Viral Martin Johnson team talk shows why he was the best captain of all-time

Rugby News
Friday, 09 September 2022 at 16:49
screenshot 2022 09 09 at 164529
This Martin Johnson team talk from the 2001 British & Irish Lions tour of Australia proved why the England legend is regarded as one of the best captains of all-time.
The video comes from the Official documentary the Lions did on the Series.
We've also taken a look at four other memorable moments from his time as England skipper that prove he is simply the best.
LEGEND.

1. Lions team talk

This clips from the 2001 Lions Series Official documentary really does show how good of a captain Martin Johnson was...
Even his own teammates look a little bit intimidated

2. "Get down and shove,"

New Zealand 13-15 England, 14 June 2003
With England defending a slender lead at Wellington's Westpac Stadium in 2003, their hopes of a first win in New Zealand for 30 years looked to be over when Lawrence Dallaglio and Neil Back were both sin-binned.
But with the All Blacks awarded several scrums close to the England line, Johnson ordered his five remaining forward comrades to "get down and shove".
"You saw Martin Johnson at his absolute best in that 10-minute period," said coach Clive Woodward. "His leadership was just inspirational."
Asked after England's victory what was going through his head as he packed down, Johnson replied: "My spine."

3. Standing firm

Never was his leadership present more so than at Landsdowne Road in 2003 when shortly before kick-off against Ireland, Johnson broke protocol by refusing to move to the red carpet parade area, resulting in President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, having to walk across the uncovered grass to him instead.

4. His incredible post-match interview

The England captain heaped praise on his teammates after a gruelling Rugby World Cup final in 2003. What a leader!

5. The moment of World Cup victory

Australia 17-20 England, 22 November 2003
Johnson, like all great players, delivered when the stakes were at their highest and arguably saved his best England game for last. His performance in the World Cup final was exceptional - dominant in the line-out and brutally effective in the tight exchanges.
When England threatened to lose a game they should have won handsomely, he galvanised his troops for one final push.
Clear-headed enough to set up the winning position in the 100th minute, his leadership brought ultimate glory.
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