I will do
list/.Rule[a_,b_]-> b
Though less elegant for large case pattern test seems faster.
list = Table[{x -> RandomReal[], y -> RandomReal[]}, {i, 100000}];
list /. Rule[a_, b_] -> b; // AbsoluteTiming
{0.1530087, Null}
Heike's method
{x, y} /. list; // AbsoluteTiming
{0.3340191, Null}
If I have to choose {x, y} /. list
all the way!