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Rugby World Cup Barometer: Ntamack shows us a new side

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In the lead up to the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Morning Wire has put together a barometer in partnership with City Index to assess whose form is hot – and whose is not – in the race to be part of the tournament in France later this year.
In the lead up to the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Morning Wire has put together a barometer in partnership with City Index to assess whose form is hot – and whose is not – in the race to be part of the tournament in France later this year.(Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

In the lead up to the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Morning Wire has put together a barometer in partnership with City Index to assess whose form is hot – and whose is not – in the race to be part of the tournament in France later this year.

Rugby player of the week

It may not have been one of his absolute best or a performance that provoked a viral outpouring of love on social media but Romain Ntamack – France and Toulouse fly-half – issued a lesson in pulling the strings during his side’s 41-14 win over Racing 92 in the Top14 semi-finals.

Up against Finn Russell it would be easy to get into a war of tricks, kicks and offloads but Ntamack was sublime; controlling the backline and ushering the forwards outside his “Petit General” and international half-back buddy Antoine Dupont.

Sometimes flair needs to give way to pragmatism, and Ntamack last weekend oozed maturity. He could be guiding the hosts to their first Rugby World Cup trophy in the autumn.

Who’s hot

Queensland Reds winger Suliasi Vunivalu scored twice in his side’s Super Rugby quarter-final loss but the Fijian had the best game of his season.

Former London Irish lock Adam Coleman has been called up by Tonga. The 34-cap Wallaby is set to switch allegiances.

Who’s not

Scotland’s Finn Russell’s usual magic wasn’t present as Racing 92 were crushed 41-14 by Toulouse in their Top14 semi-final.

Sam Simmonds will not be at the Rugby World Cup after ruling himself out of selection for England. He was not picked for Monday’s training squad.

Previous Rugby World Cup Barometers