England's finest? Top 10 rugby players to wear the red rose
As with all sports English rugby union has been brought to a halt by the coronavirus crisis, offering the opportunity to reflect on some of the greats the nation has produced down the years.
Here the PA news agency picks a top 10 of the finest rugby players to have worn the Red Rose.
WATCH: England and Sale flanker, Tom Curry took on Dragons’ Huw Taylor in the first round of the RugbyPass FIFA Pros tournament.
Wavell Wakefield (1920-27, 31 caps)
An inspirational captain who led England to back-to-back Grand Slams in 1923 and 1924, Wakefield was a mainstay of the back row for most of the 1920s. Roles have been redefined throughout rugby’s history and Wakefield was the first to do it as a flanker, his dynamism and strength transforming the position into the roaming function seen to this day. A career as a Conservative MP followed, as did a knighthood, and he was a staunch supporter of amateurism.
David Duckham (1969-76, 39 caps)
Duckham makes the list despite playing during a challenging era for English rugby that produced four Five Nations wooden spoons during his seven years in the Test arena. For all the mediocrity around him, the dashing Coventry wing was fast and elusive with a devastating side-step and hand-off. It was when playing alongside a higher calibre of player that he really shone, most notably on the triumphant 1971 Lions tour to New Zealand and in the Barbarians’ famous victory over the All Blacks in 1973.
Peter Winterbottom (1982-93, 58 caps)
To this day Winterbottom has a strong claim to being recognised as England’s greatest flanker and is considered an all-time great in any era. One of the few genuine opensides produced on these shores with only Neil Back and the emerging Tom Curry rivalling his skills in the position. The well-travelled Yorkshireman, who enjoyed spells in New Zealand and South African provincial rugby, was a dynamo in relentless pursuit of the ball. Matching his link work, support play and ability to hunt down opposition fly-halves was a physicality that belied his frame.
Rory Underwood (1984-96, 85 caps)
Still out of sight as England’s all-time record try-scorer on 49, it is Underwood’s tremendous longevity as much as his gift for finishing that sets him apart. His CV is enriched by three World Cups and two Lions tours and he was an ever-present for the majority of his career, including latterly when he played on the opposite wing to younger brother Tony. The RAF pilot was lightening quick and blessed with a nose for the try-line that identifies him as the most clinical finisher to have worn the Red Rose.
Jeremy Guscott (1989-1999, 65 caps)
Acclaimed as the ‘The Prince of Centres’ by Sir Clive Woodward, Guscott was a majestic presence in midfield where he formed a famed partnership alongside Will Carling. Whereas Carling was more of a blunt instrument, Guscott was a creative force whose running lines and ability to glide into space were a constant threat. Won three Grand Slams and appeared at three World Cups and remains England’s fourth highest try scorer on 30.
Martin Johnson (1993-2003, 84 caps)
Possibly the greatest of them all, Johnson’s influence on England during an era that delivered the nation’s only World Cup triumph cannot be underestimated. The two-time Lions captain was surrounded by leaders and world-class operators, but he was the colossus among them. Johnson was an old school lock, aggressive with high work-rate and good at the basics. But for all his glowering menace, England’s enforcer possessed a sharp rugby intellect that set him apart.
Lawrence Dallaglio (1995-2007, 85 caps)
England’s 1993 Sevens World Cup triumph was the unlikely launchpad for a remarkable career that saw Dallaglio become forward talisman alongside Martin Johnson during the nation’s most successful era. Powerful and athletic, the raging number eight made his presence felt in attack and defence and he displayed a competitive spirit to match. Acting as the emotional heartbeat of the 2003 World Cup-winning side, his pride at playing for England was evident in every game. Led the team before Johnson and wore his loyalty to Wasps – the only club he represented – as a badge of honour.
Jason Robinson (2001-2007, 51 caps)
An extraordinary player the like of which has not been seen before or since. Robinson’s devilish footwork and injection of pace made a fool of world-class opponents time and again and spectators could only marvel at his ability to turn the tightest space into the launchpad for one of his 28 tries in an England jersey. A 2003 World Cup winner and Red Rose captain, his exploits as a wing and full-back came after he converted from rugby league as a 25-year-old having proved every bit as devastating in that code.
Jonny Wilkinson (1998-2011, 91 caps)
It is fitting that England’s all-time record points scorer was also responsible for the standout moment in Red Rose history. Wilkinson kicked the last-gasp drop-goal that clinched the 2003 World Cup final, now an unforgettable sporting image that seals his place in rugby folklore. The Lions fly-half was an all-rounder, highly capable as a creative fulcrum and possessing outstanding game management, but also ferocious in defence. It is his kicking that propelled him to the highest level, however, and but for a devastating run of injuries he would have achieved even more.
