FRONT-ROW:

1. Tendai Mtawarira (South Africa)

Nicknamed “The Beast,” Mtawarira was a dominant loosehead prop known for his raw power and athleticism. A 2019 World Cup champion and Springbok stalwart with over 100 caps.

2. Keith Wood (Ireland)

A dynamic, explosive hooker and one of Ireland’s greatest players. Wood won the inaugural World Rugby Player of the Year award in 2001 and was central to reinvigorating Irish rugby.

3. Carl Hayman (New Zealand)

Regarded as one of the best tighthead props of the professional era. Hayman was a scrummaging powerhouse and consistent force for the All Blacks throughout the mid-2000s.

SECOND-ROW:

4. Paul O’Connell (Ireland)

Legendary leader, tireless competitor, and inspirational figure. O’Connell excelled in lineouts, physicality, and standards-setting, captaining Ireland and the Lions during an illustrious career.

O’Driscoll on O’Connell: “One of the greatest leaders & players of them all. Inspirational,”

5. Martin Johnson (England)

A colossus of the English pack and captain of the 2003 World Cup-winning team. Johnson was uncompromising, fearsome, and one of the most influential locks in rugby history.

BACK-ROW:

6. Richard Hill (England)

The unsung hero of England’s 2003 World Cup triumph. Hill was tough, technically perfect in the back row, and universally admired for his work rate and reliability.

O’Driscoll on Hill: “The England No.6 that won the World Cup in 2003. He was a brilliant teammate but he made that team tick, he was the unsung hero in that world cup win. He was hard! I always liked playing with guys that were nails in the team, that really stood up and never took a backwards step.”

7. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)

Often considered the greatest player of all time. McCaw captained New Zealand to back-to-back World Cups (2011 & 2015) and set new standards for breakdown play and leadership.

8. Lawrence Dallaglio (England)

A charismatic, powerful No.8, Dallaglio was central to England’s 2003 World Cup victory. Known for his leadership, ball-carrying, and big-game temperament.

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