#1. Michael Jones (New Zealand)
Nicknamed ‘The Iceman’
"He had everything. Quick, athletic, skilful, brave, and a great team player. There have been some great No 7s; Winterbottom, Back, George Smith, Richie McCaw but none as good as Jones."
#2. Richard Hill (England)
A silent assassin in England’s golden era, Hill was the unsung hero of the 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning side. Rarely flashy but relentlessly effective, his consistency and work rate earned him the respect of teammates and opponents alike.
"Hill was such a brilliant all-round forward for club and country. The thing about Hill is that even at the highest level, he didn’t make mistakes."
#3. Zinzan Brooke (New Zealand)
A true all-rounder, Zinzan Brooke redefined what it meant to be a No.8. Famous for his outrageous drop goals and athleticism, the All Black great combined raw power with silky skills, earning 58 caps and worldwide admiration.
"So talented, so physical, such a great understanding of the game and so bloody competitive."
#4. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
A modern legend. McCaw captained the All Blacks to two Rugby World Cup victories and is widely regarded as the greatest openside flanker in history. His leadership, discipline, and unrivalled rugby brain made him almost untouchable at the breakdown.
"Just look at the figures: 148 caps, with a win rate of nearly 90 per cent, and 110 of those as captain. He only ever lost a Test to England (I played in one of his defeats), France, South Africa and Australia. Probably the only player I know who was so dedicated to getting better that he turned down an invite to Prince William’s wedding in 2011."
#5. George Smith (Australia)
The Wallabies’ breakdown maestro, George Smith, was the ultimate technician at the contact area. Over a career spanning two decades, he set new standards for back-row play — combining intelligence, toughness, and skill in equal measure.
