SECOND-ROW:
- 4. Maro Itoje (England)/Paul O’Connell (Ireland)
- 5. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
Gatland on Jones: “I think he’s got a fantastic balance between rugby, training and home and he’s matured incredibly well, is unbelievably respected by the players – the example that he sets at training, the high expectations that he has on himself.”
BACK-ROW:
- 6. Sam Warburton (Wales)
- 7. Justin Tipuric (Wales)
- 8. Lawrence Dallaglio (England)
Gatland on Warburton: “His leadership, attitude and demeanour, along with his performances, have placed Sam up there as one of the best and most respected players in the world. He finished with a record that he should be extremely proud of and should look back on his career with huge pride.”
Gatland on Dallaglio: ““The best captain that I’ve ever been involved with was Lawrence Dallaglio. He had that unbelievable ability to motivate players in a way that I’ve never seen anyone else able to do. Particularly in the changing rooms. He’d talk the talk and then walk the walk. I’ve so much admiration for his leadership and honesty in that role.”
DID YOU KNOW? Warburton was born in Wales to a Welsh mother and an English father and he considers himself Welsh and British
EDITORS PICKS:
- Danny Cipriani’s next club confirmed with fly-half heading overseas
- Nigel Owens ranks the FIVE worst English players to referee
- Jamie George escapes ‘clear red’ for horrendous high hit
- 10,000 fans rank the 5 ‘most disliked’ rugby players…
- Louis Rees-Zammit breaks the internet with brilliant Gloucester try