Bok sensation Moodie among five young guns to watch at the Rugby World Cup

From in-form wingers to a generational Georgian talent and a co-captain with just 11 caps to his name, AFP Sports looks at five players aged 23 or younger who could grab the headlines at the Rugby World Cup which starts in France on Friday:

Canan Moodie (South Africa)

The 20-year-old is a rare member of holders South Africa's squad who was not part of the side to lift the Webb Ellis trophy four years ago. The Bulls flyer made his first senior start at centre in August's record win over New Zealand, after only featuring on the wing.

He will compete with the likes of Cheslin Kolbe and Makazole Mapimpi for a spot in Jacques Nienaber's side and could cause a lot of damage to tired defences if introduced off the bench late in games.

READ | Amid Moodie mania, young Bok Canan remembers well road to World Cup

Juan Martin Gonzalez (Argentina)

The Argentina loose forward only turns 23 in November, but he has already played 24 Tests, scoring seven tries in the process. He will join Saracens after the World Cup and joins a long line of abrasive Argentine back-rowers.

With the Pumas' impressive form, we could see Gonzalez, who often plays with his socks rolled down, get a chance to stand out in the knockout stages.

Davit Niniashvili (Georgia)

Arguably one of the most exciting backs to ever come from Georgia, the 21-year-old scored nine tries for his French club Lyon and country last season.

He announced himself to the world during 2022's Challenge Cup final win with a fearsome tackle on then Toulon lock, South Africa's Eben Etzebeth, who has more than 30kg of an advantage on the fullback on the scales.

The Lelos have traditionally produced powerful, heavyweight forwards but Niniasvhili bucks that trend with a more athletic build and