Zinzan Brooke Leaves Out Carter and McCaw from His 'Greatest XV'
Rugby NewsMonday, 06 October 2025 at 22:19
led his all-time rugby union dream team, and it’s causing a stir. There’s no place for Dan Carter, Richie McCaw, Martin Johnson, or Jonny Wilkinson in his selection!
Brooke, widely regarded as one of the greatest number eights in rugby history, redefined the role during his illustrious career. Known for his exceptional skill set, Brooke was as comfortable slotting a drop goal from 40 meters as he was dominating the breakdown.
He earned 58 caps for New Zealand between 1987 and 1997, scored 17 tries in Test rugby, and represented the All Blacks in two Rugby World Cups, helping them to glory in 1987.
At the domestic level, Brooke was a force of nature. He captained the Auckland Blues to back-to-back Super 12 titles in 1996 and 1997 and played a pivotal role in Auckland's dominance of the National Provincial Championship during the late 1980s and 1990s. A true leader on and off the field, he inspired a generation of players with his innovative play.
Off the field, Brooke comes from a rugby dynasty, with brothers Marty and Robin also excelling in the sport. Since retiring, he’s remained active in the game as a coach, pundit, and ambassador for rugby globally.
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Zinzan Brooke’s World XV
Fullback: Christian Cullen (New Zealand)
"The Gazelle with Boots"
Christian Cullen was rugby’s answer to a turbo-charged gazelle. Known for lightning speed, silky sidesteps, and uncanny counter-attacking skills, Cullen could turn a defensive mess into a highlight reel in seconds. Opponents learned early: never give him space.
Christian Cullen was rugby’s answer to a turbo-charged gazelle. Known for lightning speed, silky sidesteps, and uncanny counter-attacking skills, Cullen could turn a defensive mess into a highlight reel in seconds. Opponents learned early: never give him space.
Winger: David Campese (Australia)
"Campo, the Trickster"
David Campese played with the swagger of a magician and the audacity of a showman. His goose-step was a rugby legend, bamboozling defenders across decades. If you saw him coming, you still weren’t safe.
David Campese played with the swagger of a magician and the audacity of a showman. His goose-step was a rugby legend, bamboozling defenders across decades. If you saw him coming, you still weren’t safe.
Centre: Philippe Sella (France)
"The French Maestro"
Philippe Sella was the epitome of centre artistry — combining elegance, brute strength, and tactical genius. His ability to read the game made him a linchpin for France. He didn’t just play rugby; he painted on a pitch.
Philippe Sella was the epitome of centre artistry — combining elegance, brute strength, and tactical genius. His ability to read the game made him a linchpin for France. He didn’t just play rugby; he painted on a pitch.
Centre: Joe Stanley (New Zealand)
"The Wall with Flair"
Joe Stanley was all power and precision, a sturdy centre with a sharp rugby mind. While formidable in defence, he could flip to dazzling attack with a deft pass. Stanley was the definition of reliable with a splash of spectacle.
Joe Stanley was all power and precision, a sturdy centre with a sharp rugby mind. While formidable in defence, he could flip to dazzling attack with a deft pass. Stanley was the definition of reliable with a splash of spectacle.
Winger: Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
"The Human Hurricane"
Jonah Lomu wasn’t just a winger; he was a phenomenon. At 6’5” and nearly 120kg of pure speed and power, he redefined what wings could do. Defenders didn’t stop him — they became a part of his highlight reels.
Jonah Lomu wasn’t just a winger; he was a phenomenon. At 6’5” and nearly 120kg of pure speed and power, he redefined what wings could do. Defenders didn’t stop him — they became a part of his highlight reels.
Fly-Half: Beauden Barrett (New Zealand)
"The Smiling Strategist"
Beauden Barrett blends genius vision with an infectious grin. His lightning decision-making, blistering pace, and ability to read defences make him a nightmare for opposition. Barrett plays like he’s enjoying a game of chess… at full sprint.
Beauden Barrett blends genius vision with an infectious grin. His lightning decision-making, blistering pace, and ability to read defences make him a nightmare for opposition. Barrett plays like he’s enjoying a game of chess… at full sprint.
