Writing in The Telegraph, Sir Ian McGeechan has selected his all-time England XV with only one active player being selected.
“You would have to put Jonny ahead of Owen Farrell because, while they were similar players, I think Jonny really broke the mould,” wrote the legendary Lions coach.
“A bit like the Premier League vs the old First Division, there is a line there and people only seem to remember back to it.
“In fact, the more pertinent date is probably 1995 and the advent of professionalism. Rugby before then was very different and it is difficult to compare players of that era to the ultra-fit, versatile athletes of today – although there were exceptionally talented players from before that time who would have thrived in any era.”
You can read his full article by clicking here.
McGeechan selects his all-time England XV
#BACK-THREE:
- 15. Jason Robinson
- 14. David Duckham
- 11. Rory Underwood
McGeechan on Robinson: “I think, as much as people loved his electric pace, his sidestep and his raw athleticism, it was his professionalism which really impressed me. When he made the transition to union, he really took the time to learn and understand what was needed.”
McGeechan on Duckham: “One from my era, although he would have thrived in whatever era or team you put him in. David was another very clever player. He could play in the centres as well as on the wing. And what a finisher. If he broke the line, generally he finished it off. That sidestep? Glorious. “
Embed from Getty Images#CENTRES:
- 13. Jeremy Guscott
- 12. Will Greenwood
McGeechan on Guscott: “One of the best players I ever coached; just a confident, natural player, smooth runner, nice passer and underestimated in defence. He shut people down very effectively.”
Embed from Getty Images