Fullback - Mils Muliana (New Zealand): With the greatest respect to the game's new centurion, the New Zealand No.15 has been an influential figure for the All Blacks this year, benefitting from being the starting 15 of the majority of the All Blacks games this year. Promoted to captain of Waikato Chiefs this year and a superb running counter-attacker, he has shown a rise in class with his kicking game.

Wing (tie) - Vincent Clerc (France) and Shane Williams (Wales): Both were superb in the 2008 Six Nations, scoring five and six tries respectively.  Clerc’s hat-trick against Ireland was an absolute master-class while Williams made the world champions look slow in scoring two stunning tries. Both are genuine game breakers – and classic old-school rugby union wingers. Williams was player of this year’s Six Nations.

Outside centre – Stirling Mortlock (Australia): The Wallaby captain is a menacing figure, arguably only rivalled by Tana Umaga as one of the game's great outsides. His tries are always scored through the heart of opposition defences, and he inspires his men like the greatest Wallaby captain, John Eales. Like a fine wine, seems to get better with age.

Inside centre (tie) - Jean De Villiers (South Africa) and Gavin Henson (Wales): The Springbok inside has been consistently the best player for the world champions this year, sparkling in attack and solid in defence - although his distrubution has been questionable lately. Henson – usually known for his offensive skills – showed an improved aspect to his game with all-but-impenetrable defence in the Six Nations, missing not one tackle.

First five-eighth/outside half – Dan Carter (New Zealand): Lost some points through unusually poor goal kicking against the Springboks, but there is no disputing he is quite possibly the most influential player in the world. Has matured into a player who is not only in-form but actually winning games for his team; he passed 800 Test points last week. Matt Giteau is fast becoming his equal, but Carter's influence within the New Zealand framework is irreplacable.

Wing – Lote Tuquiri (Australia): Has truly come of age this year with a brilliant season with NSW and is becoming a senior player in the Wallaby ranks. Perhaps the most intimidating back in world rugby – still has occasional issues with positional play in defence, but on attack has no peer.

Scrum-half – Peter Stringer (Ireland): The most-capped Irish No.9 of all time and pivotal in Munster’s success this year – he is the classic scrum-half in a position where there are no genuine world dominators at this time. Excellent passing game and an absolute yelper when it comes to being an organiser of his pack. Just edges out France's Jean Baptiste Ellisalde, who did not benefit from being switched between scrum-half and No.10.

No.8 – Sergio Parisse (Italy): Captain of the Azzurri this year and the quintessential No.8, he was pipped by Shane Williams as the 2008 Six-Nations player of the year. Often on the losing side, he never shirks from his more decorated back-row opponents with an unbelievable work rate and is a terrifying defender. No doubt the best No.8 in Europe, just ahead of Ryan Jones and a tremendous player for Stade Francais, who will benefit from Ewan McKenzie's tutelage.

Open-side flanker – Richie McCaw (New Zealand): What can we say in a few words? As a captain, his craft becomes more apparent, but as a player and a man who inspires, he is becoming arguably the world’s finest player. If he can win a World Cup he will go down as quite possibly the greatest of all time. Martyn Williams and George Smith both warrant a mention, but neither is the equal of a man who appears to be worth 10-20 points for the All Blacks.  Magnificent and easy favourite for 2008 player of the year.

Blind-side flanker – Rocky Elsom (Australia): Pips Schalk Burger, who has gone missing for the Springboks in recent weeks. Elsom, moving to Leicester on a 'sabbatical' next season, is sorely missed by the Australians when his lineout presence and ball-carrying skills are absent. Has the potential to be the best blindside in Wallaby history.

Lock – Victor Matfield (South Africa): Has shown that he is far from being a excellent captain, but when jumping he has no peer and remains the world’s premier lineout lock-forward. His workrate can be found wanting, but he still remains a World XV pick....just. He's lucky to be here ahead of Ireland's Donncha O'Callaghan, who is coming of age beneath the lofty shadows of Paul O’Connell.

Lock  - Ali Williams (New Zealand): Undoubtedly the best ball-playing tight forward in world rugby, but question marks have existed regarding his aerial skills – until recently. Was the architect of the Wallaby and Springbok lineout’s demise in Auckland and Cape Town, and finally seems to have shed his inconsistency and publicised attitude problems. If he remains injury free, will be a huge factor in the All Blacks' World Cup tilt in 2011.

Prop – Tony Woodcock (New Zealand): Still the finest prop technician playing at international level, slowly adapting to having to pillar the All Black scrum. A great ball runner with a nose for tries, and statistically one of the best defenders in world rugby. The game in Newlands was the first time in many years an All Black scrum has not dominated.

Hooker – John Smit (South Africa); His injury is being keenly felt. The Springboks are sorely missing their indomitable captain; the man whom quite simply, led his country to World Cup glory. The original thrower of the best lineout operation in the world, he is a talisman for South African rugby. The Boks would not be struggling with the interpretations of officials if he were on the park.  Just ahead of Andrew Hore, the ultimate old school forward.

Prop - Martin Castrogiovanni (Italy): The reason why, despite more losses than wins, the Azzurri scrum is never pushed around and had ascendency against the world champions. A terror in the loose, he drags defenders around like they are key chains. Terrific scrummager and named three times in official Six Nations team of the week. The 'beast', Tendai Mtawarira, warrants a mention here - he is rapidly becoming South Africa’s best prop.

What would be YOUR world team of 2008?