FRONT-ROW
Loosehead Prop: Tom Smith (Scotland)
McGeechan’s Take: “Six consecutive Lions Tests in 1997 and 2001, a talismanic figure in Scotland’s 1999 Five Nations win.”
Player Profile: One of Scotland’s fiercest forwards, Smith was renowned for his scrummaging and resilience, often facing much larger opponents. He left an indelible mark on Scotland’s 1999 Five Nations victory and Lions tours.
Hooker: Sean Fitzpatrick (New Zealand)
McGeechan’s Take: “Not just as a player but as a captain, and as a man. His consistency was unbelievable.”
Player Profile: Fitzpatrick set a high bar with 92 caps for New Zealand. His leadership helped the All Blacks capture the first Rugby World Cup and set a standard of excellence.
Tighthead Prop: Jason Leonard (England)
McGeechan’s Take: “Completely unflappable, Jason was never in any trouble.”
Player Profile: England’s most-capped player with 114 caps, Leonard was celebrated for his flexibility and stability on both sides of the scrum. His technical mastery contributed to England’s 2003 World Cup win.
SECOND-ROW
Lock: Martin Johnson (England)
McGeechan’s Take: “He defined an era, both for forward play and for the teams he represented.”
Player Profile: Johnson epitomized leadership, guiding England to a 2003 World Cup win. Known for his powerful frame and commanding presence, he remains one of England’s most respected captains.
Lock: John Eales (Australia)
McGeechan’s Take: “A two-time Rugby World Cup-winner, a lot of ‘number fives’ that have followed him play the way they do because of the type of game Eales set.”
Player Profile: “Nobody epitomized calm under pressure like Eales, often called ‘Nobody’ for that reason. He remains one of the game’s finest lock forwards and kickers, with an ability to score at crucial moments.
BACK-ROW
Blindside-Flanker: Richard Hill (England)
McGeechan’s Take: “Hill seemed to know almost instinctively where to be and when.”
Player Profile: Known for his work rate and tackling, Hill provided vital support for England’s pack, and his performances during the 2003 World Cup made him indispensable.
Openside-Flanker: Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
McGeechan’s Take: “The opposition would not stand a chance.”
Player Profile: McCaw’s relentless style and ability to dominate breakdowns set him apart. The first player to reach 100 Test wins, he captained the All Blacks to back-to-back World Cups.
Number 8: Zinzan Brooke (New Zealand)
McGeechan’s Take: “One of the toughest choices of the lot. Maybe the toughest.”
Player Profile: Renowned for his all-around skills, Brooke’s flair included long-range drop goals, a rarity for a forward, while his leadership on the field made him one of New Zealand’s most versatile players.
Can You Name England’s XV from Their 2019 World Cup Win Over the All Blacks?
With a nail-biting score of 19-7, Eddie Jones’s men delivered a masterclass in strategy and grit, proving that anything is possible on the grand stage of rugby.
But here’s the challenge: can you name the legendary 23 players who fought tooth and nail to secure that stunning victory?
From powerhouse forwards to lightning-fast backs, each player played a crucial role in this unforgettable triumph. Think you know the squad that made history?
Let’s put your memory to the test!
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