As the Rugby World Cup edges closer, Sport360 examines some of the emerging stars after the weekend’s warm-up games.

PUNCHING THEIR TICKET 

Chris Henry

The Ulster flanker made his first start in a green shirt since suffering a stroke last November and certainly looked the part. The 30-year-old only returned to rugby in March but he was brilliant at the breakdown against Scotland, frustrating their half-backs. Also made a number of key attacking bursts. 

Jonny May

The winger lost his place to Jack Nowell during the Six Nations but the 22-year-old would have looked on with interest as May delivered a fine performance against France. Scored one and made another for Watson as well as showing strong defence. Is surely on his way into Lancaster’s 31.

Sam Whitelock

Back in the All Blacks XV for the disappointing Luke Romano and Whitelock showed all his class with a performance of real purpose against the Wallabies. Made a team-high 12 tackles and was dominant in the lineout. Has likely nailed a starting berth for the World Cup.

Morgan Parra & Francois Trinh-Duc

They were overwhelmed a little in the first half by England’s brilliant backline play but once in control Parra and Trinh-Duc showed why they’re France’s best half-back pairing. Freddie Michalak is likely to be given a run out in Paris but Trinh- Duc was classy with his hands and feet. Parra’s workrate just phenomenal.

PLACE IN DOUBT

Quade Cooper 

Thankfully the World Cup isn’t in New Zealand because so wretched are Cooper’s performances there, he’d likely be left in Australia if it was. Tentative in possession and a performance littered with errors, Michael Cheika still doesn’t know his best No10 as neither Cooper or Bernard Foley are consistent enough. 

Owen Farrell

Was given the full 80 minutes and it was a chance for England’s former No1 stand-off to give Lancaster real food for thought. However, Farrell was much to blame for England’s lack of direction in the final 20 minutes. Missed four tackles and was also wayward with a conversion.