This list is my opinion on the 50 greatest rugby union players of the professional era. What exactly does that mean? Well, I took it as meaning those athletes who I thought have played exceptional footy from when the professional era began in 1996.

The reason for me compiling this list came about from reading a similar article written by Wales Online about their top 50. While I agreed with a lot of it, I felt there were too many Welsh players listed and there were a handful of outstanding fellas left off it. Basically I thought “I can do that, NZ style”. It was a lot tougher than I had anticipated it to be, particularly going through numbers 20-50, but it was hugely informative deep diving into each players history and stats.

Opinion is a powerful thing on the internet. It can invoke happiness, destroy dreams in just a few strokes of the keyboard, or be misinterpreted just depending on what tone you decide to read it in. But, at the end of the day, this is a real opinion from a real person and that’s more than you can say for the sexy singles that are apparently in your area.

If you disagree with any of the players listed (like I’m expecting 99.9% of you keyboard warriors out there to do) then I look forward to reading your counter top 50 lists. But seriously, I actually do! Rugby opinions have been filling that awkward silence between slurps of brown champagne in New Zealand pubs for decades.

So on that note, cheers & enjoy! Jawd.

1. Richie McCaw

14 years of test match supremacy in one of the toughest positions in world sport. IRB player of the year in 2006, 2009, & 2010. Evolved his game to be so much more than just a ball pilferer, he became an immense ball carrier with a huge motor that powered his energiser bunny body around the pitch to unmatched work rate levels. The most capped player of all time, his leadership at the very top of the game goes unquestioned. Cool as a cucumber in the heat of a test match cauldron, while frustrating many a foe into losing their cool and taking cheap shots at him. Battled through the 2011 world cup on a fractured foot carrying a nation’s hopes and dreams & turning them into a reality. Enough said.

2. Dan Carter

The all-time leading points scorer in the game. The best fly half ever to take the field. An excellent reader of the game, cool under pressure, possesses the full skill set available in the game, and his metronomical kicking netted him an average of over 14 points per test. Single-handedly destroyed the British Lions in the 2nd test of the 2005 series in a performance unlikely to ever be matched by another number 10. The only other three-time IRB player of the year in 2005, 2012, and 2015. He is the benchmark every first five is now graded against.

3. Brian O’Driscoll

“In BOD we trust". One of the most respected players of the game worldwide. The 2nd most test caps of all time proves his longevity and consistency. A sublime runner of the ball & fierce defender who wouldn’t give an inch but it was his freakish ability to create something from nothing that kept him at the top of his game for over a decade. A decorated rugby player with many team & individual accolades who I’m sure would have given anything to have taken his beloved Irish to the world cup podium, or just tasted a victory over the All Blacks.

4. Jonah Lomu

The first truly global superstar of the game. A human wrecking ball of a wing, capable of getting his monstrous frame over 100m in 10.8 seconds. One can only wonder just how destructive this giant of a man could have been at full health, having had to battle kidney failure basically his whole career. His four-try demolition effort in the 1995 world cup semi final vs England stamped his mark on the game, almost literally as he bowled straight over Mike Catt to score a try the rugby world will never forget. Redefined the number 11 shirt forever. RIP big guy.

5. John Eales

The man they call ‘Nobody’ as “nobody’s perfect”. A double world cup winner (1991 & 1999), and one of the few athletes to have a winning record in tests vs the All Blacks. A rangey second rower blessed with ball handling skills of a back, and a boot to match - he is the highest scoring forward in test match history with only 2 tries (one worth 4 points, one worth 5), but 34 penalties & 31 conversions. So respected is he that since 2002 the ARU named the annual award for best rugby union player the “John Eales Medal.”

6. Victor Matfield

The most test capped, and oldest Springbok of all time. The king of the lineouts. It was his mastery of this discipline that was instrumental in the Springboks world cup win in 2007 and had him named man of the match in the final. A gladiator all over the paddock, he lived for the rough stuff up front but his hard running through the midfield was always a crowd pleaser. Prematurely retired but thankfully returned in time to battle through another classy effort at the world cup in 2015. The ultimate competitor on the pitch and gentleman off it.

