17 Lawrence Dallaglio
Lawrence Dallaglio never did things halfway. The powerful number eight combined leadership, aggression, and determination in a way that inspired those around him. A cornerstone of England’s World Cup-winning team, his impact went far beyond the scoreboard.
16 Antoine Dupont
Before structured defenses could contain him, Dupont was a whirlwind at scrum-half. His vision, agility, and game intelligence make him one of the most thrilling playmakers of his generation.
15 Siya Kolisi
The first black captain of the Springboks, Kolisi has led one of the most dominant teams ever seen in rugby, captaining both the 2019 and 2023 World Cup triumphs. Only the second captain to lift the Webb Ellis twice, he has defined an era of dominance.
14 David Pocock
Australia’s David Pocock redefined what it meant to dominate the breakdown. Fiercely committed and technically brilliant, his ability to steal possession turned matches. Off the field, his integrity and social conscience made him just as respected.
13 Kieran Read
As New Zealand’s captain and number eight, Kieran Read set the standard for modern forwards. Combining power, pace, and intelligence, he was an exceptional lineout operator and a key figure in the All Blacks’ continued dominance.
12 Paul O’Connell
Paul O’Connell’s sheer presence could lift an entire team. His passion, physicality, and leadership were unmatched, and his consistency over more than a decade made him one of Ireland’s greatest ever players.
11 George Gregan
No Australian scrum-half commanded the game quite like George Gregan. With sharp instincts, pinpoint passing, and fierce competitiveness, he was the heartbeat of the Wallabies for over a decade.
10 Eben Etzebeth
A colossus in the second row, Etzebeth combines raw power, lineout mastery, and defensive dominance. His presence transforms the Springbok pack and makes him one of South Africa’s most formidable forwards.
9 Bryan Habana
Few wingers have terrorised defences like Bryan Habana. His acceleration, anticipation, and clinical finishing made him one of the sport’s most prolific try-scorers — and one of the faces of modern rugby.
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