Sir Ian McGeechan picks all-time XV – includes England legend Martin Johnson
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Sir Ian McGeechan has unveiled his ultimate rugby XV, but some huge names have been left out. There’s no place for Paul O’Connell, David Campese, or even England’s 2003 World Cup hero, Jonny Wilkinson.
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Writing for The Telegraph, the legendary British & Irish Lions coach has opted for a side stacked with power, precision, and some of the biggest legends the game has ever seen. Six All Blacks make the cut, alongside three Englishmen, two Welshmen, and one player each from France, Scotland, Ireland, and Australia.
Back-Three
Fullback: JPR Williams (Wales)
A true icon of Welsh rugby, Williams was the backbone of the dominant Welsh side of the 1970s. Renowned for his fearless tackling, counter-attacking brilliance, and signature sideburns, he won three Grand Slams and five Five Nations titles with Wales. McGeechan said, “Not a staggeringly original choice, I'll admit. But to my mind the only one. If I'm going to be picking a dream XV over the next few days then I want JPR at the back. No question.”
Left-wing: Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
Rugby’s first global superstar, Lomu was a human wrecking ball. His performances at the 1995 World Cup changed the sport forever, with his four-try demolition of England in the semi-finals still haunting defenders to this day. He scored 37 tries in 63 Tests before illness cut his career short. “The game needed a superstar, and it got one in Lomu. He was brilliant for rugby,” McGeechan remarked.
Right-wing: John Kirwan (New Zealand)
A key figure in New Zealand's first-ever World Cup-winning squad in 1987, Kirwan combined brute force with blistering pace. His solo try against Italy in the tournament opener remains one of rugby's greatest individual efforts. McGeechan said, “He had an all-round game; he could carry the ball through heavy traffic, he could offload, he was like an extra back-rower at times.”
Centres
Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Arguably the greatest centre of all time, O'Driscoll was a magician with ball in hand and a defensive menace. With 141 caps for Ireland and eight for the Lions, he captained his country to Grand Slam glory in 2009 and remains their top try-scorer. “His ability to get back on his feet after tackling to compete for the ball was extraordinary,” McGeechan noted.
Inside-centre: Philippe Sella (France)
A midfield general, Sella was the first player to reach 100 Test caps. A pillar of French rugby, his blend of physicality and silky handling saw him dominate the international stage for over a decade. McGeechan commented, “Sella and O'Driscoll were powerful men. They could stop a forward in his tracks. I think as a pair they would dominate any midfield.”
Halfbacks
Fly-half: Dan Carter (New Zealand)
The ultimate No.10, Carter was the complete package. With 1,598 international points and two World Cups to his name, his tactical kicking, game management, and coolness under pressure made him the greatest fly-half of the modern era. “He really was the complete 10,” McGeechan wrote. “His defence was immaculate, he could break himself, he could bring others into play, his kicking from hand and from tee was incredibly accurate.”
Scrum-half: Gareth Edwards (Wales)
Regarded by many as the greatest rugby player of all time, Edwards was the heartbeat of the dominant Welsh side of the 1970s. His legendary try for the Barbarians against New Zealand in 1973 is still talked about today. “The Greatest. No question,” McGeechan stated.
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