7. Ma’a Nonu

Started as a raw, juggernaut of a ball carrying brute, but finished as one of the most complete and polished inside centres world rugby has ever seen. His ability to bust tackles and make the gain line was his trademark, but hard work & commitment over many seasons in the black jersey saw his passing & kicking game reach exceptional levels & became major weapons in his attacking arsenal. His passing game particularly strong in the latter stages of his career to be able to fling pinpoint spiral passes off either hand to set a teammate free.

8. Zinzan Brooke

One of the most skilful loose forwards to have played the game. Menacing defence mixed with outrageous open play skills, Zinny could do it all. Had the vision & ability to basically play fly half. He somewhat proved it by slotting 3 test drop goals in his career, including his big 40m effort vs England in the ‘95 world cup semi final. Old school tough and took no nonsense, lead from the front and never took a backwards step. The professional era benchmark for number 8 play.

9. Joost Van Der Westhuizen

The classiest operator at scrum half, unusually tall for a halfback at 6”1, he could repeatedly infiltrate the slimmest of gaps in an opposition defence. His attacking mindedness was a driving force behind South Africa’s successes in the 90’s and he dotted down for 38 meat pies, a South African record at the time. Fearless in the contact often producing superhuman, and match turning point tackles. Retired as South Africa’s record cap holder.

10. Thierry Dusautoir

Captained France a record 56 times in 80 appearances. Relentless competitor in the trenches. Epitomises French courage. Quite possibly no more so than in the world cup quarter final in 2007 vs All Blacks - made 38 tackles (still a world cup record) and scored a try in a man of the match performance. Almost repeated the dose 4 years later in the 2011 final, the team came up short this time but he was rewarded with IRB player of the year. A king among men, he deserved a better send off from test footy than the 2015 quarter final humping from the team who probably still have nightmares about him.

11. Christian Cullen

The Paekakariki Express. 46 tries in 58 tests, do yourself a favour - set aside 5min 42 secs and watch this clip that shows every one of his All Black tries. You will not regret it. Absolute poetry in motion when this guy was at full noise with ball in hand. Big defence for a slight frame as well, perfect technique in the tackle. Could have finished higher up this list if not for a muppet named John Mitchell who decided to try & convert the best fullback in the world to a centre. An abundance of speed, anticipation, and evasion skills made him a nightmare for opposition defences. Rumour has it his 11 Weetbix in one sitting still stands in All Blacks records.

12. Tim Horan

Thrived in the big occasions, would be one of the first names scribbled down in a best World Cup XV. Double world cup winner (both away from home), dominating his last world cup to earn the player of the tournament in ’99. He also won himself a years worth of Guinness for scoring the fastest try that year (1min 32secs vs Romania). He was a perfect balance of defensive nous combined with attacking potency. Horan ran hard straight lines and had playmaker vision to put teammates in acres of space. Always the team man, the word on the street is he’s storing that Guinness in his garage waiting for the next Aussie World Cup celebration.

13. Martin Johnson

The only northern hemisphere captain to raise Bill above his head at the end of a World Cup. An inspirational leader on the pitch, a three times British Lions tourist (the only man to tour twice as captain), the guy demands respect. Refused to back down from a challenge, would command his troops to knuckle down and follow his lead. Spent a couple of seasons in NZ early on in his career learning his craft at the request of Colin Meads, so must be a tough bugger for Pinetree to see the rawness in a teenager like that. Even played for the New Zealand under 21 team before returning home with his newly discovered knowledge and skill set. Guess that explains it then…

14. Conrad Smith

Class act. Made in the same mould as the great Bruce Robertson, Smith scored with his first touch in international rugby. Nicknamed Snakey for his ability to slither and slide his way through gaps in defensive lines. But it is defensively where Smith really leads from the front - one of the best spot tacklers in world rugby, flawless technique and a defensive mastermind in marshalling a defensive pattern. Is it any coincidence that of the departing All Blacks of the recent golden era, Snakey has the best winning percentage at 89.89%?

