Jeremy Guscott World Cup XV

Ireland v New Zealand - 2013 Guinness Series15. Ben Smith (NZ) is one of my favourite players, his skillset is of the highest calibre, which affords him the luxury of time; he makes everything look so easy and rarely makes unforced errors.
14. Nehe Milner-Skudder (NZ) was the most exciting runner during the . His ability to side step and accelerate away was electrifying.
13. Jesse Kriel (SA) at 21-years-old for me he has been the best outside-centre given the role is to make breaks and score tries. He only scored one try but made numerous clean breaks.
12. Ma'a Nonu (NZ) has been his usual formidable self; he's been almost faultless. To keep his place ahead of Sonny Bill Williams shows how good he is.
11. Juan Imhoff (ARG) gave us a display of try scoring and line breaks that we enjoyed and won't forget easily. He's unwavering attitude to take on a defender and have the belief that he would beat them was inspiring.
10. Dan Carter (NZ) has been masterful throughout this tournament never seemingly breaking sweat justgoing about his job very well. He's been brilliant without too much flashiness, making the right decision most of the time.
9. Aaron Smith (NZ) this was the easiest pick, I don't see anyone close to his all-round skill-set and his passing and kicking are exceptional. He keeps everything simple taking the best options which is crucial for a scrumhalf.
8. David Pocock (AUS) has made so many turnovers it should be renamed the Pocock, once he's over and clamped in that jackal position he's like a barnacle stuck to the bottom of a boat.
7. Schalk Burger (SA) has been prolific in his ball carrying and tackling, considering his career injuries and age it's a remarkable feat to put in such huge efforts. His energy contradicts his years but all that experience helps him to deliver the job.
6. Scott Fardy (AUS) is another exceptionally hard working forward, like so many very good players he's so understated but he wins a lot of lineout ball and tackles his heart out while making good turnovers and slowing opposition ball down.
5. Lodewyk De Jager (SA) is still only 22 but his work rate, technical and freestyle ability sets him apart from ordinary lock forwards.
4. Brodie Retallick (NZ) is the current player of the year and he's represented that title well. His ability to be the first receiver from the breakdown and either carry or distribute make him a special player.
3. Ramiro Herrera (ARG) has been brilliant in this RWC. Destructive scrummager and his ball carrying is aggressive, always winining the collision.
2. Agustin Creevy (ARG) has played outstandingly well, he's led his Pumas by example. Hitting the lineout jumpers and scrummaging well is a given but he also has a very good knack of turning over opposition ball.
1. Scott Sio (AUS) is helping the Aussie scrum become one of the best in the world which is incredible given they were a pushover less than a year ago. At 24 years old he's one of another era of props doing more than it says on the tin.

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