Who is in the 2015 world rugby XV?

In light of the Telegraph’s release of their top 100 current players in world rugby, some decisions had me thinking, just who are the premier players in the world right now?

More interestingly, what exactly merits a player being the best in the world?

As any true budding student of the game will know, selecting a draft of top players is excruciating, as there exists a variety of factors that must be considered before a decision in such a contentious area can be made.

Does form matter more than reputation? Does club form count? Are combinations worth contemplating? Is it the team or the player himself that shines? When all components are examined, very rarely does one individual stand head and shoulders above the rest.

So, in light of all these categories, I have selected a world XV who have been subject to scrutiny in all such areas. When viewing, it is important to consider that these individuals have been picked based off of their own personal attributes, and in the list provided, factors such as playing in a successful team counts for very little.

I do not in any way maintain that if such a team were put together they would play efficiently as a unit, as they have been placed in their jersey strictly according to what they as an individual are able to achieve. In this list, combinations are meaningless.

So, without further adieu, let us begin with the low digits.

Loosehead Prop: Marcos Ayerza (Argentina)
In light of his recent performances in the rugby championship, as well as for Leicester throughout the Aviva premiership, Ayerza has cemented his reputation as one of the finest looseheads there has been.

In 2014, the Argentinian pack, led by Ayerza, decimated a strong Springbok scrum throughout both their fixtures. Carrying on such form, it is not often Owen Franks gives away penalties at scrum time, but Ayerza ensured such a rarity was put on show in Hamilton, firmly establishing the Puma scrum as the best in the game.

Beyond the sky blue and white jumper, Ayerza has spearheaded powerful forward efforts against such opponents as Toulon and Llanelli, culminating last weekend in his demolition of fellow international Geoff Cross against Sale.

Paired with his brute strength at scrums is Ayerza’s power in the contact zone, and an established ability to play the whole eighty minutes in any fixture at club or international level, being named Aviva Premiership forward of the month last week. Looks to have plenty left in the tank.

Hooker: Bismarck du Plessis (South Africa)
At the peak of his game, there remains little doubt as to who the world’s premier hooker is. Despite some indifferent form throughout 2014, Du Plessis has shown time and time again that he is a force throughout all aspects of the game.

His performance in 2013 against the All Blacks in Auckland, before he was shown the door by some dubious refereeing decisions, was spectacular, and his loss ensured the Springboks lost their most dangerous and versatile forward.

A strong scrummager, thrower, tackler and runner, it is his ability to pilfer possession that places him above the rest. Spectacular player.

Tighthead Prop: Charlie Faumuina (New Zealand)
A tight race with Dan Cole of England for this honour, this selection may come as a surprise given his status as a bench player for the All Blacks. However, there are very few props whom boast the range of skills Faumuina does, and after his demotion due to fitness related reasons early last year, he has come back with a vengeance, changing the nature of the game for the All Blacks on the Northern Tour, and early this year for the Blues.

A sound scrummager, Faumuina’s offensive game as well as, ironically enough, his fitness places him in such an alleviated rank. However, he gets the benefit of a playing in a position where there are currently no real internationally imposing figures as it stands.

Second Row: Brodie Retallick (New Zealand)
The reigning IRB player of the year, Retallick wins this jersey hands down. Incredibly strong, with a renown rough edge, Retallick’s uncanny ability to step up and deliver world class performances in the big games has been the telling factor in him being named the best in the world.

His performances against Australia in Auckland, and the Springboks in Wellington a week later were sublime, as he seemingly made every second tackle and carry, as well as being a force at the breakdown. Technically, Retallick has progressed immensely, with his lineout work in particular standing out. An incredibly consistent performer, he is rightly touted as the best second row in the world.

Second Row: Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)
This was a tough call for who should partner Retallick, but Etzebeth squeaks home courtesy of his colossal running game over All Blacks technician Sam Whitelock.

At the ripe old age of 23, Etzebeth has firmly established himself on the international stage, with powerhouse performances against the All Blacks and on the northern hemisphere in a somewhat disappointing tour for South Africa, he has stood tall, and not just due to his large frame. His lineout prowess continues to grow, and is one of the most imposing figures in world rugby. His ability to quickly regain top form after his injury last year also warrants mention.

Blindside flanker: Jerome Kaino (New Zealand)
It is worth pointing out that this list is based off the selection of the premier in each of their respective positions, meaning none are able to switched in order to accommodate them.

If it had have been, I would look to have both Vermeulen and Read in the side, however Kaino is a handy alternative. Four years after his heroics in the 2011 Rugby World Cup, Kaino is still at the peak of his game.

Probably the most devastating tackler in world rugby, the Auckland man is renowned around the rugby world as a beast of a player. His incredible ability to consistently cart defenders on him across the gain line, as well as providing another tall lineout option, Kaino is the perfect mold for the modern number six. Like Retallick, performs his best against the best opposition, and has been a revelation since his return from Japan, where many doubted he would return to form.

Openside Flanker: Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
Even at 34, the presence of the All Blacks talisman in any side cannot be understated. Despite his age somewhat limiting his performances on the field, the third Bledisloe last year was a gentle reminder of his ability to carry his side should they need it, but he remains the best due to his very obvious qualities as a leader.

His ability to rebound from injury is nothing short of exceptional, but McCaw is also a very balanced player, able to complete both his offensive and defensive roles with aplomb, something very few sevens are able to accomplish.

Remains indispensable to the All Blacks cause this year, providing a supremely calm head in tough situations. His effect on other players, in this regard, gets him the nod over David Pocock and Sam Warburton.

