My Biased one (Dating to 2003 BTW, but really sketchy knowledge pre-2009. Hell, even today. Du Randt Du Plessis Leonard Johnson Matfield Back Hill Dallaglio (Dusatoir, McCaw, Read not chosen for the sake of an All-England line, but definitely on the same level IMO) Du Preez Wilkinson (Carter not as good as Jonny at his best IMO) Habana Umaga BoD Rokocoko Muliana Yeah, maybe a slight 2003 England bias. But that's to be expected
Nonu does step up hugely at international level, but's pretty mediocre in Super Rugby. Plus he's one of the most hateable twats in existence.
1. Tendai Mtawarira 2. Bismarck du Plessis 3. Martin Castrogiovanni 4. John Eales 5. Brad Thorn 6. George Smith 7. Richie McCaw 8. Jerry Collins 9. George Gregan 10. Dan Carter 11. Jonah Lomu 12. Brian O'Driscoll 13. Stirling Mortlock 14. Joe Rokocoko 15. Christian Cullen
1. Trevor Woodman 2. Steve Thompson 3. Phil Vickery 4. Martin Johnson 5. Ben Kay 6. Richard Hill 7. Neil Back 8. Lawrence Dellaglio 9. Matt Dawson 10. Jonny Wilkinson 11. Ben Cohen 12. Will Greenwood 13. Mike Tindall 14. Jason Robinson 15. Josh Lewsey
Though most of the backs weren't exactly amazing. Only Jonny and Greenwood were truly world class. And Neil.
Mcdowell Fitzpatrick Loe Ian jones Matfield Dussatoir Michael Jones Buck Shelford Genia Carter Roberts Pokere Kirwan 14 Sitiveni 11 Blanco Wasn't watching when Lomu played and don't have any fav left wings.
I was like 7 at the time. I only really remember that we were carried through by the forwards and kicking, and a lot of my opinion back then is based on my Dad's.
Lewsey was a bit average, especially later on. But I think the fact that the back row + Wilkinson 3-point machine became so unstoppable tends to leave people underrating Robinson and Greenwood. Robinson produced the goods when we needed it more often than people remember.
We've never replaced Robinson imo. Lewsey was average going forward, but he was an outstanding defender
Anyway on that note 1. Ayerza 2. Chuter 3. Castrogiovanni 4. Cullen 5. Deacon 6. Croft 7. Jennings 8. Crane 9. Ellis 10. Goode 11. Tuilagi 12. Vesty 13. Hipkiss 14. Hamilton 15. Murphy
For Robinson fans... <iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hPgZ0kQhId0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> :fap:
The English back row from 1999 - 2003 was undeniable. I am really surprised that Lomu doesn't make your team since your era is more or less the same as mine, just started a little earlier. From "our" era, your locks (same as mine) are also undeniable. Sella is also a good choice. Would love to see your comments on my team.
Mainly because Ieuan Evans is probably my favourite player of all time, and David Campese was the arch-enemy in rugby in my youth, as well as an exceptional player. Was Lomu better? Well, probably, but I'll still take Evans and Campese. With your team, the first thing I noticed was Ntamack. I'd completely forgotten him, but he was a fantastic player. Also, I originally had Gavin Hastings in at 15 before knocking him out for Cullen and then remembering that Tanner Vili posted on here once and that I own one of his King Country player jerseys and decided to be incredibly biased and not necessarily select the best #15 of my vintage. :ninja: Joost is probably a decent call at 9. Farr-Jones was a pain in the arse, and another arch-enemy who I recall being a real thorn in the side, which is why I opted for him. But Joost was probably the better player in reality. Keith Wood a decent call. I didn't even think of him tbh. Really struggled with the front rowers as I could think of plenty of good options, but no one really fantastic. Califano also a name I didn't think of at all. Don't ever remember being amazed by him. Dallaglio and Carling... Was never a fan of either tbh. Or many English rugby players, tbf. Apart from the Underwoods (mainly because Mrs Underwood was always on the tv coverage, cheering for her lads. Seemed a bit more down to earth than most) and Johnson.
:bow: 1. Martin Castrogiovani 2. Steve Thompson 3. Dan Cole 4. Martin Johnson 5. Ben Kay 6. Neil Back 7. Lewis Moody 8. Sergio Parisse 9. Matt Dawson 10. Johnny Wilkinson 11. 12. Brian O'Driscoll 13. MANU 14. Jason Robinson 15. Geordan Murphy/Josh Lewsey
