THERE are just six All Blacks in my World XV, as usual based strictly on form during the autumn international series, which ended with a flourish yesterday. This might be deemed a small representation considering the dominance of the Kiwis (first or second teams) in the past month, but it is also a compliment, suggesting that New Zealand may not always field individuals in every position who catch the eye, but that their formidable team ethic, and collective focus and efficiency, is world class.

Having said that, players such as Joe Rokocoko came close to selection and Richie McCaw, who would be in most people’s world team, is excluded because his autumn was interrupted by injury. In any case, the amazing game played by George Smith of Australia against England would have made it a close-run thing.

Aaron Mauger squeezes in for his ability to anchor a team, just ahead of Lote Tuqiri, who is now, on the retirement of Jason Robinson, the only former league player making any impact in the union ranks.

It may also be seen as anomalous that Australia, a team destroyed at Twickenham as part of a record run of defeats, should have the second-biggest representation — even more than the England team that crushed them. Again, this may suggest an important truth about the Wallabies — that they do have wonderful players available and that, given a scrummage platform, they would be a great side. Chris Latham was arguably the outstanding back of the autumn. Matt Giteau is not chosen, because he has endured what will surely prove to be a temporary dip in form and fitness.

The team does reflect, rather brutally, the current balance of power between the hemispheres, because there are only three Europeans in the team against 12 from the deep south, and none at all in the starting XV from Ireland, Wales or Scotland, a sad Celtic comment. The Irishmen closest to making the bench were Johnny O’Connor and Denis Leamy, the back-row men.

For Scotland, Sean Lamont was in the wings shake-up, and for Wales, Gareth Thomas’s footballing ability and weekly excellence made him a contender. England’s lack of back-line genius is reflected — their two representatives, Andrew Sheridan and Danny Grewcock, are both up front, and only Josh Lewsey of their backline was even mentioned in dispatches. Grewcock fought off the competition of the outstanding Victor Matfield, but there is an air of the ordinary about England.

Can they find genius in the current squad? Fiji had two contenders, of whom the super-charged Sisa Koyamaibole makes the team — way above the next No 8s in line. A second excellent Fijian forward, the lock Ifereimi Rawaqa, was edged out of my squad, but only just. Coming across these players reminds you yet again that Fiji and Samoa can still produce some gems, and it makes you even more angry that their key players have been annexed by New Zealand for so long.

Koyamaibole, the No 8, slipped through the Kiwi net, and ironically, plays in the position where New Zealand contenders are not of world class.

I would back this team against any on the planet. There may not be an overwhelming number of New Zealanders chosen; however, considering the current world pecking order and the evidence of the past month, there can only be one colour of jersey in which my team would play — All Black, of course.