SECOND-ROW
Lock: Martin Johnson (England)
A towering figure in English rugby, Johnson’s leadership as lock inspired his team to greatness. Captaining England to their historic 2003 World Cup win, he exemplified determination and resilience on the field.
McGeechan said: “I think he defined an era, both for forward play and for the performances of the teams he represented.”
Lock: John Eales (Australia)
Australian rugby’s talismanic figure, Eales combined athleticism with intelligence. As a lock and occasional goal-kicker, his influence extended beyond the field, leading the Wallabies to World Cup glory and numerous Bledisloe Cup triumphs.
McGeechan said: “A two-time Rugby World Cup-winner with the Wallabies in 1991 and 1999, captaining his side to victory over France in the second of those finals. A lot of the ‘number fives’ that have followed him play the way they do because of the type of game Eales set.”