RBS 6 Nations

The 30-year-old, who last season skippered Ireland to their first Six Nations title and Leinster to the European Cup, played in all three Lions tours during the previous decade and was nominated for the International Rugby Board's world player of the year three times.

A further three European stars featured on the Rugby World team of the decade replacement’s bench, including England World Cup winner Jonny Wilkinson.

Argentina with five had the most players included in the 22.

Rugby World team of the decade (15-1):

Mils Muliaina (NZL); Jason Robinson (ENG), Brian O'Driscoll (IRL), Matt Giteau (AUS), Shane Williams (WAL); Dan Carter (NZL), Agustin Pichot (ARG); Sergio Parisse (ITA), Richie McCaw (NZL), Richard Hill (ENG); Martin Johnson (ENG capt.), Victor Matfield (RSA); Carl Hayman (New Zealand), John Smit (RSA), Gethin Jenkins (WAL)

Replacements: Rodrigo Roncero (ARG), Mario Ledesma (ARG), Sylvain Marconnet (FRA), Juan-Martin Fernandez Lobbe (ARG), Fourie Du Preez (RSA), Jonny Wilkinson (ENG), Yannick Jauzion (FRA), Juan Martin Hernandez (ARG)