RANKED! The 5 best England players of the professional era...
Rugby NewsWednesday, 06 March 2019 at 14:56
Here are the five greatest players to have worn the famous England shirt since the game turned professional in the late 1990's...
5. JASON ROBINSON
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. Had a knack of scoring memorable tries on the big stage.
MELBOURNE - JUNE 21: Jason Robinson of England charges forward during the Rugby Union Test Match between Australia and England held on June 21, 2003 at The Telstra Dome, in Melbourne, Australia. England won the match 25-14. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
4. RICHARD HILL
The ultimate players’ player. 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.
DUBLIN - MARCH 30: England's back row (l to r) Richard Hill, Neil Back and Lawrence Dallaglio celebrate after winning the Grand Slam in the RBS Rugby Union International match between Ireland and England at Lansdowne Road, Dublin, Ireland on March 30, 2003. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
3. LAWRENCE DALLAGLIO
Went from being a schoolboy chorister to one of the most formidable physical presences in the game of rugby. 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.
2. MARTIN JOHNSON
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.
Captained the Lions on two tours, including the triumphant 1997 trip to South Africa, but he will always be remembered as the man presented with the 2003 World Cup.
1. JONNY WILKINSON
In some ways, you could argue Wilkinson has been the epitome of the professional era. He has set new standards in terms of dedication and an almost obsessive pursuit of perfection.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 19: Jonny Wilkinson of England looks on during the Cook Cup Test Match between the Australian Wallabies and England at ANZ Stadium on June 19, 2010 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
He’s also been one of the great match winners of the era and one of the game’s greatest ever accumulators of points.
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.
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