Gatland and McGeechan rank their top five all-time Lions

Saturday, 10 July 2021 at 11:47

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byRugby Rucker

Let’s take a look at the five greatest British & Irish Lions of all-time, as selected and ranked by the legendary Sir Ian McGeechan and current head coach Warren Gatland.

#5.

Gatland: Lawrence Dallaglio (England)

GATLAND SAID: “The best captain that I’ve ever been involved with was Lawrence Dallaglio. He had that unbelievable ability to motivate players in a way that I’ve never seen anyone else able to do. Particularly in the changing rooms,” Gatland explained. He’d talk the talk and then walk the walk. I’ve so much admiration for his leadership and honesty in that role.”

McGeechan: Willie John McBride (Ireland)

McGeechan said: "He was my captain and was so instrumental in that your in 74 in South Africa."

DID YOU KNOW? McBride was awarded a CBE in the 2019 New Year Honours list for services to Rugby Union

#4.

Gatland: Martin Johnson (England)

GATLAND SAID: "An unbelievable leader. Probably the most competitive player I've ever come across. Very tough and loved a challenge."

McGeechan: Jason Leonard (England)

McGeechan said: "Leonard has to be in there for me. I've often called him the ultimate Lion for not what he gave behind the scenes as well as on the field."

DID YOU KNOW? Leonard's lengthy career straddled both the amateur and professional eras and he had a job as a carpenter.

#3.

Gatland: Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)

GATLAND SAID: "In his prime, he was absolutely outstanding in terms of his rugby knowledge and leadership. He was always able to make players around him look better than they were."

McGeechan: JPR Williams (Wales)

McGeechan said: "He had a big impact.on my game in Test matches. There's never been a player quote him since."

#2.

Gatland: JPR Williams (Wales)

GATLAND SAID: "He was incredibly tough, even though he was a fullback he probably could have played in the forwards. He definitely put his body on the line."

McGeechan: Martin Johnson (England)

McGeechan said: “I put his name down and moved on. It was as simple as that. Exceptional."

#1.

Gatland: Gareth Edwards (Wales)

GATLAND SAID: "To me, he is probably the greatest halfback we've seen in the game. He was quick, intelligent and scored a lot of tries."

McGeechan: Gareth Edwards (Wales)

McGeechan said: "I think for me being around in in the 70s was a privilege,..he was the best player I ever saw,"

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DID YOU KNOW? In a UK poll conducted by Channel 4 in 2002 British rugby supporters voted Edwards's historic try for the Barbarians No. 20 in the list of the 100 Greatest Sporting Moments.