Lock: Frik du Preez (South Africa)

An exceptional athlete ahead of his time, du Preez combined speed, skill, and physicality. A dominant figure in the 1960s, he redefined what a forward could do.

Lock: Colin Meads (New Zealand)

Often regarded as the greatest All Black of all time, Meads was synonymous with toughness and leadership. His influence on the game remains legendary.

Johnson said: “The 1990s was a great era for locks. There were Robin Brooke and Ian Jones for New Zealand; Australia had John Eales; South Africa had Mark Andrews. I could have picked any of them but I’ve gone for some older players. Both Du Preez and Meads played in the 1960s but were very modern players. Meads was the greatest ever All Black; Frik was very quick and athletic. I wasn’t in their league.”

Blindside Flanker: Richard Hill (England)

A crucial part of England’s 2003 World Cup-winning team, Hill was the ultimate team player—intelligent, tireless, and highly effective in defence and breakdown work.

Johnson said: “It was a difficult choice but Hill, a quiet guy, very understated, was the pick. When he was with the Lions teams, if he didn’t play, we didn’t win. He would be embarrassed to be in this side, but he deserves it.”

Openside Flanker: Michael Jones (New Zealand)

A trailblazer of the modern openside role, Jones combined athleticism, skill, and physicality. Revered by teammates and opponents alike, he remains a mythical figure in rugby.

Johnson said: “Sean Fitzpatrick says he was the greatest player he ever played against, a mythical figure.”

Number 8: Wayne Shelford (New Zealand)

Nicknamed ‘Buck’, Shelford was a fierce competitor and inspirational leader. A World Cup winner in 1987, he embodied toughness and skill in equal measure.

Johnson said: “Buck was at his peak for the World Cup final in 1987. I remember watching him as a 16-year-old on the terraces at Leicester a year earlier and saw him charge down the flank, chip the ball over the wing and score a try. Not bad for a back row.”

QUIZ: Can you name the most capped All Blacks of all-time?

The All Blacks have produced some of the greatest players ever to grace the field — but only a few have worn the black jersey more than anyone else.

Can you name the top 5 most capped All Blacks of all time? Test your rugby knowledge and see if you can recall these icons of consistency and class!

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