Is that fair - or have the best of the southern hemisphere been left at home?

We've made our choices for the best team in the world - take a look below.

Let us know what you think of our choices and who you would have gone for.

Who should make the World XV?

This debate is now closed. A selection of your e-mails appears below

There are many players you could make a case for the World XV. But I think if he was fit there could only be one choice at hooker, and that is Keith Wood for his outstanding mobility and reading of the game.

The props would be hard to call, there is a case for Vickery, but the French have an awesome pack on their day and are right up there in the front three.

The southern hemisphere teams seem to have lost their usual dominance in the pack and I would say that the England combination of Johnson and Kay at lock forward would be a sound choice - Johnson is a fantastic leader and Kay has really emerged over the past few months.

Again, I would pick both Richard Hill at openside and Lewis Moody at blind side for the flankers. Moody has shown that he is world class - speed, strength, intelligence, he has everything you need for a flanker.

And Hill is as brave and skilful as anyone in the game. Number eight would be a difficult choice because there are a number of players who could fit in.

Dallaglio has returned but has not shown the sharpness he had before his injury, Richard Hill could fit in with Magne moving to openside flanker, and South Africa and New Zealand now seem to be finding replacements for their old giants at the back of the pack although the remaining members of the eight are not so strong as once was.

The backs are a bit simpler to choose. I didn't think Gregan had a good tour recently and Matt Dawson has been playing well, so he would be my choice at scrum half - he can kick, has great vision, is brave and scores trys.

At fly half there is no competition - Johnny Wilkinson is way ahead as the best 10 in the business at the moment. Wilkinson can kick off either foot, his goalkicking is second to none, and he can now dictate the game and change tactics if required. What's more, he is a ferocious tackler.

The wingers are also an easy selection at the moment - Ben Cohen is on fire. 19 trys in 21 Tests speaks for itself. He has proved just how well he has come on in the last year or so. And he can defend too. And Howlett at 14. He is like lightning. And a great ball player too.

At outside centre there can be no other choice than Brian O'Driscoll - he is currently the best centre in the world. He has pace, power and is a fantastic finisher. Inside centre is a little more tricky. Traille would probably get my vote at the moment.

And then at full back Cullen maybe should get the nod for his fantastic scoring rate, but there are a few close to him and he has been out of form recently. New Zealand have three full backs capable of getting in the side - Ben Blair really impressed on tour.

Jason Robinson is great but I think he is playing out of position for England. Whatever happens, a World XV is hearsay - the real test will come next year in Australia when we will find out who is good enough at the World Cup.
Ace, England

The truth is there is no such thing as a World XV. It depends on the opposition and location. As everyone has been observing, England thrashed the Springboks on a cold afternoon at home. But on a hard pitch in Perth?

The players for each position are so close in skill terms that selection would depend on who you play, where you play and the type of game you play. But not picking Martin Johnson in the second row? Very strange!
BC, Singapore

Martyn Williams is the best flanker in the world.
Jack, UK

Who is the captain of your World XV? I think that you must include Martin Johnson - if not for his individual playing skills then on the basis that he is the only real leader with proven experience in the world's top five teams.
Paul Fisher, England

It is fairly obvious who the panel were and where they came from. The absence of Nathan Sharpe in all your discussions astounds me. I too think Jonny Wilkinson is highly overrated, aside from his kicking his game is not World XV standard. Totai Kefu should certainly be at number eight.

It is unfair to say that the northern hemisphere now boasts the best players. If the games were played at Murrayfield and Twickenham, then yes this is the World XV. But remember, the Wallabies beat the best from the UK and Ireland only last year.
Ben, Australia

Why are so many people questioning O'Driscoll's place in the side? He is the best attacking player in the world, the quickest over 15 metres, has outstanding ball skills and the best step in world rugby - remember the Lions first Test - he was awesome.
Clive Berrington, England

Why Galthie has not been selected at scrum half, I will never know. Surely Johnson has to be involved for his all-round leadership qualities and technical excellence.

Howlett and Cohen on the wings will scare the bejeesus out of any team. O'Driscoll in the centres is a must (although close run thing with Umaga)

Gavin from Wales, your patriotism is admirable but Iestyn Harris really hasn't cut it in union yet so surely you would be mad to include him over Wilkinson.

