15: Shaun Webb (Japan)
From very average Otago player to a World Cup representative. What a journey.
Webb played eight games for Otago in 2004 but never really convinced. Made his debut for Japan in 2008 and now has 31 caps.
Other contenders: Paul Williams (Samoa) played for the Highlanders, the Crusaders and the Blues. George Pisi (Samoa), one of three rugby-playing brothers, played for the Blues, North Harbour and Taranaki.
14: Digby Ioane (Australia)
The exciting Wallabies winger was born in Wellington but moved across the ditch when he was just 5 years old.
Other contenders: James Paterson (US), the Highlanders and Southland winger, was born in Christchurch to an American mother. Alisi Tupuailei (Japan) played for Canterbury.
13: Shontayne Hape (England)
How does a proud Kiwi represent New Zealand at rugby league and then belt out God Save The Queen while wearing the English rose? You'll have to ask Shontayne.
Other contenders: Ryan Smith (Canada) played for Southland in 2005. Siale Piutau (Tonga) was a surprise hit on the wing for the Highlanders this year.
Yet another New Zealander in the Cherry Blossoms. Nicholas, a part-time model, was a solid player for both Otago and the Highlanders. Born in Australia, of Cook Island and Maori heritage, he went to Japan in 2005. Made his debut in 2005 and has 32 caps.
Other contenders: Seilala Mapusua (Samoa) was a regular member of the Highlanders and Otago for years, before flourishing in England. Johnny Leota (Samoa) was a draft player in the Highlanders for two seasons. Seremaia Bai (Fiji) played for Southland.
11: Alipate Fatafehi (Tonga) or Fetu'u Vainikolo (Tonga)
Just too close to call. Do you pick the big, blockbusting winger whose form plummeted as soon as he pulled on an Otago jersey? Or do you go with the big, blockbusting winger whose form plummeted as soon as he pulled on an Otago jersey?
10: Quade Cooper (Australia)
Don't tell Richie McCaw about this one. Cooper, when he's not having a go at our mighty leader, is one of the most exciting players in world rugby. He was born and raised in Tokoroa.
Other contenders: James Arlidge (Japan) played for the Highlanders in 2003. Murray Williams (Japan) played for Bay of Plenty and the Chiefs. Nicky Little (Fiji), the nephew of former All Black midfielder Walter Little, played for Canterbury, Waikato and North Harbour. Tasesa Lavea (Samoa) was a young Kiwis league international before switching to rugby with Auckland, Counties, the Chiefs and the Blues.
9: Isaac Boss (Ireland)
Born in Tokoroa, just like Cooper. Played for Waikato, the Chiefs and the Hurricanes. Qualified for Ireland because his grandmother was born in County Antrim.
Other contenders: Taniela Moa (Tonga) was called into the All Blacks three years ago but never got on the field. Kahn Fotuali'i (Samoa) has impressed with the Crusaders and Hawkes Bay.
The big loosie grew up in Wellington but fell in love with a Canadian woman he met in Australia. He has played for the splendidly named Edmonton Druids and the Prairie Wolf Pack.
Other contender: Samiu Vahafolau (Tonga) is yet another former Highlander.
7: Michael Leitch (Japan)
Leitch moved to Japan on a rugby exchange at the age of 15 and then went back to go to university.
Other contender: Finau Maka (Tonga) is yet another former Highlander. He was one of the most popular players at the 2007 World Cup with his extreme hair and tackling style.
6: Tom Wood (England)
An honorary North Otago man. Wood played for the Valley club and the Old Golds in 2006, and found a good Oamaru girl to take home.
Other contenders: Adam Kleeberger (Canada) played for Auckland last year. Sione Vatuvei (Japan) is a former Kelston Boys' pupil.
5: Joe Tuineau (Tonga)
We think Tuineau is a talented player but he didn't get a chance with the Highlanders this season. Has played American football and is the partner of netball-basketball player Daneka Wipiiti.
Other contenders: Justin Ives (Japan) was a University A regular. Kane Thompson (Samoa) played for Southland, Hawkes Bay, the Highlanders and the Hurricanes.
4: Filipo Levi (Samoa)
Nicknamed Frick, because "Oh, frick" was the mild-mannered lock's version of swearing. Levi attended Otago Boys' High School, where he was in the national title-winning side with Richie McCaw. He played for Otago and the Highlanders before going to Japan, Wales and England.
Other contenders: Luke Thompson (Japan) came from Christchurch. Tom Palmer (England) spent a year at Otago Boys' High School, and Simon Shaw (England) spent a year with the Pirates club in Dunedin.
A popular member of the Chiefs and Hawkes Bay teams. Full name is Arizona.
Other contender: Deacon Manu (Fiji) is a former Chief and was also an All Black triallist.
2: Dylan Hartley (England)
Born in Rotorua to an English mother. Missed the last World Cup after receiving an astonishing 26-week ban for gouging.
Other contenders: Viliame Veikoso (Fiji) played for University B, Green Island and North Otago. Ti'i Paulo (Samoa) was educated at Kavanagh College and is a long-serving Crusaders reserve. Mahonri Schwalger (Samoa) has twice been drafted to the Highlanders.
1: Halani Aulika(Tonga)
Made a big splash when he was a late addition to the Otago squad last year. Didn't make quite such an impact this year.
Other contender: Anthony Perenise (Samoa) has played for Wellington, Hawkes Bay, the Hurricanes and the Highlanders.
Coaches
Robbie Deans (Australia)Revered by many, particularly those who still can't believe he didn't replace Graham Henry in 2007. Will Henry get the last laugh?
Or will "Dingo" Deans and the Wallabies spoil the party.
Other contenders: Kieran Crowley (Canada) is a former All Black fullback. Martin Johnson (England) spent time in the King Country as a promising player. Isitolo Maka (Tonga) is a former All Black and Otago No 8. John Kirwan (Japan) is one of our greatest wingers. Warren Gatland (Wales) was an All Black hooker and coached Waikato.
