"An incredible career" - Martin Johnson Ranks His Five Best Locks

Here are the five players as ranked by the legendary former England captain.

The world's most capped player (160 international caps, 148 for Wales), who led Wales to the 2021 Guinness Six Nations title. He's also a four-time tourist with the British & Irish Lions (2009,2013,2017,2021).

Johnson said: "Alun's consistency over such a long time has been amazing, an incredible career."

When he stopped playing, he was Ireland's third most-capped player (108) and the eighteenth most-capped international player in rugby union history. During his career, O'Connell captained Munster, Ireland and the British and Irish Lions. He is now a coach with the Ireland national team.

The most successful captain in the history of Australian rugbt, he became one of the first players to win multiple Rugby World Cups when the Wallabies triumphed in 1991 and 1999. The lock scored 173 points in his 86 caps.

Du Preez Test career ran from 1961 to 1971, and South Africa won a World Cup in 1995, so for him to be held in such esteem nearly 40 years after he had played his last International proves what affection the England legend has for the man.

The 55-cap second-row is widely considered one of the greatest players in history. Nicknamed 'Pinetree' due to his physical presence, he was an icon within New Zealand rugby, and was named the country's Player of the Century at the NZRFU Awards in 1999.