15. Richard Hill

Mr Unsung Hero. Did all the hard graft in the close quarters without much of the attention or praise, & it’s likely he wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. Toiled away in the tough stuff without much care for his body, and 2 knee operations in the last 4 years of his career will leave a permanent reminder of his efforts. Wore the England and Lions shirt with rare distinction. No showboating, no hotdogging, just good old fashioned footy.

16. Tana Umaga

The first man to lead the All Blacks in the ‘Kapa O Panga’ Haka. One need only watch footage of it to see the mana of the man. Started as a dynamic wing but had to bide his time in the large shadow of a man called Jonah. A remarkable record as a test match skipper (19 wins in 21 games). It was out outside centre he became the most dangerous. With ferociously hard-hitting defence, & powerful midfield busts he was more than a handful for any opposition. Exceptional tactician, his legend continues to grow in the coaching ranks now.

17. George Smith

The thorn in many an opposition side for 111 tests (2nd most capped flanker behind McCaw). Masterful over the ball, with his terrier-like nose he’d sniff out any chance of a turnover. His work rate and skill level were similar to McCaw, & you could argue he had to do it tougher behind his all round weaker forward pack. So clever in the contact, capable of snatching possession he had no right to be near, & fooled many an enemy into over committing and finding themselves penalised for sealing off. Incredible list of awards - Brumbies Player of the Year for 8 consecutive seasons, Aussie Super Rugby Player of the Year 2006-2009, first player to earn the John Eales Medal twice, and youngest player to 100 caps (29 years 4 days). Deadset legend.

18. Johnny Wilkinson

His prodigious boot propelled England through a rare period of success. In Wilkinson England finally had some playmaking ability to unleash some backline play. Wasn’t one to shy away from the rough & tumble but it did take its toll on his slight frame with multiple surgeries required. His pop-a-squat kicking technique took the world by storm, not because it looked cool but for the results it seemed to bring him. Holds the record for test drop goals with 36. The only player to score points in two world cup finals. Has completed the full set of try, conversion, penalty, & drop goal in 3 different tests. IRB player of the year 2003.

19. George Gregan

“Four more years”. I hate this man. But boy do I respect the hell out of him. The man could sledge with the best of them. Third all-time test caps with 139, most capped Australian captain, just an incredible competitor with a never give up attitude - his superman dive tackle in the ‘94 Bledisloe cup match to dislodge the ball from Jeff Wilsons grasp over the try line can attest to that. Razor sharp pass & kicking game, but his sniping runs had many a defence second guessing as well. Huge ticker on defence, the Grogan once managed to take Jonah down by himself. Potentially the only thing holding him back from being higher up this list is that he’s Australian…

20. Fourie Du Preez

Has won the Under 21 World cup, Super Rugby titles in 2007, 2009, 2010, plus the 2007 World Cup for South Africa. His accuracy & decision making were crucial for that 2007 WC success, & was still as sharp as ever in their 2015 surge to the semis. The Springboks have won 72.52% of matches he has played in. Often referred to as one of the keenest & most inquisitive students of the game, Du Preez had a priceless ability to shape a game to his sides requirements.

21. Shane Williams

At 5”7 and weighing just over 70kg on debut, the fleet-footed little firecracker of a Welshman proved there’s a place in rugby for you no matter your size. The record try scorer for Wales with 60 meat pies (4th on the all-time list) & 2008 IRB player of the year, the guy was an excitement machine. The prolific scorer had such a swerve & step to accompany all that pace it was hard just to get a hand on him.

22. Brad Thorn

One can not simply say his name without dropping their voice tone. A beast of both codes & real team man, won’t hear a bad word said about the bloke. The only league convert to come good in a forwards position, we can only wonder how great he could have been without spending 10 years dominating for the Brisbane Broncos in rugby league first. One of the toughest men to play the sport, unbelievably strong in the contest. Oldest player to win the World Cup at 36. His professional attitude to training paid dividends for his career - to still be throwing himself into rucks and winning titles at 40 years old for Leicester is nothing short of miraculous. The first to win a World Cup, Super Rugby title, and Heineken Cup.

