Jonny Wilkinson names incredible XV of players he played with or against – big names miss out

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Jonny Wilkinson’s All-Time Dream Team: Imagine Jonah Lomu, Jason Robinson, and Brian O’Driscoll Together!

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Could you even fathom a team where Jonah Lomu, Jason Robinson, and Brian O’Driscoll share the same pitch? Well, England legend Jonny Wilkinson has made that dream a reality by naming his all-time dream team, featuring rugby icons he either played with or against.

Wilkinson, a true titan of the game, etched his name in rugby history with his heroic drop goal in extra time, sealing England’s victory against Australia in the 2003 Rugby World Cup final. That legendary moment alone inspired a generation of players, but Wilkinson's career is filled with accolades, including world records for most drop goals in international rugby (36).

Now, let’s dive into Wilkinson’s dream team!

Front-Row Powerhouses

1. Jason Leonard (England)
The most capped England forward of all time, Leonard was "someone who inspired and brought energy to the game," says Wilkinson. A true workhorse, Leonard could turn the tide in scrums with his sheer presence.

2. Keith Wood (Ireland)
Known for his relentless aggression, Wood was "someone that never stops and never gives up," Wilkinson adds. This hooker wasn't just about set pieces; he brought incredible dynamism to the forward pack.

3. Craig Dowd (New Zealand)
A silent assassin in the tighthead position, Dowd was "someone you just don't mess with," says Wilkinson. A powerful figure who anchored the scrum with rock-solid performances.

Towering Second-Row Leaders

4. Bakkies Botha (South Africa)
Wilkinson admired Botha's fierce nature, saying, "At times, he's exactly what a team needs—fearless and down to earth." Botha brought pure intimidation to the field.

5. Martin Johnson (England)
"He's my captain," Wilkinson declares. Johnson's leadership was unmatched, and his ability to read the game set him apart as one of the greatest second-rowers to ever play.

Back-Row Brilliance

6. Richard Hill (England)
The unsung hero of England's World Cup triumph, Hill was a constant presence in the back row. "He stood the test of time and remained at the top for so long," Wilkinson reflects.

7. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
Arguably the greatest openside flanker ever, McCaw was "a guy that could always perform at the highest level," says Wilkinson. His consistency was legendary.

8. Pat Lam (Samoa)
Known for his creativity and leadership, Lam brought his own brand of flair to the game. Wilkinson admired Lam's instinctive play, saying, "He was one of the most creative and instinctive players."

The Halfback Masters

9. Gary Armstrong (Scotland)
A scrappy and aggressive scrum-half, Armstrong had "sheer character and resilience," says Wilkinson. "He would deal with everything himself," providing total control of the game.

10. Fly-Half Madness (Lynagh, Carter, Larkham, Stransky, Fox)
Wilkinson couldn't settle on just one! "This is the key position for any World Cup-winning team," he says, citing the leadership qualities of Michael Lynagh, Dan Carter, Stephen Larkham, Joel Stransky, and Grant Fox as crucial.

Midfield Magic

12. Tim Horan (Australia)
Horan's winning mentality stood out to Wilkinson. "His body language suggested he didn't know how to fail," Wilkinson comments. Horan's ability to rise in the toughest moments made him a must-pick.

13. Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Described as a game-changer, O’Driscoll had "the ability to change the game in a heartbeat," says Wilkinson. His leadership, skill, and rugby brain made him one of the greatest centres ever.

Back-Three Legends

11. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
A true force of nature, Lomu is a must in any dream team. "No Rugby World Cup team would be complete without him," Wilkinson says, summing up the giant winger's unmatched legacy.

14. Jason Robinson (England)
Wilkinson credits Robinson for changing games with his explosiveness. "We wouldn't have won the World Cup without him," Wilkinson admits, highlighting Robinson's pivotal role in England's 2003 triumph.

15. Serge Blanco (France)
Blanco brought audacity and flair to French rugby. Wilkinson admired his counter-attacking prowess, saying, "He typified French rugby at its best."

The Three Richest Couples in World Rugby

From high-profile marriages to lucrative endorsements and television appearances, these rugby stars have built financial empires.

Here's a look at three couples who have combined their sporting legacies with fame and fortune, amassing millions along the way.

Mike and Zara Tindall – £20m

Mike Tindall is known not just for his rugby prowess but for his royal connections. As the husband of Zara Phillips, the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, Tindall has become a prominent figure in British media.

Nicknamed "The Fridge" due to his imposing physique, Tindall was a stalwart on the rugby field, famously breaking his nose at least eight times over the course of his career. Since retiring from the sport, he's made a name for himself in the entertainment world, appearing on popular reality shows such as I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, Bear Grylls: Mission Survive, The Jump, Shark Cage, Celebrity Poker Club, and All-Star Poker Challenge.

Despite his success in sports and entertainment, Tindall's wealth has been largely bolstered by his royal ties, with his net worth estimated at £20 million, according to British media.

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