"Harsh on Parisse" - Rugby Legends Ranked From ‘GOAT’ To ‘Not All That

Wednesday, 27 March 2024 at 19:59

byRugby Rucker

A dedicated rugby enthusiast has devised the ultimate TierMaker to rank rugby legends, classifying them from the greatest of all time ('GOAT') to those who might not have achieved the same iconic status.

Fans have taken on the daunting task of arranging players who have graced us with memorable moments over the professional era, using Wales Online's compilation of the top 50 players.

To create fairness, all the players were divided into five distinct groups, each containing ten players. Naturally, this has sparked some controversy, given the difficulty of determining the perfect placement for each player.

In the prestigious 'GOAT' category, you'll find World Cup-winning captains such as Martin Johnson and Richie McCaw, showcasing the immense talent and leadership they brought to the game.

Thus, the players were thoughtfully sorted into five separate categories, each representing a different level of rugby greatness.

The players were split into five different categories.

GOAT
Legend
Class
Average
Overrated

Check out the entire list below.

#GOAT:

Thierry Dusautoir (France)
Jonny Wilkinson (England)
Zinzan Brooke (New Zealand)
Bryan Habana (South Africa)
Martin Johnson (England)
Joost van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
Dan Carter (New Zealand)
Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)
Richie McCaw (New Zealand)

jonny wilkinson martin johnson world cup 3144113 min

#Legend:

Bakkies Botha (South Africa)
Paul O'Connell (Ireland)
Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)
Jason Robinson (England)
George Smith (Australia)
Adam Jones (Wales)
Lawrence Diallagio (England)
Richard Hill (England)
John Eales (Australia)
Shane Williams (Wales)

Paul O'Connell of Ireland seen during the Rugby World Cup Pool D match between Italy v Ireland at The Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Oct 4th 2015 in London - Photo mandatory by-line: Graeme Truby/Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile:0797 1270 681 - VAT Reg No: 183700120 - SPORT - International Rugby

#Class:

Scott Quinnell (Wales)
Will Greenwood (England)
Brodie Retallick (New Zealand)
Matt Giteau (Australia)
Stephen Larkham (Australia)
Schalk Burger (South Africa)
Christian Cullen (New Zealand)
Scott Gibbs (Wales)
Tim Horan (Australia)
Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)

Scorer of the winning try Fourie du Preez (South Africa, captain, 9) celebrates at the final whistle with Schalk Burger (South Africa). South Africa v Wales. Quarter Final 1. Rugby World Cup 2015. Twickenham Stadium. London. England. UK. PHOTO: Mandatory by-line: Garry Bowden/SIPPA/Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile:0797 1270 681 - VAT Reg No: 183700120 - 171015

#Decent:

Rob Howley (Wales)
Johnny Sexton (Ireland)
Juan-Martin Fernandez-Lobbe (ARG)
Conrad Smith (New Zealand)
Sam Warburton (Wales)
David Pocock (Australia)
John Smit (South Africa)
Will Genia (Australia)
Doug Howlett (New Zealand)
Kieran Read (New Zealand)

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 10: Sam Warburton of Wales smiles prior to the 2015 Rugby World Cup Pool A match between Australia and Wales at Twickenham Stadium on October 10, 2015 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Steve Bardens - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)