The poll, on a website sponsored by the International Rugby Board (IRB) and World Cup sponsor Visa International, predictably included super-boot fly half Jonny Wilkinson and lock Martin Johnson from the winning England team.

Tournament champion England and third place finisher New Zealand provided the majority of members of the "Fan-tastic XV" selection.

But Gregan also made the grade after leading Australia to its surprise finals appearance, being preferred by fans to New Zealand's Justin Marshall, Fabien Galthie of France and England's Matt Dawson.

Visa, which organised the poll, said it received more than 420,000 votes for an all-star team from the 20-nation tournament which ended Saturday in Sydney with a thrilling last-minute victory by England over Australia.

The Rugby World Cup Fan-tastic XV: Props Jean Jacques Crenca (France) and Phil Vickery (England), Hooker Keith Wood (Ireland), Locks Martin Johnson (England) and Chris Jack (New Zealand), No. 8 Lawrence Dallaglio (England), Flankers George Smith (Australia) and Richie McCaw (New Zealand), Scrum-half George Gregan (Australia), Fly-half Jonny Wilkinson (England), Centres Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland) and Will Greenwood (England), Wings Joe Rokocoko and Doug Howlett (New Zealand) and Fullback Mils Muliaina (New Zealand).

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