Lawrence Dallaglio reveals the five toughest back-rowers he ever faced

Tuesday, 07 October 2025 at 22:17

byRugby Rucker

, Michael Jones was one of the most complete flankers the game has ever seen. A devout Christian known for his humility off the pitch, Jones’ blend of speed, skill, and strength revolutionised the No.7 role for the All Blacks in the late 1980s and 1990s.

Lawrence Dallaglio is undoubtedly one of the greatest back-rowers ever to grace the game — and perhaps the most intimidating.

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The former England captain never shied away from contact, throwing his body on the line for club and country without a second thought for his own wellbeing.

His legendary partnership with Richard Hill and Neil Back remains one of the most formidable back-row combinations in rugby history.

Here, Dallaglio names the

five toughest back-rowers he came up against during his illustrious career.

#1. Michael Jones (New Zealand)

Bio:
Nicknamed ‘The Iceman’

DALLAGLIO TOLD THE TIMES:

"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)

Bio:
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.

DALLAGLIO SAID:

"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)

Bio:
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.

DALLAGLIO SAID:

"So talented, so physical, such a great understanding of the game and so bloody competitive."

#4. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)

Bio:
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.

DALLAGLIO SAID:

"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)

Bio:
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.

DALLAGLIO SAID:

"The pioneering, definitive breakdown specialist in the professional era who combined dexterity and ferocity to slow down and steal opposition ball. There were more strings to his bow, though, because he had good hands and could kick. Incredible longevity too."

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