4. Simon Shaw (England)
Why was he on the team?
After waiting 12 year’s to get his shot at a World Cup Simon Shaw announced himself on the world stage in a major way. Every time he stepped on to the pitch he put his heart and soul into it with a series of stamina-sapping displays.
What is he doing now?
In recognition of his consistent good form with club and country, Shaw was selected for the British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa in 2009. This established him as the oldest person to ever be selected and play for a Lions team. He then was part of Martin Johnson’s England group at the World Cup in 2011 before the next year he joined big-spending Toulon, ending his England career. The lock won in total 71 caps in an international career that spanned 15 years from 1996 to 2011. Following his rugby career, he became a Director of Rugby Hospitality company Set Piece Events. He has also set up a website www.inmylocker.co.uk, to auction rugby memorabilia for charity.
Did you know: He is known as Shawsey to his teammates and was born in Kenya in 1973.
5. Victor Matfield (South Africa)
Why was he on the team?
Matfield was an instant selection for the team of the tournament at the World Cup in 2007. He won the Man of the Match award in the final for the Springboks for his brilliant work in the line-out and all-round skill, which caused England major issues.
What is he doing now?
Matfield retired from the Springboks after the World Cup in 2011 and considered a coaching career in Australia with the NSW Waratahs. Nevertheless, in 2014, Matfield returned to rugby as a player, signing a 2-year playing contract with the Bulls up until the end of 2015. He then had a short spell with Northampton Saintsin the Premiership before hanging up his boots.
Did you know: Over the course of his career, Matfield has won the Currie Cup final three times (2002, 2004 & 2009), the Super 14 title in 2007, 2009 and 2010, the Tri-Nations in 2004 and 2009 and the Rugby World Cup in 2007.
6. Jerry Collins (New Zealand)
Why was he on the team?
Nobody played better in the faltering All Blacks side then Jerry Collins as he attempted to keep them on track. Unlike a few of his teammates, he didn’t go missing when they were knocked out by France and continued to battle bravely right up until the final whistle.
What is he doing now?
The fearsome forward with a big smile retired from international rugby in 2008 before playing club rugby around the world in France, Wales and Japan. Collins and his partner, Alana Madill, aged 34, tragically died on the morning of 5 June 2015 after their car lost control and collided with a bus on the A9 autoroute near Béziers in southern France. All rugby supporters forever remember him as one of the greats.