23. John Smit

South Africa’s lionhearted leader, the most capped captain for the Springboks (83 tests), and most successful with a 72% win percentage. Has won more tests as captain than any other Springbok has even played as captain. After an average WC in 2003, Smit brought the Boks back to a level of respectability and was at the forefront of the victorious series against the Lions in 2009. He was able to galvanise his peers, and somehow avoid polarising the country. As time will pass Smit’s industrious service to South African rugby will become even more valued than it is today.

24. Joe Rokocoko

The Rocket Man. Barely 20 when he won his first cap, and forged a career that earned 47 tries in 68 tests, one of the best finishers of all time. With a recorded 100m in 10.66secs, he was a pure speed machine, yet deceptively strong in the contest, when in full flight it was near impossible to catch the Rocket Man. He could create tries out of half chances, with moves like the Rokocoko spin, which made the smiling assassin a joy to watch & an absolute fan favourite.

25. Stephen Larkham

102 test caps. Initially selected as a fullback, his playmaker abilities were soon recognised & he was then first choice fly half for the Wallabies from 1997 to 2007. He had a smart rugby brain & always seemed to have time and space to create his magic, a rare gift. His elusive running with a galloping stride easily made up for an early deficiency in a kicking game. He soon got that discipline up to speed though with that monstrous 48m droppy vs the Springboks in the ’99 WC semifinal. His partnership with the Grogan was one of the most dependable halfback fly half, one-two punch in world rugby.

26. Carl Hayman

All Black number 1000. The man mountain from the south, at 6”4 Hayman is not what you would call a classical prop, but immense farmer strength and scrummaging prowess saw him rapidly rise through the ranks of world rugby. Became the highest paid player in the world after joining Newcastle Falcons for a reported $1 million dollars a season back in 2007. Attended his first All Blacks press conference in true Southern man style wearing jandals and a wooly jumper. She’s a hard road to find the perfect prop, but he can’t have been far from it. Good on ya mate.

27. Paul O’Connell

The courageous warrior forever written in Irish mythology. Feared on the battlefield for his bravery and strength. Looks like a brought to life giant from Roald Dahls “The B.F.G.”, & just as likely to crunch your bones if you get anywhere near him too. 108 tests of menacing power & aggression. One of the great gladiators & ambassadors for the game. A former 4 handicapper in golf, but limiting his rounds towards the end of his rugby career for fear of injury keeping him from earning his pocket money. I’m sure he’s looking forward to hitting the links now in his retirement.

28. Jason Robinson

Billy Whizz, the first great league convert of the professional era. The first man to win both the Guinness Premiership and Super League Trophy. Scintillating in the open, blessed with electric feet and a wicked step he could stand up any defender to leave them grasping at a cartoon Robinson shaped cloud of dust. Just a devastating game breaker at wing or fullback, he scored 30 tries in 56 tests, including a particularly memorable meat pie in the 2003 World Cup final.

29. Stirling Mortlock

Straight hard runner of the ball, no nonsense, just a good old fashioned, bullrush style of outside centre. With a useful goal-kicking boot, sits 29th for all time test point scorers from his 80 matches. Wallaby coach Rod McQueen plucked Mortlock out of club rugby at 20 years old to tour Argentina in 1997, but he didn’t actually make his debut until 2000. Proving that the timing was finally right he produced sublime performances all season and became the fastest Aussie to 50 test points, & 100 points soon after. Injuries curtailed the early stages of his career but no one will forget his man of the match performance, & most particularly the 80m intercept try, to knock the All Blacks out of the 2003 WC semi. Has also become the first Aussie to score 20 points in 4 consecutive tests, and still sits 4th equal for most super rugby tries.

