I would have to disagree somewhat with those proposing Hernadez as the worlds best.
Test matches are still the highest level of competition in rugby, and Hernadez is certainly not as performed as either Latham or Muliaina.
There are reels of film of these other two performing at domestic level, like Hernadez. But Hernandez hasn't achieved anywhere near as much at test level, like Latham and Muliaina.
And while Latham is very adept at Fullback he does lack the versatility of Hernadez (FH,CE) and Muliaina (WG,CE). So, as a rounded player he doesn't offer as much in the current rotational rugby climate, where versatility is becoming an increasingly valuable asset.
My personal pick would currently be Muliaina.
If I was to pick a CURRENT world XV he would wear No15.
Latham hasn't played enough rugby lately and Hernadez is not as proven (in my eyes) at the top level.
Here are some stats for Muliaina, he has had a very illustrious career for a guy who's only just turned 27.
• Started at centre for champions Auckland in the 2005 Air New Zealand NPC Division One semifinal and final. Played in No 13 twice for the Chiefs in 2006.
• His 34 consecutive Test matches from debut through to the 2005 Test against Ireland in Dublin is the 12th-longest streak in All Blacks history.
• Just one of two players to have scored four tries in a Test match and four tries in a Rebel Sport Super 12/14 match.
• Was equal-top try-scorer at the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
• Won a Commonwealth Games gold medal with the New Zealand Sevens team in Manchester in 2002
• Won a gold medal with the New Zealand IRB Under 21 World Championships in both 2000 and 2001 and the IRB Under 19 World Championship in 1999.
Those are some rather nice achievements. A world cup winners medal is something he doesn't have though (Latham x 2).
Latham currently stands as the 2nd highest try scorer (behind David Campese) in Wallaby history with 31 international tries (155 points), as of June 2006.
He has also won the Australian Super 12 Player of the Year award 3 times (2000, 2003 and 2004) and was the Wallaibies player of the year 2006.
Latham is now nearly 32 and is in his twilight.
Hernadez may be the top full back in France, but he may not yet be at his best. And in future years may be a more credible contender for No.1 Fullback in the world. But not at this time.
Chris Latham = 72 Test Caps (175 points, 35 tries)
Malili Muliaina = 52 Test Caps (75 points, 15 tries)
J M Hernadez = 21 Test Caps (25 points, 5 tries)
Chris Latham = 90 Super Caps QLD (196 points, 38 tries, 1 pen, 1 DG)
Malili Muliaina = 61 Super 14 Caps (102 points, 20 tries, 1 con)
J M Hernadez = Any french help here? Only info available is arrival year (2003)
Summary:
Latham WAS the best
Muliaina IS the best
Hernandez YET TO BE the best