Matt Dawson selects his all-time England XV, he snubbed Lawrence Dallaglio
Rugby NewsTuesday, 14 May 2024 at 08:34
England legend Matt Dawson has selected his all-time England XV for the RFU.
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A number of big names miss out, with Mike Tindall, Neil Back and Lawrence Dallaglio among the absentees.
Dawson, a titan of English rugby, boasts an illustrious career as one of the most capped scrum halves in history. Revered by Northampton and Wasps, he's also left an indelible mark on the international stage, representing England and the British and Irish Lions. In 2021, he was rightfully enshrined in the RugbyPass Hall of Fame.
Born on October 31, 1972, Dawson's journey began on school rugby fields before joining Northampton Saints in 1991. Over almost 250 games until 2004, he celebrated victories like the Heineken Champions Cup in 2000. Transitioning to London Wasps, he clinched the Premiership title in his debut season.
Internationally, Dawson's impact was profound, earning 77 caps for England from 1995 to 2006, notably contributing to the 2003 Rugby World Cup triumph. His skillset was further showcased on three consecutive British and Irish Lions tours from 1997 to 2005.
Post-retirement in 2006, Dawson seamlessly transitioned to media, captivating audiences on television and radio while championing various charitable causes
Read on to see Matt Dawson’s all-time England XV.
Matt Dawson’s all-time England XV:
BACK-THREE:
- 15. Jason Robinson
- 14. Rory Underwood
- 11. Ben Cohen
CENTRES:
- 13. Jeremy Guscott
- 12. Manu Tuilagi
Manu Tuilagi of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
HALFBACKS:
- 10. Jonny Wilkinson
- 9. Dikie Jeeps
FRONT-ROW:
- 1. Gary Pearce
- 2. Steve Thompson
- 3. Jason Leonard
SECOND-ROW:
- 4. Maro Itoje
- 5. Martin Johnson
Maro Itoje of the Saracens during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bath Rugby and Saracens at the Recreation Ground on 17 Oct. Photo: Steve Haag/PPAUK
BACK-ROW:
- 6. Tim Rodber
- 7. Richard Hill
- 8. Dean Richards
10 best rugby union players in the world right now [Ranked]
RadioTimes.com presents a rundown of the most outstanding and electrifying rugby talents, spanning both hemispheres, accompanied by insights into their placements on the list.
- Handrè Pollard (South Africa)
Handrè Pollard embodies the essence of clutch performance, consistently delivering in crucial moments. His decisive kick during the 2023 Rugby World Cup semi-final against England propelled his team to the final, while his impeccable kicking prowess secured victory against New Zealand, securing back-to-back titles for the Springboks.
- Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland)
Duhan van der Merwe, Scotland's dynamic wing, is a formidable force with the ball in hand and space to exploit. His standout moment came in the 2023 Six Nations against England, where he evaded five defenders on a 55-meter run for a sensational try. In the 2024 Six Nations, he further showcased his brilliance with a hat-trick against England, each try a testament to his individual skill.
- Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)
Eben Etzebeth epitomizes the spirit of the Springboks jersey, boasting over 100 caps for his country and revered as one of the world's premier locks. Instrumental in South Africa's Rugby World Cup triumphs, his pivotal performance in the 2023 quarter-final against France shifted momentum in favor of the Springboks, underlining his significance to the team.
- Ardie Savea (New Zealand)
Ardie Savea, renowned for his versatility and leadership, earned World Rugby's Player of the Year accolade in 2023. His standout display during the Rugby World Cup quarter-final against Ireland showcased his scoring prowess, propelling New Zealand to victory. A key figure in the All Blacks setup, Savea's impact extends beyond his on-field exploits, providing invaluable leadership to the team.
- Bundee Aki (Ireland)
Bundee Aki's prowess as a centre lies in his ability to breach defensive lines with ease and deliver bone-crunching tackles. His stellar performances at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, including 10 clean breaks, 30 defenders beaten, 28 tackles made, and five tries scored, underscore his exceptional talent. Aki's contributions have been instrumental in Ireland's success, securing two Six Nations titles and a Pro12 triumph with Connacht.
Bundee Aki of Ireland on the break during the Guinness Six Nations Match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 23. - PHOTO: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
- Dan Sheehan (Ireland)
Dan Sheehan's proficiency as a world-class hooker is evident in his expertise at the line-out and dominance in scrums. His versatility was on display during the 2024 Six Nations, notably with a rapid try against Italy that showcased his speed and power. Cementing his place in Andy Farrell's squad, Sheehan's contributions have played a crucial role in Ireland's Grand Slam triumph.
- Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa)
Pieter-Steph du Toit's consistency for club and country has established him as a linchpin in South Africa's Rugby World Cup campaigns. Named Player of the Match in the 2023 final, du Toit's relentless performance exemplified his exceptional talent. With accolades including World Rugby's Player of the Year in 2019, du Toit's contributions extend beyond the World Cup arena, epitomizing excellence in rugby.
- Will Jordan (New Zealand)
Will Jordan's stellar performance at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, culminating in eight tries, cemented his status as a rugby sensation. Equalling the record for most tries in a World Cup, Jordan's versatility and scoring prowess mirror the feats of legends Jonah Lomu and Bryan Habana. With multiple Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders, Jordan's potential promises to elevate New Zealand's rugby legacy.
- Finn Russell (Scotland)
Finn Russell's flair and ingenuity on the rugby field have earned him comparisons to football icon Lionel Messi. Renowned for his slick offloads, precise kicking, and audacious plays, Russell's impact extends beyond individual brilliance, catalyzing Bath's resurgence in form. While silverware has eluded him with Scotland, Russell's magic continues to elevate his team's performance, offering glimpses of future success.
- Antoine Dupont (France)
Antoine Dupont's status as the premier player in world rugby is undisputed, with a skill set that transcends formats, evidenced by his seamless transition to sevens rugby with France. A Six Nations champion with France and a three-time Top 14 winner with Toulouse, Dupont's accolades underscore his status as one of the sport's all-time greats, with his influence shaping the landscape of rugby in 2024 and beyond.
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