Scrum-Half: Gareth Edwards (Wales)
"The King of Nine"
Gareth Edwards is rugby’s gold standard for scrum-halves. His speed, precision, and consistency shaped an era of Welsh dominance. Edwards could turn chaos into clarity — and make it look effortless.
Gareth Edwards is rugby’s gold standard for scrum-halves. His speed, precision, and consistency shaped an era of Welsh dominance. Edwards could turn chaos into clarity — and make it look effortless.
Prop: Os du Randt (South Africa)
"The Bulldozer"
Os du Randt was raw power incarnate. He scrummaged like a force of nature and carried like a freight train. Du Randt was the kind of prop whose presence made opponents rethink every scrum.
Os du Randt was raw power incarnate. He scrummaged like a force of nature and carried like a freight train. Du Randt was the kind of prop whose presence made opponents rethink every scrum.
Hooker: Sean Fitzpatrick (New Zealand)
"The Heartbeat of the All Blacks"
Sean Fitzpatrick was more than a hooker — he was a leader. His calmness under pressure, leadership skills, and relentless work ethic made him a cornerstone of New Zealand rugby. He brought both grit and grace to the game.
Sean Fitzpatrick was more than a hooker — he was a leader. His calmness under pressure, leadership skills, and relentless work ethic made him a cornerstone of New Zealand rugby. He brought both grit and grace to the game.
Prop: Pascal Ondarts (France)
"The Beast of the Front Row"
Pascal Ondarts was a prop who combined brute force with raw passion. His scrummaging was legendary, and his fiery French spirit brought unmatched energy to the pitch. He wasn’t just a player; he was a phenomenon of French rugby pride.
Pascal Ondarts was a prop who combined brute force with raw passion. His scrummaging was legendary, and his fiery French spirit brought unmatched energy to the pitch. He wasn’t just a player; he was a phenomenon of French rugby pride.
Lock: Brodie Retallick (New Zealand)
"The Modern Titan"
Brodie Retallick blends size, skill, and intelligence in a way few locks can. A disruptor in defence and an unstoppable force in attack, Retallick represents the evolution of forward play in rugby.
Brodie Retallick blends size, skill, and intelligence in a way few locks can. A disruptor in defence and an unstoppable force in attack, Retallick represents the evolution of forward play in rugby.
Lock: John Eales (Australia)
"Nobody Does It Better"
John Eales was rugby’s thinking man in the engine room — precise in execution and unshakable under pressure. A rare lock who could kick goals, he earned the nickname “Nobody” because, in many eyes, nobody could match him.
John Eales was rugby’s thinking man in the engine room — precise in execution and unshakable under pressure. A rare lock who could kick goals, he earned the nickname “Nobody” because, in many eyes, nobody could match him.
Flanker: Michael Jones (New Zealand)
"The Silent Assassin"
Michael Jones played with quiet intensity and ruthless efficiency. His defensive work was relentless, and his ability to steal possession changed games. Jones’ rugby style was unflashy but deadly effective.
Michael Jones played with quiet intensity and ruthless efficiency. His defensive work was relentless, and his ability to steal possession changed games. Jones’ rugby style was unflashy but deadly effective.
Flanker: Jean-Pierre Rives (France)
"Le Gladiateur"
Jean-Pierre Rives was rugby’s embodiment of passion and toughness. His fearless tackling and commitment to the game inspired French teams for years. Rives wasn’t just a player; he was poetry in a scrum cap.
Jean-Pierre Rives was rugby’s embodiment of passion and toughness. His fearless tackling and commitment to the game inspired French teams for years. Rives wasn’t just a player; he was poetry in a scrum cap.
Number 8: Kieran Read (New Zealand)
"The Calm Colossus"
Kieran Read carried the All Blacks’ number 8 tradition with poise and consistency. His decision-making and leadership made him an anchor in chaos. Read didn’t just lead; he embodied rugby’s balance of strength and intelligence.
Kieran Read carried the All Blacks’ number 8 tradition with poise and consistency. His decision-making and leadership made him an anchor in chaos. Read didn’t just lead; he embodied rugby’s balance of strength and intelligence.
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