“The build of a water buffalo” – Bill McLaren ranked his top 5 all-time players

McLaren said: "He burst onto the scene with elegant, smooth acceleration, superb judgement of angle and distance, and subtle body balance in swerve and pace change, that were to decorate his career as one of the most gifted centres to ever play the game."

McLaren said: "Had the build of a water buffalo. There was, of course, much more to Cotton than just size. That he was no slouch when he stepped in the accelerator and also possessed high grade handling skills that were underlined at the first ever World Sevens tournament in 1973."

McLaren said: "He was the complete competitor whose calm assurance and unwavering confidence were vital ingredients in the test successes for the Lions against New Zealand in 1971 and in South Africa three years later."

McLaren said: "He was immensely strong, especially in the upper body, possessing the barrel-chest of a shot putter as well as powerful legs, arms and wrists. He was in the highest possible echelon throughout his career,"

"Every time David Campese got the ball people sat up and took notice, he took a risk and I love that," said McLaren.

"He was so adventurous. Sometimes it didn't work, but he was always willing to try. Andy Irvine was similar, but Campese was the one. He carried the commentary along with the play."