Rugby's Greatest World XV of All Time

[@rugbybuzz]

How does our XV match up to yours? Anyone we've missed who you think must be in the squad? 👇

[@johnblack9298]

Your back row is perfect

[@nickdown5025]

All those greats before colour tv (Edwards, Bennett, WJ McBride, JPR, JJ Williams etc etc etc)

[@SupremeBros2012]

You missed out the most cerebral flyhald even on the bench by the name Naas Botha

[@ghostface3146]

Nr nine is different for me, would rather have fourie du preez and george gregan as scrum halves but not a bad team selection overall

[@warrenamos7178]

What you shouldve done is made a greastest of the pro era and a greatest of the amateur era,it males no sense to put folks that played amateur era in the greatest 15,in my opinion.

[@speeddemon9555]

can't believe Christian Cullen wasn't at fullback, he's the best no 15 ever to lace up a pair of boots, a few of the picks are just wrong !!

[@tobe5636]

Serge Blanco is a all time Great.

[@Logan-wallace]

Christian Cullen is the best

[@speeddemon9555]

@@tobe5636 nowhere near as good as Cullen !!

[@nicolasberti8459]

​@@speeddemon9555ahahahahahah😂😂😂😂!!!! I don't think so!!! I Hope...You're joking ????

[@D-Marie0970]

CC #15 GOAT

[@JohanSchmidt]

Excluded both NZ and SA player of the century ….. Colin Meads & Frik du Preez. Change your title to best XV in professional era

[@brianruawai-hamilton-bj2bo]

I totally agree about Meads & Du Preez. Would also include Brodie Retallic at lock.

[@JohanSchmidt]

@@brianruawai-hamilton-bj2bo It seems more like a best XV for the professional era. Also very hard to compare players across different decades and rules which affected how teams played. But wonderful to look back and remember some of the incredible players rugby has produced over the years. - What a game!

[@paullouw4524]

Jhglh And Yes Danie Gerber best Springboks Centre and Worlds best.Just a pitty we weren't playing a lot of International Rugby in his days.And the Naas Botha,who has beaten a mighty All blacks team on his own.Carel Du plessis who was the Prince of wings also a Springbok.He scored 3 tries for the World 15 in that game.And yes Malcolm Marx is DEFNITLY in the Top 2.And he have another good 3 to 5 yrs Rugby in him.And dont forget about Uli Springbok hooker in the 1980s

[@paullouw4524]

@@JohanSchmidt Yes more like modern professionals era!!!

[@timboyle6051]

What a joke! You seem to define "all time" to mean the last 30 years. Not even mentioning Mike Gibson means you're not thinking very hard.

[@Skinthebank]

Yes, hard to not mention Gibson, one of the best all around backs

[@RossoVerdeNero]

Speaking of missing Irishmen from yesteryear, Gibson being one, how could you not include the mild-mannered-off-the-pitch-monster-on-the-pitch and greatest Lions Captain ever, Willie John McBride? Martin Johnson wouldn't be fit to lace the great man's boots. Oh, and while you're at it, the guy that masterminded Ireland's first ever Grand Slam in the 40's, Jack Kyle. Totally revered by anyone fortunate enough to have seen his skills. My mother witnessed a Kyle-inspired Ireland winning that first Grand Slam in Belfast, and she considered Kyle to be better even than Gibson, and that's saying something. When Ireland won their next Grand Slam, the fact that O'Driscoll made a point of going to have a word with Jack Kyle in the stand says it all. Bottom line: don't bother trying to declare a greatest XV of all time if you are only going to include those from the last few decades. You may not have noticed, but rugby has been around for a long time...

[@Timknight1946]

No mention of Barry John, Gareth Williams, and JPR. And I’m English!!

[@fazertace6837]

Don’t forget David Duckham. Wonderful player.

[@timboyle6051]

@@Timknight1946 Gareth Edwards, perhaps? They did actually mention him, in one sentence. Buy still, even if there was some NZ/Aus bias, you'd have thought Syd Going might get a mention too.

[@e.c5157]

1- Os du Randt 2- Sean Fizpatrick 3- Jason Leonard 4- Eben Etzebeth 5- John Eales 6- Pieter Steph du Toit 7- Richie McCaw (C) 8- Kieran Read 9- Antoine Dupont 10- Dan Carter 11- Jonah Lomu 12- Tim Horan 13- Danie Gerber 14- Bryan Habana 15- Christian Cullen 16- Malcolm Marx 17- Tony Woodcock 18- Owen Franks 19- Victor Matfield 20- Zinzan Brooke 21- Joost van der Westhuizen 22- Jonny Wilkinson 23- Beauden Barrett

[@tobolee6385]

Just got du pont wrong ..joost anyday over the French froggy ...

[@nicolasberti8459]

No....non ci siamo!!!

[@Stormer-Europa]

Victor Matfield over Eales any day of the week.

