A total of seven current and former All Blacks are in the run for the World Rugby's player of the decade award.

Former All Blacks star, Dan Carter and Richie McCaw find themselves on opposing sides of the draw, allowing for a final between two of the All Blacks' greatest.

They are joined by the likes of Ma'a Nonu, Kieran Read, Brodie Retallick, Beauden Barrett and Aaron Smith.

Smith and Carter will go head to head in the first bracket, the winner will be up against the winner of Ireland's Johnny Sexton and England's Owen Farrell.

Meanwhile, Barrett has been pitted against former Wallabies halfback Will Genia.