Everyone has
their all-time XV, usually argued over in pubs, group chats, and commentary boxes with no real conclusion in sight.
Lawrence Dallaglio has now added his version into the mix — selecting a World XV for The Times, drawn from the players he played with, faced, or simply admired from afar.
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It’s not just a list of superstars either. There’s a clear theme running through it: control, physical dominance, and players who shaped games when it mattered most. There are the obvious icons, a few debates settled in his own mind, and at least one big call at fly-half that will raise eyebrows.
Despite picking Jonny Wilkinson in his all-time England XV, Dallaglio goes in a different direction here — opting for Michael Lynagh over both Wilkinson and Dan Carter at No.10, backing the Australian’s game management and composure under pressure.
The result is a XV that feels less like a fantasy highlight reel and more like a team built to win a Test match in any era.
? FULL XV BREAKDOWN
15. Christian Cullen (New Zealand)
Full-back | Attacking genius from the back
A devastating broken-field runner with elite vision and pace. Cullen’s peak years were electric, turning defence into attack in a blink.
?️ “Comes down to Cullen or Serge Blanco… but Cullen’s best years were sensational.”
14. David Campese (Australia)
Wing | Rugby’s original showman
Mercurial, unpredictable, and occasionally controversial, Campese changed games on instinct alone.
?️ “He walks into the team.”
13. Jerry Guscott (England)
Centre | Elegant game-breaker
One of England’s most gifted attackers, known for timing, acceleration, and big-match composure.
?️ “The ability to accelerate onto a pass made him unique… he changed games.”
12. Frank Bunce (New Zealand)
Centre | Physical enforcer with class
Tough, direct, and relentless in contact. A different style to Tim Horan, but preferred here for edge and power.
?️ “I loved Bunce’s physicality.”
11. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
Wing | Rugby’s most destructive force
A once-in-a-generation phenomenon who redefined what a winger could do.
?️ “If only for what he did against England… but he did it everywhere.”
10. Michael Lynagh (Australia)
Fly-half | Master game controller
The shock omission of Wilkinson and Carter in favour of Lynagh, whose calm authority dictated Test matches.
?️ “His ability to control a game was phenomenal… so hard to get at.”
9. Nick Farr-Jones (Australia)
Scrum-half | Tactical nuisance and link man
Sharp, competitive, and clever — the ultimate operator at the base.
?️ “A brilliant link man… and an awesome wind-up merchant.”
1. Jason Leonard (England)
Prop | Relentless longevity
A cornerstone of English rugby across three decades and multiple World Cups.
?️ “115 caps, three decades… how can he not be extraordinary?”
2. Sean Fitzpatrick (New Zealand)
Hooker | Modern hooker prototype
A leader forged in pressure, delivering consistently in a scrutiny-heavy environment.
?️ “Defined the role of the modern hooker.”
3. Olo Brown (New Zealand)
Prop | Scrummaging machine
Part of an All Blacks pack that existed to dominate physically and territorially.
?️ “They only ever went in one direction — forward.”
4. Martin Johnson (England) – Captain
Lock | Ultimate leader
The heartbeat of England’s most iconic era, combining authority with physical dominance.
?️ “Nothing has changed… still my captain.”
5. John Eales (Australia)
Lock | Complete forward
Lineout master, goal-kicker, and unflappable leader under pressure.
?️ “Great forward and great leader.”
6. Richard Hill (England)
Flanker | Silent perfection
Not flashy, but relentlessly effective with almost no errors.
?️ “Even at the highest level, he didn’t make mistakes.”
8. Zinzan Brooke (New Zealand)
No. 8 | Skill, power, swagger
A rare blend of physical dominance and technical skill.
?️ “So talented, so physical, so competitive.”
7. Michael Jones (New Zealand)
Flanker | The complete openside
Explosive, intelligent, and fearless — the benchmark for the position.
?️ “He had everything… none better than Jones.”
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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