Minnow players who should be signed by a big European side

[psychic duck]

After every World Cup a previously relatively unknown player from a minor nation takes his opportunity at a stage when all the world is watching to impress and show the world their skill and get signed up by a big European team. Previous examples of this are Takudzwa Ngwenya, Patricio Albacete and Mike Hercus.

Here are a few players who I think could be able to get contracts with top clubs in Europe.

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Sione Kalamafoni (23 years old, 18 caps, 2 tries)
Man of the match from the historic Tongan victory against France, Kalamafoni as well as number 8 Vili Ma'afu looked particularly dangerous runners. Kalamafoni was actually targeted by Newcastle in 2010 but his current club Nottingham managed to keep hold of him, aged 23 he would be a very good investment in my opinion for one of the top European teams, he has already played for Leicester "A" as part of their partnership with Nottingham and I wouldn't be surprised to see him end up there to cover for Crane's season long injury.

Juan Imhoff (23 years old, 7 caps, 9 tries)
I am very surprised that he hasn't yet been snapped up by a professional team, after being the leading tryscorer in the Vodacom Cup with the victorious Pampas XV. Imhoff is very much a very athletic player and his try strike rate so far is phenomenal, and in the matches where he has been given the chance at a more senior level with the Pumas he has again impressed, scoring tries against Romania and Georgia and having a very good cameo against England where he nearly won a penalty from a late hit after making a good run.

Dimitri Basilaia (25 years old, 17 caps, 2 tries)
It was a slight surprise for me to see him starting at this World Cup ahead of the more experienced Chkhaidze who has played with Montpellier and Racing-Métro in his career, but Dimitri Bash-ilaia as I like to call him has offered another strong ball carrier for Georgia alongside the incredible Mamuka Gorgodze. Basilaia was often around the pitch in attack making yards in all three matches and scored a try against England and executed Georgia's best attack against Scotland. His handling needs to improve, but after his performances at this World Cup I think he should be signed by a team higher than Valence d'Agen in Féderale 1. I was also impressed with his fellow Georgians Bregvadze who despite his shortcomings at lineouts was useful in the loose and Revaz Gigauri who looks like Georgia's long term replacement for Machkhaneli.

Victor Gresev (25 years old, 37 caps, 7 tries)
Throughout Russia's matches at this World Cup, Victor Gresev was Russia best forward, despite Russia's forwards being unable to scrum and lineout and their backs unable to tackle, they had their moments, scoring 8 tries (twice as many as Scotland LOL), Gresev's rucking skill in particular impressed and helped give Russia some good quick ball ... when they had it. I wouldn't be surprised if Gresev joins his teammates Artemyev and Ostrikov in getting a top European contract. (Sale counts as a top European contract compared to Russian rugby)

Danie van Wyk (24 years old, 7 caps, 1 try)
Despite playing in a Namibia team who got progressively worse as the tournament went on (and they weren't great to begin with) due to having the worst deal of any nation in terms of rest. van Wyk in attack was a handful particularly in Namibia's early matches against Fiji and Samoa. van Wyk received a glowing endorsement from his captain Jacques Burger who said it would be a crime if he gets no offers from Europe.

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What players have caught your eye from the minnows and deserve a move to a big league?

 

[Canucks]

Not as nice looking as your list

From Canada:
Adam Kleeberger - Flanker - Was amazing in all games. Makes a ton of tackles, 18 against New Zealand before finishing off with a big one on Tony Woodcock. A threat with the ball and has a ton of heart, never gives up on a play as he routinely makes try saving tackles. Something is wrong with rugby if he doesn't get a club.
Conor Trainor - Center - Set up a try against Tonga. Answered the bell against New Zealand and popped 2 in. Great speed, great work ethic, fearless.

Aaron Carpenter - Everywhere in every game. Great scorer and competitor. Currently plays for Plymouth Albion but needs an opportunity with a better club. Scored a try against Tonga and didn't look out of placed vs NZ.
Phil Mackenize - Rumours of signing with the Wasps but was a fast wing with moves and not afraid to get into the dirty areas.

 

[LittleGuy]

I think the Namibian players will also get a look from Currie Cup sides, Thuens Kotze deserves a look from any club.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Agree, especially with Gresev

Sale were linked to him over the summer but nothing every came of it - he's been on great form and would fit into most squads

 

[scar123]

Tinus du Plessis

 

[Toko_11]

I liked how Sandro Todua played he's not only quick and sneaky but also a very smart player.

