This is my World XV based on the 2008 international rugby union season - and not surprisingly, it has a New Zealand flavour:

15. Mils Muliaina (New Zealand): He has been dynamic at the back this year. His ability to break through opposing defences is incredible.

14. Shane Williams (Wales): He's been the player to watch this year. Whenever he gets the ball he is unstoppable. His speed is dynamic - no wonder he got World Player of the Year.

13. Conrad Smith (New Zealand): One of those players who has been improving each and every game. Great ability to control the defence and marshall his troops.

12. Stirling Mortlock (Australia, vice captain): A player who can burst up the middle tremendously well. His knowledge of the game is brilliant. Gets the nod ahead of Ma'a Nonu because he has more skill and better technique.

11. Bryan Habana (South Africa): Hasn't been in try-scoring mood this season but his ability to do something magic wins him his place in the team.

10.Daniel Carter (New Zealand): No guessing why he's in at No.10. Has had yet another brilliant season; he has kicked well and is unstoppable breaking through the defensive line. Also knows what to do in sticky situations.

9. Mike Blair (Scotland): A tricky little halfback who knows what to when his side is in trouble. His performance against the All Blacks got him in the side ahead of Jimmy Cowen and Danny Care.

8. Rodney So'ialo (New Zealand): Breaks tackles and scrummages well - and has also led the side well this season.

7. Richie McCaw (New Zealand, captain): Who better to have as captain than the best flanker in world rugby? His ability to turn over the ball is superb and his leadership qualities have improved since that disappointment in Cardiff last year.

6. George Smith (Australia): Had a brilliant game against the Barbarians in the end-of-year tour. Physical at the breakdown and can turn over the ball brilliantly.

5. Brad Thorn (New Zealand):  A key player to have in the lineouts and a great asset because he can burst out of tackles.

4. Victor Matfield (South Africa): Even though he has been quiet this season, still one of the best lineout forwards in the world. Can jump and steal anything.

3. Greg Somerville (New Zealand): He has been incredible in his final season in international rugby - a tribute to a great player.

2. John Smit (South Africa): One of the best scrummagers in world rugby and a fantastic leader Leads from the front.

1. Tony Woodcock (New Zealand): A brilliant try-scoring prop - and he can scrum as well.

22: Lee Byrne (Wales), 21 Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland), 20 Danny Care (England), 19 Schalk Burger (South Africa), 18 Steve Borthwick (England), 17 Matt Dunning (Australia), 16 Andrew Hore (New Zealand).