9. Luke Jacobson, New Zealand
McGeechan’s 2020 prediction:
“Do not be surprised to see Jacobson in the All Blacks’ back row come the 2023 World Cup in France.”
What happened next:
McGeechan absolutely nailed this prediction.
Jacobson established himself in the All Blacks set-up and was part of New Zealand’s squad at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where they reached the final.
The Chiefs back-rower has remained part of the international picture since and underlined his continued value in August 2026.
Jacobson crossed for a try as New Zealand produced an impressive 33-16 victory over the Springboks at Ellis Park in the opening Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.
Six years after McGeechan picked him out, Jacobson remains an All Black.
10. Jordan Petaia, Australia
McGeechan’s 2020 prediction:
“Having watched Petaia playing for the Queensland Reds, I was struck by how big and powerful he was and how natural he looked with ball in hand. Really good feet as well. Can run over you or around you.”
Petaia quickly justified the hype, becoming a regular Wallabies international and featuring at the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups.
But like Rees-Zammit, he eventually decided to chase an NFL dream.
Petaia entered the International Player Pathway and signed with the Los Angeles Chargers in April 2025.
His NFL opportunity was short-lived, with the Australian waived/injured in August before the regular season began.
Petaia subsequently returned to rugby, signing a one-year contract with French Top 14 side USA Perpignan in September 2025.
He has since made a number of appearances in France, keeping alive the possibility of adding to his Wallabies career ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Six years on, McGeechan’s original list makes fascinating reading. Some – particularly Doris, Smith, Rees-Zammit and Jacobson – went on to prove him emphatically right, while others followed career paths even one of rugby’s most experienced coaches could never have predicted.