Players to Watch Today

It's the best of the best and they are all playing each other over the next few weeks. With so much rugby talent on show this weekend we pick the form players to watch in each contest.

Italy vs Georgia:

Michele Campagnaro: The Italian captain was in great form last week in Italy's loss to Ireland. Despite the result he made all 20 of his tackles, scored a try and beat 5 defenders on the day to add to his 95m run with ball in hand. A talent that has had a few injury issues but and extended time back will see him causing more trouble on the International stage as well as the Premiership.

Otar Giogadze: The former Clermont man and Brive player has risen through the ranks having played U20 rugby for Georgia and now the senior side. At 22 years old with close on 110kg's the flanker/8th man is one to watch.

Scotland vs Fiji:

Finn Russell: The Racing 92 man is in sublime form for the Top 14 and Champions Cup challengers. He has set the u Arena alight and sunk many a team, quickly becoming a hero for the French club. He partners up with Laidlaw and the 2 will be a handful for Fiji

Vereniki Goneva: The Falcons man has scored 2 tries in 4 games this season and at 36 years old he seems to be like a good wine and just gets better. Up against Tommy Seymour in the match he will have the dangerous Radradra inside creating space for the deadly finisher.

England vs New Zealand:

Mark Wilson: Wilson was spectacular in the 1 point win over South Africa where he made 11 carries and 14 tackles. Another Falcons man to add to the must watch list he has earned 3 rather large win in his last 3 games, the Springboks, Montpellier as well as Toulon.

Ardie Savea: The All Black has been waiting patiently for his chance to claim a starting berth and he seems to be closer to that. He has had a sublime season and has carried on that form in the black jumper. Deadly in open play and a menace at the break down England will need to keep an eye on him and keep him as quiet as possible.

Wales vs Australia:

Hadleigh Parkes: Parkes has been nothing short of rock solid for club and country in recent months. His defensive work and off the ball decisions set him apart form many players but is often a part of his game that goes unseen. He is linking up well with Jonathan Davies and with Anscombe starting to find good form the backling looks dangerous.

Will Genia: Since his return to the International and super Rugby scene, genia has had a few up's and down's but mostly due to injuries. Many regard him as one of the best 9's in the world, the veteran is an important part of the Cheika machine. 

USA v Samoa:

Joe Taufete'e: The lively American hooker has been used sparingly for Worcester Warriors lately but he has been in superb form for the USA recently. The front rower scored a brace in each of his last two appearances for the Americans against Russia and Scotland.

Reynold Lee-Lo: Lee-Lo and his clubmate Willis Halaholo have been excellent for the Cardiff Blues recently. The pair have gotten the better of most defences they have faced this season. 

With Paul Lasike and Bryce Campbell lining up against Lee-Lo and Ed Fidow the midfield battle will surely be an epic one!

Ireland vs Argentina:

Jordan Larmour: World Player of the Year nominee and he put many doubters to rest after his unbeleivable showing against Italy. His stats were through the roof and he topped it off with one of the best individual tries seen. He is up against some form backs from Argentina and will need to put together another fine performance to beat the Rugby Championship side.

Tomas Lavanini: With a 90% tackle completion stat during the Rugby championship, Lavanini offers plenty in open play to add to his rock solid line out work and carries. Quick in open space he often pops up in unlikely positions and makes it count

France vs South Africa:

Maxime Medard: a name familiar to many rugby fans but Medard is in scintelating form and really will be a thorn in the side of the Springboks if they can not get their defence sorted out. With the likes of Bastareaud at 13 it looks like they will be targeting that defensive weakness out wide to put the ellusive finisher away.

Cheslin Kolbe: Even though the Toulouse star is on the bench, you know that when he comes on he will set the game alight. Following a good season last season and fast start this one, he has earned his International call up and bagged a win in New Zealand too.