Player of Pool A: Richard Kahui

Richard Kahui might not yet have the same profile as All Blacks superstars Richie McCaw, Dan Carter or even relative newcomer Sonny Bill Williams, but the New Zealand wing has more than made his mark during the opening stages of Rugby World Cup 2011.

With just 12 Test caps to his name at the start of the tournament, Kahui quickly staked his claim for a regular place in the All Blacks starting XV.

Kahui’s selection on the wing initially had some pundits expressing doubt, especially with established players such as Sitiveni Sivivatu failing to make New Zealand’s 30-man squad.

However, the 26-year-old from Waikato was impressive from the opening match, scoring a pair of tries in each of his first two starts.

In one of the most keenly contested positions in the All Blacks line-up, Kahui has been all class out wide, fielding high balls with aplomb and touching down for four tries to keep the likes of Cory Jane, Israel Dagg, Isaia Toeava and Sonny Bill Williams at bay.

A hamstring injury sustained during New Zealand’s 37-17 win over France kept Kahui on the sidelines for the final pool match against Canada, though the All Blacks insisted it was a precautionary measure.

While Zac Guildford made the most of his opportunity by scoring four tries against Canada, Kahui’s ability to play on both wings and at centre is something coach Graham Henry is certain not to overlook.

An honourable mention must go to Sonny Bill Williams, who has overcome a mountain of pre-tournament hype and speculation to dazzle in the All Blacks jersey.

Williams’ natural flair, his ability to offload in the tackle and run unusual lines enabled him to make maximum impact off the bench against Japan and France and set a new Rugby World Cup record by scoring three tries as a substitute.

Other players to stand out in Pool A included another All Black, Israel Dagg, Tongan captain Finau Maka and Canada centre DTH van der Merwe.