At this early stage the list could be considered Australasian-centric, which is largely because it has been difficult to judge the merits of many of the Northern Hemisphere players during the build-up and South Africa and Argentina struggled in the Rugby Championship. Once the tournament proper begins, expect to see overseas players featuring more prominently.
1. Richie McCaw (NZ) (flanker)
You could argue that he is no longer the world's best out-and-out openside flanker but no player commands as much respect and has the ability to influence a match like McCaw.
2. Israel Folau (Aus) (fullback)
One of the most dangerous broken-field runners in the game, an aerial threat and a player who must be planned for defensively and watched at all times.
3. Kieran Read (NZ) (No8)
We still haven't seen the best of Read yet in 2015 and the sense is he is ready for seven weeks of rampage in the UK. The most damaging ball-playing backrower in the game.
4. Ben Smith (NZ) (fullback)
Size is really the only thing Folau has on the Dunedinite. An electric runner who rarely puts a foot wrong at either end of the park.
5. Michael Hooper (Aus) (flanker)
Has supplanted McCaw and teammate David Pocock as the most destructive breakdown player in world rugby. His link game is vastly improved, too.
6. Aaron Smith (NZ) (halfback)
His rapid service and clever running added a new dimension to the All Blacks attack. At his best he gives his backline a half step more room than any other.
7. Dan Carter (NZ) (first-five)
After looking down on confidence, first-five maestro Carter returned to something like his best against the Wallabies at Eden Park. His best is nigh unstoppable.
8. Thierry Dusautoir (Fr) (flanker)
Like McCaw, his influence goes way beyond his tackle counts and ball carries. Still an awesome, often indomitable, force of nature.
9. Chris Robshaw (Eng) (flanker)
Another hugely influential figure whose tenacity and leadership will ensure the battle for supremacy at flanker will be the most keenly contested.
10. Willie le Roux (SA) (fullback)
Le Roux played a lot of his early rugby at first-five and he brings that palette of skills to his game at either fullback or wing. Cannot be given room.
11. Brodie Retallick (NZ) (lock)
The incumbent world player of the year is marked a lot closer than he once was, but still has the physique and handling skills to cope in heavier traffic.
12. Julian Savea (NZ) (wing)
The bus has been a bit late to the party in 2015, but you know someone is going to suffer for that. His tries-to-tests record is incredible.
13. Nemani Nadolo (Fiji) (wing)
How good is Nadolo? So good, when he's missing the Crusaders seem like half the team they normally are on attack.
14. Dane Coles (NZ) (hooker)
A fourth loose forward? A third centre? Whichever way you slice it, Coles' breadth of skills and deceptive pace marks him out as a potential star of the tournament.
15. Sam Warburton (Wales) (flanker)
His last World Cup ended on a sickening note when he was sent off early against an average French team. He has some making up to do and has the ability to do it.
16. Paul O'Connell (Ire) (lock)
O'Connell is viewed in Ireland with the same deference McCaw is here. Much more than a ball-winning lock: the heart-and-soul of Irish rugby.
17. David Pocock (Aus) (flanker)
With Hooper a lock to start all the big games at No 7, Pocock will hope Michael Cheika wants to employ the 'pincer' flanker tactic that was employed so effectively against the All Blacks in Sydney.
18. Ma'a Nonu (NZ) (second-five)
As soon as you wonder whether Nonu is still a force, he'll come up with a performance like that against Australia at Eden Park this year. Power and precision passing.
19. Handre Pollard (SA) (first-five)
Can be sucked into playing too conservatively, but when he's allowed to steer the ship there are few players with as much innate ability as the 21-year-old Pollard.
20. Agustin Creevy (Arg) (hooker)
For McCaw, NZ, and O'Connell, Ireland, read Creevy, Argentina. The bull-necked front-rower is a ball of muscle and sinew and refuses to take a backward step.
21. Tevita Kuridrani (Aus) (centre)
The Fijian has added a new dimension to Australia's attack with his speed and ability to play direct. Occasionally gets caught with his trainer wheels on in defence.
22. Wesley Fofana (France) (centre)
His game is much bigger than his 93kg frame would suggest. Nippy, evasive and with a great sense of timing, Fofana is pivotal to France's backline attack.
23. Sean O'Brien (Ire) (flanker)
While beating Australia in pool play on Eden Park at the last World Cup, O'Brien put in an unforgettable tour de force performance. Energy and will make up for limitations in his game.
24. Leigh Halfpenny (Wales) (fullback)
Like Warburton, Halfpenny's 2011 RWC ended with a sickener, his potentially game-winning penalty dipping under the crossbar.
25. Richie Gray (Scot) (lock)
It can be hard to look good in a Scotland team that has remained resolutely behind rugby's trends, but with his shock of blond hair and ball-winning ability, Gray has achieved it.
Panel: Dylan Cleaver, Patrick McKendry and Gregor Paul
