LIST | 5 times Martin Johnson proved he was rugby's greatest captain

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by Steven Smith

Tuesday, 20 October 2020 at 03:08

bySteven Smith

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Known for his strong leadership and no-nonsense approach to the game, 2003 World Cup winning Captain of England Martin Johnson is often perceived as the best rugby leader of all-time.

Here's five times he proved this was true...

1. The moment of World Cup victory

Australia 17-20 England, 22 November 2003

Johnson, like all great players, delivered when the stakes were at their highest and arguably saved his best England game for last.

His performance in the World Cup final was exceptional - dominant in the line-out and brutally effective in the tight exchanges.

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When England threatened to lose a game they should have won handsomely, he galvanised his troops for one final push.

Clear-headed enough to set up the winning position in the 100th minute, his leadership brought ultimate glory.

2. "Get down and shove,"

New Zealand 13-15 England, 14 June 2003

With England defending a slender lead at Wellington's Westpac Stadium in 2003, their hopes of a first win in New Zealand for 30 years looked to be over when Lawrence Dallaglio and Neil Back were both sin-binned.

But with the All Blacks awarded several scrums close to the England line, Johnson ordered his five remaining forward comrades to "get down and shove".

"You saw Martin Johnson at his absolute best in that 10-minute period," said coach Clive Woodward. "His leadership was just inspirational."

Asked after England's victory what was going through his head as he packed down, Johnson replied: "My spine."

3. Standing firm

Never was his leadership present more so than at Landsdowne Road in 2003 when shortly before kick-off against Ireland, Johnson broke protocol by refusing to move to the red carpet parade area, resulting in President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, having to walk across the uncovered grass to him instead.