The following is my own 'Rugby Dream Team' based on over 10 years of watching the sport I love. Not necessarily the best players in each position, my carefully selected team is drawn from my personal favourite players in each position.
It would be interesting to see how they would gel together as a team. Of course, there is naturally more representation from some countries than others due to being from the United Kingdom. There are descriptions about each player in the squad. What are your thoughts on my side? Any surprise selections? Would you argue the case for someone else's inclusion?
1 John Smit.
To captain South Africa brings with it a whole host of added pressures such as politics, apartheid and government interference. But despite all the off-field pressures, Smit has emerged as a fine leader and passionate ambassador for Springbok rugby. A true gentlemen who has earned over 100 international caps, he can operate right across the front row. His influence as a sportsman on the whole of South Africa should not be underestimated.
2 Keith Wood.
He simply merits selection due to his performances in a 1997 and 2001 Lions shirt, that is all. For those who have watched the behind the scenes tour videos, you will have realised that Wood is a larger than life character. His commitment to the cause and passion shines right through. A true warrior who had it all, he was a player well ahead of his time in my eyes. I shall never forget his Lions performances. Formidable.
3 Phil Vickery.
Vickery is known as a very proud and honest bloke. He has fought many battles down the years, constantly struggling with persistent injury problems which ultimately forced him into an early retirment. But he should be rewarded for his great bouncebackabiltiy. He kept on fighting to prove the doubters, and the critics, wrong. He has achieved it all in the game and can look back with pride what he has achieved throughout his career. A great role model for the youth of today.
4 Simon Shaw.
How could I ever leave out Simon Shaw? In my eyes, a true legend. Still going strong at the age of 37, his mammoth performance in the 2009 Lions second test at Loftus Versveld should never be forgotten, making sure he goes down as one of the all time greats. That one match has shaped his whole career and I will remember him fondly for the day he gave everything for the cause of the British and Irish Lions. True warrior.
5 Victor Matfield.
A line-out specialist and well-respected player amongst his peers, Matfield has built up one of the finest reputations in the game over the years. Another of the 100+ caps club, he has won everything in the game. He fights for his people and is as passionate about his country as they come. A truly remarkable second row, high class. He is one half of a renowned partnership with Bakkies Botha. Will be very hard for the Boks to replace after years of outstanding service.
6 Tom Croft.
The youngster of the pack, Croft's international emergence has been sudden and telling. Having burst onto the scene, he is one of the quickest back-row players in world rugby. Tall and rangy, his versatility, work-rate, line out abiltiy and pace are his key attributes. A player who can go on to achieve greatness in his latter years. Key Man.
7 Martyn Williams.
I fully respect Williams for the way he has overcome the death of both his mother and brother. But, his well-documented problems in his personal life have not affected his high standards of performance on the pitch. A true squad player, I feel for Williams. Renowned as one of the greatest footballing back-rowers the game has ever seen, his 98 international caps are testament to his longevity and determination. One to keep out of the limelight, he goes about his work in a professional manner, total respect.
8 Imanol Harinorduquey.
He typifies the cliche 'one man club'. The 'Basque warrior' is famed for saying he is Basque before he is French. Fascinating. A true superstar in Catalonian terms, he is a flag bearer for Basque rugby. He should be applauded for sticking to and remembering his childhood roots. A real grafter on the pitch, he gives his all. A versatile leader who is a great line-out technician and battler, his Catalan Basque roots are admirable.
9 Agustin Pichot.
A proud Argentinian, his role in the 2007 World Cup saw an unfancied Argentinnian side over-achieve in the showpiece event. He was the linchpin, the heartbeat of that side. A great player on his day, he is maybe a surprise selection in this line-up. Now retired, the way he marshaled his troops 4 years ago was of the highest class.
10 Carlos Spencer.
Whilst 'King Carlos'' spell at Gloucester was a bit hit and miss, he shone with Northampton Saints and the All Blacks. Capable of frequent moments of genuis, he often lit up a rugby pitch with his outrageous attacking flair. Whilst he was defensively suspect at times, his vision and ability reminds me of Quade Cooper. A pleasure to watch, his vast array of skills often dazzled the watching rugby public. Frightening.
11 Jason Robinson.
Billy Whizz was an instant superstar when he came to the 15 man code in 2000/2001. I remember his electric acceleration, his sidestep. His 2001 Lions try in the 1st test at the Gabba was outrageous, a particular highlight. Many more have been scored on the way but I applaud Robinson for overcoming adversity earlier on in his life. A devoted Christian, he had a troubled childhood and experienced violence, alcohol abuse and neglect. What a story.
12 Will Greenwood.
His autobiography is amongst the best I have read. A fine rugby player who has turned into an excellent analayis panellist for Sky Sports, his knowledge of the game is second to none. A player who achieved international stardom with England whilst also going on successive Lions tours, the loss of his first baby was a telling moment in his life. But he came back from it stronger and played some fine rugby but a loss of life always puts sport into perspective.
13 Brian O'Driscoll.
I have grown up watching an international sporting superstar unfold. His infamous breakaway try in the first 2001 Lions test has become legendary. What more can I say that hasn't been said? An absolute genius, the man known in some quarters as 'Bod' is a born winner. A 3 time Lions tourist, double Heineken Cup winner, he is an outrageous player of the highest class. My favourite player of all time.
14 Rob Kearney.
Like Croft, the youngster in this back-line. Having only emerged onto the international stage in recent years, his calmness and assurances from full back is class. He is here, like so many, because of the trojan efforts he has given in a British and Irish Lions shirt. At Loftus Versveld in THAT 2nd test, he was simply marvellous. A performance that I shall never forget. Can go on to be one of the all time greats despite probably being underestimated in the southern hemisphere.
15 Percy Montgomery.
Some eyes may have been raised at the selection of Montgomery who had a controversial and chequered career for a number of different reasons. Not necessarily a flair player but a player who played the percentages with a great left boot. His kicking accuracy was up there amongst the best in world rugby.He gained 102 Springbok caps. I had the privelage of watching him live in the Heineken Cup for Newport Gwent Dragons and he was outstanding.
16 Gethin Jenkins.
17 Martin Castogiovani.
18 Donncha O'Callaghan.
19 Luke Watson.
20 Harry Ellis.
21 Jonny Wilkinson.
22 Scott Gibbs.
Coach: Sir Ian McGeechan
The Sir Alex Ferguson of rugby union. For me, Geech is one of the greatest coaches of all time. A man who deserves respect for what he has achieved in the game, his long winded love affair with this sport is very humbling to see. Deserves every single accolade that comes his way for he has been and always will be, a living Lions legend.