30. Andrew Mehrtens

The Dan Carter of the 90’s. One of the games great characters, Mehrtens goal kicking and tactical nous was top notch. As the professional era started churning out bigger and bigger athletes, his wafer-like physique caused some concern but Mehrts played with vision and heart, and he could throw a mean as cut out pass. 28 points on debut (record at the time) vs Canada in '95 set the foundation for the record-breaking career to come. 967 points (test record at the time) in 67 tests, could have been so much more if not for that muppet John Mitchell around 2003 & the shooting star career of one Carlos Spencer. Gave world rugby the greatest feel good story in ’95 by drifting that late drop goal effort wide in regular time so the rainbow nation could celebrate a first WC victory. What a hero.

31. Schalk Burger

Made his debut for the Springboks in the 2003 World Cup, & by 2004 he was IRB player of the year. Burgers aggressive, physical approach to the game has seen him awarded 6 yellow cards in tests (2nd only to Marco Bortolami). Unmistakable with his shock of blonde hair often seen launching into a ruck, his test rugby career has been frequently interrupted due to injuries and surgery. The big Springbok plays with massive ticker though and would probably have to be killed before he’d give up, & the unfortunate infection from back surgery in 2013 nearly did kill him. However, the determined Burger worked his way back to full fitness & starred yet again for the Springboks at the 2015 WC helping them to the bronze medal.

32. Bryan Habana

2nd most test tries of all time, 1st equal record all-time World Cup try scorer, & has scored a try against every “Tier 1" nation. The 2007 IRB Player of the year has gas to burn, & given an inch of space on the flanks he’ll take a mile. Has been clocked at 10.2 secs over 100m. That’s some serious pace. Dropped into the test rugby cauldron of debuting against England at Twickers he scored with his first touch of the ball, but the Springboks would go on to lose the match. Reportedly a freak on the training pitch, plus the guy races against Cheetahs in his spare time. Surprisingly, like bad boy Schalk Burger, he also has 6 yellow naughty cards to his name.

33. Francois Steyn

A prodigious talent, unfortunately we didn’t quite see the full test match potential of Steyn due to injuries and offshore contracts. Terrifically versatile though - he’s played test footy at every position in the backs except scrum half. Trademark big defensive tackles & robust ball carries were a staple of his game but he provided the Springboks with a major weapon with his booming boot, teams had to be very careful not to concede a penalty even 70m out. His drop goal from 60m for Racing Metro vs Clermont is too ridiculous to be true. At 19 years old he scored on his Springbok debut on the wing vs Ireland in 2006, and then in 2007 he went on to become the youngest ever to win the World cup.

34. Rupeni Caucaunibuca

The best that never was, one of world sport’s greatest wasted talents. In his prime, the Fijian was generally regarded as the greatest attacking weapon in world rugby. His speed, strength, & low centre of gravity had him scoring some of the most outrageous tries of all time. If he had a professional head on him like a McCaw or O’Driscoll he could have reached Lomu levels of awesomeness. A ridiculous stream of missed flights & no shows for professional teams led to several bans in his career. Every time he touched the ball the crowd was on the edge of their seat. At least we have Youtube clips to provide a visual legacy for the “Bua Bullet”.

35. Augustine Pichot

The vocal heart of Argentinas rugby rise through the 2000’s. His earthy style of leadership won over many teammates and fans alike. Pichot would harass & hurry his opponents, just a terrier-like machine around the paddock. Lead the Argies to a bronze medal at the 2007 World Cup, and there is no doubt in my mind that without Pichot, Argentina wouldn’t have had anywhere near the same success at WCs. He gave everything for the full 80 for his country & rightly deserves to be held as one of its many sporting greats. Hard pressed to find a more passionate countryman than Pichot. Fun fact - Pichot narrated the Argentinian version of the documentary “Earth”.

