England vs New Zealand – who makes RUCK’s all-time combined XV?
Top 10s/ListsSaturday, 10 November 2018 at 10:24
Ahead of this weekend’s clash at Twickenham, RUCK selects their all-time best combined England and New Zealand line-up. Do you agree with his selection?
Fullback: Christian Cullen (NZ)
Just about the most exciting player in the world game for a few years in the late 1990s. Nicknamed the Paekakariki Express, he had a remarkable strike rate, scoring 46 tries in just 58 Tests for New Zealand, with his elusive running and pace from full-back ripping sides apart.
Winger: Jason Robinson (ENG)
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.
Australia vs The British and Irish Lions 3rd Test 14/7/2001Jason Robinson of the Lions after he scores a tryMandatory Credit ©INPHO/Billy Stickland[/caption]
Outside-centre: Will Greenwood (ENG)
A tall, stylish and astute centre who had a particular penchant for scoring tries against Wales. Two Lions tours, but his finest hour was lifting the World Cup with England in 2003.
Aviva Live Room, Will Greenwood speaks during the Aviva Premiership Final between Exeter Chiefs and Saracens at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on May 26. - PHOTO: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK/Aviva[/caption]
Inside-centre: Ma'a Nonu (NZ)
Known initially more for his braided hair and eyeliner, he added passing and kicking to his raw line-breaking power to become one of the great centres, capping his Test career with that superb World Cup final try.
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 24: Ma'a Nonu of the New Zealand All Blacks is tackled by Handre Pollard (l) and Francois Louw (6) of South Africa during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Semi Final match between South Africa and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on October 24, 2015 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Chris Lee - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)[/caption]
Winger: Jonah Lomu (NZ)
Has one man ever done more to popularise the game of rugby than Jonah? When he burst onto the scene at the 1995 World Cup, it was like a meteor landing from outer space. We had never seen anything like him before and his incredible feats grabbed the attention of folk who had never previously been interested in the sport.
The physical impact Lomu had on the 1995 World Cup was beyond the effect of any other player in the history of the game. He scored seven tries in 1995, including four in an unforgettable one-man demolition job of England in the semi.
Lomu went one better in 1999 to finish with a record 15 tournament tries, before going on to show his dignity with his brave fight against debilitating kidney disease.
One of a kind and the impression he left on so many lives was vividly illustrated by the reaction to his death in November 2015.
Fly-half: Jonny Wilkinson (ENG)
Dan Carter has scored more in Test rugby, but we're going with Wilkinson, who 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.
Scrum-half: Justin Marshall (NZ)
Some players talk the talk, some walk the walk. Justin Marshall could do both. Backed up his chirping by running the show for the All Blacks in an 81-cap Test career ahead of a high-profile spell with the Ospreys.
Loosehead Prop: Jason Leonard (ENG)
Hooker: Sean Fitzpatrick (NZ)
Tighthead Prop: Phil Vickery (ENG)
Lock: Martin Johnson (ENG)
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, while he will always be remembered as the man presented with the 2003 World Cup, which England won in Sydney.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 23: England's Lawrence Dallaglio is supported by Martin Johnson in the 2003 Rugby World Cup Final played against Australia at the Telstra Stadium,Saturday.England won in extra time 2017. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)[/caption]
Lock: Sam Whitelock (NZ)
Alongside Brodie Retalllick the 100-capped 29-year-old has forged one of the most potent second-row pairings in the global game. His industry in the engine room of the pack is a key ingredient in the All Blacks success.
Blindside Flanker: Richard Hill (ENG)
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)[/caption]
Openside Flanker: Richie McCaw (NZ)
He earned a world-record 148 caps for the All Blacks, winning 131 of those games and captaining his country 111 times, to two Rugby World Cup triumphs. Perhaps my favourite stat is he'd has played in 32 per cent of New Zealand’s Test match victories since 1903 at the time of retirement!
Number 8: Kieran Read (NZ)
A totem of the modern day All Blacks side. Leads from the front and his 115-cap haul in the Kiwis back-row has helped minimise the 2015 retirement of their captain colossus Richie McCaw.
Kieran Read of New Zealand (All Blacks) in action during the Rugby World Cup Pool C match between Argentina v New Zealand at Wembley Stadium Connected by EE on Sep 20th 2015 in London - Photo mandatory by-line: Graeme Truby/Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile:0797 1270 681 - VAT Reg No: 183700120 - SPORT - International Rugby[/caption]
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