to tinker with their Irish and French lineups, respectively, the tournament's opening phases have seen some surprising stars emerge in the group.

Earlier this week, we provided a rundown of the underestimated figures rising from Pool A and Pool C, and here, you can read our latest instalment for Pool D.

1. Iain Henderson

The inevitable departure of Ireland great Paul O'Connell is rightly a cause for concern on the Emerald Isle, but Schmidt looks to have a savvy, young successor at lock in the shape of Iain Henderson.

The Ulster forward's potential has been known for a while, of course, but a two-try display against Canada hinted at an entirely more vicious string to his bow.

For the time being, it looks like Henderson, 23, will jostle with Devin Toner for the role of O'Connell's partner, a tug-of-war that will depend largely on tactics—and that's without even mentioning Donnacha Ryan.

Henderson is yet to feature again since the 80-minute display against the Maple Leafs, where he also made 19 tackles in defence, but it was sufficient to make him a candidate as one of those impressing early on.

2. DTH van der Merwe

It can be difficult featuring as a standout star among an otherwise unremarkable squad that has slim chance of leaving any real mark on the World Cup—just ask Canada's DTH van der Merwe.

The newly signed Scarlets winger is playing in his third World Cup and is one of only three Canada players to have figured in every minute of the Maple Leafs' 2015 campaign thus far.

And Van der Merwe, 29, is showing his worth among the elite after scoring in each of his side's pool outings thus far, both of which happen to have come under breakaway circumstances.

Gift the speedster an inch of ground at your peril, as even the Tier One nations are finding out firsthand how capable Van der Merwe is, carrying for 243 metres already, an average of more than 120 metres per game.

3. Edoardo Gori

Alastair Grant/Associated Press

The half-back positions are ones that Italy need to settle if they're to have even the slightest chance of advancing from Pool D, and if it wasn't already, Edoardo Gori's place as the first-choice No. 9 looks assured.

It may be some time before the 25-year-old scrum-half is revered in the same vein as predecessor Alessandro Troncon, but the trickster presence of Gori is something that brings a much-needed unpredictability to Italy's back line.

The 23-18 win over Canada was far from as assured as coach Jacques Brunel would have wanted, but Gori was present throughout to provide a steadying hand with a twist of welcome ingenuity.

4. Simon Zebo

Munster winger Simon Zebo is regarded as a hot-and-cold asset, one who can go from looking like a world-beater at his best to something of a burden at his worst—luckily, Schmidt has found him at his former of late.

A steep selection of Irish backs may have at one point seen the speedster miss out on the World Cup squad altogether, but the staff will be glad they kept the 25-year-old around after what they've seen.

Zebo only managed to play a minute or so in the thrashing of Canada, but he was a crucial component in the following victory over Romania, where he was asked to share his ability around the back three to complicate matters.

Nevertheless, Zebo did a proud job out wide and in the full-back role, beating six defenders and making 102 metres from his 15 carries, quickly carving out a name for himself as an essential figure in the lineup.

5. Gael Fickou

Christophe Ena/Associated Press

Team selection has been a major conundrum for Philippe Saint-Andre during his reign as France coach, and many would agree Toulouse centre Gael Fickou has been unfortunate not to feature more in recent years.

The 21-year-old, undoubtedly, sits among Europe's most promising talents, but his try-scoring display against Romania last week was his first international start since March, having made three substitute appearances between then and now.

Saint-Andre may not yet consider the centre as starter material for the crunch encounter against Ireland on October 11, but it's worth wondering why when he tends to give the back line such an improved sheen.

All statistics come courtesy of ESPN Scrum.