HALFBACKS
Fly-half: Dan Carter (New Zealand)
Carter, a New Zealand rugby legend, is regarded as one of the greatest fly-halves. Known for his precision kicking, playmaking, and defensive skills, he transformed the game. Carter’s influence extended beyond the field, shaping modern rugby with his innovative style.
McGeechan wrote that Carter “really was the complete 10. His defence was immaculate, he could break himself, he could bring others in to play, his kicking from hand and from tee was incredibly accurate. He also changed the way the game was played with his kicking from his own 22m and his kicking to compete. The greatest of the modern era in my opinion.’’
Scrum-half: Gareth Edwards (Wales)
Edwards, a Welsh rugby maestro, is widely considered the greatest scrum-half of all time. His career, spanning the 1960s and 70s, saw him excel with remarkable speed, vision, and game intelligence. Edwards’ legacy is immortalized in numerous accolades and his impact on the sport.
“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.’’
FRONT-ROW
Loosehead-prop: Tom Smith (Scotland)
Smith, a formidable Scottish loosehead prop, was pivotal in Scotland’s rugby success in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Known for his resilience and skill, he played in six consecutive Lions Tests and contributed significantly to Scotland’s 1999 Five Nations triumph.
He wrote: “I just don’t think he gets anywhere near the credit he deserves. Six consecutive Lions Tests in 1997 and 2001, a talismanic figure in Scotland’s 1999 Five Nations win, a major reason Scotland were competitive at the 2003 World Cup.”
Hooker: Sean Fitzpatrick (New Zealand)
Fitzpatrick, a New Zealand rugby icon, excelled as a hooker and captain. With 92 Test appearances and 51 as captain, his consistency and leadership were unmatched. Fitzpatrick’s career, spanning 12 years, solidified his reputation as one of rugby’s greatest players and leaders.
“He was outstanding, not just as a player but as a captain, and as a man. His consistency was unbelievable in an international career that spanned 12 years: 92 Test appearances, including a world record 63 consecutive Test matches and 51 as captain. “
Tighthead-prop: Jason Leonard (England)
eonard, a stalwart of English rugby, was known for his versatility in the front row, primarily as a tighthead prop. He earned 114 caps for England, showcasing technical prowess and unwavering temperament. Leonard’s influence extended off the field, contributing to the sport’s development.
“He played both sides of the scrum but he was more of a tighthead. Completely unflappable, Jason was never in any trouble. Technically, he was superb and temperamentally he was sound, a huge character on and off the pitch.”