"Over 200,000 votes" - BBC Readers select all-time World Cup XV
Rugby NewsSunday, 08 October 2023 at 14:25
Jonny Wilkinson or Dan Carter? The task of selecting a World XV involves some significant choices.
A poll conducted by the BBC garnered votes from over 200,000 fans, who were asked to determine the composition of an all-time Rugby XV. The competition for spots was intense, leading to the omission of several prominent players since only 15 could secure their place.
Below, you'll find the players chosen by rugby enthusiasts as the members of the ultimate all-time Rugby XV.
15. SERGE BLANCO (France)
France legend Serge Blanco could play on the wing, however, he was best known for his brilliance at fullback.
14. BRYAN HABANA (South Africa)
South Africa speed machine Bryan Habana is regarded as one of the quickest players to ever play the game and helped his country to World Cup glory in 2007. He ended up on 15 World Cup tries, level with the New Zealand star.
13. BRIAN O'DRISCOLL (Ireland)
Ireland legend Brian O’Driscoll is regarded as one of the greatest outside centres of all time. He captained his country for nine years and was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame back in 2016.
12. MA'A NONU (New Zealand)
He was a key member of the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cup-winning side, however, he missed out on a spot for the All Blacks this year.
11. JONAH LOMU (New Zealand)
The joint-top try-scorer in World Cup history, Jonah Lomu was always going to be in. The wing, who tragically passed away in 2015, is rightly remembered as a true All Black and World Cup great.
10. DAN CARTER (New Zealand)
The highest point scorer in Test match rugby and the winner of two World Cups, Dan Carter was always going to make the side. The fly-half is regarded as one of the best to have ever played the game.
9. JOOST VAN DER WESTHUIZEN (South Africa)
One of Springboks greatest ever stars, the scrum-half deservedly gets a spot in the side. The scrum-half, who passed away back in 2017, featured in three World Cups, helping his country to glory in 1995.
1. JASON LEONARD (England)
Leonard gained a record-breaking 114 caps for England during his amazing 14-year international career, during which he won the 2003 World Cup. He’s the starting prop in this team.
2. SEAN FITZPATRICK (New Zealand)
Hooker Sean Fitzpatrick is still regarded as one of New Zealand’s greatest ever players. He won the World Cup in 1987.
3. OWEN FRANKS (New Zealand)
There was a battle for the tighthead prop role in this team, but it was the two-time World Cup winner Owen Franks of New Zealand who beat out Welshman Adam Jones for the spot.
4. MARTIN JOHNSON (England)
With over 130,000 votes, Martin Johnson, England’s World Cup-winning captain from 2003, gets in at number four.null
5. JOHN EALES (Australia)
Another two-time World Cup winner, Australia’s John Eales, joins Johnson in the front row.
6. FRANCOIS PIENAAR (South Africa)
South Africa’s 1995 World Cup-winning captain Francois Pienaar joins the team at flanker.
7. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
No shocks here. Richie McCaw is still the only man to have captained two World Cup-winning sides and he is still the all-time most-capped player in international Test rugby, having played 148 games for New Zealand.
8. ZINZAN BROOKE (New Zealand)
The extremely powerful and skilful Zinzan Brooke was the number eight for the All Blacks during their 1987 triumph and he’s been selected by voters for this team.
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