36. Jean De Villiers

The talented back hit the ground running winning the U21 world cup in 2002, & his performances were so good he was rewarded with a full senior debut later that year on the end of season Europe tour. Most capped centre in Springboks history despite being plagued by injuries. A respected leader, his finest moment came in a 2013 test vs the All Blacks at Ellis Park when a typing error had Dane Coles listed as Kevin Mealamu on the team sheet. When Coles came on as a sub late in the game confusion ran riot among the officials but De Villiers stepped in and just told everyone to basically get on with it - “It doesn’t matter, it is what it is.” Much respect.

37. Lawrence Dallaglio

88 test caps and immortalised as an England legend, but sadly injury curtailed 2 of his 3 Lions tours. The only squad member to play every minute of their victorious 2003 World Cup campaign. Also joined a select few to have won both the rugby 7’s and 15’s World cups, in 1993 and 2003 respectively. The aggressive ball carrying brute of the much vaunted England back row in the early 2000’s with Johnson & Hill, his resolute defence set the tone for the rest of the team to follow.

38. Olivier Magne

The memory of Magne roaming all over Twickenham in that 1999 World Cup semi-final will forever haunt those All Blacks dreams. He was at his best that day, rangy and electric, determined to get his hands on the pill. He outshone a hero of mine at the time in Josh Kronfield. Not an easy feat. He was a quality athlete with open field pace and handling most would kill for. Played in all of France’s matches at the 1999 & 2003 World Cups, and was still going strong in 2007 as he was on injury standby for that edition as well.

39. Percy Montgomery

Held the all-time Springbok records for caps (102) and points (893). A gifted athlete with a sweet left boot, his international career stalled in 2002 when he moved to play in Wales, but when Jake White took over the coaching role one of the first things he did was fly over and convince Monty to return. It wasn’t long before he slotted back into the Springbok lineup again and was top points scorer in the tri-nations in both 2004 and 2005. A central cog to the Springbok machine that won the 2007 WC, he finished top scorer of the tournament with 105 points.

40. Kieran Read

The modern day Zinny, & new All Black El Capitan. If anyone can carry on the All Blacks legacy where McCaw left off its this guy. A rugged yet mobile, brutal yet subtle number 8, the guy plays with huge ticker. He’s gargantuan on defence, and one of the greatest exponents of the offload. 86 tests into his career already, and I can’t think of a single bad game for this bloke. Had an unbelievable 2013 playing a massive part in the All Blacks undefeated season, deservedly culminating in him being the IRB player of the year. Can rapidly rise up this list over the next few seasons if he stays injury free. Just knock over a droppy already mate.

41. Sergio Parrise

Italy’s greatest ever, no question. Strong ball carrier, with sharp offloading hands, & a penchant for flamboyant passes. Has shouldered the burden of a below par team for over a decade whilst still maintaining high standards of play. Has felt the sting of defeat in 87 of 119 tests but has played every one of those with distinction (except the one he got caught eye gouging Isaac Ross, tut tut). The mental fortitude required to pick yourself up test loss after test loss, & still play as well as he does is nothing short of remarkable. Can only wonder where he may have ended up on this list if he played in a stronger team.

42. David Pocock

Pocock the poacher. Has legs for arms, but worked hard to get that way transforming himself from a wirey 78kg to a muscle heavy, ripped 95kg in the space of 6 months when in year 11 at high school. Now sits around 115kg and reportedly does 450 crunches a night. An almost immovable force over the ball, he has redefined the term ball scavenger. Knee reconstructions have hindered his blossoming career but his impact in his 56 tests so far has been tremendous. IRB player of the year finalist in 2010, 2011, and 2015. Has signed a deal to play in Japan for the next few years that allows him to still play for the Wallabies in the 2019 World Cup. Will he finally get to taste the Cup success he’s been working so hard for? Watch this space.

43. Matt Giteau

102 quality test matches to his name. So valued, once he started playing overseas, the ARU changed their selection criteria laws to make him available again, now known as "the Giteau Law”. A playmaker of vision & guile, he has an eye for the break, tactical maturity & an assured left boot. A highly valuable commodity in the utility department too, having played in the 9,10, & 12 jerseys at test level, & no doubt could handle wing/fullback if required. Still digging into his box of tricks for Toulon, the little magician may have a few great seasons left in him yet.

