Numerous players enhanced their reputations at the Rugby World Cup, which concluded with New Zealand retaining their title with victory over Australia at Twickenham.

As the dust settles on an enthralling event, we select our team of the tournament.

15 - Ayumu Goromaru (Japan)

Appearances - 4

Points - 58 (1 try, 7 conversions, 13 penalties)

One of the stars of Japan's breakthrough campaign, Goromaru offered reliability with the boot and incisive contributions in the backline as the Brave Blossoms exceeded all expectations. It was the full-back who applied the finish to the standout try of the match in the stunning victory over South Africa.

14 - Santiago Cordero (Argentina)

Appearances - 6

Tries - 3

Part of an Argentine backline that provided rich entertainment throughout the tournament, Cordero used his pace and trickery to beat more defenders (31) than any other player, while only New Zealand's Nehe Milner-Skudder made more clean breaks. At 21, he can surely only improve.

13 - Conrad Smith (New Zealand)

Appearances - 6

Tries - 0

A player at the other end of the experience scale, Smith's role in New Zealand's success should not be underestimated. Although he did not score a try in his six outings, the 34-year-old barely put a foot wrong as he provided solidity in defence together with his usual class on the front foot. The likes of Milner-Skudder and Julian Savea may have claimed the headlines, but Smith was arguably just as influential.

12 - Ma'a Nonu (New Zealand)

Appearances - 6

Tries - 2

And what more can be said about Nonu, who marked his 100th All Blacks cap by crossing in the pool-stage victory over Tonga and then claimed another try in the final. The versatile back insists his international career is now over, but his ball-carrying skills appeared as devastating as ever as he made 293 metres in the tournament. He will be sorely missed by New Zealand.

11 - Julian Savea (New Zealand)

Appearances - 6

Tries - 8

The tournament's leading try-scorer, Savea touched down on eight occasions to equal a record set by Jonah Lomu in 1999 and Bryan Habana eight years ago. Savea's hat-trick in the All Blacks' quarter-final demolition of France will live long in the memory, with his second score similar to Lomu's famous battering-ram try against England at the 1995 World Cup.

10 - Dan Carter (New Zealand)

Appearances - 6

Points - 82 (23 conversions 10 penalties, 2 drop goals)

Redemption came the way of Carter at the weekend. The man widely regarded as the world's finest fly-half was sidelined through injury when the All Blacks lifted the Webb Ellis Cup in 2011. Four years on, it was Carter who settled things down for New Zealand with a long-range drop goal after Australia had come roaring back at Twickenham. The ice-cool number 10 was duly honoured as World Rugby's Player of the Year.

9 - Gareth Davies (Wales)

Appearances - 5

Tries - 5

The only European player to make this selection, Davies was instrumental in helping Wales qualify from the 'Group of Death'. Pressed into action as his country's first-choice scrum-half after Rhys Webb was ruled out through injury, the Scarlets man was particularly impressive against England, scoring a late try as Warren Gatland's men fought back to claim a crucial victory.

1 - Marcos Ayerza (Argentina)

Appearances -  5

Tries - 0

Argentina may have offered much more from behind the scrum in this tournament, but their pack was again impressive and Ayerza certainly played his part. The experienced loose-head prop was strong at scrum-time and frequently made headway with ball in hand as the Pumas stormed through to the last four.

2 - Dane Coles (New Zealand)

Appearances - 6

Tries - 1

Surely the best hooker in the game at present, Coles appears to have benefited greatly from the experience of Keven Mealamu. Always a threat in open play, Coles has significantly improved his work at set-pieces and also made more tackles than all but three of his fellow number twos.

3 - Sekope Kepu (Australia)

Appearances - 7

Tries - 1

A consistent performer throughout the tournament, Kepu's best display undoubtedly came against England. In addition to gaining a decisive edge over Joe Marler at the scrum, Kepu produced a magical flicked pass out of the back of his right hand in the build-up to Bernard Foley's first try.

4 - Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)

Appearances - 7

Tries - 1

Etzebeth and Lood de Jager promise to be one of the most formidable second-row pairings in world rugby for years to come. The duo's exceptional displays were enough to keep Victor Matfield on the bench for the majority of the tournament. Only three players made more tackles than Etzebeth, who missed with only three of his 78 attempts, while the 24-year-old also excelled in attack.

5 - Lood de Jager (South Africa)

Appearances - 7

Tries - 1

South Africa's other young lock was hardly likely to go unnoticed, given he stands an inch taller than Etzebeth at 6ft 9in. De Jager's bullocking runs were a sight to behold and he proved equally effective in stopping the opposition - registering a tournament-high 77 tackles.

6 - Michael Leitch (Japan)

Appearances - 4

Tries - 1

Japan's captain certainly led by example, never more so than in his side's unforgettable success against the Springboks. In addition to scoring the Brave Blossoms' opening try, Leitch was responsible for repelling a number of South Africa attacks and emphatically rewarded for the brave call he made in turning down the chance to kick for goal in the closing minutes.

7 - Richie McCaw (New Zealand)

Appearances - 6

Tries - 0

It remains to be seen whether McCaw will surprise the world by continuing his international career. What cannot be doubted is his continued value to New Zealand as a leader, organiser and enduringly effective openside flanker. McCaw's performance in the final suggested he still has plenty more left in the tank.

8 - David Pocock (Australia)

Appearances - 5

Tries - 3

Perhaps the most straightforward selection of all, Pocock enhanced his reputation as a master of the breakdown - winning an astonishing 17 turnovers in his five appearances. South Africa's Francois Louw (13) was the only other man to reach double figures. An openside flanker by trade, Pocock excelled in the number eight jersey and played a key role in helping Australia to the final.