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Five former players that would start in any team
By Jack Tunney
Rugby is a sport that requires a combination of physical strength, speed, skill, and tactical intelligence. Over the years, there have been many players who have excited fans with their exceptional abilities on the field. Let’s take a look at five of the greatest rugby players of all time.
Jonah Lomu
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Widely regarded as one of the greatest rugby players of all time, Jonah Lomu was a powerhouse winger who dominated the game in the late 1990s. At 6ft 5in and 120kg, he had incredible speed and strength, and was almost impossible to stop when he had the ball in his hands. Lomu scored 37 tries in just 63 appearances for the All Blacks, and his performances in the 1995 Rugby World Cup will go down in history as some of the greatest ever seen.
Dan Carter
A true master of the game, Dan Carter is widely regarded as the best fly-half in rugby history. He had a phenomenal kicking ability, both from hand and from the tee, and was equally adept at controlling the game with his passing and decision-making. Carter was a key player in the All Blacks’ back-to-back World Cup wins in 2011 and 2015, and his 1598 points in test rugby make him the highest-scoring player of all time.
Shane Williams
Despite his diminutive size, Welsh winger Shane Williams was a hugely exciting player who lit up rugby fields all over the world. He had lightning speed and incredible footwork, which made him almost impossible to catch when he was in full flow. Williams scored 58 tries in 87 appearances for Wales, and his performances in the 2008 Six Nations, when he was named Player of the Tournament, were truly unforgettable.
Brian O’Driscoll
A true legend of Irish rugby, Brian O’Driscoll was a centre who possessed all the skills needed to dominate a game. He had exceptional speed and agility, as well as great hands and a superb rugby brain. O’Driscoll scored 47 tries in 133 appearances for Ireland, and his performances in the 2000 Six Nations, when he scored a hat-trick against France, were some of the most memorable in the history of the tournament.
Richie McCaw
A captain who led from the front, Richie McCaw was a flanker who dominated the game with his physicality, skill, and work-rate. He had incredible stamina, and was equally adept at winning turnovers and making tackles as he was at carrying the ball and setting up tries. McCaw played a key role in the All Blacks’ World Cup wins in 2011 and 2015, and his leadership and commitment to the cause will never be forgotten.
These five players are just a handful of the many rugby legends who have thrilled fans with their incredible skills and performances over the years. Whether it’s the power and speed of Jonah Lomu, the tactical intelligence of Dan Carter, or the lightning speed of Shane Williams, these players have all left an indelible mark on the game and will always be remembered as some of the most exciting ever to grace a rugby field.
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