[@chrisp4170]

Should be Johnson over Eales any day, week or month. Leonard at tight head is a joke. Utterly ridiculous.

[@nicholaswiltshire6356]

Shaun Fitzpatrick at number 2 surely!? The BEST hooker that ever graced the field and he's not even on the bench??!!

[@bobchandler6632]

As an older Englishman,I have to say in my opinion Gareth Edwards’s is the greatest player ever.just my opinion.

[@speeddemon9555]

that era of Welsh rugby was packed with brilliant players.

[@ReubenNehikhare]

Dupont. Generational bias can't ignore him.

[@PitsoPodile]

As a South African... Jonah Lomu?

[@nickpilgrim1966]

Agree. Edwards remains my rugby idol. But Dupont is bloody good.

[@anthonyswann9167]

Weak defender

[@ThinusRabe]

What about Pieter Steph du Toit? Wow how did he get overlooked and not even mentioned?

[@th3fas133]

Agree, dont think you would find a coach that would take Michael Jones over him. Otherwise a great team. I would also have had Cullen at fullback.

[@WellingtonSibanda-ew6ol]

With you my bro. He is one of the most consistent players in rugby world

[@mko09]

lol. He loses every game he plays against Ireland, and against what is the worst All Black team in nearly 30 years he gets outplayed by All Black forward packs game after game. Don't forget SAF were outplayed by an AB forward pack in the final missing a man, 7 v 8, and outplayed in the first 60 minutes of the recent 2 tests. It's not until the subs come on is their parity, and SAf are only winning because NZ miss easy kicks, and the SAF bench is better, he's a good player, hardly a great. Current SAF team have been outplayed by alot of teams recently, the reserves, refs and missed kicks are winning games, not your hero Pieter.

[@GrantPitkethley]

@@WellingtonSibanda-ew6ol w dosser

[@Pooler29]

@@mko09 You're having nightmares...wake up

[@manamaori3510]

No rugby player scored unbelievable,dynamic and brilliant tries like the Kakariki express number 15 Christian Cullen.His centre of gravity running style was superb,strong on his feet with a deceiving pace that left all in his wake….How could he not be on that list……The greatest ever fullback on any expert’s list….

[@chrismattravers5434]

Gareth Edwards was not just the greatest 9, for many of us he was the greatest player period! Would have been brilliant in any era! A very Southern Hemisphere focussed team!

[@jeanhauter7812]

he was brilliant in his time but could'nt compete with Dupont who is stronger, faster and...better!

[@Rafiqi33]

Gerber at 13, Cullen at 15, Van der Westheisan at 9...and I know a controversial one...but Jonathan Davies at 10

[@rugbybuzz]

Ooh that is a controversial one but I like it!

[@2Pluss3]

Danie Gerber at 13. No question.

[@fazertace6837]

One of my all time favourite players. And one of the best ever. And the best 13. From an unbiased welshman.

[@jimt9261]

Ive seen old videos of him, and yeah he was one hell of a player! Scored some incredible tries!

[@clivenichols5770]

Gerber the best centre of all time

[@JohnWilliams-fk3hb]

Gerber ,Sella , Bleddyn Williams , Mike Gibson , O Driscoll , Tim Horan , Guscott , John Dawes , Nonu just a few you could pick at 12 and 13.

[@grandslam1998]

He was really tested at international Level. A Fine player!

[@wenerbronkhorst7455]

12. Philip Sella 13 Danie Gerber

[@boerieroll]

Exactly 💯

[@mvubu6823]

Sella wouldn't cope in the modern game. Gerber would.

[@wenerbronkhorst7455]

@@mvubu6823 WHAHA

[@theooberholzer3734]

I loved Sella, but do think Horan was overall better. Totally agree with Gerber, but because the effects of apartheid I can see why O'Drisoll was chosen. But for me Gerber is in the list of the best 3 rugby players of all time (probably 2nd after Lomu).

[@wenerbronkhorst7455]

@theooberholzer3734 I would pick Sella. Horan was exelent but Sella was brilliant.

[@johnnorth2293]

Edwards makes du pont look like a novice.

[@rugbybuzz]

😂

[@jeremymerrifield7244]

​@@rugbybuzzso true

[@dhirshg]

Joost too lol.

[@andremaube5069]

Dupont is factually more competent than Edwards in every aspect of the game. You'd have to be blind to say the opposite. You're just being nostalgic.

[@johnnorth2293]

@andremaube5069 I've watched both of them play. Edwards was a genius. Du Pont is not. Edwards is the best scrum half the game has ever seen or is likely to see. 99.9% of world rugby agree.

[@JohnWilliams-fk3hb]

Amateur era alone you could pick so many . Jpr Williams, Blanco , Gerald davies ,David Duckham , O reilly , John Kirwin , Carel Du plessis , David Campo , JJ Williams, this is just a few at 15 and 14.

