Jeremy Guscott: All Blacks dominate my best of the autumn XV

This has been New Zealand's year, and their unbeaten run continued over the course of the autumn series. That is why, despite the close calls against Ireland, England and France, they are the best represented side in my Autumn XV, with six in the line-up. South Africa come next with three, Australia have two, and the remaining four come from the Northern Hemisphere.
That is not a great return for the game up here, but it reflects an overall failure of the Six Nations sides to make the most of home advantage. Selecting players for a “best of” side like this, you are looking for them not only to do their specialist job well, but to bring something extra – something that sets them apart.
I believe that, from 15 to 1, these players have that.
15. Israel Folau (Australia)
You will not see a more beautifully balanced attacking runner. It's something about how he sees the ball coming – especially in the way he takes the high ball – and then uses his natural gifts of pace and power to prise open the gaps. An outstanding rookie who has scored nine tries in his first international season.
14 George North (Wales)
He has not been as outstanding over the autumn series as some, but he is still mightily effective. A destructive carrier as well as being quick, and the way he carries the ball up the middle makes him best mates with his forwards.
13 Ben Smith (New Zealand)
My Player of the Autumn. Smith is normally a wing who can also play full-back, but on this tour the All Blacks used him at outside centre. He's not only a complete footballer, but also an instinctive try scorer.
12 Wesley Fofana (France)
A creator as well as a finisher. Fofana makes so many opportunities because of his dynamic strength and ability to break the line. As well as laying on tries for his teammates he also scores them himself.
11 Julian Savea (New Zealand)
A try scoring machine who reads the game so well. He has the power to smash-in doors, but he also has the brains to use the handle – links brilliantly with the players around him.
10 Quade Cooper (Australia)
After a few slaps around the face there are signs that he has grown-up. Cooper is a great passer – he throws those passes which put attackers in space and leave defenders in limbo.
9 Fourie Du Preez (South Africa)
It's great to see an old fella with the temperament, skill and game understanding to know what to do, when to do it, and how to do it. Despite his time in Japan he looks as if he's never had a day away from Test rugby. Sensational.
8 Kieran Read (New Zealand)
In the process of taking over from greats like Richie McCaw, The fully deserved IRB Player of the Year only has good games, or even better games. He's proved that it's more about running great support lines, having great hands, and scoring great tries than about how much you can bench-press or the size of your biceps.
7 Sean O'Brien (Ireland)
He gets there on the back of his performance against New Zealand. O'Brien was immense as a carrier, tackler and as a presence at the breakdown. Huge in the collisions.
6 Liam Messam (New Zealand)
It's a great bonus to have a footballer of this quality in the back row, and to see a trio working so well together. His Sevens experience means he has an all-round game and is part of the New Zealand back row tradition.
5 Sam Whitelock (New Zealand)
Does much more than it says on the packet. His footballing ability for someone so big is exceptional – he handles like a back. The best second row around at the moment.
4 Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)
I like his aggression and drive. He may be young, but he plays like a veteran already, and is another lock with great athleticism.
3 Owen Franks (New Zealand)
He's coming to terms with the new scrum laws, but has a work-rate in the loose which is double that of most props.
2 Dylan Hartley (England)
He played like a leader – like the 50 cap forward that he is – carrying strongly, throwing accurately, and staying focused. One of the most improved players around.
1 Tendai Mtawarira (South Africa)
He enjoys scrummaging, and loves the physical struggle. I like his enthusiasm and his mobility. Another front row forward who gives you much more than the basics.