3. Wilkinson – Bakkies Botha (South Africa)
Bakkies Botha made his World Cup debut in 2003, scoring three tries for South Africa.
His second Rugby World Cup appearance followed in 2007 where he played a pivotal role in the Springboks’ charge to the sport’s biggest prize.
Wilkinson said: “Someone incredibly fierce but very very down to earth” and “at times he’s exactly what a team needs,” according to Wilkinson.
3. Johnson – Paul O’Connell (Ireland)
Johnson said: “The Ireland captain was a very special player. A character on and off the field, playing against a young O’Connell in 2002 it was clear he was going to be something really special.”