 

[Tricia McMillan]

Of all the players mentioned in this thread, I agree the most strongly with Theuns Kotze. Would love to perhaps eventually see him play in the Super 15.

 

[TRF_Ezequiel]

He plays at University level at the moment, so Currie Cup would be the next logical step. Given the fact he plays in Jo'burg at the moment, I think he might be moving to the Bulls or Lions (Probably Bulls since they go nuts over kickers)

 

[LittleGuy]

He plays at University level at the moment, so Currie Cup would be the next logical step. Given the fact he plays in Jo'burg at the moment, I think he might be moving to the Bulls or Lions (Probably Bulls since they go nuts over kickers)

I can't wait to see him at a higher level on a regular basis.

 

[ranger]

Not as nice looking as your list

From Canada:
Adam Kleeberger - Flanker - Was amazing in all games. Makes a ton of tackles, 18 against New Zealand before finishing off with a big one on Tony Woodcock. A threat with the ball and has a ton of heart, never gives up on a play as he routinely makes try saving tackles. Something is wrong with rugby if he doesn't get a club.
Conor Trainor - Center - Set up a try against Tonga. Answered the bell against New Zealand and popped 2 in. Great speed, great work ethic, fearless.

Aaron Carpenter - Everywhere in every game. Great scorer and competitor. Currently plays for Plymouth Albion but needs an opportunity with a better club. Scored a try against Tonga and didn't look out of placed vs NZ.
Phil Mackenize - Rumours of signing with the Wasps but was a fast wing with moves and not afraid to get into the dirty areas.

Stop going on about that like it was a good tackle, he had horrible technique and it resulted in concussing himself. He has had a great tournament, but wrecking himself and having to be guided off the field like a dazed altzheimers patient was not one of his highlights.

 

[teltron19]

Argentina minor country?? is a joke or something? really funny...

 

[Larksea]

Not as nice looking as your list

From Canada:
Adam Kleeberger - Flanker - Was amazing in all games. Makes a ton of tackles, 18 against New Zealand before finishing off with a big one on Tony Woodcock. A threat with the ball and has a ton of heart, never gives up on a play as he routinely makes try saving tackles. Something is wrong with rugby if he doesn't get a club.
Conor Trainor - Center - Set up a try against Tonga. Answered the bell against New Zealand and popped 2 in. Great speed, great work ethic, fearless.

Aaron Carpenter - Everywhere in every game. Great scorer and competitor. Currently plays for Plymouth Albion but needs an opportunity with a better club. Scored a try against Tonga and didn't look out of placed vs NZ.
Phil Mackenize - Rumours of signing with the Wasps but was a fast wing with moves and not afraid to get into the dirty areas.

Kleeberger is an impressive player and should become a professional rugby player soon for sure. But if he could have his whole worldcup again I'm sure he would change his technique when he tackled woodcock. Bad and dangerous tackle, bad technique. And at least Woodcock walked away under his own steam. Kleeberger looked in very very bad shape.

 

[LittleGuy]

Kleeberger is an impressive player and should become a professional rugby player soon for sure. But if he could have his whole worldcup again I'm sure he would change his technique when he tackled woodcock. Bad and dangerous tackle, bad technique. And at least Woodcock walked away under his own steam. Kleeberger looked in very very bad shape.

He is o.k. his CT scan came back and there is no serious injuries, he will be returning to Canada along with the rest of the team, but I agree it was a vicous collision I was worried for both players. Is Woodcock in full condition? I haven't heard anything about it.

 

[psychic duck]

Adam Kleeberger - Flanker - Was amazing in all games. Makes a ton of tackles, 18 against New Zealand before finishing off with a big one on Tony Woodcock. A threat with the ball and has a ton of heart, never gives up on a play as he routinely makes try saving tackles. Something is wrong with rugby if he doesn't get a club.

I thought about Kleeberger but decided not to put him on my list as he had already has had a contract with Auckland played in RWC 2007 and wasn't unknown before the tournament.

Kleeberger is being linked to Biarritz as a medical joker for the injured Magnus Lund.

