My World Cup XV

It seems like everybody is making their own at the moment, so I figured I'd also go ahead and make mine. Below is my World Cup XV with explanations as to why I picked the players I did. Comment on what you think of my team and what your World Cup XV is.

1. Tony Woodcock (New Zealand): The prop was immense for New Zealand and he scored the winning try in the final. The New Zealand pack would have really struggled without him, and was ever-present in the scrums and rucks. Nobody else came close to having the impact he had in this position.

2. William Servat (France): For every good line out there's a good hooker, and William Servat was that man. France's line out was phenomenal at this World Cup, and Servat was a big part of that. He was also huge in the scrum, and there is no doubt that without him, France would not have been as strong in line outs and scrums. Keven Mealamu was also good, but Servat just has the edge in my opinion.

3. Adam Jones (Wales): When he came of injured against France, it was the start of Wales' decline. And it's not a coincidence. Jones was already established as one of the best props in the world before the tournament, and he solidified that reputation while he was in New Zealand. He was a key part of Wales' pack, not only being effective in the scrum but also in rucks and at the breakdown. France's Nicolas Mas comes very close to getting on my team, but Jones' experience and overall good performance tips the balance.

4. Brad Thorne (New Zealand): He is the All Black man mountain. A huge presence in the line out, he delivered some very solid performances in the tournament and his experience was invaluable the Kiwis. Luke Charteris of Wales comes close to challenging him, but the fact that New Zealand went all the way is what separates them.

5. Lionel Nallet (France): France's second row was a crucial part of France getting so far. Partnered with Imanol Harinordoquy, France's line out was almost unbeatable. They made catches under high pressure, and Nallet's experience was also a massive driving force for the French.

6. Thierry Dusautoir (France): Man of the match in the final, world player of the year, incredible performances against Wales and England, need we say anymore? Thierry Dusautoir had an incredible World Cup and there is absolutely no doubt about his place in this team.

7. Richie McCaw (New Zealand): Does this really need any justification?

8. Viliami Ma'afu (Tonga): Easily Tonga's best player of the world cup and a huge surprise. He was absolutely phenomenal against France, constantly causing Les Bleus problems, sand he also scored a well deserved try against Japan. I doubt many many people will agree with this choice, but he is as good as any other number 8 to have played at the world cup. Harinordoquy was phenomenal in the knockout stages, but in the group stages he failed to deliver, and that's what cost him his place on my team.

9. Dimitri Yachvili (France): Was the heartbeat of the French team, and created everything. Great box kicking ability, and also his kicking was as good as anyone's. Without him, France's would have been nowhere, and he scored some crucial kicks that allowed France to win games. Mike Phillips also did really well, his try against France especially, but Yachvili just gets it for his overall performance.

10. Rhys Priestland (Wales): Priestland was unknown before this tournament. Now he is practically a rugby superstar. He is what you'd call a playmaker: he links the forwards to the backs and really gave Wales a fluid game. Priestland was the reason Wales played such attractive rugby. Instead of just kicking, he looked for clever passes and helped his backs score. That's what traditionally the fly-half is supposed to do, and it's good to see it again. No real other contenders for the fly-half spot in my opinion, but Aaron Cruden, Dan Carter and Morne Steyn did play well and put it some good performances.

11. Shane Williams (Wales): What a player!!!! 34 and he was still Wales' main try scorer. George North came onto the scene with a bang, but I think Williams' performances were just phenomenal. He always scores when it really matters, and just seems to cut through every defence in the world like butter. I honestly think he's getting better with age. Now he's retired from international duty, it just won't ever be the same for Wales. Other people like George North and Richard Kahui played well, but the brilliance of Shane Williams is unique and is something that is almost impossible to beat.

12. Jamie Roberts (Wales): He is the Welsh battering ram. He runs at defences, and more often than not, gets through. He played superbly against France in delivered solid performances in the other matches. One of the best centres in the world full-stop. Conrad Smith and Rougerie played well, but I think that Roberts is just the class above.

13. Ma'a Nonu (New Zealand): If Roberts is the Welsh battering ram, than Nonu is the All Black version. A player who's incredibly hard to bring down, he scored a well deserved winning try against Australia in the semi-final and was an important part of the All Blacks' success. No doubts as to whether he deserves a place on this team.

14. Vincent Clerc (France): For me, Vincent Clerc and Shane Williams are easily the two best wingers in the world. The Frenchman had a really top quality world cup, scoring the crucial try against England and playing very well against Wales. He can beat any defence on his day, and has been France's best winger for several years now. He confirmed this at the World Cup.

15. Maxime Medard (France): Last but not least, the full back. I really like Medard. He's an exciting player and his counter attacks are breathtaking. He can cut through a defence just like Shane Williams and he looks to play the ball, not just kick it unlike many other full backs. Israel Dagg is also a strong contender here, but I just prefer the explosive style of Medard. Dagg is more traditional, whereas Medard just brings something new to the table.