Lock: Martin Johnson – ENG
A player who led by example and the kind of man you would always want alongside you in the trenches when the chips are down. Would never ask someone to do something he wouldn’t do himself. Captained the Lions on two tours, including the triumphant 1997 trip to South Africa, while he will always be remembered as the man presented with the 2003 World Cup, which England won in Sydney.
Lock: Alun Wyn Jones -WAL
Now with 131 Test caps to his name for the Lions and Wales, the Ospreys second row has grown into an inspirational and talismanic figure and would be a candidate for most people’s world team right now.
Flanker: Richard Hill – ENG
he ultimate players’ player. Did all the unseen, grafting work and just got on with his job in unassuming fashion, putting his body on the line. Able to excel right across the back row, he was a pivotal figure on two Lions trips and an England World Cup winner.
Flanker: Sam Warburton – WAL
The recently-retired back-row talisman shades it over Neil back for his achievements with the Lions in skippering two tours to Australia and New Zealand and emerging with a winning and drawn series. Hung up his boots after his battered body could take no more following 74 Tests for Wales and five for the Lions.
Number 8: Lawrence Dallaglio – ENG
Went from being a schoolboy chorister to one of the most formidable physical presences in the game of rugby. Had it all in his prime – pace, power, aggression, pride and a steely mind-set. A Lions series winner, a World Cup winner and a trophy magnet with Wasps.