Who would you say is the best rugby player at this current time and why?

Carter and O'Driscoll would be two of the best. You also have Victor Matfield, probably the best lock playing rugby. Phil Waugh has been a stand out so far for the Waratahs. A good question to ask once the Tri Nations are underway.

Hands down Dan Carter. Can run, can kick ,can tackle, can set up other men around him, can pull his team back from the edge of defeat single handedly. Look at his stats and his teams stats. He puts J Wilkinson, O'Gara, Steyn, etc to shame if you are talking about a complete footballer. Yes he is the best, playing in the most important position on the field. O'Driscoll is a freakishly talented footballer I must say. One of the best I have ever seen. Richie McCaw the best forward in the world. The best I have ever watched in terms of talent, entertainment and freakish rugby ability you might ask???? Campese. Not the most complete player,weak in defence. but the guy who could make something out of nothing consistantly. He stood the test of time and his try scoring ability speaks for itself. I feel blessed being from Sydney and seeing so many games some of which that weren't televised. I honestly pity people who missed seeing this magician in action. You never looked away when he had the ball in hand.

While it's very hard to single it down to one player (and one position), I think over the past few years Dan Carter, Richie McCaw (both New Zealand) and Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland) have proven themselves to be the cream of the crop. Carter is a wizard, he essentially beat the French by himself last time around, and Brian O'Driscoll has consistantly played out of his skin - had one of his best seasons last year. But I think I would have to give the nod to McCaw. He's just awe inspiring and playing in a tough position. It's easy to make backs look good, but McCaw shows the magic while still getting down and dirty.

While McCaw would get my vote, I'd be intrigued to see Stephen Ferris get his chance to play against him. Ferris has been plagued by injury, but in my opinion, is the 2nd best flanker in world rugby at the minute, after McCaw. A beast carrying the ball forward and constantly making hits, sending players back from whence they came. 17 of Ireland's 99 tackles against England were made by Ferris, with the 2nd highest tackle count being Rory Best with 12. Young guy too, and plenty still to give.

Have to McCall. He has been the top of his game now for over 6 years. He is the All Black Captain who leads from the front. Has a great knowledge of the game tactically, and now can talk to refs well and get them to police or watch things he wants. ( this he has picked up over the years especially after the world cup). He also is a great ambassador to NZ and rugby, good role model for kids too.

Im going with a different answer than the obvious super stars. Im watching the Super 14, and I think the most dynamic player in the comp with the most potential is a player from the Blues called Rene Ranger, my pick is he will be an all black in the next 2 years if he keeps his currant form up.

There are too many to choose from and too varied positions to pick from. A good full back will be good at some things and a good prop will be better at others, however, my favourite player has to be jerry collins. Perfect blend of speed, strength, size and knowlege. Where as another big forward can make a big hit in a game and dissapear collins makes repeated hits all game long.

For my money it would have to be Gethin Jenkins the Welsh prop. How many props do you know that can "do the Business" in a scrum and then chase down and tackle international wingers, He is constantly the first forward to any breakdown and is an outstanding ball carrier

Fourie Du Preez is a very under-rated player. I think that a lot of very talented French players tend to be ignored in the English-speaking/Commonwealth countries, just because we don't get too much Top-14 coverage.