4 Michael Jones – Josh Kronfeld – Zinzan Brooke
This All Blacks back row was sheer class. Michael Jones, perhaps the most gifted openside to ever play, shifted to blindside later in his career, and even then, remained world-class.
Josh Kronfeld, a flyer at 7, brought pace and breakdown brilliance, constantly disrupting and creating turnovers. And then Zinzan Brooke — the ultimate No.8 hybrid — who kicked drop goals, had hands like a centre, and a vision far beyond his position.
This trio combined flair with ferocity. Each man was a superstar, and all were contenders for the greatest All Black of the 20th century. Together, they gave the All Blacks not just skill and presence, but an unpredictable X-factor. When on the field together, they made the extraordinary look effortless.
3 Neil Back – Richard Hill – Lawrence Dallaglio
England’s “Holy Trinity” back row under Sir Clive Woodward was as complete and cohesive as any ever fielded.
Dallaglio, the emotional heartbeat, was a warrior at No.8 who brought fire and force. Neil Back, the smallest of the three, made up for it with brains and breakdown mastery — a superb link man who always found the right pass or steal.
And then there was Richard Hill — the “Silent Assassin” — whose work rate and precision were so consistent, he made world-class performances look unremarkable.
This trio was instrumental in England’s 2003 World Cup triumph and also starred together for the British & Irish Lions. They weren’t flashy, but they didn’t need to be — they just got the job done, every single time.