The Telegraph’s Chief rugby writer Mick Cleary, who is the finest rugby scribe in the game today, has selected a quite phenomenal England XV from the last 50 years.
The selection features players from various generations, from the games amateur roots, through professionalisation to the global sport rugby is today.
You can view his articles here. Read on to see the BEST England XV.
Fulback: Jason Robinson (2001-2007, 51 caps)
“Robinson was a menace whatever number was on his back, a bewildering opponent, a man seemingly able to sidestep in mid-air, with pace and nerve and vision, tough in the tackle, intelligent in his use of angles and selfless when it came to creating openings for teammates,” wrote Cleary.
Winger: David Duckham (1969-1976, 36 caps)
“There is still a seared image of him in the memory bank with ball tucked under his arm, back arched, legs firm, blond locks flowing, all balance and power, causing an opposition defence no end of misery.”
Outside-centre: Jeremy Guscott (1989-1999, 65 caps)
“‘The Prince of Centres,’ was how Guscott was described by Clive Woodward. And he wasn’t wrong.”
Inside centre: Will Greenwood (1997-2004, 55 caps)
“At 6ft 4ins, Greenwood had a physical presence himself but it was the judgement he brought to the field of play that marks him out,”
Winger: Rory Underwood (1984-1996, 85 caps)
“Give him the ball, point him in the direction of the try-line, sit back and applaud.”