With Rugby World Cup 2021 (playing in 2022) finally underway, there have been plenty of players across the tournament who have stepped up to the big stage.The tournament has delivered a highly positive brand of Rugby that have excited spectators and viewers, headlined by a record crowd at Eden Park for the opening day.There was an average of 52 points per game whilst the average ball in-play time across the six opening-round matches was just under 36 minutes, an increase from the July Test series.With this in mind, Rugby.com.au looks at some of the standout players from the opening week of Rugby World Cup 2021.Claudia MacDonaldIt's often rare the story off the field can overshadow a four-try performance on it, but England winger Claudia MacDonald's effort to get to the World Cup is something special.Almost a year ago, MacDonald suffered a serious injury after an awkward collision at training, displacing three of the discs in her spine and compressing her neck.She was preparing for her Rugby dream to be over before a second surgeon cleared her to return.MacDonald has taken the chance with open arms, scoring four tries in a 84-19 thumping of Fiji to go with six line breaks and six tackle busts.The scrum-half-turned-winger scored with one of her first touches of the match inside five minutes before finishing off the game with three tries in the last 15 minutes, including an incredible solo effort started from halfway.MacDonald will once again get the chance to shine, named on the wing to face France in Whangarei.Megumi AbeAbe proves size doesn't matter, producing an inspirational performance for Japan.The scrumhalf shows incredible fight well and truly above her weight class, standing at 147cm (4ft 9 inches).The 24-year-old was Japan’s second-highest tackler with 13 in the 41-5 defeat, whilst delivering solid and consistent service with 51 passes.Rachel MalcolmMalcolm delivered just what the doctor ordered for Scotland despite their 18-15 defeat, and she would know all about that.The Scottish captain has a PhD in environmental physiology and a masters degree in exercise physiology, Lecturing in Applied Sport Science at Nottingham Trent University.Malcolm is an inspiration to Scotland Rugby on and off the field and was incredible in the losing defeat, producing a tournament-high 24 tackles.The blindside flanker also recorded seven carries in the 80-minute showing whilst being used as the main lineout option.Malcolm represents a key threat for the Wallaroos, presenting an exciting match-up with the likes of Emily Chancellor, Shannon Parry and Grace Hamilton.Keira BevanThere's something about the last name Bevan that breeds clutch moments, with Welsh scrumhalf Keira Bevan the latest to step up and make her name.Bevan came on with 30 minutes to go and guided Wales around the park despite two late yellow cards as Scotland fought back into the contest.When they won an 83rd-minute penalty, the 25-year-old commanded the spotlight and nailed the game-winning kick.“As soon as I knew we had penalty advantage, I asked the ref for the pen because I knew it was in a kickable spot,” Bevan said.“I said to Hannah [Jones], I could kick it and, yeah, the rest is history, I guess. I kind of forgot where I was. I have done a lot of kicking at the Vale (of Glamorgan) where we train and at my local pitch so, and I know it sounds cliched, but I just pictured being there, when no one was around, and I just blocked everything out and stuck to my process.“I didn’t even want to look at the ball when it went over, I was just head down and praying basically.”Sesenieli DonuDonu was one of the shining lights of Fijiana's inaugural World Cup match against England.In front of a passionate crowd, the inside centre sent them crazy as she dummied, stepped and dived over the line to score right in half-time.Whilst the game got away from Fiji, Donu can be proud of her performance, recording a tournament-high four offloads and eight tackle busts to go with the try.Donu will look to produce a similar performance against South Africa as they hunt for their first win.Click Here: Sergio Aguero Jersey Sale
Vaxxer Definition & Meaning