By Phil Harlow

With New Zealand's incredible 24-0 victory over Australia bringing an entertaining 2005 Tri-Nations series to a close, BBC Sport has picked its dream team.

All three sides produced some outstanding rugby over the course of the tournament's seven games, but which players made it into the squad of 17?

Full-back: Anthony Minichiello (Australia)
Simply outstanding. His positional play is the best in the business, while his athleticism and pace mark him out as one of the most dangerous attacking threats. Rightful winner of the Golden Boot.

Wing: Brian Carney (Great Britain)
His inclusion may look surprising given his shocking display in the Lions' opener against New Zealand, but the way the Irishman restored his reputation in subsequent games spoke volumes about his strength of character. Ended tournament with three tries.

Centre: Mark Gasnier (Australia)
Will always be up against it to live up to the deeds of his legendary uncle Reg, but the 23-year-old played with real ambition and took his tries clinically. Underperformed in the final, but was not alone it that among the Australian players.

Centre: Clinton Toopi (New Zealand)
Set the Kiwis up with a brilliant hat-trick against Australia in the opening game. His no-nonsense defence was conspicuous throughout and was typical of New Zealand's whole approach. Became a crucial part of the Kiwis' triumphant side.

Wing: Manu Vatuvei (New Zealand)
The international newcomer of the year made a big impression. His huge physical presence gave Brian Carney nightmares and the 19-year-old looks a real talent for the future. Scored two tries in the final.

Stand-off: Nigel Vagana (New Zealand)
Drew unfavourable headlines for his tackle on Paul Deacon, but that aside had an excellent tournament. Vagana is not a specialist stand-off, but few could spot the difference as he kept the Kiwi backline ticking over and chipped in with some tries of his own.

Scrum-half: Stacey Jones (New Zealand)
The "Little General" came out of international retirement and the Kiwis will be grateful he did. His masterful distribution and kicking game gave New Zealand an extra dimension. Played superbly in final despite the after-effects of a 12,000-mile trip back from Auckland to attend the birth of his third child.

Prop: Stuart Fielden (Great Britain)
Great Britain's stand-out player over the series. Could be relied upon to gain yards over the whole 80 minutes and hardly missed a tackle all tournament. Worthy winner of the international forward of the year award.

Hooker: Keiron Cunningham (Great Britain)
Returned to international rugby league after a three-year absence, but managed to reproduce his fine Super League form. Will be blamed for giving crucial interception pass against Australia, but was at the heart of the Lions' attacking threat.

Prop: Ruben Wiki (New Zealand)
Provided the leadership for the Kiwis' remarkable triumph. Never took a backward step and personified his side's passion and enthusiasm. Saved his best display for when it really mattered, in the final.

Second row: Luke O'Donnell (Australia)
One of Australia's most reliable performers over the whole series. Solid as a rock in defence and an uncanny knack of being in the right place when support was needed.

Second row: Craig Fitzgibbon (Australia)
Another dependable presence in the Australia pack, his experience and offloading skills were crucial for the Kangaroos. His goal-kicking was up to its usual high standard throughout the series.

Loose forward: Ben Kennedy (Australia)
Always gave 100% and his ability to get the ball out of the tackle was key to many of Australia's tries over their five games. Another Kangaroo forward who was well short of his best in the final though.

Replacements:

Adrian Morley (Great Britain)
The sight of Morley lining up a tackle is enough to worry any player and the 28-year-old produced scores of his trademark big hits. Showed up well in bringing the ball forward and was a player the Lions could always look to when in trouble.

Micky Higham (Great Britain)
Made a big impact every time he came off the bench with his darting runs from dummy-half putting the opposition on the back foot. Came of age as an international player and can expect more action in next year's tournament.

Craig Wing (Australia)
Received a call while on holiday in Hawaii to join up with the squad and hit the ground running on his arrival in England. One of the few Australian players to play anywhere near his potential in the final.

Roy Asotasi (New Zealand)
His bulk and power were crucial parts of the New Zealand forward platform that allowed the fancy stuff to take place. His barnstorming runs gave the opposition no rest and frequently made hard yards.