Maro Itoje (2016-present, 38 caps)
Of the current England vintage, only Itoje makes this list. The fact he does it as a 25-year-old entering his prime is a frightening prospect and he is surely captain in waiting with Owen Farrell currently at the helm. Extraordinary work-rate and relentless controlled aggression serve as the foundations of his game and he is a one-man wrecking ball at close quarters – just witness the mayhem he caused against New Zealand in last autumn’s World Cup semi-final. A gifted athlete, he would be the first lock picked for a world XV and potentially the first name on the team-sheet.
Comments on RugbyPass
SBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
3 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
11 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
11 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
3 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
3 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
11 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
11 Go to commentsI don’t think anyone knows what Schmidt will do, one thing is certain it ain’t gonna be all the picks we on the keyboard will think. My impression of him is that he will be looking at who can step up and what is the best combination. He will ignore individuals as he looks for guys who can build a powerful team and not just guys who can make a flashy run or ignore the winger as they want to score themselves.
3 Go to commentsSome dumb selections there. Not Porecki Not Donaldson Not Gordon Not Lonegran - both Not Nic White - Fines instead Not Liam Wright Not Paisami Definitely not Vunivalu Other than that not bad.
3 Go to commentsI've never been convinced that Patty T is a test match all black. Otherwise I probably agree it's the best side available to beat the poms. Caveat that Codie Taylor is yet to be seen and could very likely warrant selection by June. I hope that Razor brings the young loosies, half backs and locks into the training squad and develops/ selects the best
11 Go to commentsYou doing the same thing I disliked about the example of Samisoni Taukei'aho, Nick. He’s great the way he is, you’re trying to do what modern-day coaches frustrate me doing, turning everyone into the perfect athlete. Next thing you’ll be telling me you’ll bench him until he’s hit that arbitrary marker, and can’t overtake the current guy who’s doing all his workons. He’s a young Kieran Read, through and through, plays wide and has threat, mainly (and evident in your clips) through his two hand carry and speed. Just let him work on that, or whatever he wants, and determine his own future. Play God and you risk the players going sideways, like Read did, instead of being a Toutai Kefu. I mean I was in the same camp for a while, wanting our tight five to have the size, and carry ability, as the teams they were getting beat by. Now I’m starting to believe those teams just have better skilled and practiced individuals, bigger by upwards of 5kg sometimes, sure, but more influentially they have those intrinsic skills of trust and awareness. Basically our guys just didn’t know wtf they were doing. Don’t think I’m trying to prove a point here but hasn’t Caleb Clarke been in much better form this year, or does he just ‘look’ better now that he’s not always trying to use his size?
44 Go to commentsThe pack lacks a little in height for the line out and I wouldn’t be completely convinced by some of the combinations till we see it in action.
11 Go to commentsThe side is good but lacks experience. International playing bona fides udually trumps super rugby form for good reason. And incumbents are usually stuck with. Codie Taylor should start or come off the bench. B Barrett will start at fullback. Blackadder has not earned the position, Finau has. TJs experience and competitiveness earns him a starting role, Christie or Ratima off the bench
11 Go to commentsPretty good side. Scott Barrett should be the captain. Ethan Blackadder a great choice at blindside. He is going to go from strength to strength having made a couple of starts for the Crusaders. Scott Robertson rates him highly. Perenara could start a no 9.
11 Go to commentsI question and with respect. Was enough done over the last few years to bring through new blood knowing the Whitelocks and co couldn’t last forever. There should have been more done to future proof the team. New squad new coach, he and they weren’t set up well. IMO
6 Go to commentsJacobsen will definitely be in the 23
11 Go to commentsLots of discussion points, Ben, but two glaring follies IMO: 1. Blackadder at 6. Has done nothing so far this season to justify his selection. Did you see him going backwards in contact at the weekend? Simply has not got the physical presence at 6: we need a Scott Barrett or a Finau (or wildcard Ah Kuoi), beasts who are big enough to play lock, like Frizzell. If Barret played at 6, Paddy could be joined at lock by Vai’i or one of the young giants we need to promote, like Darry or Lord (if he ever gets on the field). Blackadder best left to join the queue for 7. 2. Not even a mention for Christie? Ratima gets caught at crucial times at the back of the ruck when he hesitates on the pass. The only way he starts would be if Christie and TJ are injured.
11 Go to commentsWhat a dagg in more ways than one
6 Go to commentsRegroup come back next year but sack some of the coaching team and don't be like the ABs last minute sacking. If Crusaders don't do well ABs don't do well.
5 Go to comments