Lock: MARTIN JOHNSON (England) – Inspirational leader, formidable player, competitive in every situation. The example he set in every tight situation in every game led the way.
Lock: COLIN MEADS (New Zealand) – Pinetree. This hard man was the foundation which the success of the All Blacks was built around.
Flanker: RICHARD HILL (England) – I’m a huge fan of his. Great work rate, great lines, great at reading the game. Quiet, unassuming demeanour but was always vital.
Flanker: MICHAEL JONES (New Zealand) – He had great acceleration and pace and could have played for most international midfields. Yet he was a no 7 who read the game brilliantly and was devastating in defence. He was the first multi talented openside.
Number 8: ZINZAN BROOKE (New Zealand) – A number 8 who could drop a goal from the 10 metre line. For a forward his skills were outrageous. As comfortable playing 7s as 15s, he had better kicking and handling skills than some fly halves playing international rugby.