Lawrence Dallaglio names his Dream Back-Row — and only ONE England legend makes the cut - Page 2 of 3 - Ruck

Lawrence Dallaglio names his Dream Back-Row — and only ONE England legend makes the cut

OPENSIDE-FLANKER: MICHAEL JONES (NEW ZEALAND): 

Jones revolutionised the position with his physical prowess, superior fitness and instinct for the ball, but while he was a joy to watch his career was often punctuated with time away from the field because of injury and his refusal to play on Sundays for religious reasons.

Dallaglio said: “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.

Jones, who won 55 caps for the All Blacks ensured his legacy from his debut at the age of 22 when he scored the opening try of the inaugural World Cup in 1987.

Jones was named by Rugby World magazine as the third best All Black of the 20th century after Colin Meads and Sean Fitzpatrick.John Hart, who first selected him for Auckland, called him “almost the perfect rugby player”.

Did you know? Since 2002, he has been a food bank manager in Avondale, Auckland.

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