SECOND-ROW
Lock: Martin Johnson (England) – “About 10 years ago, I said Johnson and John Eales would be my second-row forwards in a World XV. Nothing has changed. Farr Jones, Fitzpatrick and Eales and Johnno would still be my captain.”
Lock: John Eales (Australia) – ” He could dominate the lineout, make plenty of tackles, maintain an unbelievable workrate, kick goals and remain the calmest person on the pitch. Great forward and great leader.”
BACK-ROW
Blindside-flanker: Richard Hill (England) – “It is unusual not to have a Springbok in my World XV but was Francois Pienaar better than Hill? Not in my opinion. The thing about Hill is that even at the highest level, he didn’t make mistakes.”
Openside flanker: Michael Jones (New Zealand) – “He had everything. Quick, athletic, skilful, brave, and a great team player. There have been some great No 7s; Winterbottom, Back, George Smith, Richie McCaw but none as good as Jones.”
Number 8: Zinzan Brooke (New Zealand) – “So talented, so physical, such a great understanding of the game and so bloody competitive”