On that subject of Wilkinson, he seems to have a lot of detractors who see him only as a kicker. Converted kicks gain points and win games so whilst kicking might not be the most enthralling part of a game, it can win matches. Also, I think from the options available there is no other fly-half who is so close to complete rugby.
Mark, England

My world 15: 15. Blair, 14. Howlett, 13. O'Driscoll, 12. Traille, 11. Cohen, 10. Wilkinson, 9. Galthie, 8. Hill, 7. Hohler, 6. Betsen, 5. Kay, 4. Johnson, 3. Vickery, 2. Wood, 1. de Villiers.
Rich, England

Well it's hard to say what the World XV will look like, some players just connect with each other in games, like Gregan and Larkum. But take Gregan and Wilkinson, what will happen here...well, you can put a good team on paper, but can they perform on the field?

It's hard to get a good team to click and work as one, but if they do, they are champions - world champions!
Hugo Louw, South Africa

The teams picks itself really, with the exception of the loose trio, where any three of Hill, Magne, Betson, Harinodequy, Van Niekerk, Holah, McCaw and George Smith would do a fine job.
Adam, S Africa

No there shouldn't be more southern hemisphere players in, they have just come up here and been trounced by us northern boys! They have impressive skills down under but I think that us northerners have at last improved our skill level to go with our power and passion!
Steven Towler, Ingleton

Why have you all overlooked the best forward playing today? Totai Kefu not in the World XV? You're all barking mad.
Craig McGiffen, Australia

Pleased to see so many northern hemisphere players. However, I feel it is hard to leave out Aaron Mauger, who in my mind is one of the best backs in world rugby right now. Glad to see you have omitted Jonah Lomu. He is awesome on his day, but he only has his day about once every two years, and it's always against England!!!

Would definitely have picked Phil Vickery, he is undoubtedly the best prop in the world, and although I agree with the inclusion of Georgey Greegan, Matt Dawson must have been hot on his heels with an outstanding autumn.
Charlie Gairdner, England

Seems fair enough to me, if picked on current form rather than past achievement. Gregan is a bit of a strange choice if those are the rules though as he seems out of sort. And frankly a world XV without Martin Johnson is silly; he's still the best lock and best captain I can think off.

The McCaw faction is interesting; he's a great player but Hill is the best back-row forward in the world so he just has to be in. Shame Keith Wood is crocked though as he'd be most peoples first choice if fit.
David, UK

Greenwood ahead of O'Driscoll, Umaga and Burke (in that order) - Peter from England, you're dreaming.
Sam, UK

Interesting selections! I'm probably biased in saying that it's underestimating the quality Irish team that only two Irish players have been mentioned throughout this page and the BBC selection! O'Kelly, Hickie and of course the immaculate Stringer deserve better!
Kevin, Ireland

Too see O'Driscol ahead of Umaga is a bit of a joke..... He's very good, don't get me wrong, but would not make the AB's over Umaga or King - if he were from NZ.
Wade Charman, England (NZ)

I can't understand how Matt Dawson is continually overlooked for a position in so called 'World XV'. Any team including him has that something extra that everyone craves, and any team without him would love him. Every time England distributes the ball it usually starts with Dawson. Let's be honest, he's the unsung hero of the England team!
Clive Matthews, England

Wilkinson is the most over-rated player in the world; my nod would go to Iestyn Harris. He's the most elusive runner in the world, and hasn't even hit top form yet.
Gavin, Wales

From the autumn internationals, I think that the 15 chosen are pretty much spot on. However, two players that have stood out have been The English open side Lewis Moody and the Irish lock Malcolm O'Kelly. Both have given world class performances the last few weeks.
Pearse Sweeney, Ireland

Overall Ben Cohen the English winger has been the best player during the autumn series. Considering the Welsh players I thought they were ok but should have taken the points against New Zealand. I really think the All Blacks will win the World Cup next year.
Mavis Davis, Wales

You all seem to forget the one welsh man who could feature on this "English" debate! A man who does all the donkey work, supports his backs, and always gives 110 percent for both club and country.....Ladies and Gentleman "Martyn Williams", Wales' was most outstanding forward!
Ian Rose, Wales Cardiff

Why Scott Murray was overlooked for a place in second row is beyond me. His display against SA was immense and it's not very often that the Boks are so dominated in the lineout. Apart from that, I reckon you've done well with your choices.
Nick Kinnear, Scotland

For pure entertainment value and the spectacle of allowing running rugby, I think the backs should be Gregan at scrum-half, Carlos Spencer at fly-half, providing great quick ball for the likes of O'Driscoll, Howlett, Sailor, Robinson and Rogers out wide.

