Wales Online reveals the world's best XV, featuring one England star

While opinions on the rankings may vary, there's no denying the exceptional talent on display. Here’s a closer look at the players who made the cut:

Bio: Hugo Keenan is a dynamic full-back known for his reliability under the high ball and his excellent positional play. He has become a key player for Ireland, providing a solid last line of defense and contributing to the attack with his speed and vision.

Bio: Cheslin Kolbe is a winger famed for his agility and electrifying sidestep. Despite his smaller stature, he has played a crucial role in South Africa's two recent World Cup victories, consistently proving himself as a big-game player. Quote from Wales Online: "The diminutive scrum-capped winger with the devastating sidestep has played his part in South Africa's two recent World Cup wins. Defied the odds to become a Springbok constant and remains a big-game player for Rassie Erasmus' side."

Bio: Bundee Aki is a powerful center for Ireland known for his hard running and defensive prowess. A reliable performer, Aki has been instrumental in Ireland's midfield, combining strength and agility to break through defenses and set up plays.

Bio: Damien Penaud is a prolific winger for France, known for his finishing ability and consistency in scoring tries. His speed and agility make him a constant threat to defenses. Quote from Wales Online: "Is there a more clinical player in world rugby than the French winger? The Bordeaux Begles star quite simply knows how to get over the whitewash at an alarming rate."

Bio: Richie Mo'unga is a talented fly-half for New Zealand, celebrated for his playmaking skills and tactical awareness. He has been a pivotal figure for the All Blacks, providing creativity and control in the backline.

Bio: Antoine Dupont is widely regarded as the best scrum-half in the world, known for his exceptional all-round talent, including his passing, kicking, and running game. Dupont's ability to change the course of a game with his intelligence and skill has made him a standout performer for France. Quote from Wales Online: "Missed the Six Nations this year to focus on the Olympics, but it paid off as he delivered gold, while he also delivered for Toulouse. Unmatched in terms of all-round talent, his knack of bending the shape of a game to his liking borders on scary."

Bio: Ox Nche is a formidable loosehead prop for South Africa, known for his strength in the scrum and mobility around the field. His physicality and technique have made him a key component of the Springbok pack.

Bio: Dan Sheehan is a dynamic hooker for Ireland, combining speed, strength, and skill. Despite his recent knee injury, Sheehan has established himself as a top-tier player in world rugby. Quote from Wales Online: "Built like a back and boasting the speed to match, the Ireland star has firmly established himself as the best hooker in world rugby. Unfortunately, he's now facing some time on the sidelines after a serious knee injury earlier this summer."

Bio: Tadhg Furlong is one of the most skilled tighthead props in world rugby. Known for his strong scrummaging and ball-carrying ability, Furlong is a crucial player for Ireland, bringing power and stability to the front row.

Bio: Eben Etzebeth is a dominant lock for South Africa, renowned for his physical presence and lineout skills. He is on his way to becoming one of the most capped Springboks of all time, consistently performing at a high level throughout his career. Quote from Wales Online: "Well on his way to becoming the greatest Springbok of all time. The second-row is bound to become their most-capped player of all time and his levels have scarcely dropped across his 124 caps."

Bio: Maro Itoje is a versatile lock and flanker for England, known for his athleticism, intelligence, and leadership. Since his debut in 2016, Itoje has been a key figure in England’s forward pack, excelling in lineouts, breakdowns, and defense. His ability to disrupt the opposition with turnovers and strong tackles has made him one of the top forwards in rugby.

Bio: Tadhg Beirne is a versatile lock and flanker for Ireland, known for his work rate, intelligence, and physicality. His ability to read the game and his skill in both the lineout and breakdown make him a key player for his team. Quote from Wales Online: "When players have that perfect mix of work rate, physicality and intelligence, they can seem a step or two ahead of the curve."

Bio: Pieter-Steph Du Toit is an influential flanker for South Africa, known for his relentless work ethic and powerful tackling. Named World Player of the Year in 2019, he continues to deliver outstanding performances for the Springboks.Quote from Wales Online: "World player of the year in 2019, the flanker backed it up with more huge performances in France last year. Each and every time he pulls on the Springbok jersey, you can bank on a colossal effort."

Bio: Ardie Savea is a dynamic number eight for New Zealand, celebrated for his athleticism and leadership on the field. As the reigning World Rugby Player of the Year, Savea is regarded as one of the most talented players in the world.Quote from Wales Online: "Last year's World Rugby player of the year, the All Black flanker is easily New Zealand's best player from the current crop. Like Richie McCaw and Kieran Read before him, Savea is the latest talismanic figure in the All Blacks' pack."