The late Bill McLaren nominated controversial Australian winger David Campese as the greatest player he has ever seen when picking his all-time XV in 2002.
It is a measure of McLaren's popularity within the game that 12 of his all-time XV flew into London to celebrate the Scot's 50th year in broadcasting.
With the joint backing of Six Nations sponsors Lloyds TSB and The Times newspaper, McLaren spent four months pouring over each position.
He finished with four Welshmen, three All Blacks, two each from England, Ireland and South Africa and a lone Scot.
Fullback: Andy Irvine (Scotland)
Scotland and British Lions full back whose offensive genius marked him out from the rest. Always willing to take a risk in attacking play.
Winger: Gerald Davies (Wales)
"You need a double-barrelled shotgun to stop him," smiled McLaren. "He is an amazing little fellow. I have never seen a player with quite the same dancing feet and change of pace, better even than Gerald Davies.
"I always said Gerald would be the player I'd least like to mark."
Outside-centre: Danie Gerber (South Africa)
Strong and aggressive South African, who was at his peak when the Springboks were banned from world rugby.
Inside-centre: Mike Gibson (Ireland)
Ireland and British Lions back who played in almost every position behind the scrum. Career spanned 16 seasons.
Winger: David Campese (Australia)
"Every time David Campese got the ball people sat up and took notice, he took a risk and I love that," said McLaren.
"He was so adventurous. Sometimes it didn't work, but he was always willing to try. Andy Irvine was similar, but Campese was the one. He carried the commentary along with the play."
Fly-half: Rob Andrew (England)
England and British Lions general remowned for his kicking game. Always calm and steady presence behind the pack.
Scrum-half: Gareth Edwards (Wales)
Wales and British Lions legend who became the first Welsh player to reach 50 caps. Passed, kicked and ran impeccably.
Loosehead prop: Graham Price (Wales)
Wales and British Lions anchor from the Pontypool school of front-rowing. A quiet achiever who let his playing do the talking.
Hooker: Sean Fitzpatrick (New Zealand)
ough New Zealander who led his country 51 times. Renowned for his throwing, mobility, and advice to referees.
Tighthead prop: Fran Cotton (England)
England and British Lions bulwark who was solid in the scrummage, quick to breakdowns and a strong leader.
Lock: Colin Meads (New Zealand)
New Zealand totem voted All Black of the century by Kiwi public in 1999. Played a record 133 times for his country.
Lock: Frik Du Preez (South Africa)
South African lineout expert, cultured with hands, feet and tactically aware. Won his first ten internaionals.
Blindside flanker: Zinzan Brooke
All Black legend whose physical and tactical skills marked him out above the rest. Bagged three drop goals for the Kiwis.
Openside flanker: Fergus Slattery (Ireland)
reland and British Lions maverick, who caused chaos in Springbok ranks in the 1974 Lions tour. Quick, hard and uncompromising.
Number 8: Mervyn Davies (Wales)
Wales and British Lions legend who became the first Welsh player to reach 50 caps. Passed, kicked and ran impeccably.
Replacements: J Leonard (England), K Wood (Ireland), J Eales (Australia), I Kirkpatrick (New Zealand), N Farr-Jones (Australia), M Lynagh (Australia), M Burke (Australia).
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