4 Michael Jones \u2013 Josh Kronfeld \u2013 Zinzan Brooke<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
Josh Kronfeld, a flyer at 7, brought pace and breakdown brilliance, constantly disrupting and creating turnovers. And then Zinzan Brooke \u2014 the ultimate No.8 hybrid \u2014 who kicked drop goals, had hands like a centre, and a vision far beyond his position. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
3 Neil Back \u2013 Richard Hill \u2013 Lawrence Dallaglio<\/p>\n
England\u2019s \u201cHoly Trinity\u201d back row under Sir Clive Woodward was as complete and cohesive as any ever fielded. <\/p>\n
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 \u2014 a superb link man who always found the right pass or steal. <\/p>\n
And then there was Richard Hill \u2014 the \u201cSilent Assassin\u201d \u2014 whose work rate and precision were so consistent, he made world-class performances look unremarkable. <\/p>\n
This trio was instrumental in England\u2019s 2003 World Cup triumph and also starred together for the British & Irish Lions. They weren\u2019t flashy, but they didn\u2019t need to be \u2014 they just got the job done, every single time.<\/p>\n