Sir Clive Woodward has had the pleasure of working with some of the best players in world rugby during his England tenure.
After a tough start to life as England boss, the Rugby Football Union kept faith with him and Six Nations titles followed in 2000 and 2001 before he won a much-prized Grand Slam in 2003.
That was followed by success at Rugby World Cup 2003 in Australia with Jonny Wilkinson slotting a last-gasp drop goal to clinch a 20-17 victory over the defending champions and tournament hosts. He was knighted in the 2004 New Year's honours.
Here, the 65-year-old ranks the five 'best' players from his World Cup-winning side.
#5. Jason Robinson
- Born July 30, 1974, Leeds
- Major teams British and Irish Lions, Sale Sharks, England
- Position Fullback
Known as Billy Whizz, this former rugby league star proved a hugely successful convert to Union. Throughout his career Robinson was noted for his speed and acceleration, side-step and ability to beat defenders.
A lethal runner from full-back or wing, he was a nightmare to mark in one-on-one situations. Had a knack of scoring memorable tries on the big stage.
WOODWARD SAID: "He was a sponge and soaked up every single rugby union skill. By the end he was probably the best kicker out of hand we had, he laid the ball back at rucks perfectly and his tackle technique was perfect. What a player."
#4. Lawrence Dallaglio
- Born August 10, 1972, Shepherd's Bush
- Major teams British and Irish Lions, Emerging England, England Under-21s, Wasps, England
- Position No. 8
Went from being a schoolboy chorister to one of the most decorated and successful English players of all time.
Emerging as a raw talent in the back row during England's victory at the 1993 Sevens World Cup at Murrayfield, Dallaglio went on to secure 85 England caps and cement his place as a hero of English rugby.
Had it all in his prime - pace, power, aggression, pride and a steely mind-set. A Lions series winner, a World Cup winner and a trophy magnet with Wasps.
WOODWARD SAID: "So talented, so physical, such a great understanding of the game and so bloody competitive. One of the best England players ever."
DID YOU KNOW? His full name is actually Lorenzo Bruno Nero Dallaglio
#3. Martin Johnson
- Born March 9, 1970, Solihull
- Major teams British and Irish Lions, Leicester Tigers, England, England XV
- Position Lock
Captained the Lions on two tours, including the triumphant 1997 trip to South Africa, while he will always be remembered as the man presented with the 2003 World Cup, which England won in Sydney.
As well as being an inspirational leader, the Leicester lock was also a formidable player in his own right. A rock like presence in the tight, whose rugby motto was if in doubt, go forward.
A giant of the game in more ways than one, Johnson is widely regarded as one of the greatest locks to have ever played the game.
WOODWARD SAID: "Inspirational leader, formidable player, competitive in every situation. The example he set in every tight situation in every game led the way."
DID YOU KNOW? Johnson briefly played American football for the Leicester Panthers as a tight end or defensive end
#2. Jonny Wilkinson
- Born May 25, 1979, Frimley
- Major teams British and Irish Lions, Newcastle Falcons, Toulon, England
- Position Fly-half
Wilkinson scored 1,246 during his 97 caps for England and the Lions. His finest hour, of course, came in 2003, when he slotted the drop goal that won the World Cup.
The fact he landed it with his weaker right foot speaks volumes for his hours and hours of diligent practice. Bowed out on a high, earning two more trophies with Toulon.
WOODWARD SAID: "Jonny was special and he scared the opposition. Everyone has to pat him on the back. The way he defended and attacked, he was a very special player. All of us involved in that team [in 2003] just felt very lucky and privileged to have had him around at that time."
DID YOU KNOW? He gained a place at the University of Durham, but gave his place up in 1997 to become a professional rugby union player
#1. Richard Hill
- Born May 23, 1973, Dormansland, Surrey
- Major teams British and Irish Lions, Saracens, England
- Position Back-row
The back-rower was part of the much-vaunted England loose trio of Back, Dallaglio and Hill that took England to Rugby World Cup glory in 2003 under Clive Woodward.
The ultimate players’ player, Hill did all the unseen, grafting work and just got on with his job in unassuming fashion, putting his body on the line.
Able to excel right across the back row, he was a pivotal figure on two Lions trips and an England World Cup winner
WOODWARD SAID: "I rated Hill so highly in an England jersey that he was the only player I never dropped once during my tenure. Different class."
DID YOU KNOW? On his mother's side, Hill is a second cousin removed of film director Peter Jackson, who Directed the Lord of the Rings trilogy
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- Shane Williams leaves Rees-Zammit out of his Lions backline
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- LIST: Will Carling ranks his top 5 rugby players of all-time