I think Greenwood will prove himself world class and Lomu return to the frame next year. In two years time you will be adding Lote Tuiqiri to that list!
Steve, UK

Current world XV should be all of the Rotherham team who spanked Worcester on Saturday to clinch the Division One title- probably.
Richard, UK

I agree with Jimmy Simms, Gregan is not world-class right now. In general some positions have an abundance of world-class players, e.g. back-row and back three. Whilst other positions like hooker and scum-half are thin on talent.

Many of the players in these positions have great potential but lack experience to change games, e.g. Thompson is no Fitzpatrick. Centre is week too compared to the greats of '80/90s. Carling/Guscott; Little/Bunce; Stella; Horan;Little. However, Richard Hill is a truly great loose-forward.
James, England

Maybe I'm a hard marker, but Johnny Wilkinson doesn't impress me greatly - other than his obvious kicking talent. That he is supposedly the world's number one fly-half doesn't say much for the state of world rugby.

But his main opponents - Larkham and Mehrtens - are looking battle weary. Larkham in particular is suffering from both the weight of expectations and some poor service from his scrum half. Will we ever see the magic of a Number 10 like Mark Ella again?

I can't argue with the notable absence of Australians since none have played anywhere near their potential over the last 12 months. Even Gregan who was named had a pretty ordinary season by his usual standards. Great to see O'Driscoll named - he is a crowd pleaser.
Greg, Australia

15.Nicolas Brusque 14.Doug Howlett 13.Tana Umanga 12. Damien Traille 11.Ben Cohen 10.Jonny Wilkinson 9.Fabien Galthie 8.Richard Hill 7.Martyn Williams 6.Lewis Moody 5.Ben Kay 4.Robert Sidoli 3.Phil Vickery 2.Steve Thompson 1.Trevor Woodman
Chris, Wales

There are seven players who are so good in their respective positions that they cannot really be challenged: 15. Cullen, 13. O'Driscoll, 10. Wilkinson, 2. Wood, 4. Johnson, 6. Hill and 7. Magne.

My pick for the other positions (each with an equally good substitute) would be: 14. Howlett/Robinson, 12. Umaga/Greenwood, 11. Lomu/Cohen, 9. Gregan/Galthie, 1. Crenca/Woodman, 3. De Villiers/Vickery, 5. Kay/Pelous, 8. Daglallio/Kefu.
Bob, England

Definite centre would have to be Will Greenwood, and what about Neil Back for flanker?
Peter, England

If every game was played at Twickenham then this would be a reasonable choice. However, I think we should all wait until after the next World Cup before we go slapping ourselves on the back! Interesting to see an English panel pick only one player from the world champion Lion tamers?
Daryl, Australia

McCaw should be openside. Richard Hill is not an openside really, and if you are going to pick him, he should be at blindside. Mendez hasn't really shown much at hooker, Thompson of England should be in there.

Jehan P below, by picking Cullen, Lomu and Herbert, perhaps three of the most underperforming international players this year, you are choosing on reputation rather than form. Then you question the inclusion of Cohen who has been on fire.

This begs the question whether you have been watching any rugby at all this year! I don't see how you can pick Macdonald at full-back as he has hardly played any international rugby this year because of concussions.

When he did come on for five minutes against Australia he gave away the penalty in the dying seconds to lose the Bledisloe Cup. You can't pick him in a World XV based on Super 12 form.
Jonathan Michaud, England

I think the World XV should look a bit more like this:

1. Woodman - good scrummager and in the loose. 2. Wood - absolutely world-class for club, country and Lions. In Aus for the Lions he showed everyone how to play. 3. Vickery - same as Woodman, the club partnership is beneficial also. 4. Johnson - inspirational leader. 5. Jack - in-form player in Super 12 and Tri-Nations, deserves a place.