Number Eight: Kieran Read (New Zealand)
Freakishly talented, Read is in the Zinzan Brooke-type mould, and has pioneered how explosive eights should play the game. Read’s tendency to play offensively in the tram lines out wide, using his slick ball skills to unleash his outside backs requires defences to adjust their game-plan to account for his unique skill set.

His offloading ability is near peerless, and his growing leadership qualities have complimented his game well in recent years, as he has lead the all blacks with admirably in recent years. Despite being outdone by Duane Vermeulen in 2014, Read’s abilities when he is in top form get him the nod, as well as his strong northern tour last year.

A strong defender, will be out to reclaim his mantle as the world’s premier player again this year. The All Blacks will be hard to beat if he takes flight yet again.

Halfback: Connor Murray (Ireland)
A two-horse race between himself and Aaron Smith, but wins out due to his ability to shine behind a slightly less dominant pack. The best tactical box kicker in world rugby, his ability to continuously ensure quick ball, brilliant support play as well as his superb game management skills make him a top contender at international record.

Rarely makes mistakes, and has enjoyed a brilliant campaign in 2015, and brings a level of poise and calm to his team that young halfbacks should aspire to imitate. Can be counted on to bring his best whenever needed, Murray is not dissimilar to Conrad Smith in that the basics and necessities of his position are done so well that any side would be privileged to have him.

Is irreplaceable to Ireland’s cause this year, and one would suspect many years to come.

Five-Eighth: Jonny Sexton (Ireland)
If Dan Carter had enjoyed a more continuous run of games, he would most likely have done enough to convince me he is still the best option at this position. However given his horrid run of injury, he loses his spot to Sexton.

Put simply, if Ireland achieve the grand slam this year, it will be remembered as Sexton’s tournament. The best player in the northern hemisphere bar none, under the guide of coach Joe Schmidt, Sexton has gone from strength to strength, and has now no apparent weakness in his game.

Has schooled all 10s he has faced this year, including English young gun George Ford last weekend, and looks to be the key cog in Ireland’s hopes this year, a role which he has grasped with two hands in the last few months.

Phenomenal performances against South Africa, England, France and Australia, he wins this jersey based on pure form.

Left Wing: Julian Savea (New Zealand)
In the NFL they have a saying – it’s never a bad option to go to Calvin Johnson. If you wished to apply this to rugby, then Savea would be your best option.

A terrific defender and strong under the high ball, Savea has developed his game to the point where coach Steve Hansen labeled him as a better player than the legendary Jonah Lomu.

His running game is legendary, and is currently the most damaging ball runner in world rugby, with an ability to step, chip, fend or shoulder with huge success. Able to use all his 108kg frame to devastating effect, Savea’s consistency both at Super Rugby and international level has come on in leaps and bounds, and cannot be found guilty of going missing during big games.

Whatsmore, he continues to improve year after year, and is capable of furthering his game, coming into his fourth year of international rugby. Will be an invaluable game breaker in tight games, no matter what jersey he is wearing.

Inside Centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)
Jamie Roberts and Sonny Bill Williams are in close contention, but Nonu takes the cake due to the development of his subtle kicking game. Over the last few years, Nonu has added an accurate right boot to his already stacked arsenal, complete with quick passing, strong running and quick feet.

Although the other two have the advantage of relative youth, Nonu’s proven ability to win games is indispensible, evident in his heroics against England in 2013, and Johannesburg in 2010.

Does not fade as the game goes on, and looks to be the only complete real second five in world rugby. Has developed an extraordinarily subtle ability to read the game that belies his size, opposition must keep him contained all the way up until the final whistle.

Outside Centre: Tevita Kuridrani (Australia)
Thought long and hard about this one, as Conrad Smith has owned this jersey for the last few years, but the rise and rise of Kuridrani in a relatively underwhelming Australian team has been a bright spot for all wallaby fans alike.

Despite perhaps lacking the defensive qualities of Smith, it is Kuridrani’s ability to seemingly rip open opposition defences at will that sets him apart, with many a blockbusting run cementing his spot in the gold 13 jumper.

Since the game in Cape Town 2014, Kuridrani has been brilliant, and looks to have so much untapped potential yet to be unlocked. One of the most exciting players for some time in Australian rugby, 2015 could very well be the year for the big centre.

Given the nod partly due to his continued ability to improve, so this decision is guilty of being somewhat speculative.

Right Wing: Ben Smith (New Zealand)
Just continues to get better and better, and one of the most consistent players in world rugby. Devastating with ball in hand, his time at fullback has ensured that his defensive capabilities as well as ability under the high ball are above what you would expect of a winger.

Special mention must go to Willie Le Roux, who is another continued improver, but remains a little suspect on defence. Smith, however, combines try scoring prowess with almost unending good form, meaning he is a strong option in any position the all blacks look to play him in.

Able to beat defenders with ease, one to watch out for in 2015.

Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia)
The most dangerous player in Super Rugby across the last few seasons, the freakishly gifted Folau has grasped the 15 man game as well as you could expect of a code hopping superstar.

An imposing figure who exploded onto the international scene with a brace against the Lions in 2013, Folau has been the Wallabies’ biggest threat in recent years.

With much left to learn in his new code, he will continue to develop his rugby brain and positional play to match his brilliant offensive game. Probably the best player in the world under the high ball, Folau will look to recapture his debut season form in 2015.

Outside a reignited Will Genia and Matt Toomua halves combination, Folau will be one of the most potent threats in world rugby. Credit must also be given for his performances behind less than perfect Wallaby forward efforts.

Imagine what he would do behind the All Black pack.