Lewis Moody includes three All Blacks in his all-time dream team

A World Cup winner, Lions tourist, and one of England’s fiercest competitors, Moody built his reputation on relentless physicality and fearless breakdown work.

So when he picks a Dream XV, it’s not about hype—it’s about the players who genuinely

hurt, inspired, or outclassed him on the biggest stage.

From best mates to all-time greats, here’s the team that “Mad Dog” selected for Planet Rugby.

15. Geordan Murphy
“My best mate, a genius of a player…”
A Leicester Tigers legend and Lions tourist, Murphy was pure class from the back. Counterattacking brilliance, sharp instincts, and ice-cold composure made him one of the most dangerous full-backs of his era. Moody’s pick is as much about friendship as it is about talent—but few would argue with it.

14. Rory Underwood
“An athletic freak… no one has matched his Test record.”
Before professionalism even existed, Underwood was setting standards nobody could live with. Blistering pace, clinical finishing—England still haven’t produced a winger as prolific.

13. Brian O'Driscoll
“We’d single him out as a breakdown threat every time.”
Not many centres scare back-rowers—but O’Driscoll did. A Lions captain, a generational talent, and a menace over the ball. Skill, leadership, and edge rolled into one.

12. Ma'a Nonu
“From a crash merchant to a brilliant all-round centre.”
Nonu didn’t just smash people—he evolved. By the end, he had soft hands, vision, and subtlety to match his power. Oh—and the eye black? Moody remembers the nickname: “Ma’aScara.”

11. Alesana Tuilagi
“The biggest and strongest human in the world!”
And if Moody knows, he really knows. After a scrap at Twickenham, he admits: “I landed one slap… he gave me about 10.” Brutal, unstoppable, and built like a tank.

10. Dan Carter
“You felt powerless… humbling.”
That says it all. Carter didn’t just play fly-half—he controlled entire games. Every option, every skill, every answer. Moody had a front-row seat to genius in 2005.

9. George Gregan
“Abrasive… huge variety… and the greatest sledge.”
Smart, sharp, and seriously annoying to play against. Gregan could dictate tempo and get under your skin—plus deliver the iconic: “Four more years, boys.”

8. Abdel Benazzi
“If he got emotional, he was a juggernaut.”
Huge, aggressive, and driven by passion. Benazzi wasn’t just physical—he was explosive when fired up.

7. Richie McCaw
“The toughest opponent I ever encountered.”
No debate. McCaw is the benchmark. Always on the edge, always one step ahead. Moody’s ultimate rival.

6. Thierry Dusautoir
“Nails in defence… a complete backrower.”
If McCaw was one, Dusautoir was next. Relentless tackling, massive engine, and hugely underrated with ball in hand.

5. Victor Matfield
“Peerless… the best lineout forward I’ve ever seen.”
Lineout genius. Simple as that. But also smart, mobile, and always popping up where it hurt most.

4. Martin Johnson
“The biggest influence on my career.”
Captain. Leader. Enforcer. Johnson didn’t just play—he set standards that defined an era.

3. Julian White
“He did one job… brilliantly.”
And that job? Destroying scrums. Old-school tighthead who took pride in making life miserable for looseheads.

2. Steve Thompson
“The best hooker in the world for a long period.”
World Cup winner. Massive presence. Carried hard, scrummaged harder—underrated in the modern conversation.

1. Os du Randt
“An amazing engine for a man of 140kg.”
Props aren’t meant to move like that. Du Randt combined brute force with ridiculous work-rate—a nightmare to face.

The Six Nations Championship, Europe’s premier rugby tournament, has delivered unforgettable moments and showcased some of the game’s greatest players.

From stunning tries to epic battles, the 2010s were packed with rugby brilliance.

Can you name the players who lit up the tournament during this golden decade? You’ll need to be on top form to get 15/15—are you up for the challenge? Let’s kick off!