Few figures in rugby command as much respect as World Cup-winning captain Martin Johnson. A leader of England’s golden era, Johnson played alongside and against some of the greatest players the sport has ever seen.
So when he names a dream XV, it carries serious weight.
Blending iconic figures from different generations, Johnson’s selections highlight power, intelligence, and sheer brilliance across the pitch. Here’s a closer look at each player in his all-time team.
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? BACK THREE
Fullback: Serge Blanco (France)
One of the most naturally gifted attacking fullbacks in rugby history, Blanco revolutionised the role with his counter-attacking flair and creativity. A key figure in France’s rise during the 1980s, he remains one of the sport’s most elegant players.
Johnson said: “A great France full back who dominated games.”
Wing: Joe Roff (Australia)
A versatile and intelligent back, Roff could play across the backline but excelled on the wing. A World Cup winner in 1999, he combined traditional wing play with modern all-round ability.
Johnson said: “You’d put David Campese up there but Roff is my choice. A fantastic all-round rugby player, and old-style wing.”
Wing: Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
A global superstar who transcended rugby, Lomu’s blend of size, pace, and power changed the game forever. His performances at the 1995 Rugby World Cup remain some of the most iconic in sporting history.
Johnson said: “Not much difficulty in choosing one of the most awesome wings to have ever played.”
? MIDFIELD
Outside Centre: Philippe Sella (France)
One of the most complete centres the game has seen, Sella combined toughness, skill, and longevity. A cornerstone of French rugby for over a decade, he was as effective in defence as he was in attack.
Johnson said: “I used to watch him as a kid on TV and think he was brilliant; and then ten years later I played against him and he was still brilliant. He still looks as if he could play for France today. One of the best backs I’ve ever seen. If you hit him it was like running into concrete.”
Inside Centre: Danie Gerber (South Africa)
Gerber was a devastating runner with rare pace and strength. Although his international career was limited due to apartheid, his reputation as one of South Africa’s greatest backs remains unquestioned.
Johnson said: “Scored a hat-trick against England in the first half in one match in the 1980s. He didn’t play many Tests because of apartheid, but he had power and pace. I don’t know if he could pass: it seemed like he never needed to. I played against him in a charity match in 1996 when he must have been well into his 40s, he was still awesome.”
? HALFBACKS
Fly-half: Jonny Wilkinson (England)
England’s World Cup hero in 2003, Wilkinson was renowned for his precision kicking, defensive commitment, and relentless work ethic. He remains one of the most complete fly-halves the game has produced.
Johnson said: “I could have gone for Phil Bennett, Michael Lynagh, Stephen Larkham or others but Jonny is special, not just for his kicking. I remember in the 2003 Grand Slam decider in Dublin, Ireland attacked down the right and Jonny was there to stop them; then they switched quickly to the left and Jonny was there to stop them too.”
Scrum-half: Gareth Edwards (Wales)
Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in rugby history, Edwards was the heartbeat of Wales’ dominant 1970s side. His speed, vision, and support play set the standard for generations.
Johnson said: “The Welsh have put mythical status on Edwards and their 1970s players, but Rob Howley was almost as good and scored some great tries. Joost van der Westhuizen was the best scrum half I played against.”
? FRONT ROW
Loosehead Prop: Jason Leonard (England)
A cornerstone of English rugby, Leonard earned 114 caps and featured in four World Cups, winning in 2003. Renowned for his durability and versatility, he was one of the most reliable props in the modern era.
Johnson said: “Solid as a rock, was regularly asked to play on both sides of the scrum and never moaned. His record of four World Cups and two finals says it all.”
Hooker: Sean Fitzpatrick (New Zealand)
A fierce competitor and inspirational leader, Fitzpatrick captained the All Blacks through a dominant period. His toughness and leadership made him one of the greatest hookers of all time.
Johnson said: “Played for the All Blacks for ten years, a fantastic competitor and a great captain.”
Tighthead Prop: Jean-Pierre Garuet (France)
An archetypal old-school prop, Garuet was known for his scrummaging strength and physical edge. He played a key role in France’s run to the 1987 World Cup final.
Johnson said: “From the old school of scrummagers, played in the 1987 final, a nuggety, fierce-looking guy.”
? SECOND ROW
Lock: Frik du Preez (South Africa)
An exceptional athlete ahead of his time, du Preez combined speed, skill, and physicality. A dominant figure in the 1960s, he redefined what a forward could do.
Lock: Colin Meads (New Zealand)
Often regarded as the greatest All Black of all time, Meads was synonymous with toughness and leadership. His influence on the game remains legendary.
Johnson said: “The 1990s was a great era for locks. There were Robin Brooke and Ian Jones for New Zealand; Australia had John Eales; South Africa had Mark Andrews. I could have picked any of them but I’ve gone for some older players. Both Du Preez and Meads played in the 1960s but were very modern players. Meads was the greatest ever All Black; Frik was very quick and athletic. I wasn’t in their league.”
? BACK ROW
Blindside Flanker: Richard Hill (England)
A crucial part of England’s 2003 World Cup-winning team, Hill was the ultimate team player—intelligent, tireless, and highly effective in defence and breakdown work.
Johnson said: “It was a difficult choice but Hill, a quiet guy, very understated, was the pick. When he was with the Lions teams, if he didn’t play, we didn’t win. He would be embarrassed to be in this side, but he deserves it.”
Openside Flanker: Michael Jones (New Zealand)
A trailblazer of the modern openside role, Jones combined athleticism, skill, and physicality. Revered by teammates and opponents alike, he remains a mythical figure in rugby.
Johnson said: “Sean Fitzpatrick says he was the greatest player he ever played against, a mythical figure.”
Number 8: Wayne Shelford (New Zealand)
Nicknamed ‘Buck’, Shelford was a fierce competitor and inspirational leader. A World Cup winner in 1987, he embodied toughness and skill in equal measure.
Johnson said: “Buck was at his peak for the World Cup final in 1987. I remember watching him as a 16-year-old on the terraces at Leicester a year earlier and saw him charge down the flank, chip the ball over the wing and score a try. Not bad for a back row.”
QUIZ: Can you name the most capped All Blacks of all-time?
The All Blacks have produced some of the greatest players ever to grace the field — but only a few have worn the black jersey more than anyone else.
Can you name the top 5 most capped All Blacks of all time? Test your rugby knowledge and see if you can recall these icons of consistency and class!
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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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