Lawrence Dallaglio names his all-time England XV: He picked Farrell over Wilkinson

Monday, 26 February 2024 at 20:19

byRugby Rucker

Rugby legend Lawrence Dallaglio has stirred the pot by unveiling his ultimate England XV, raising eyebrows with the surprising exclusion of none other than Jonny Wilkinson.

In a candid chat on Jim Hamilton's podcast 'The Big Jim Show', Dallaglio revealed his dream team but snubbed the World Cup-winning fly-half.

Hamilton didn't miss the bombshell move, remarking, "This is headline material, folks!"

Despite the shockwaves, the three-time British and Irish Lion clarified that the preference for Owen Farrell over Wilkinson wasn't driven by personal bias.

"Jonny was a brilliant rugby player, won us a lot of games, he won us the World Cup final." Dallagio said.

"If Jonny picks his all time XV, which he has... I don't think I made the cut. But again, it's not personal by the way, it's not personal, I promise you it's not personal.

"I just think that if you put Farrell in that team England win as well, so what's the beef?"

Front Row:

Jamie George of England during the Six Nations Match between England and Italy at Twickenham, London on 12 Feb 2023 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)

Loosehead Prop: Jason Leonard

Hooker: Jamie George

Tighthead Prop: Phil Vickery

Locks:

Second Row: Martin Johnson

Second Row: Maro Itoje

Back Row:

Billy Vunipola of England in possession ahead of Kazuki Himeno of Japan during the Autumn International Series match between England and Japan at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on Saturday 12th November 2022 | Photo: James Fearn/PPAUK.

Blindside Flanker: Richard Hill

Openside Flanker: Neil Back

Number Eight: Billy Vunipola

Half Backs:

Owen Farrell, Captain of England kicking during the Six Nations Championship, Calcutta Cup match between England and Scotland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 4th 2023. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

Scrum Half: Kyran Bracken

Fly Half: Owen Farrell

Centres:

Manu Tuilagi of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

Inside Centre: Manu Tuilagi

Outside Centre: Will Greenwood

Back Three:

MELBOURNE - JUNE 21: Jason Robinson of England charges forward during the Rugby Union Test Match between Australia and England held on June 21, 2003 at The Telstra Dome, in Melbourne, Australia. England won the match 25-14. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Left Winger: Jason Robinson

Right Winger: Ben Cohen

Fullback: Josh Lewsey