Ahead of this weekend’s Rugby World Cup warm-up at Twickenham, RUCK selects their all-time best combined England and Wales line-up. Do you agree with his selection?
Fullback: J.P.R. Williams – WAL
As part of the swaggering 1970s era, he was fearless, skilful, quick, aggressive, and he regarded a breach of the Wales try-line as an invasion of his personal property. Factor in the sideburns and the socks rolled down around the ankles, and you have a truly iconic figure.
Winger: Jason Robinson – ENG
He was a key member of the England team that hoisted the Webb Ellis Cup in 2003. The devastating game-breaker briefly captained England while Jonny Wilkinson was out injured and after retiring from international rugby for a second time in 2007 had made 51 Test caps in total, scoring 140 points. Throughout his career, Robinson was noted for his acceleration, side step and ability to beat defenders.
Centre: Will Greenwood – ENG
A tall, stylish and astute centre who had a particular penchant for scoring tries against Wales. Two Lions tours, but his finest hour was lifting the World Cup with England in 2003.
Centre: Scott Gibbs – WAL
oted as the Player of the Series in the Lions Tour of South Africa in 1997, Gibbs always had a strong impact on the pitch and after a brief stint of playing Rugby League, he returned to Rugby Union and in 1999 scored a superb solo try against England in the dying moments of the game securing a 32-31 win for the Welsh.
Winger: Shane Williams – WAL
He will go down as Wales’ record Test try scorer, scoring 58 tries in his 87appearances, and he remains the only Welshman to have won the prestigious IRB World Player of the Year award.
