The 10 players to watch at the 2015 Rugby World Cup... as they would appear in FIFA 16

Updated 16/09/2015 at 12:27 GMT

Fraser Masefield runs down the 10 favourites to emerge as the star of the Rugby World Cup - and gives them the FIFA '16 treatment, to boot...

The 10 players to watch at the World Cup... as they would appear in FIFA 16

Image credit: Eurosport

It's time for the big one. The Rugby World Cup kicks off at Twickenham on Friday September 18 when hosts England take on Fiji.

Shortly after that, one of the best-selling video games series of all time releases its latest incarnation as football fans worldwide prepare for FIFA 16.

We think it's pretty cool when football features are given the 'FIFA' treatment, courtesy of 'Ultimate Team' badges that can be customised via www.futhead.com/card-generator.

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So, we decided to try a little twist and bring that dimension to the showpiece rugby tournament, as we list the 10 players most likely to steal the show over the next six weeks.

The attributes each player is awarded are as follows:

STR - Strength
SPE - Speed
PAS - Passing
TAC - Tackling
CAT - Catching
SET - Set pieces

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Louis Picamoles, France - FUT graphic

Image credit: Reuters

10. LOUIS PICAMOLES, FRANCE

A beast of a ball-carrier, France’s Louis Picamoles strikes fear into opponents with his sheer physical presence. His bullocking runs, bone-crunching tackles and turnover skills at the breakdown make him a key man to France’s World Cup hopes.

Sam Warburton, Wales - FUT graphic

Image credit: Reuters

9. SAM WARBURTON, WALES

Following the withdrawals of Leigh Halfpenny and Rhys Webb, the inspirational presence of skipper Sam Warburton will be more important than ever. The Lions-winning captain is a master of scavenging at the breakdown but more importantly, he is the talisman and heartbeat of the side.

Dan Carter, New Zealand - FUT graphic

Image credit: Reuters

8. DAN CARTER, NEW ZEALAND

Carter only at eight, you may well gasp. The leading points-scorer and a legend of All Blacks rugby he may be, but injuries have taken their toll over recent seasons and it will be just as interesting to see whether he lasts the full distance as if he’ll again be a star player of the tournament.

Eben Etzebeth, South Africa - FUT graphic

Image credit: Reuters

7. EBEN ETZEBETH, SOUTH AFRICA

The young South African second row is surely a future skipper of the Springboks. With Victor Matfield’s powers on the wane, much onus will be on the big and powerful Etzebeth to win key ball and put his team on the front foot.

Michael Hooper, Australia - FUT graphic

Image credit: Reuters

6. MICHAEL HOOPER, AUSTRALIA

One of the finest back-row scavengers in world rugby, Michael Hooper has the ability to turn a Test match by pouncing on loose ball either in defence or attack. His mobility and astonishing workrate make him one of Australia’s most valuable players. A real game changer.

George Ford, England - FUT graphic

Image credit: Reuters

5. GEORGE FORD, ENGLAND

Will the creative England fly-half shine on the biggest stage of all? Will he keep Owen Farrell to a bit-part bench role? Will his undoubted talents set England on the way to World Cup glory? All questions that will put the exciting George Ford under the microscope like no other player in the tournament. How he copes with the pressure will be absolutely intriguing.

Johnny Sexton, Ireland - FUT graphic

Image credit: Reuters

4. JOHNNY SEXTON, IRELAND

All of the sentimental attention of Irish fans will be focused on skipper Paul O’Connell’s World Cup swansong but that will suit Johnny Sexton just fine. A tactical kicking genius like Ronan O’Gara before him, it generally goes without saying that if Sexton has a good game, then Ireland win. When he’s off, they struggle. Also worth watching for the enormous shoulder pads on his slight frame that make him look like a Kenny Everett character.

Julian Savea, New Zealand - FUT graphic

Image credit: Reuters

3. JULIAN SAVEA, NEW ZEALAND

Try-machine Julian Savea was left out of the early Rugby Championship games due to lack of conditioning but should be back to his best now. The closest thing New Zealand has to Jonah Lomu, the 108kg powerhouse is an intimidating sight running at full flight and will certainly add to his 30 international tries in the RWC.

Chris Robshaw of England - FUT graphic

Image credit: Reuters

2. CHRIS ROBSHAW, ENGLAND

It just may come to pass that the quiet captain will be the man to emulate Martin Johnson’s achievements by guiding England to World Cup glory. A real unsung hero, Robshaw is a consistent stats leader in terms of yardage, tackles and turnovers made and arguably outplayed All Black legend Richie McCaw the last two times the sides met. His calm captaincy and relentless work rate will be key to England’s chances.

Israel Folau, Australia - FUT graphic

Image credit: Reuters

1. ISRAEL FOLAU, AUSTRALIA

This attacking force of nature has all of the attributes to be the star player of the 2015 Rugby World Cup. He has strength, height and pace in abundance and his Aussie Rules background mean he’s a master under the high ball and as resolute in defence as he is devastating in attack.

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