"Remarkable talent" - Lewis Moody's dream Six Nations XV is incredible

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Renowned for his tenacity and leadership, Moody delves into the vast pool of rugby talent, carefully handpicking a lineup that embodies the essence of excellence.

Amongst the chosen few, the legendary Jonny Wilkinson, a maestro of precision and composure, finds his place alongside the formidable Martin Johnson, a colossus whose indomitable spirit defined an era.

Moody kicks off his lineup with an unconventional choice, opting for Matt Perry. Praising Perry's consistent, solid, and dependable performances, Moody adds, "He was so consistent, solid, and dependable, and I didn’t see anyone beat him under the high ball, which – considering he was so skinny – is remarkable."

In the 14th spot, Moody acknowledges Jason Robinson's versatility, having excelled both as a full-back and a winger. Despite a close call with Josh Lewsey, Robinson clinches the position. Moody emphasizes, "He did score a try in a World Cup final after all!"

Moody, formerly a center until age 17, chooses Brian O’Driscoll for the 13th position, recognizing him as a world-class and phenomenal player. Moody says, "There’s a reason everyone else has picked Brian, and I don’t need to add to it. He was just a world-class, phenomenal player."

For the inside center position, Moody opts for Will Greenwood, highlighting his character, try-scoring prowess, and high-class gameplay. Acknowledging the close competition with Mike Tindall, Moody selects Greenwood, saying, "There’s nothing to separate them! But I’ll go for Will, just because he’ll work brilliantly with Brian."

In the left wing position, Moody applauds Ben Cohen as ahead of his time—fast, agile, and skillful. Despite falling out of favor post-World Cup, Cohen's exceptional performances between 2001-2003 leave a lasting impression on Moody. Moody reflects, "Some of the tries he scored in 2002 and 2003 were just incredible, and I loved watching him play and playing with him."

With unwavering certainty, Moody selects Jonny Wilkinson for the fly-half position, praising his mental and physical toughness, years of dedication, and the iconic World Cup-winning drop-goal. Moody asserts, "There’s no doubt in my mind about this pick, it’s 100 per cent Jonny."

Acknowledging Rob Howley's underrated playing prowess, Moody emphasizes Howley's excellence as a scrum-half, even though he is more recognized as a coach today. Moody acknowledges the close competition from Matt Dawson and Ben Youngs, stating, "People forget just how good Rob Howley was. He’s better known for being a coach these days but as a player, he was perhaps the best scrum-half of his time."

In an unconventional move, Moody selects Phil Vickery for the loosehead prop position, praising his tight-head skills and relentless commitment on the field. Moody says, "An odd choice, for sure. But I think Phil was so good as a tight-head, he’d have no issues switching to the opposite side."

Describing the impact of watching Keith Wood as a breath of fresh air, Moody appreciates Wood's Gaelic Football skills and his role in rejuvenating Irish rugby. Wood's dynamic playing style stands out in Moody's Greatest XV. Moody reflects, "Watching Keith was like watching the re-birth of rugby."

Moody highlights Adam Jones as the talk of the front row, commending his small yet immovable presence in the scrum and his humorous demeanor during matches. Jones's contributions make him a key player in Moody's selection. Moody recalls, "Adam was always the guy who our front row talked about the most."

As both former captain and head coach, Martin Johnson earns an undisputed place in Moody's Greatest XV. Moody describes Johnson as a simple but impactful player who inspired everyone around him. Moody shares, "There is a great line in the film ‘As Good As it Gets’... Martin made everyone want to be a better player!"

Expressing admiration for Paul O'Connell's competitiveness and hard work, Moody considers him a formidable second-row player, asserting that his pairing with Johnson would create the best lock combination globally. Moody expresses, "I loved playing against Paul. He was a proper competitor, a proper hard-worker, and a high-class player for a long, long time."

Moody's lone French selection, Thierry Dusautoir, secures a place in the blindside flanker position. Highlighting Dusautoir's strength, exceptional engine, warrior mentality, and leadership skills, Moody positions him strategically to accommodate Neil Back. Moody asserts, "He was so strong and had such an amazing engine, also a real warrior and great captain."

Despite acknowledging the challenges presented by other formidable sevens like David Wallace and Martyn Williams, Moody opts for Neil Back, praising his unparalleled tenacity and competitiveness as the best No.7 in the northern hemisphere over the past two decades. Moody says, "Neil was probably the most tenacious and competitive player I have seen."

In a modern selection, Moody chooses Taulupe Faletau for the No.8 position, emphasizing his longevity and class. Despite considering his old friend Lawrence Dallaglio, Moody diversifies his lineup with Faletau, noting his exceptional contributions. Moody reflects, "A modern pick here. Taulupe is not even 30 yet but it feels like he has been around forever, such is his longevity and class."

The brains behind the Six Nations masterplans, these head coaches have all won 'Rugby's Greatest Championship', since the modernised competition began back in 2000. Throughout the history of the competition, there have been only five head coaches to win the competition on more than one occasion.

However, Ireland head coach Andy Farrell is looking to become the sixth, as he orchestrates the men from the Emerald Isle into defending their Six Nations Grand Slam. In total, the Six Nations has been won by 13 different head coaches, and we challenge you to name them all in the next six minutes!

Your time starts... now! Good luck!