#5. Martin Johnson (England)
The lock will always be remembered as the man presented with the 2003 World Cup, which England won in Sydney. As well as being an inspirational leader, the Leicester lock was also a formidable player in his own right. A rock like presence in the tight, whose rugby motto was if in doubt, go forward.
OWENS SAID: “Johnson was one of those characters who could take control away from you without you even realising.”
BARNES SAID: “I was always petrified of Martin Johnson because he was coming to the end of his career when I started in the Premiership.” said Barnes.
EDITORS PICKS:
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- “Sexton one of the best” – Jonny Wilkinson ranks his top five fly-halves
- The greatest rugby XV that ever lived: Three England players selected
- ‘Get the f— down!’ – Three brilliant stories from James Haskell’s new book
- Revised England team with captain Owen Farrell set to be ruled out
- “Quicker than me” – Jason Robinson reveals England’s fastest ever player