Ever wondered who the ultimate rugby dream team would be? Martin Johnson, a legend in his own right, didn't just pick a team; he curated a collection of titans. Let's dive into his choices, position by position, and see what makes these players so special.
HALFBACKS
Fly-half: Jonny Wilkinson (England)
When the pressure was on, Wilkinson delivered. His iconic drop goal in 2003 secured England's World Cup victory. Johnson recognizes Wilkinson's defensive prowess, stating, “I could have gone for Phil Bennett, Michael Lynagh, Stephen Larkham or others, but Jonny is special – not just for his kicking.” This highlights Wilkinson's all-around game.
Scrum-half: Gareth Edwards (Wales)
Edwards, often hailed as the greatest scrum-half ever, was the engine of Wales' dominant team in the 1970s. Johnson acknowledges his impact, but also offers a contrasting view: “The Welsh have put mythical status on Edwards and their 1970s players, but Rob Howley was almost as good. Joost van der Westhuizen was the best scrum-half I played against.” But here's where it gets controversial... Is Edwards truly the best, or is it a matter of perspective and era?
FRONT ROW
Loosehead-prop: Jason Leonard (England)
Leonard, a veteran of four Rugby World Cups, including the 2003 win, holds the record for the most England appearances with 114 caps. Johnson's description of Leonard as “solid as a rock” speaks volumes about his consistency and reliability.
Hooker: Sean Fitzpatrick (New Zealand)
Fitzpatrick, a fierce competitor and leader, captained the All Blacks 51 times. He was instrumental in their 1987 World Cup victory. Johnson calls him a “fantastic competitor and a great captain.”
Tighthead-prop: Jean-Pierre Garuet (France)
Garuet, a formidable scrummager, helped France reach the 1987 Rugby World Cup final. Johnson describes him as “from the old school of scrummagers, a nuggety, fierce-looking guy.”
So, what do you think of Johnson's selections? Do you agree with his choices, or would you have picked different players? Share your dream team in the comments below!
