MONSTROUS | Martin Johnson selects his all-time dream forward pack

1. Jason Leonard, England: “Solid as a rock, was regularly asked to play on both sides of the scrum and never moaned. His record of four World Cups and two finals says it all.”

3. Jean-Pierre Garuet, France: “From the old school of scrummagers, played in the 1987 final, a nuggety, fierce-looking guy.”

2. Sean Fitzpatrick, New Zealand: “Played for the All Blacks for ten years, a fantastic competitor and a great captain.”

4 and 5. Frik du Preez, South Africa and Colin Meads, New Zealand: “The 1990s was a great era for locks. There were Robin Brooke and Ian Jones for New Zealand; Australia had John Eales; South Africa had Mark Andrews. I could have picked any of them but I’ve gone for some older players. Both Du Preez and Meads played in the 1960s but were very modern players. Meads was the greatest ever All Black; Frik was very quick and athletic. I wasn’t in their league.”

6. Richard Hill, England: “It was a difficult choice but Hill, a quiet guy, very understated, was the pick. When he was with the Lions teams, if he didn’t play, we didn’t win. He would be embarrassed to be in this side, but he deserves it.”

7. Michael Jones, New Zealand: “Sean Fitzpatrick says he was the greatest player he ever played against, a mythical figure.”

8. Wayne Shelford, New Zealand: “Buck was at his peak for the World Cup final in 1987. I remember watching him as a 16-year-old on the terraces at Leicester a year earlier and saw him charge down the flank, chip the ball over the wing and score a try. Not bad for a back row.”