He is eighth on the list of all-time points scorers for Australia, third on the list of most tests as captain (55 of his 86 caps) and is the second most capped forward in Australian test rugby history. He is one of a handful to have won the Rugby World Cup twice, doing so in 1991 and 1999.
2. Colin Meads (NZ) - An All Black icon, Meads was one of the greatest players to ever play the game. Voted New Zealand's Player of the Century, he was renowned for his brutal play and his winning mentality.
He was an enforcer, and didn't let anything get in the way of his goal, as shown in a game where he emerged from a ruck with his arm dangling at a horrible angle, obviously broken, yet he completed the game, leading his team to victory.
He won 55 caps and was captain of the All Blacks on a number of occasions, although he never got the captaincy full-time.
1. Martin Johnson (ENG) - Recently appointed manager of England, Martin Johnson has already established himself as a legend of the game and an England icon. Known for his no-nonsense approach, Johnson is a highly respected and highly decorated player.
He helped his club team Leicester Tigers to five Premiership trophies and two Heineken Cups, as well as leading England to five Six Nations successes two of which were Grand Slams, and, of course, the Rugby World Cup.
He very nearly played for New Zealand instead, after Colin Meads had spotted him, but a move to England blessed us with this great talent. He has been on three British and Irish Lions tours, winning eight caps, and he remains the only player ever to have captained the Lions twice.
His place in English and International rugby history is secure, whatever he may do as England manager, as he is the greatest second row of all time.
Coming soon - Top Ten Flankers of All Time!
Other articles form this series include:
Top Three Loose Head Props of All Time
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