Here is The greatest rugby XV of all-time picked by statisticians…. and there’s no room for Carter, O’Connell and Parisse.
Serge Blanco (France)
The flashy fullback’s international career with France saw him achieve different feats of skill while winning Five Nation Grand Slams in 1981 and 1987, as well as four more trophies.
Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
The New Zealander, together with Bryan Habana, is the equal all-time leading try scorer at the Rugby World Cup, having crossed the line 15 times between the 1995 and 1999 editions. The simplest choice in a best-of-all-time XV.
Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Brian O’Driscoll, former Ireland and British and Irish Lions captain, was one of the most consistent players in the world for more than a decade.
Tim Horan (Australia)
Only a few players have won the Rugby World Cup twice, and one of them is Australia’s powerful runner Tim Horan, who won in 1991 and 1999.
David Campese (Australia)
Capped by Australia on more than 100 occasions and scorer of 64 international tries, David Campese was once the world’s top scorer but now has to settle for the honour of second place.
Jonny Wilkinson (England)
He will forever be remembered as the man who won England the Rugby World Cup by edging out the hosts in Australia in 2003 with a last-gasp drop-goal.
Gareth Edwards (Wales)
The former Wales and British and Irish Lions scrum-half is without a doubt the finest scrum-half in history. Many people see Edwards as one of the best rugby players of all time.
Jason Leonard (England)
Leonard made his England debut at the age of 21 in 1990, the first of a record 119 caps for both England and the British & Irish Lions.
Keith Wood (Ireland)
The force of nature Wood was a dominant figure in the Irish front row.
Phil Vickery (England)
Phil Vickery was considered as England’s top tighthead prop for more than a decade, a reputation that reached its pinnacle when he was named captain of the national team by Brian Ashton in January 2007.
Martin Johnson (England)
Johnson, a legendary England lock, is widely regarded as one of the best players in the game’s history.
John Eales (Australia)
Perfect is a hard word to describe someone as but John Eales was not far off.
Francois Pienaar (South Africa)
Springbok Captain Pienaar is famous for leading South Africa to triumph in the World Cup in 1995.
Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
McCaw worked hard to improve his game, adding handling abilities and dynamic running to develop himself into a full openside.
Zinzan Brooke (New Zealand)
He was a capable forward with exceptional handling skills and a reliable boot, making him a one-of-a-kind talent.