44. Keith Wood

The Raging Potato. One of world rugby’s most iconic players in a career that spanned nearly a decade at the top. Not the most technically gifted hooker, but more than made up for that with his passion and energy around the paddock. One of the all time great leaders, played on 2 Lions tours and was the inaugural winner of the IRB player of the year award in 2001. Holds the all-time record for tries scored by a hooker with 15 meat pies.

45. Gethin Jenkins

131 test caps (126 Welsh & 5 Lions tests) make him the most capped prop ever. Also dabbled with a bit of rugby league making regular appearances for the Cardiff Demons in the late 90’s, leading them to the Division 2 Academy grand final in 98. Just the 2nd Welshman to have won the Amlin Challenge Cup and the Heineken Cup. One of his strengths is his how professional he is on & off the pitch with regards to managing himself. If he holds form and stays injury free we might just see him make a 4th British & Irish Lions tour to NZ in 2017. Could well be his last chance for that elusive big W against the All Blacks.

46. Jeff Wilson

Goldie had an abundance of talent, rugby was fortunate enough to see most of his time but he flirted with international cricket, national age group basketball, & he also won a national secondary school title in track and field. As a kid playing for Cargill High School vs James Hargest College he once scored 9 tries and a total of 66 points(was the last week before tries became worth 5 points). The master of the chip and chase, and defensively astute. 3 tries and a sideline conversion on debut vs Scotland launched a prolific scoring AB’s career. Retired to resurrect a cricket career at 28 years young with 234 test points, which included the full set of 44 tries, 1 conversion, 3 penalties and 1 droppy. If he’d stuck to footy we could be talking about the highest try scorer of all time, instead of a fast-medium bowler with a handy swing of the willow.

47. Will Greenwood

Deceptive speed with an eye for the gap, he is one of the best centres England has ever produced. Selected uncapped for the 97 Lions tour of South Africa, but he didn’t get to take the field in any of the tests. Superstitiously always wore the number 13 jersey even if he was playing at inside centre. A key member of Englands victorious 2003 World Cup team, he finished top try scorer for the tournament with 5 tries despite missing a game to rush home to be with his wife who was experiencing pregnancy difficulties. His willingness shown there to give up personal glory reflecting his personality that won over many a fan and player.

48. Tony Woodcock

118 test caps. Absolute workhorse, he has a reputation for rejecting rest. He once requested permission from the All Blacks powers that be in 2006 to return to action early from an enforced rest to play in North Harbours Ranfurly Shield challenge vs Canterbury. A match that NH won 21-17 to be shield holders for the first time ever. Scored the AB’s only try of the 2011 WC final with their infamous “teabag” line-out manoeuvre. Made a habit of scoring against Aussie with 5 of his 10 meat pies being dotted down against the Bledisloe foe. His professionalism and rugged scrummaging is the benchmark for test front rowers. Woody was a regular for the AB’s for over a decade, sadly prematurely ending his career with a hamstring injury in pool play at the 2015 WC.

49. Adam Jones

Started out only fit enough to play the first half of tests early on in his career, but sorted that to be an 80 min man by the end of it. In his first taste of touring with the Lions in 2009 vs the Springboks he only played in 2 tests but in those 81mins he was on the field the Lions had a score of 30-15, in his absence the scoreline reads 16-39. Another of world rugby’s great characters, and one of a select group of Welsh players to have won 3 Grand Slams. A prize cornerstone of the Welsh pack for the past decade.

50. Alun Wun Jones

At 6”5 with great hands, Jones exhibits all of the attributes for a world class lock. A key member of the Welsh team that took the bronze at the 2011 World Cup, featuring in all 7 of their games. A two times Lion tourist, he skippered the team to a series clinching 3rd test win over Aus in 2013 when regular captain Sam Warburton was ruled out with an injury. A rangey lock forward who thrives in the tough stuff, with 108 tests to his name at just under 31 years of age, he could potentially move up this list before he calls time on an illustrious career.