"Explosive" - The 2000s Rugby Team of the Decade Is Unbelievably Good

This XV brings together those who not only dominated their positions but also shaped how the modern game is played.

Few players have changed the face of attacking rugby quite like Jason Robinson. Nicknamed “Billy Whizz,” his lightning-fast feet and raw acceleration left defenders clutching at thin air. Whether in open play or tight spaces, Robinson’s explosive balance made him almost impossible to stop.

One of the rare few to appear in two Rugby World Cup finals, his try in the 2003 decider – and the ensuing celebration – remain iconic moments in English sport. Beyond the highlights, his consistency and professionalism made him a model of what a modern fullback could be.

A natural-born finisher, Joe Rokocoko’s impact on New Zealand rugby was immediate. Raised in New Zealand after being born in Fiji, he burst into the All Blacks side in 2003 and became a fixture on the wing for years. His 46 tries in 68 tests make him one of the most prolific scorers in world rugby history.

Rokocoko blended pace, power, and flawless positioning, making him a nightmare for defences. His club career spanned the Blues, Auckland, and later France’s Bayonne and Racing 92, where he continued to showcase his world-class talent.

Brian O’Driscoll’s rugby intellect was as sharp as his sidestep. Few players possessed his ability to read the game, finding space where none seemed to exist. His leadership shone for both Leinster and Ireland, steering his province to a Heineken Cup triumph in 2009 and his country to a Grand Slam the same year.

Despite a few near-misses with the British & Irish Lions, O’Driscoll’s consistency and creativity made him a generational player. He wasn’t just a centre – he was a symbol of Irish rugby’s golden years.

Fearless, powerful, and endlessly reliable, Ma’a Nonu defined the modern inside centre. Known for breaking tackles and offloading with devastating effect, he was the heartbeat of the All Blacks midfield throughout the 2000s.

Long before his World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015, Nonu was already a feared opponent, capable of turning defence into attack in a moment. His physicality often drew defenders in, creating space for others to thrive. A player who combined muscle with intelligence, he made the No. 12 jersey his own.

Shane Williams proved that size isn’t everything. At just 5'7", the Welsh winger’s elusive running and incredible footwork turned him into one of rugby’s most dangerous attackers. Defenders routinely found themselves swinging at air as Williams darted through impossible gaps.

His contributions were vital to Wales’s Grand Slam triumphs in 2005 and 2008, and his 2008 IRB Player of the Year award recognised just how special he was. Williams remains Wales’s all-time leading try-scorer – a testament to talent overcoming odds.

No player embodied professionalism quite like Jonny Wilkinson. His meticulous preparation and unshakable composure made him one of rugby’s greats. His drop goal in the final minute of extra time in the 2003 World Cup secured England’s first world title and cemented his legend.

Despite a career plagued by injuries, Wilkinson’s influence never waned – from Newcastle to Toulon, where he added European and domestic titles to his collection. With 91 England caps and multiple Lions tours, his legacy lies in precision, discipline, and defining moments under pressure.

Fourie du Preez wasn’t flashy – he was efficient, ruthless, and almost faultless. As South Africa’s on-field general, his tactical kicking and decision-making underpinned the Springboks’ 2007 World Cup triumph.

Rarely making mistakes, Du Preez dictated tempo like few others, balancing composure with aggression when needed. His calm leadership and consistency made him the model modern scrum-half, setting a benchmark others have since tried to emulate.

Few props have mixed power and finesse quite like Andrew Sheridan. Anchoring the English scrum during the mid-2000s, his sheer strength made him one of the most feared looseheads in world rugby.

But Sheridan was more than just brute force – his work in open play, carrying the ball and tackling with venom, made him a complete front-rower. In an era when England’s scrum was often its saving grace, Sheridan was the cornerstone.

Leadership defined John Smit’s career. As South Africa’s most-capped captain, he guided his country to World Cup glory in 2007 and victories in the Tri-Nations in 2004 and 2009.

A steadying presence both on and off the pitch, Smit embodied Springbok resilience and unity. His ability to inspire those around him made him one of rugby’s most respected figures, and his decade-long service remains a benchmark for captains worldwide.

Nicknamed the “Raging Bull,” Phil Vickery was the heartbeat of England’s front row during their 2003 World Cup triumph. A fierce competitor, he combined technical strength in the scrum with relentless work around the field.

Vickery’s 73 England caps included three World Cups, and he captained the side in 2007. His career spanned over a decade, from Gloucester to Wasps, earning admiration for both his resilience and leadership.

Already a legend by the end of the 1990s, Martin Johnson’s influence only deepened in the 2000s. His stoic leadership and unyielding presence set the tone for England’s 2003 World Cup-winning side.

Never one for theatrics, Johnson led by example – demanding standards through sheer consistency. Whether at Leicester or with England, his ability to unify teams under pressure made him one of rugby’s greatest captains.

Victor Matfield was the architect of South Africa’s dominance in the line-out. His reading of opposition throws and aerial control made him indispensable to the Springboks.

As one of the most-capped players in his country’s history, Matfield helped secure the 2007 World Cup, Tri-Nations titles, and a Lions series win. Calm, clever, and technically supreme, he redefined the modern lock’s role in set-piece play.

Often the unsung hero of England’s golden era, Richard Hill’s reliability made him invaluable. His defensive work and breakdown accuracy gave the flashier players room to shine.

A crucial part of the 2003 World Cup campaign, Hill overcame injury to play a key role in the semi-final and final. Dependable and selfless, he was the kind of player every team needs – consistent, disciplined, and effective.

Before becoming a two-time World Cup-winning captain, Richie McCaw was already redefining the openside role in the 2000s. His mastery at the breakdown and relentless competitiveness set him apart. A three-time IRB Player of the Year, McCaw led by example and rarely had an off day.

Even without a World Cup medal that decade, his performances made him the standout flanker of his generation.

As fierce as he was driven, Lawrence Dallaglio was the emotional core of England’s 2003 pack. His physicality, leadership, and big-game mentality made him indispensable. After briefly retiring, he returned to help England reach another World Cup final in 2007, a testament to his determination.

A three-time Lions tourist and one-club man for Wasps, Dallaglio’s legacy is that of a warrior who led from the front.