5 backs to keep an eye on at the RWC

Steve Neville looks at five backs who could have a breakthrough tournament in England at the World Cup.

1. Handre Pollard (South Africa)

The question surrounding Pollard is, will he start? If that answer is yes, the Springboks will be a far more exciting prospect. At 21, the phrase "if you’re good enough, you’re old enough" has been floated around with regard the out half as some corners question can he marshal the South African back line to success.

The fact is, he does look good enough. Named World Rugby Junior Player of the Year in 2014, 2015 could be the year he hits the big time. If he wears the number 10 jersey, South Africa will be able to use him as a weapon to launch attacks as he has the quick feet to break a line and the rugby brain to know when to get the ball wide.

With a powerful pack to lay the platform, Pollard could be crucial to the Springboks.

2. Nehe Milner-Skudder (New Zealand)

Julian Savea is the star of New Zealand’s back three but Milner-Skudder may surprise more than a few people. A relative unknown to some with just two caps to his name, the full back/winger has the opportunity to shine in England.

With exceptional foot work in his locker alongside his pace he will cause defences untold problems. After players like Cory Jane and one of the 2011 RWC stars Israel Dagg were left at home, there is room for a new star to emerge from the All Blacks. It could well be Milner-Skudder.

3. Michele Campagnaro (Italy)

Do Italy finally have a player who can take some pressure of the shoulders of Sergio Parisse? Perhaps. Campangnaro has been one of the Italians best players since his Six Nations debut two years ago and he vastly improves the Azzurri backline.

A powerful centre who will cause problems with his pace, if Italy are to upstage Ireland and France in Pool D, it may not be Parisse’s name grabbing the headlines.

4. Gael Fickou (France)

Hard to believe that Fickou is still only 21, as the Toulouse star seems to have been around for a while. He still hasn’t quite cracked the international stage, but what better place to do it than at the RWC.

With Mathieu Bastareaud and Wesley Fofana ahead of him in the pecking order to play centre he may be pushed out to the wing, but that doesn’t mean he won’t star.

Fast, aggressive and an envious skill set, he may help spark a faltering France into the sort of performances we expect of them.

5. Sam Burgess (England)

It’s make or break time for Sam Burgess as an international rugby union centre. Many still see the former rugby league star as an experiment, many more see it as an experiment that hasn’t worked. The bruising centre must pay off his debts to the coaches for his controversial selection and why not do it on the world stage.

If he plays (and performs) he could play an important role for England, creating space for the exciting Jonathan Joseph, who is nailed on to wear the number 13 jersey, and the likes of Jonny May and Anthony Watson who could have fruitful tournaments in their own right.

Perhaps a better flanker than centre but if Stuart Lancaster can get Burgess going, he could be a key player in the England team.