Dallaglio ranks the FIVE best back-rowers he faced

The England flanker had no issues when it came to throwing his body on the line for the cause, his own wellbeing not even entering the equation.

His partnership with Richard Hill and Neil Back could easily go down as the best back-row trio in the history of the sport.

Here, the legendary back-rower ranks his five toughest back-row opponents he faced for club and country.

DALLAGLIO SAID: "He had everything. Quick, athletic, skilful, brave, and a great team player. There have been some great No 7s; Winterbottom, Back, George Smith, Richie McCaw but none as good as Jones."

DALLAGLIO SAID: "Hill was such a brilliant all-round forward for club and country. The thing about Hill is that even at the highest level, he didn’t make mistakes"

DALLAGLIO SAID: "So talented, so physical, such a great understanding of the game and so bloody competitive."

DALLAGLIO SAID: "Just look at the figures: 148 caps, with a win rate of nearly 90 per cent, and 110 of those as captain. He only ever lost a Test to England (I played in one of his defeats), France, South Africa and Australia. Probably the only player I know who was so dedicated to getting better that he turned down an invite to Prince William’s wedding in 2011."

DALLAGLIO SAID: "The pioneering, definitive breakdown specialist in the professional era who combined dexterity and ferocity to slow down and steal opposition ball. There were more strings to his bow, though, because he had good hands and could kick. Incredible longevity too."