Sir Ian McGeechan Unveils His All-Time Rugby XV – No South Africans Make the Cut

12/05/2024 01:56 PM

Writing for The Telegraph, rugby legend Sir Ian McGeechan, 74, crafted his all-time XV, mixing powerhouse players from rugby history.

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His line-up includes six New Zealand greats, three English stars, two Welsh legends, and one icon each from France, Scotland, and Ireland.

Let's dive into the breakdown, complete with all the insight and legacy.

Sir Ian McGeechan’s All-Time Rugby XV:

BACK-THREE

Fullback: JPR Williams (Wales)
McGeechan’s Take: “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.”
Player Profile: An iron-willed competitor, Williams brought athleticism and grit to the Welsh backline, known for his fearless tackling and unmatched positioning under high-pressure situations. As a six-time Five Nations winner, his legacy in the game is nearly as iconic as his signature white headband.

Left-Wing: Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
McGeechan’s Take: “Illness and injury ultimately slowed him down. But his performances at the 1995 World Cup, just as the game was turning professional, will never be forgotten. The game needed a superstar, and it got one in Lomu. He was brilliant for rugby.”
Player Profile: The ultimate trailblazer, Lomu redefined the winger's role. Standing at 6'5" and weighing 120 kg, he moved with shocking speed, bulldozing opponents in his path. His four-try performance against England in the 1995 Rugby World Cup is still one of the most electrifying in history.

Right-Wing: John Kirwan (New Zealand)
McGeechan’s Take: “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. Plus, he had natural effortless pace.”
Player Profile: Kirwan was more than a speedster; he was a thinking man's winger. His scoring prowess helped drive the All Blacks' legendary streak in the late 1980s, and he remains a key figure in the All Blacks' first Rugby World Cup triumph.

CENTRES

Outside-Centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
McGeechan’s Take: “His ability to get back on his feet after tackling to compete for the ball was extraordinary, and ensured he always had an impact on the game, whatever type of game it was.”
Player Profile: Often considered one of rugby's most creative and agile players, O'Driscoll's work on the field revolutionized the centre role. He captained Ireland to Grand Slam glory in 2009 and is remembered for his playmaking and intelligence in high-stakes matches.

Inside-Centre: Philippe Sella (France)
McGeechan’s Take: “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 and I like the thought of them together.”
Player Profile: Known for his athleticism and toughness, Sella was the first player to appear in 100 Tests, carving a name as a fearless competitor. A Rugby World Cup finalist in 1987, his unmatched intensity remains legendary.

HALFBACKS

Fly-Half: Dan Carter (New Zealand)
McGeechan’s Take: "He really was the complete 10… The greatest of the modern era in my opinion.”
Player Profile: Carter's pinpoint accuracy, both in open play and from the tee, solidified him as a game-changer. Known for his tactical genius, he orchestrated New Zealand’s play, leading them to two World Cups, most famously returning from injury in 2015 to win his final title.

Scrum-Half: Gareth Edwards (Wales)
McGeechan’s Take: “My favourite scrum-half of all time happens to be my favourite player of all time. Gareth Edwards was and always will be the master. The Greatest.”
Player Profile: A lynchpin in the Welsh side of the 1970s, Edwards combined physical prowess with the ability to read the game. His solo try for the Barbarians against the All Blacks in 1973 remains an all-time highlight.

FRONT-ROW

Loosehead Prop: Tom Smith (Scotland)
McGeechan’s Take: “Six consecutive Lions Tests in 1997 and 2001, a talismanic figure in Scotland's 1999 Five Nations win.”
Player Profile: One of Scotland's fiercest forwards, Smith was renowned for his scrummaging and resilience, often facing much larger opponents. He left an indelible mark on Scotland’s 1999 Five Nations victory and Lions tours.

Hooker: Sean Fitzpatrick (New Zealand)
McGeechan’s Take: “Not just as a player but as a captain, and as a man. His consistency was unbelievable.”
Player Profile: Fitzpatrick set a high bar with 92 caps for New Zealand. His leadership helped the All Blacks capture the first Rugby World Cup and set a standard of excellence.

Tighthead Prop: Jason Leonard (England)
McGeechan’s Take: “Completely unflappable, Jason was never in any trouble.”
Player Profile: England's most-capped player with 114 caps, Leonard was celebrated for his flexibility and stability on both sides of the scrum. His technical mastery contributed to England's 2003 World Cup win.

SECOND-ROW

Lock: Martin Johnson (England)
McGeechan’s Take: “He defined an era, both for forward play and for the teams he represented.”
Player Profile: Johnson epitomized leadership, guiding England to a 2003 World Cup win. Known for his powerful frame and commanding presence, he remains one of England's most respected captains.

Lock: John Eales (Australia)
McGeechan’s Take: “A two-time Rugby World Cup-winner, a lot of 'number fives' that have followed him play the way they do because of the type of game Eales set.”
Player Profile: “Nobody epitomized calm under pressure like Eales, often called ‘Nobody’ for that reason. He remains one of the game's finest lock forwards and kickers, with an ability to score at crucial moments.

BACK-ROW

Blindside-Flanker: Richard Hill (England)
McGeechan’s Take: “Hill seemed to know almost instinctively where to be and when.”
Player Profile: Known for his work rate and tackling, Hill provided vital support for England’s pack, and his performances during the 2003 World Cup made him indispensable.

Openside-Flanker: Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
McGeechan’s Take: “The opposition would not stand a chance.”
Player Profile: McCaw's relentless style and ability to dominate breakdowns set him apart. The first player to reach 100 Test wins, he captained the All Blacks to back-to-back World Cups.

Number 8: Zinzan Brooke (New Zealand)
McGeechan’s Take: “One of the toughest choices of the lot. Maybe the toughest.”
Player Profile: Renowned for his all-around skills, Brooke's flair included long-range drop goals, a rarity for a forward, while his leadership on the field made him one of New Zealand's most versatile players.

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Can You Name England's XV from Their 2019 World Cup Win Over the All Blacks?

With a nail-biting score of 19-7, Eddie Jones’s men delivered a masterclass in strategy and grit, proving that anything is possible on the grand stage of rugby.

But here's the challenge: can you name the legendary 23 players who fought tooth and nail to secure that stunning victory?

From powerhouse forwards to lightning-fast backs, each player played a crucial role in this unforgettable triumph. Think you know the squad that made history?

Let's put your memory to the test!

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