Agree, especially with Gresev

Sale were linked to him over the summer but nothing every came of it - he's been on great form and would fit into most squads

Yes, he plays every back row position and is a very useful player, perhaps the opportunist manner of the signing of Andy Powell had to cancel a back row signing, particularly as Sale already had signed Vernon and Easter at that point, maybe he should have re-looked at Gresev instead of Tololima-Auva'a

Argentina minor country?? is a joke or something? really funny...

No Argentina are not a minor country, Juan Imhoff is on the list because he is an unknown player as he plays in Argentina

 

[Canucks]

Stop going on about that like it was a good tackle, he had horrible technique and it resulted in concussing himself. He has had a great tournament, but wrecking himself and having to be guided off the field like a dazed altzheimers patient was not one of his highlights.

I'm going on about the tackle for a few reasons but I do agree that it was terrible rugby tackling technique. When I saw that hit all I could think was that at some point Kleeberger played American Football. That is a textbook sideline American Football hit. Biggest difference between the 2 sports in t Khe situation are in Rugby you hit with your head behind the player but may allow him further forward momentum whereas in Football you always put you head in front to stop them in their tracks. I go on about the hit because it shows a ton of heart and a willingness to put yourself out for your country. Kleeberger is a small foward at 216lbs whereas Woodcock is 260lbs. That 260lbs with forward momentum going for a try. Despite the huge difference on the scoreboard, Kleeberger still went after Woodcock with the express purpose of not allowing a try. If they're heads didn't collide it still would have a big hit. It's unfortunate that the heads collided, and I'm quite sure Kleeberger had no intent to injure Woodcock, but there was only one way Woodcock wasnt scoring and that hit was it. Kleebergers hit was dangerous but no more dangerous than numerous other highlight reel hits. Case and point would about 80% of the trysavers and ribbreakers highlight videos where most of the hits are either late, high, or have no attempt to wrap. Perfect example is Tuilagi and Cudmore where Tuilagi shoulder charged Cudmores face and knocked him out. Sorry to derail the thread.

 

[nickdnz]

I'm going on about the tackle for a few reasons but I do agree that it was terrible rugby tackling technique. When I saw that hit all I could think was that at some point Kleeberger played American Football. That is a textbook sideline American Football hit. Biggest difference between the 2 sports in t Khe situation are in Rugby you hit with your head behind the player but may allow him further forward momentum whereas in Football you always put you head in front to stop them in their tracks. I go on about the hit because it shows a ton of heart and a willingness to put yourself out for your country. Kleeberger is a small foward at 216lbs whereas Woodcock is 260lbs. That 260lbs with forward momentum going for a try. Despite the huge difference on the scoreboard, Kleeberger still went after Woodcock with the express purpose of not allowing a try. If they're heads didn't collide it still would have a big hit. It's unfortunate that the heads collided, and I'm quite sure Kleeberger had no intent to injure Woodcock, but there was only one way Woodcock wasnt scoring and that hit was it. Kleebergers hit was dangerous but no more dangerous than numerous other highlight reel hits. Case and point would about 80% of the trysavers and ribbreakers highlight videos where most of the hits are either late, high, or have no attempt to wrap. Perfect example is Tuilagi and Cudmore where Tuilagi shoulder charged Cudmores face and knocked him out. Sorry to derail the thread.

No one is saying it didn't take heart and it wasn't a good sign of a commitment, it's just a case that when you call something a huge hit or big tackle, it usually infers that you inflict more damage on the opponent than yourself.



Just looking at the tackle, both men were k.o'd, but Woodcock came the better off for it. It's note quite like when someone hits Owen Franks head and they become a bloodied mess while Franks is unphazed.

 

[Me 1]

I think Chrysander Botha would be good for a currie cup team at least.

 

[Jockstap]

Big young russian wing looked handy, he's only 20, can't remember his name semplekevich or something like that.

 

[LittleGuy]

I think Canadian prop Jason Marshall has signed(or will) sign with a French club he has been mentioing on twitter how he needs to be able to learn French really quick and was also teased by some of the other players about it, but he hasn't mentioned what team, so maybe he just has a meeting with their team officials.

 

[Canucks]

No one is saying it didn't take heart and it wasn't a good sign of a commitment, it's just a case that when you call something a huge hit or big tackle, it usually infers that you inflict more damage on the opponent than yourself. Just looking at the tackle, both men were k.o'd, but Woodcock came the better off for it. It's note quite like when someone hits Owen Franks head and they become a bloodied mess while Franks is unphazed.

Ok ok good point.