Martin Johnson didn't hesitate when ranking his top second-row's of all-time
Yesterday at 03:20 PM
Delving into the realm of rugby greatness, the esteemed England and Lions legend, Martin Johnson, recently embarked on the daunting task of curating his all-time dream team of players.
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With a career adorned by triumphs and accolades, Johnson’s rugby acumen stands unparalleled. In a nod to the unsung heroes of the scrum and lineout, he meticulously handpicked his five favourite second-rows from the annals of rugby history.
These selections, not mere rosters on a hypothetical team sheet, are a testament to the grit, resilience, and unparalleled skill that define the essence of the second-row position.
The second row forwards (also known as locks) are the engine room of the scrum and the target men in the line-out, meaning that they need to be tall, powerful players with excellent scrummaging technique and pinpoint timing.
If they bind to each other and the props too loosely in the scrum their pack will lose power, and if they are not accurate and dynamic with their line-out jumping, it offers the opposition forwards a chance to steal possession. In open play the second row's duties have evolved from being support players at rucks and mauls to ball carriers.
Now, let’s unveil the quintet of towering titans bestowed with the honour by Johnson himself.
1.Colin Meads (New Zealand)
Colin Meads, affectionately known as ‘Pinetree,’ etched his indomitable legacy in rugby history with 55 caps as a second-row forward. Hailing from New Zealand, he became a towering figure, both literally and figuratively.
Renowned for his colossal physicality, Meads emerged as one of the sport’s all-time greats. His remarkable contributions earned him the prestigious title of New Zealand’s Player of the Century at the NZRFU Awards in 1999.
Beyond statistics, Meads embodied the spirit of rugby, leaving an enduring mark on the game and eternally symbolizing the grit and determination associated with New Zealand rugby.
2.Frik du Preez (South Africa)
Du Preez Test career ran from 1961 to 1971, and South Africa won a World Cup in 1995, so for him to be held in such esteem nearly 40 years after he had played his last International proves what affection the England legend has for the man.
3. Paul O’Connell (Ireland)
O’Connell, born on October 20, 1979, is an Irish rugby legend celebrated for his indomitable spirit and leadership.
A formidable lock, O’Connell earned 108 caps for Ireland, embodying resilience and commitment. He played a pivotal role in Ireland’s Grand Slam victory in the 2009 Six Nations and captained the British and Irish Lions in 2009.
Renowned for his strategic acumen and physical prowess, O’Connell’s career spanned illustrious years with Munster and the national team.
Post-retirement, he transitioned seamlessly into coaching, continuing to shape the future of rugby with his enduring passion and expertise.
4. John Eales (Australia)
Eales, born June 27, 1970, is an Australian rugby icon celebrated for his exceptional career.
Renowned as one of rugby’s greatest locks, Eales captained the Wallabies to two Rugby World Cup victories in 1991 and 1999, becoming the only captain to achieve this feat.
His leadership, impeccable skills, and formidable athleticism earned him the nickname “Nobody” due to the elusive nature of stopping him.
Eales played 86 Tests for Australia, scoring 173 points, and his impact transcended the field, symbolizing the epitome of sportsmanship. Post-retirement, he remains an influential figure, contributing to the sport’s growth and development.
5. Ian Jones (New Zealand)
Jones, an iconic figure in All Blacks history, showcased unparalleled talent in his 105 appearances for the team from 1990 to 1998, including 79 test matches.
A momentous captaincy stint marked his leadership. Renowned for his scoring prowess, Jones notched 14 tries in All Blacks encounters, with a notable nine in test matches.
His enduring legacy is etched in the annals of New Zealand rugby, representing an era of excellence and resilience.
Jones’s impact transcends statistics, embodying the indomitable spirit of the All Blacks and solidifying his status as a true legend of the game.
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