The best XV in rugby history…there’s no place for Dan Carter, Paul O’Connell or Sergio Parisse.
15. Serge Blanco (France)
The French icon’s international career saw the flamboyant full-back displaying a variety of outlandish levels of skill while winning the Five Nations Grand Slam in 1981 and 1987, as well as won four titles.
Blanco was a threat from anywhere on the field and often took risks rarely seen these days. He won a total of 93 caps for France during his 11-year international career from 1980 to 1991, a record at the time of his retirement.
He also scored an impressive 233 points and is a true legend of the sport.
Did you know that: Footage of Blanco’s on-field heroics can always be seen ironically alongside footage of him striding along the touchline smoking a cigarette.
Honorable mention: JPR Williams (Wales), Jason Robinson (England), Percy Montgomery (South Africa)
14. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
The New Zealander is joint with Brian Habana as the all-time record try scorer at a Rugby World Cup, having gone over the wall 15 times between 1995 and 1999. Easiest selection of the best XVs of all time.
It was Lomu, who is of Tongan descent, who made being a big, bruising winger appealing, even though his height meant he could easily slot into the center or somewhere in the pack. Ta.
Like any giant in the Marvel Universe, once Lomu got into his groove, there was no stopping him.
Did you know that: In September 2009, Rom participated in an amateur bodybuilding contest and placed second in two categories.
Honorable mention: Brian Habana (South Africa), Doug Howlett (New Zealand), Shane Williams (Wales)
13. Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Former Ireland and British Irish Lions skipper Brian O’Driscoll has been one of the world’s most consistent performers for more than a decade.
He retired in 2014 after amassing 133 caps and scoring 245 goals for Ireland. Wearing emerald green, he won the Six Nations in 2009 (Grand Slam) and 2014, and was named Player of the Tournament in 2006, 2007 and 2009.
The Dublin-born player was also Ireland’s all-time leading try scorer, scoring an astonishing 46 points, and also led his country more times than any other player.