Flanker: Jerry Collins – New Zealand
Collins was born in Apia, Samoa, on 4 November 1980. His family moved to New Zealand where he was educated at St Patrick’s School in Wellington and played club rugby for Northern United. Between 2001 and 2007 he played in 50 matches in the back row for New Zealand, including 48 tests, three of them as captain, and the Rugby World Cups of 2003 and 2007. In Europe he played for RC Toulon and the Ospreys before moving to Japan in 2011. In June 2015 while playing in France, Jerry was killed in a car crash at the age of 34.
Embed from Getty ImagesFlanker: Schalk Burger – South Africa
Burger was born in Port Elizabeth on 13 April 1983 and educated at Paarl Gym School. He played in the back row for Western Province. First capped by South Africa in 2003, by the summer of 2011 he had played in 63 tests and scored 13 tries. He played four times for the Baa-Baas and never let the team down.
Number eight: Sergio Parisse – Italy
The powerhouse number eight led the invitational side against the British and Irish Lions in 2013. The Lions were convincing winners but it was great to see one of the worlds best in black and white hoops.
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