The best XV in rugby history according to Brian O'Driscoll, snubs Dan Carter

Friday, 12 December 2025 at 11:54

byRugby Rucker

Of all the rugby legends to have graced the pitch, few command as much universal respect as Ireland’s iconic centre, Brian O'Driscoll.

During his 15-year international career from 1999 to 2014, O’Driscoll faced the best the world had to offer, racking up an impressive 133 caps for Ireland, with an additional eight for the British & Irish Lions.

Since hanging up his boots, O'Driscoll has seamlessly transitioned into punditry, where he's become one of the most engaging on-screen voices in rugby today.

But in a reflective moment, the Irish great shared his ultimate Dream XV – and, surprisingly, four England players made the list.

BRIAN O'DRISCOLL DREAM XV:

BACK-THREE:

15. Jason Robinson (England)

Explosive dual-code international who starred in both rugby league and union. A World Cup winner in 2003, Robinson was renowned for his electric footwork, acceleration, and ability to beat defenders in tight spaces.

O'Driscoll on Robinson: “To get to see in close quarters what he was capable of. You see so much on a Saturday, but when you’re training and playing and watching players of that calibre leading up to a Saturday. You see some exceptional stuff that cameras don’t always catch.

“Jason, I knew so little of him in 2001 other than his rugby league talent. But to have a full appreciation of what his footwork was like, you need to defend against it, and it was horrible at times in training.

“I would’ve analysed him a lot as I played against him, he was equally comfortable on either foot, it made no difference to him. There was no preference on ball carry, you just could not work him out. He honed the ability to be unpredictable as well.

“He might’ve been a small guy, but he packed a serious punch too.”

14. Tommy Bowe (Ireland)

A prolific try-scoring winger for Ireland and the Lions, Bowe combined pace, power, and intelligence. Twice a Six Nations champion and 2009 Lions Test starter, he was one of Europe’s most consistent wide men.

11. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)

The sport’s first true global superstar. At 6'5" and 120kg with sprinter speed, Lomu revolutionised wing play in the 1990s, dominating World Cups and redefining what was possible in the back three.

O'Driscoll on Lomu: "No-one transcended the sport of rugby union quite like him; he was a force of nature with a blend of pace, power and size that has never before been seen, certainly in a winger. He had all the qualities you would aspire to in a hero."

CENTRES:

13. Conrad Smith (New Zealand)

The cerebral anchor of the All Blacks’ midfield for a decade. Smith was known for his vision, defensive nous, and exceptional rugby IQ, winning two World Cups in 2011 and 2015.

12. Yannick Jauzion (France)

A powerful, elegant inside centre who excelled at offloading and ball-carrying. Jauzion was central to France’s Grand Slam successes in the 2000s and widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of his era.

O'Driscoll on Jauzion: "He was just incredible and was so hard to stop, with his offloading ability. France built so much off and around him. 6-foot-4 and probably 17-stone."

HALFBACKS:

10. Jonny Wilkinson (England)

One of rugby’s greatest fly-halves, famous for his meticulous preparation and match-winning drop goal in the 2003 World Cup Final. Wilkinson was a defensive rock and a precision kicker..

O'Driscoll on Wilkinson: “Even to just get a snapshot of what his mind works like now and how he thinks about things is pretty eye-opening as to what sort of detail he went into as a player,”

“He’s an out-and-out perfectionist, he just needs that 10 out of 10. I don’t think you ever achieve it and I think he beats himself up about it, but he got pretty close to 10 a lot of times.”

9. Peter Stringer (Ireland)

Lightning-quick service and sharp game management defined Stringer’s career. A long-serving scrum-half for Ireland and Munster, he was a key figure in Ireland’s Triple Crown wins in the 2000s

FRONT-ROW:

1. Tendai Mtawarira (South Africa)

Nicknamed “The Beast,” Mtawarira was a dominant loosehead prop known for his raw power and athleticism. A 2019 World Cup champion and Springbok stalwart with over 100 caps.

2. Keith Wood (Ireland)

A dynamic, explosive hooker and one of Ireland’s greatest players. Wood won the inaugural World Rugby Player of the Year award in 2001 and was central to reinvigorating Irish rugby.

3. Carl Hayman (New Zealand)

Regarded as one of the best tighthead props of the professional era. Hayman was a scrummaging powerhouse and consistent force for the All Blacks throughout the mid-2000s.

SECOND-ROW:

4. Paul O’Connell (Ireland)

Legendary leader, tireless competitor, and inspirational figure. O’Connell excelled in lineouts, physicality, and standards-setting, captaining Ireland and the Lions during an illustrious career.

O'Driscoll on O'Connell: "One of the greatest leaders & players of them all. Inspirational,"

5. Martin Johnson (England)

A colossus of the English pack and captain of the 2003 World Cup-winning team. Johnson was uncompromising, fearsome, and one of the most influential locks in rugby history.

BACK-ROW:

6. Richard Hill (England)

The unsung hero of England’s 2003 World Cup triumph. Hill was tough, technically perfect in the back row, and universally admired for his work rate and reliability.

O'Driscoll on Hill: "The England No.6 that won the World Cup in 2003. He was a brilliant teammate but he made that team tick, he was the unsung hero in that world cup win. He was hard! I always liked playing with guys that were nails in the team, that really stood up and never took a backwards step."

7. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)

Often considered the greatest player of all time. McCaw captained New Zealand to back-to-back World Cups (2011 & 2015) and set new standards for breakdown play and leadership.

8. Lawrence Dallaglio (England)

A charismatic, powerful No.8, Dallaglio was central to England’s 2003 World Cup victory. Known for his leadership, ball-carrying, and big-game temperament.