Martin Johnson has names his rugby dream team
Yesterday at 01:32 PM
n a sensational rugby revelation, the legendary Martin Johnson, widely regarded as one of the most iconic figures in the world of rugby union, has just unveiled his ultimate XV.
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The shocker? This star-studded lineup surprisingly leaves out some of the sport’s all-time greats, including the likes of Lawrence Dallaglio, Shane Williams, Brian O’Driscoll, and Jason Robinson.
Renowned for his historic role as the captain who masterfully steered England to their unforgettable victory at the 2003 Rugby World Cup and his groundbreaking leadership with the British & Irish Lions in both 1997 and 2001 – a remarkable achievement never replicated in the annals of rugby history.
Throughout his illustrious career, Johnson was a linchpin in two glorious Grand Slam-winning England teams in 1995, and once again, he donned the captain’s armband during the unforgettable 2003 campaign.
BACK-THREE:
Fullback: Serge Blanco (France) – "A great France full back who dominated games."
Winger: Joe Roff (Australia) – "You'd put David Campese up there but Roff is my choice. A fantastic all-round rugby player, and old-style wing."
Winger: Jonah Lomu (New Zealand) – "Not much difficulty in choosing one of the most awesome wings to have ever played."
CENTRES:
Outside-centre: Philippe Sella (France) – "I used to watch him as a kid on TV and think he was brilliant; and then ten years later I played against him and he was still brilliant. He still looks as if he could play for France today. One of the best backs I've ever seen. If you hit him it was like running into concrete."
Inside-centre: Danie Gerber (South Africa) – "Scored a hat-trick against England in the first half in one match in the 1980s. He didn't play many Tests because of apartheid, but he had power and pace. I don't know if he could pass: it seemed like he never needed to. I played against him in a charity match in 1996 when he must have been well into his 40s, he was still awesome."
HALFBACKS:
Fly-half: Jonny Wilkinson (England) – “I could have gone for Phil Bennett, Michael Lynagh, Stephen Larkham or others but Jonny is special, not just for his kicking. I remember in the 2003 Grand Slam decider in Dublin, Ireland attacked down the right and Jonny was there to stop them; then they switched quickly to the left and Jonny was there to stop them too."
Scrum-half: Gareth Edwards (Wales) – "The Welsh have put mythical status on Edwards and their 1970s players, but Rob Howley was almost as good and scored some great tries. Joost van der Westhuizen was the best scrum half I played against."
FRONT-ROW:
Loosehead-prop: Jason Leonard (England) – "Solid as a rock, was regularly asked to play on both sides of the scrum and never moaned. His record of four World Cups and two finals says it all."
Hooker: Sean Fitzpatrick (New Zealand) – "Played for the All Blacks for ten years, a fantastic competitor and a great captain."
Tighthead-prop: Jean-Pierre Garuet (France) – "From the old school of scrummagers, played in the 1987 final, a nuggety, fierce-looking guy."
SECOND-ROW:
Frik du Preez (South Africa) and Colin Meads (New Zealand): "The 1990s was a great era for locks. There were Robin Brooke and Ian Jones for New Zealand; Australia had John Eales; South Africa had Mark Andrews. I could have picked any of them but I've gone for some older players. Both Du Preez and Meads played in the 1960s but were very modern players. Meads was the greatest ever All Black; Frik was very quick and athletic. I wasn't in their league."
BACK-ROW:
Blindside-flanker: Richard Hill (England) – "It was a difficult choice but Hill, a quiet guy, very understated, was the pick. When he was with the Lions teams, if he didn't play, we didn't win. He would be embarrassed to be in this side, but he deserves it."
Openside-flanker: Michael Jones (New Zealand) – "Sean Fitzpatrick says he was the greatest player he ever played against, a mythical figure."
Number 8: Wayne Shelford (New Zealand) – "Buck was at his peak for the World Cup final in 1987. I remember watching him as a 16
Quiz: Name these 10 retro rugby players
From jaw-dropping tries to unforgettable moments (and yes, some questionable haircuts), these players defined a golden era of the game. If their names don't instantly come to mind, we suggest a quick trip to YouTube to jog your memory. Trust us, it's worth it.
Ready to test your knowledge? Let's see if you've still got it. Good luck!
More Quizzes:
- Can you name the entire British & Irish Lions squad from their tour of New Zealand in 2005?
- Can you name every England Rugby captain of the professional era?
- Can You Name Every British & Irish Lions Captain Since 2001?
- Quiz: Can You Name the Top 10 Most-Capped Springbok Men's Players?
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