Martin Johnson, England’s iconic World Cup-winning skipper, has named his ultimate rugby XV — and some legends don’t make the cut.

Lawrence Dallaglio, Shane Williams, Brian O’Driscoll, and Jason Robinson? Not in his dream lineup.

The 2003 World Cup hero and two-time British & Irish Lions captain (1997, 2001) has gone all in with a team stacked full of all-time greats.

With two Grand Slams for England under his belt (1995, 2003), Johnson’s status as one of rugby’s greatest leaders is rock solid.

So, who made the cut? Here’s Johnson’s ultimate XV.

BACK THREE

Fullback: Serge Blanco (France)
A magician with the ball in hand, Blanco scored 38 tries in 93 appearances for France and was known for his incredible attacking flair.

“A great France fullback who dominated games.”

Winger: Joe Roff (Australia)
Roff was a key part of Australia’s golden era, winning the 1999 Rugby World Cup and scoring 30 tries in 86 Tests. A complete winger with pace, skill, and a brilliant rugby brain.

“You’d put David Campese up there, but Roff is my choice. A fantastic all-round rugby player, an old-school wing.”

Winger: Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
The most feared winger in history, Lomu’s 15 Rugby World Cup tries and bulldozing runs changed the game forever.

“Not much difficulty in choosing one of the most awesome wings to have ever played.”

CENTRES

Outside-centre: Philippe Sella (France)
Sella was the first player to win 100 caps for France and remains one of the most complete centres the game has ever seen.

“I used to watch him as a kid on TV and think he was brilliant. Then I played against him, and he was still brilliant. If you hit him, it was like running into concrete.”

Inside-centre: Danie Gerber (South Africa)
One of the best centres never to play in a Rugby World Cup due to South Africa’s sporting exile. Gerber had electric pace and scored 19 tries in just 24 Tests.

“He didn’t play many Tests because of apartheid, but he had power and pace. I played against him in a charity match in 1996 when he was in his 40s – he was still awesome.”

CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO

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