The Crusaders star has fully justified his elevation above Mils Muliaina.

Left wing - Bryan Habana

In red-hot form during the summer and a recent injury has not seen anyone take his place as the most dangerous runner in the game.

Right wing - Cory Jane

An imposing presence whose ability to wriggle out of tackles keeps attacks alive.

Inside centre - Sonny Bill Williams

A February title fight might currently occupy Williams, but he has maintained his rugby form and seems to be enjoying life in Japan.

Outside centre - Frans Steyn

The ideal defensive foil for Williams, the Springbok's kicking ability would help get this team moving.

Fly-half - Dan Carter

An uncharacteristically sloppy display against England only highlighted how excellent the world's best player has been this year.

Scrum-half - Will Genia

The natural heir to George Gregan's Wallaby scum-half throne, Genia is the heartbeat of the Australian team.

Number 8 - Sergio Parisse

The Italian skipper is a man to watch in the forthcoming Six Nations and his handling brilliance and skill at crossing the gainline for a lesser team edges out Kieran Read.

Openside flanker - Richie McCaw

The likely winner of the Tremain All Black player of the year has been as inspirational as ever and fully earned his six month break.

Blindside flanker - Thierry Dusautoir

After nearly dragging France to the World Cup title and becoming IRB player of the year in 2011, the French captain has struggled with injury. He is still one of the first names on this team sheet.

Lock - Eben Etzebeth

The Springbok enforcer is an uncompromising figure in the back row and despite his youth and inexperience - he made his South Africa debut in June - he is already striking fear in the opposition.

Lock - Sam Whitelock

The giant Crusaders lock became an All Black lynch-pin during the World Cup and has progressed well since - a long New Zealand career beckons.

Loosehead - Tony Woodcock

Woodcock ran out of steam against England, a first sign of weakness in what has been an impressive season.

Tighthead - Dan Cole

Manu Tuilagi is the only other English player who would get near a world XV, but the Leicester prop makes the starting line-up. 

Hooker - Bismarck du Plessis

The South African hooker has been revitalised this year and was a key figure in his team's summer series win over England.

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