Sir Ian McGeechan selected some of rugby's greatest legends in his all-time XV, but not a single Springbok made the cut.
The former Scotland and British & Irish Lions coach revealed his dream team in an all-time XV feature for The Telegraphin 2020.
Six All Blacks featured, alongside three England players, two Welshmen and one each from Ireland, Scotland, France and Australia.
However, there was no place for South African greats such as Bryan Habana, Victor Matfield or Joost van der Westhuizen.
We've ranked five of his selections based on the strength of his praise.
5. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
Jonah Lomu changed rugby forever.
The legendary winger became a global superstar during the 1995 Rugby World Cup, combining extraordinary pace with incredible power.
He scored 37 tries in 63 Tests for New Zealand and remains one of the biggest names in All Blacks rugby history.
McGeechan praised the impact Lomu had on rugby, particularly as the sport entered the professional era.
He wrote:
"The game needed a superstar, and it got one in Lomu."
He also described the winger as brilliant for rugby, recognising his role in taking the sport to a worldwide audience.
4. Martin Johnson (England)
England's World Cup-winning captain was another player McGeechan could not overlook.
Johnson led England to glory in 2003, six years after captaining the British & Irish Lions to a famous series victory in South Africa.
He remains one of the most influential figures in England rugby history.
McGeechan, who coached Johnson on that 1997 tour, had enormous respect for the second-row.
He wrote:
"I think he defined an era, both for forward play"
McGeechan also credited Johnson with shaping the performances of the teams he represented.
His leadership, physical presence and ability to deliver in the biggest matches made him one of rugby's most respected forwards.
3. Dan Carter (New Zealand)
Few fly-halves have matched Dan Carter's achievements.
The two-time World Cup winner scored a record 1,598 international points during his remarkable career.
McGeechan believed Carter had everything needed to succeed at the highest level.
He described the New Zealander as:
"The greatest of the modern era in my opinion."
McGeechan praised Carter's defensive work, ability to create chances and exceptional accuracy with the boot.
He also highlighted how Carter changed tactical kicking, particularly from deep inside his own half.
Carter remains one of the most celebrated players in New Zealand rugby.
2. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
Richie McCaw received some of McGeechan's strongest praise.
The former All Blacks captain won 148 international caps and lifted consecutive Rugby World Cups in 2011 and 2015.
McGeechan described the legendary openside as:
"Peerless" and "quite possibly the greatest".
He believed McCaw had transformed what was possible for a number seven.
McGeechan also praised his knowledge of rugby's laws, his communication with referees and his ability to make crucial decisions under pressure.
He acknowledged that opponents sometimes felt New Zealand received favourable treatment at the breakdown.
However, he saw McCaw's ability to understand the limits and adapt to refereeing decisions as a major strength.
McCaw remains one of the most influential figures in All Blacks history.
1. Gareth Edwards (Wales)
There was little doubt about McGeechan's admiration for Gareth Edwards.
The Welsh scrum-half was a central figure in his country's golden era during the 1970s.
He won 53 caps for Wales and helped the British & Irish Lions secure historic series victories in New Zealand and South Africa.
McGeechan played alongside Edwards on the 1974 Lions tour and has never hidden his admiration for him.
He wrote:
"My favourite scrum-half of all time happens to be my favourite player of all time."
He went even further, calling Edwards:
"The Greatest."
McGeechan praised Edwards' passing, strength, running ability and remarkable knack for producing something special when his team needed it most.
He also believed the Welshman would have been equally successful in any era of rugby.
For McGeechan, Edwards stood above the rest.
SIR IAN McGEECHAN’S ALL-TIME DREAM XV
- 15. JPR Williams (Wales)
- 14. John Kirwan (New Zealand)
- 13. Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
- 12. Philippe Sella (France)
- 11. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
- 10. Dan Carter (New Zealand)
- 9. Gareth Edwards (Wales)
- 1. Tom Smith (Scotland)
- 2. Sean Fitzpatrick (New Zealand)
- 3. Jason Leonard (England)
- 4. Martin Johnson (England)
- 5. John Eales (Australia)
- 6. Richard Hill (England)
- 7. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
- 8. Zinzan Brooke (New Zealand)
