It is always fun to pick a world side based on the best players in each position, just prior to the World Cup. It is part of the excitement of wondering who is going to win the tournament, as you hold out hope that it will be your team.

This year I see Josh Lewsey from England and Australia's Chris Latham as the prime contenders for best fullback.

The right-wing berth goes to Lote Tuqiri, given that Rupeni Caucaunibuca is not included in the Fijian squad.

'France and the other Northern Hemisphere teams will simply make up the numbers'


Outside centre is a tie between Australia's captain Stirling Mortlock and his Irish counterpart Brian O’Driscoll.

Inside centre (second five-eighth): I’m predicting big things from New Zealand's Luke McAlister.

Fly-half  (fiirst five-eighth): Steven Larkham of Australia.

Left wing: South Africa's Bryan Habana.

Scrum-half (halfback): George Gregan (Wallabies) of course - but also Brendon Leonard of the All Blacks.

No.8: With Ryan Jones of Wales not at the World Cup, and South Africa losing Pierre Spies, I’m going for France's Sebastien Chabal.

Openside flanker: A tie between New Zealand captain Richie McCaw, George Smith (Wallabies), and Schalk Burger (Springboks).

Blindside flanker: Jerry Collins (All Blacks).

Locks: South African pair  Bakkies Botha and Victor Matfield.

Tighthead prop: Carl Hayman (All Blacks).

Hooker: Kevin Mealamu (All Blacks) and Springboks captain John Smit.

Loosehead prop: Marcus Horan (Ireland).

Given the above (which shows quite a bit of Southern Hemisphere bias, I’d have to admit, and a complete snubbing of the Argentinian side),  the Cup is likely to return to one of the Tri-Nations countries, based on the Springboks and All Blacks forward strength, and the Australian backline.

Given that the All Black line-out is not the best, and they have failed to truly dominate the Wallaby pack so far in 2007, the signs are ominous for tNew Zealand – particularly as Melbourne is basically neutral turf, and the All Blacks lost there.

However, a full-strength South African side failed to put the All Blacks away at home in the first match of the Tri-Nations. Between these three, it is anyone's guess.

France, and the other Northern Hemisphere teams, will simply make up the numbers.