Fly-half: Jonny Wilkinson, England
Johnson wrote: “I could have gone for Phil Bennett, Michael Lynagh, Stephen Larkham or others but Jonny is special, not just for his kicking. I remember in the 2003 Grand Slam decider in Dublin, Ireland attacked down the right and Jonny was there to stop them; then they switched quickly to the left and Jonny was there to stop them too.”
Scrum-half: Gareth Edwards, Wales
Johnson wrote: “The Welsh have put mythical status on Edwards and their 1970s players, but Rob Howley was almost as good and scored some great tries. Joost van der Westhuizen was the best scrum-half I played against.”
Prop: Jason Leonard, England
Johnson wrote: “Solid as a rock, was regularly asked to play on both sides of the scrum and never moaned. His record of four World Cups and two finals says it all.”
Hooker: Sean Fitzpatrick, New Zealand
Johnson wrote: “Played for the All Blacks for ten years, a fantastic competitor and a great captain.”
Prop: Jean-Pierre Garuet, France
Johnson wrote: “From the old school of scrummagers, played in the 1987 final, a nuggety, fierce-looking guy.”