Legendary All Black captain Sean Fitzpatrick has named two Englishmen in an immense all-time forward pack.
Widely regarded as one of the finest players New Zealand has ever produced (And that's saying something!) Fitzpatrick was captain of the All Blacks for five years and led by example throughout that time.
With 92 caps, he is one of few players to get over 90 All Black caps. He played in three World Cups, winning the first of them back in 1987.
A solid all around player with bullish strength, Fitzpatrick is worthy of his place as the greatest hooker of all time.
His line-up includes six New Zealanders and two of England's 2003 Rugby World Cup heroes.
FRONT-ROW
- 1. Jason Leonard (England)
- 2. Dane Coles (New Zealand)
- 3. Olo Brown (New Zealand)
Fitzpatrick said: "Jason was an iconic figure and has to be in. We’ll pick him at loose-head because I want Brown at tighthead."
SECOND-ROW
- 4. Martin Johnson (England)
- 5. Colin Meads (New Zealand)
His second-row partnership has a mean looking about it, seeing Martin Johnson chosen alongside Colin Meads.
Fitzpatrick said: "Johnson is an obvious second-row choice. He was a phenomenal leader. Meads was my hero growing up. He has to be in their two. That would be a proper second-row."
BACK-ROW
- 6. Richard Hill (England)
- 7. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
- 8. Zinzan Brooke (New Zealand)
Alongside Richie McCaw and Zinzan Brooke in the back row, he goes for an Englishman, Richard Hill, unsung by many casual observers, but not by those who played with or against him.
Sean Fitzpatrick’s all-time World XV: JPR Williams (Wales); Jonah Lomu (New Zealand), Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland), Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand) Jason Robinson (England); Dan Carter (New Zealand), Gareth Edwards (Wales); Jason Leonard (England), Dane Coles (New Zealand), Olo Brown (New Zealand), Martin Johnson (England), Colin Meads (New Zealand), Richard Hill (England), Richie McCaw (New Zealand), Zinzan Brooke (New Zealand).
EDITORS PICKS: