Richie McCaw named the best rugby union player of the professional era

 

Find your local Greene King and settle in to the Six Nations!

But maybe, just maybe, it's not SO wrong. 

Maybe this list ranking the 30 greatest rugby players of the professional era is actually 100% correct.

But before you angrily tweet us or angrily WhatsApp your friends your disgust, please bear the aforementioned in mind and TRY (all I'm asking is you try) and enjoy reading Wales Online's ranking from back in 2018.

Known as Billy Whizz, this former rugby league star proved a hugely successful convert to Union. A lethal runner from full-back or wing, he was a nightmare to mark in one-on-one situations.

They said: "Known as Billy Whizz, this former rugby league star proved a hugely successful convert to Union. A lethal runner from full-back or wing, he was a nightmare to mark in one-on-one situations."

Renowned for his skills at the breakdown, George Smith was a master of turnovers and a tireless worker on the field. His tenacity and rugby intelligence made him a valuable asset for Australia.

A true leader and embodiment of Welsh rugby, Alun Wyn Jones has been a towering presence in the second row. With his physicality, work rate, and immense passion, he has achieved numerous accolades."

Sam Warburton captained Wales and the British and Irish Lions with distinction. His athleticism, poise, and ability to win turnovers made him one of the finest openside flankers of his generation.

As a former New Zealand rugby star, Doug Howlett was a prolific try-scorer. His speed, agility, and finishing ability made him a constant threat on the wing for both club and country.

Stephen Larkham was a gifted playmaker who orchestrated attacks with his vision and passing skills. His ability to read the game and create opportunities set him apart as a top-class fly-half.

Gethin Jenkins was a formidable prop known for his scrummaging prowess and work rate around the field. His durability and consistency made him a vital asset to the Welsh and British Lions.

Richard Hill was a versatile back-row forward who excelled in both defense and attack. His commitment, reliability, and selflessness earned him plaudits as a vital contributor to England's success.

They said: "Did all the unseen, grafting work and just got on with his job in unassuming fashion, putting his body on the line. Able to excel right across the back row, he was a pivotal figure on two Lions trips and an England World Cup winner."

Schalk Burger was a dynamic and physical flanker, always putting his body on the line. His ferocious tackling and ability to turn over ball made him a feared competitor in the back row.

Lawrence Dallaglio was a powerful number eight who led by example. His leadership qualities, ball-carrying ability, and never-say-die attitude made him an integral part of successful teams.

They said: "Had it all in his prime - pace, power, aggression, pride and a steely mind-set. A Lions series winner, a World Cup winner and a trophy magnet with Wasps."

John Smit was an exceptional hooker and inspirational captain for the Springboks. His leadership, strength in the set piece, and ability to rally his team set him apart as a true icon.

Zinzan Brooke was a dynamic and skilled back-row player known for his exceptional ball skills. His flair, ability to offload, and accurate kicking made him a unique and influential player.

Christian Cullen was an electrifying full-back blessed with speed and agility. His ability to beat defenders and score spectacular tries established him as a genuine game-changer.

David Pocock was a dominant presence at the breakdown, winning turnovers with precision. His work rate, physicality, and commitment to the team made him a key asset for Australia

Kieran Read was a world-class number eight who combined athleticism with skill. A strong ball-carrier and exceptional lineout option, he played a vital role in New Zealand's success."

Paul O'Connell was an imposing second row who led by example. His physicality, leadership, and passion for the game made him a revered figure in Irish rugby history.

Victor Matfield was a towering presence in the second row, renowned for his lineout prowess. His ability to dominate aerial battles and provide astute game management was unmatched.

George Gregan was a tenacious scrum-half known for his quick thinking and precise passing. His leadership and exceptional decision-making made him a linchpin of Australian rugby.

Bryan Habana was a record-breaking winger with blistering speed and a nose for the try line. His agility, anticipation, and try-scoring ability established him as a true rugby superstar.

11 Martin Johnson (England)

Martin Johnson was a formidable lock and inspirational leader. His physicality, competitiveness, and dedication to the team made him one of England's most revered players.

They said: "A player who led by example and the kind of man you would always want alongside you in the trenches when the chips are down. Would never ask someone to do something he wouldn’t do himself."

Jonny Wilkinson was a legendary fly-half and renowned match-winner. His precision kicking, tactical acumen, and iconic World Cup-winning drop goal solidified his place in rugby history.

They said: "He’s also been one of the great match winners of the era and one of the game’s greatest ever accumulators of points.

"In fact, only Dan Carter has scored more in Test rugby, with Wilkinson having garnered 1,246 during his 97 caps for England and the Lions. His finest hour, of course, came in 2003, when he slotted the drop goal that won the World Cup.

"The fact he landed it with his weaker right foot speaks volumes for his hours and hours of diligent practice. Bowed out on a high, earning two more trophies with Toulon."

John Eales was an exceptional lock known for his skill, athleticism, and leadership. As one of Australia's most successful captains, he left an indelible mark on the game.

Shane Williams was a diminutive winger with exceptional speed and agility. His elusive running and try-scoring ability made him a fan favorite and a true entertainer.

Tim Horan was a gifted center with superb attacking skills and astute game understanding. His ability to break through defenses and create opportunities made him a key figure for Australia.

Sergio Parisse was a talismanic number eight for Italy, leading his country with distinction. His athleticism, skill set, and dedication to the game made him a respected figure worldwide.

Joost van der Westhuizen was a legendary scrum-half known for his speed and tenacity. His exceptional passing and game management skills made him a vital cog in South Africa's success.

Jonah Lomu was a rugby phenomenon, a powerhouse winger with unprecedented size and speed. His ability to bulldoze through defenders and revolutionize the game made him an icon.

Brian O'Driscoll was a dynamic center with exceptional skills in attack and defense. His vision, evasive running, and leadership qualities established him as Ireland's greatest ever player.

They said: "Ireland’s record try scorer with 46 touchdowns, O’Driscoll also led his country more times than any other player and his brilliant defensive qualities and dazzling attacking skills made him a threat all over the field."

Dan Carter was a fly-half extraordinaire, widely regarded as the best of his generation. His kicking accuracy, playmaking ability, and sheer skill made him a game-changer for New Zealand.

They said: "The greatest back of the professional era, his record speaks for itself. Way out in front as the leading points scorer in international rugby history, with 1,598 points from his 112 caps. Throw in a further 1,708 points for the Crusaders and the fly-half’s impact on the game cannot be emphasised enough."

Richie McCaw was a legendary flanker and inspirational leader. His relentless work ethic, skill set, and ability to win turnovers made him the epitome of a modern-day rugby great.

They said: "Add to that his leadership and you have the perfect package. Lifting the 2011 World Cup in his backyard was a fitting tribute to one of the greatest ever All Blacks, but he went on to secure true legendary status as he continued for four more years, breaking record after record and uniquely hoisting the Webb Ellis trophy for a second time."