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The Top 50 list is back for another year with the star performances of 2009 forming the basis for our rankings.
Click here or to launch our guide to the 50 Best rugby players in the world.
Once again the IRB's choice doesn't take the No.1 slot in our list. Richie McCaw has had a good year, but not outstanding by his high benchmark. Outstanding is certainly something you can say of the 12 months Brian O'Driscoll has had.
Here is some names worth a mention:
1. Brian O'Driscoll, 30, centre, Ireland & Leinster
2. Heinrich Brussow, 23, flanker, South Africa & Cheetahs
12. Rocky Elsom, 26, Flanker, Australia & Brumbies
23. Will Genia, 21, scrum-half, Australia & Queensland Reds
24. David Pocock, 21, flanker, Australia & Western Force
27. Pierre Spies, 24, South Africa & Bulls
When asked who the best No.8 in the world was in a magazine interview, he replied. "That player is still in the making. It's me."
40. Wycliff Palu, No.8, 27, Australia & Waratahs
41. Adam Ashley-Cooper, utility back, 25, Australia & ACT Brumbies
50. Brock James, fly-half, 28, Australia & Clermont Auvergne
James has never won a full cap for Australia, but his form for Clermont Auvergne earns him status as one of the most accomplished No.10s playing the game. From January 4 to March 28, 2009, he scored 41 place kicks in a row, a new record for the Top 14, and his percentages this season have been up in the 90s. He also knows how to get the best out of the array of talent outside him with his long range passing and pinpoint cross-field kicks. A hugely underrated player, but adored in France.