The versatile rugby XV: The players who played multiple positions
Rugby NewsThursday, 11 October 2018 at 22:04
This 15 is made up of players who played numerous different positions during their international careers...
Fullback: Mike Catt (Fly-half, Winger, Centre, Fullback)
Catt's England debut came in 1994 against Wales, as a replacement for fly-half Rob Andrew, but he came to international prominence as a fullback. Indeed, Catt's international career took in caps at fly-half, fullback, centre and wing. He starred at fullback during England's 1995 Grand Slam before being selected for the World Cup in South Africa later that year.
Catt's most memorable contribution at the World Cup was to be unceremoniously trampled by a rampaging Jonah Lomu during the semi-final match against New Zealand. He then featured in the 2003 and 2007 World Cup final.
Winger: Ben Smith (Winger, Centre, Fullback)
Kicking loosely to Smith, no matter what position he's playing, is asking for trouble and those who do so usually get it. Were a World XV to take on Mars tomorrow, he would cause the guys in red more problems than most.
Centre: Kurtley Beale (Fly-half, Winger, Centre, Fullback)
Centre: Matt Giteau (Scrum-half, Fly-half, Winger, Centre)
Blessed with enormous natural ability, has been able to turn his hand to scrum-half, fly-half and centre. Test career seemed over when he headed off to win three European Cups with Toulon but returned to sparkle at the 2015 World Cup.
Winger: Tommy Bowe (Wing, Centre, Fullback
Fly-half: Jonny Wilkinson (Fly-half, Centre, Wing)
Started his first two caps playing wing and centre, His finest hour, of course, came in 2003 at fly-half, 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.
Scrum-half: Ruan Pienaar (Scrum-half, Fly-half, Wing, Fullback)
Prop: Jason Leonard (Tighthead-prop, Loosehead-prop)
Hooker: John Smit (Hooker, Tighthead-prop, Loosehead-prop)
One of the great captains of the professional era. Led South Africa a record 83 times in 111 Tests, guiding them to victory at the 2007 World Cup, a series triumph over the Lions in 2009 and two Tri-Nations titles. A teak hard performer in his own right, mainly at hooker, but also at prop.
Prop: Adam Jones (Loosehead prop, Tighthead prop)
His record speaks for itself. The scrum cornerstone of three Grand Slam winning teams and the Test tight-head on two Lions tours. A true legend of Welsh rugby who has also been one of the game’s great characters.
Lock: Mamuka Gorgodze (Lock,Flanker, Number 8)
Fans love a forwards in Europe and more than capable of operating in the second-row or any of the three positions across the back-row. The 33-year-old times most of his challenges to perfection, possesses formidable strength and a keen eye for a pass.
player who is genuinely willing to do anything for the good of the team – especially if he is the captain. Although a flanker by trade, Georgian powerhouse Gorgodze is one of the most versatile
Lock: Martin Corry (Lock, Flanker, Number 8)
Flanker: Danie Russouw (Lock, Flanker, Number8)
Flanker: David Pocock (Lock, Flanker, Number 8)
A worthy successor to Richie McCaw as the most influential player in world rugby, either at 7 or 8. There is simply no-one better in the game over the ball. He is just perfectly built for the role and when he locks himself onto a tackled player, there is no moving him. A fascinating character off the field too. He's also played lock for the Wallabies.
Number 8: Lawrence Dallaglio (Flanker, Number 8)
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.
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