‘I’m lucky I played with him’ – Sonny Bill Williams ranks his five best players

The 35-year-old won 58 caps for New Zealand after making his debut against England in 2010. He played in three World Cups and was part of the All Blacks’ triumphs in 2011 and 2015.

Having played with some of the very best, Williams has now revealed his five favourite rugby union players after hanging up his boots.

Williams said: "You just have to watch some of his highlights videos on the football field to realise what a talent he is. He’s another guy who can just create something out of nothing and I don’t think gets the credit he deserves."

Williams said: "He’s a player I’ve loved watching over the years and I don’t think he gets the acknowledgement he deserves. He was one the best players – if not the best player – for the Australian team in the World Cup. Just his skillset, and you can tell that he’s got his stuff together off the field as well."

Produced one of the individual performances of modern times when he made an eye-popping 38 tackles and scored a try in France’s 2007 World Cup win over New Zealand. World player of year in 2011.

Williams said: “From my time in France I’d have to say, Thierry Dusautoir. He wasn't just an amazing player, but you can see the way he rallies his troops and how he performed in those big games. He’s someone I really admire.”

Has one man ever done more to popularise the game of rugby than Jonah? When he burst onto the scene at the 1995 World Cup, it was like a meteor landing from outer space. 

“Williams said: "He’s someone that stood out because even when I didn’t play rugby I knew who he was. You just have to go back and watch some highlights of him to see how crazy what he did was. You don’t see players these days running through ten blokes on the way to the tryline.”

Only Dan Carter has scored more in Test rugby, with Wilkinson having garnered 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.

Williams said: “I’m lucky enough to say I’ve played with Jonny Wilkinson and have seen the commitment that he had. When I played with him, he was pretty much at the height of his powers, but the way he dedicated himself to his craft was unbelievable and I learnt a lot from him.”

DID YOU KNOW? Wilkinson's brother, Mark, was also a Newcastle player who made 16 appearances in the Premiership for the side between 2002 and 2005, predominantly as a centre