"The game’s greatest player" - Michael Lynagh names his all-time England XV - Ruck

“The game’s greatest player” – Michael Lynagh names his all-time England XV

Wallabies legend Michael Lynagh, who caused England untold heartache during his playing career, has selected his all-time XV for the men in white.

A number of big names miss out, with Richard Hill, Neil Back, Will Greenwood and Mike Tindall among the absentees.

Lynagh, whose son Louis has played for England U20, picked his team for The Telegraph.

Read on to see Michael Lynagh’s all-time England XV.

BACK-THREE:

15. Jason Robinson: “What the league convert lacked in size, he made up for with lightning speed. Robinson’s footwork made him England’s most exciting attacker of his generation. Also scored England’s only try of the 2003 World Cup final against Australia.”

14. Rory Underwood: “England’s all time top try-scorer with 49 tries. Underwood was a predator, who shone for the Lions as well as England.”

11. Ben Cohen: “’Big Ben’ brought beef to England’s backs in the Clive Woodward era, and was a reliable finisher. Cohen scored 31 tries in 57 appearances and won the World Cup in 2003.”

CENTRES:

13. Jeremy Guscott: “You could make an argument for the two Wills – Carling and Greenwood – at centre but you can’t leave Jerry Guscott out.”

12. Mike Catt: “Catt’s dynamic range of skills allowed him to to play in four different positions along England’s backline. Adaptability and intelligence never better displayed than at the 2003 World Cup.”

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