6. Hill - in superb form, the lions and England don't do half as well without him. The best back-row forward in the world. 7. Serge Betsen - lethal in Six Nations. 8. Harinordoquy - single-handedly won the game against England in Six Nations. 9. Galthie - an inspirational player. 10. Wilkinson - enough said.

11. Cohen - great form and won the autumn internationals for England. 12. Traille - elusive, reliable and dangerous. 13. O'Driscoll - can sometimes look supernatural in the way he gets through defences. 14. Howlett - electric pace and good hands makes this lad a dangerous and exciting prospect. 15. Matt Burke - safe, reliable and can, when he wants to, be dangerous in attack. Also a backup kicker for Jonny.
James Curtis, UK

I'd pick two quite different forward packs depending on the style of game the coach intends.

Should the focus be on an England-like big, physically-dominant forward pack playing in front of a tactically controlling number 10 (a la Wilkinson or Mehrtens) then I would suggest the northern hemisphere would make up pretty much the entire pack. The hugely impressive Martin Johnson would epitomise the type of player for this style of rugby.

If the playing style is to move the ball through the backs a lot more (Super 12 style) then a pack with a smaller, more skilful and mobile but probably physically weaker players may be preferable, such as Chris Jack.

Playing either style of game, my back line would not vary hugely, outside of the first five-eights (stand off) - I'd choose Wilkinson for the controlled game, Spencer for the 'open' game.
Bruce H, NZ

This is my list for World XV: 15 Ben Blair, 14 Doug Howlet, 13 Brian O'Driscol, 12 De Wet Barry, 11 Ben Cohen, 10 Johnny Wilkinson, 9 George Gregan (c), 8 Toutai Kefu, 7 Richard McCaw, 6 Corne Kringe, 5 Danny Grewcock, 4 Chris Jack, 3 Greg Sommerville, 2 Raphael Ibanez, 1 Phil Vickery.
Adriu Nauluvula, Fiji

I would have had Martin Johnson as lock and captain, Kay and Jack are on a par, so you could replace either. He's the most intimidating player in world rugby and would be the first person in my team.
Rewi Sinclair, New Zealand

You must have missed the fact that George Gregan, who is the only Aussie in your side, has been called to be dumped from the Aussie side, not just because of poor performances in the latest tour, but because of poor performances in the past year or so.
Jimmy Simms, Australia

1. De Villiers, 2. Ibanz, (though Wood when fit), 3. Woodman, 4. Kay, 5. Jack, 6. Hill, 7. Betson, 8.Harinordoquyll, 9. Gregan, 10. Wilkinson, 11. Howlett, 12. Traille, 13. O'Driscoll, 14. Cohen, 15. Blair.
Andy, Ireland

After the last three weeks, I think Steve Thompson has posted a strong argument for hooker. He had an excellent series.
Ian, England

I thought your panel have done a good job - in the main. Of course with the autumn results having gone the way they did, it is not surprising that the northern hemisphere players are well represented.

However, as seven or eight All Blacks in next year's likely start up are resting or having important elective surgery ahead of next year's programme, a couple of key guys may have been overlooked.

Also the French who arguably remain the top European side could make strong claims for more representation in this side. It is interesting that an in-form Jonah is excluded - particularly as he is busting a gut to make 2003 a farewell party!
Stewart A Rix, New Zealand

Openside has to be Richard McCaw (world player of the year nominee) or Marty Holah - both from New Zealand's All Blacks.
Jeff V, Singapore

Generally, very good choices. Christian Cullen would still get my vote as would Jonah Lomu over Cohen (incidentally, why Cohen? he doesn't seem to have the class), and Daniel Herbert in my side any day.
Jehan P, Sri Lanka

Where is the 'Raging Bull' - Phil Vickery is the outstanding front row forward in the world game, have you not been watching Glawster, England, and British Lions? Scrummaging power, pace, handling skills, inspirational leadership - need I go on?
Chumba, England

McCaw (NZ) is a better openside than Richard Hill.
Rob Perman, Singapore