Ahead of the opening of the Rugby World Cup on Saturday morning (NZ time), Radio New Zealand's sports team have picked their First XV from the teams who will be taking the field.
Number 1 - Cian Healy (Ireland). A loosehead prop who is a solid scrummager and great with ball in hand. Credit: AFP
Number 2 - Dane Coles (New Zealand) The All Blacks rake has taken the role of a hooker to a new level. Credit: AFP
Number 3 - Marcos Ayerza (Argentina). A tighthead prop with so much experience, hard to leave out. Credit: AFP
Number 4 - Victor Matfield (South Africa). The 38-year-old lock still dominates the lineout. Credit: AFP
Number 5 - Brodie Retallick (New Zealand). The All Blacks lock was named World Player of the Year, who adds so much in the loose. Credit: AFP
Number 6 - Thierry Dusautoir (France). The French captain is a beast of a blindside flanker. Credit: AFP
Number 7 - Richie McCaw (New Zealand). The All Blacks captain can still dominate the breakdown. Credit: AFP
Number 8 - Duane Vermeulen (South Africa). A typical Springbok brute and a straight ball runner. Credit: AFP
Number 9 - Aaron Smith (New Zealand). On his day he's untouchable and the All Blacks base their game plan around him at halfback. Credit: AFP
Number 10 - Johnny Sexton (Ireland). He's a first five who can control the game and kick the goals. Credit: AFP
Number 11 - Nemani Nadolo (Fiji) A flying winger who can break tackles. Credit: AFP
Number 12 - Ma'a Nonu (New Zealand). He is such a threat that he commands two defenders and can break the line. Credit: AFP
Number 13 - Jonathan Joseph (England). The current England player of the year is a centre who knows how to find the try line. Credit: AFP
Number 14 - Ben Smith (New Zealand). Ben Smith is clearly in the First XV - so we've shifted him to the wing to get him into the team. Credit: AFP
Number 15 - Israel Folau (Australia) The Wallabies fullback is the complete player, who is superb in the air. Credit: AFP
