Wynne Gray's 2009 Super 14 dream team

Isaia Toeava's positional play, kicking and defensive work in fullback have shone. Photo / Getty Images

Sorry to spring this on you fellas but we've had an offer we can't refuse. A World XV has landed in Aotearoa and, as part of their global awareness tour to promote the 2011 World Cup, they have asked us to cobble together a side to play them tomorrow at Eden Park.

The ground is available, the Blues and Highlanders have a bye anyway and let's just imagine players chosen from the other New Zealand sides can also be whistled up.

So let's select the form side, those players who have shone in the Super 14 games so far and deserve to be picked for our Midpoint XV and decked out in an almost-black jersey.

Quality footballers such as Richie McCaw, Jamie McIntosh, Ali Williams and Mils Muliaina who have made only restricted appearances because of injury miss out this time.

Fullback: Isaia Toeava

He looked far more composed after his switch to fullback early in the competition though many still believe his best position is centre. But his positional play, kicking and defensive work could not be faulted. Merit badges: Israel Dagg, Tamati Ellison.

Wings: Hosea Gear, Lelia Masaga

Just as we get to the selection meeting Gear gets dinged, but his work in the first part of the series has been consistent, his positional play much better. Masaga has been dangerously different on attack and improving on defence to edge out teammate Sitiveni Sivivatu, who had oil on his spark plugs until the last few weeks.

Centre: Richard Kahui

This is a great contest with Conrad Smith. The All Blacks are fortunate to have the choice and Kahui gets the opening nod because of the greater weight in his tackle and the physical presence he brings to his work. After injury hampered his start, Smith has been the Hurricanes' best.

Second five-eighths: Ma'a Nonu

This remains the by-default selection zone. Callum Bruce, Tim Bateman and Daniel Bowden have all shown neat touches but nothing to equal the thrusts Nonu has managed when the Canes get their game together. He was sloppy early, attracting officials' ire, but he has started to put out the danger signs.

First five-eighths: Stephen Donald.

Has explosive tracts and combustible moments but Donald has allowed the former to outweigh the latter this season. With Daniel Carter injured and Luke McAlister waiting for his green light from HQ, Donald has shown growing confidence and experience in a talented Chiefs outfit to push well ahead of the versatile Piri Weepu and flaky Stephen Brett.

Halfback: Brendon Leonard

Come on down, Mr Leonard, but don't stumble because Jimmy Cowan is only a gnat's whisker behind. Leonard's running game is probably more dangerous while his combo with Donald is a factor. What a comeback after so long out with knee damage.

No 8: Thomas Waldrom

The new Crusader is another to blossom away from his original franchise like predecessors Mose Tuiali'i and Ron Cribb. He may not be the most effective man at breakdown but his defence, robust running and solid decisions have given him the edge ahead of the infuriating talents of Sione Lauaki. Waldrom has power and speed and will benefit even further with McCaw's return.

Openside flanker: Alando Soakai

If the call is for consistent workrate, then Alando Soakai will go head to head with Tanerau Latimer and pip him for selection. Injury-free for much of the time, Soakai has been a solid, productive, reliable link, his standards scarcely vary and he looks as though he believes in his game and what he can add to the core of the Highlanders' efforts.

Blindside flanker: Adam Thomson.

The Highlander has built on his opening All Black year and under the tutelage of rising coach Glenn Moore has refined his technique at the breakdown to be much more effective. Massive speed, strong lineout leap and an inexhaustible engine have been his compelling assets.

Locks: Tom Donnelly, Brad Thorn

Injury interrupted Donnelly's start to the season and a foot problem niggled away at Thorn. But they have both fronted and claimed the attention with the improving Craig Clarke at the Chiefs and bursts from Jason Eaton. Thorn's workrate and power win him the front of the lineout job while Donnelly has dominated the air and started to show out more in his allround play to claim the other spot.

Tighthead prop: Clint Newland

More improvement this year from Newland pushes him into this role. He has held the righthand side of the scrum and shown out more in general play. His fitness has improved and his fuse seems to be under control but we have seen only half the journey so far. Is being chased hard by John Afoa.

Hooker: Keven Mealamu

With Andrew Hore just starting to get into his work, the Super 14 hooking position has been Mealamu's playground. His experience and explosive skills are a dangerous package but watch for the exotically named Aled de Malmanche as the big improver. The prop turned hooker has all the physical prowess for the job and now has to work on the fine arts of throwing and scrummaging.

Loosehead prop: Tony Woodcock.

No argument here. Woodcock has been laid low by an inner-ear infection but until then was our best in the No 1 jersey. Bit of a concern about the lingering effects of his illness, so time for Wyatt Crockett, Neemia Tialata, John Schwalger and Chris King to state their case.

STARTING XV

Chiefs: Four
Highlanders: Four
Blues: Three
Hurricanes: Three
Crusaders: One