[@michaelbuhagiar6203]

I feel very strongly that $$ has ruined rugby. And rugby league. And cricket. I'd be inclined to go for an all amateur team. Bradman said 'Sport loses something when it becomes a business.' I would go further - it loses everything.

[@jaconieuwoudt717]

I suppose with Gerber not having had a full international career, you have to go with O'Driscoll but man, the truth is he was just in a different class. Also, I would have gone with Cullen at fullback. Whilst we may have stopped Lomu scoring against us Cullen must've averaged two tries a test.

[@rugbybuzz]

@@jaconieuwoudt717 yeah I hear ya! So hard to leave some legends out! PSDT nearly took the no.6 jersey too…Cullen was my back up but I couldn’t look past the French flair of Blanco! What O’Driscoll did for Ireland and the Lions is legendary in the NH…what a player!

[@johnmc3862]

Remember O Driscoll played in average Irish teams most of his career.

[@marktill1197]

No you don’t Gerber best threequarter of all time

[@KennedyBuckley-ie2ef]

I would have JPR WILLIAMS...DAVID DUCKHAM AND MIKE GIBSON...

[@robertsimon3275]

Dr J P R Williams is an icon of rugby!( And I 'm French!)

[@robertsimon3275]

A distinction should be made between amateurs and pros .

[@cliffhughes6010]

​@@robertsimon3275Why?

[@johnpearsesafaris9524]

@@cliffhughes6010 I would certainly have JPR in my team and I'm SAfrican.

[@cliffhughes6010]

@@johnpearsesafaris9524 Any team with JPR seemed to have two fullbacks. He would be first pick for any team. His commitment, skill and courage are unmatched by any player since and his absolute refusal to give up under any circumstances makes him the greatest in my book.

[@zepaddy]

As a Frenchman I'd say Dupont is on track but Gareth Edwards has his legacy already, Dupont hasn't finished his (promising) career yet.

[@sugar-rayluvschelsea7233]

If I'm honest theres too many northern hemisphere players on this list who did not achieve anything near their southern hemisphere counterparts who did not even get a mention

[@danielmoutin1761]

It amazes me that there are 2 irsihmen in the team and they have never gotten past the RWC quarters.Surely that is the canary in the coal mine (apart from their overall poor performance against SH teams).

[@patrickchilds2987]

⁠@@danielmoutin1761I get what you’re saying about Ireland however BOD and Wood are valid picks. By what metric can you judge the performance of an individual player based on their teams results in the RWC. How does that work ?

[@liamwilliams6651]

​@@patrickchilds2987 it works because it suits their narrative. The amount of people in the southern hemisphere I've seen try and claim that O'Driscoll was overrated is truly mind boggling. If Dan Carter was Irish and played the same way but didn't win a world cup because he was on a weaker team, these people and their monkey brains wouldn't rate him.

[@carlitos2ba]

What about including Hugo Porta. Ever heard of him? He could pair up with Richie Mc Caw or Dan Carter easily. He´s argentinian by the way.

[@rugbybuzz]

Oh I thought about him…

[@richardscanlan3419]

Porta was good,but not even close to Carter in standard.

[@mootheconqueror1965]

​@@richardscanlan3419Carter was an absolute freak.

[@richardscanlan3419]

@@mootheconqueror1965 sure was.

[@tiaandaniell9451]

I'm sorry, but this video lost it's credit the moment Fourie du Preez was not even MENTIONED. Probably the GOAT 9,even Aaron Smith has said this time and time again.

[@patrickchilds2987]

What about Gareth Edwards , he is already the goat ?

[@wynnpiercewheldon2971]

Edwards

[@pieterventer2479]

Did you only watch Springbok games ?

[@Byron-g5l]

Gareth Edwards at 9...Wilie John Mcbride at lock...JPR Wiliams at fullback...Gerber at 13....I am South African by birth, and I can tell you that the 1972 & 1974 British Lions were the GREATEST test squads EVER....take a look at the 1973 Barbarians(which was really the British Lions in disguise) vs All Blacks(the entire game is on KZbin)....this team beat an ALL BLACKS TEST SIDE easily...and its the game where the GREATEST try of all time was scored by Gareth Edwards...and don't forget that Barry John(Wales and British Lions) was on the 1972 British Lions team that beat the All blacks in NZ...nobody hs done that before or since...and the 1974 British Lions gave the Springboks a hiding(yes I was born in SA lol)...so, these 2 British Lions teams have to have some of the GREATEST players of all time....

[@sarsfield1952]

Ummm, British and Irish Lions...

[@chrisp4170]

@@sarsfield1952Not at the time, it wasn’t. Lions didn’t tour in 1972. It was 1971.

[@richardscanlan3419]

@@chrisp4170 sshh... let him work it out.

[@johngarveyire]

I was waiting for Willie John to get a mention at least - legend, and can be said to be both English and Irish.

[@brianruawai-hamilton-bj2bo]

I am a staunchly proud KIWI who tries not to be one eyed. One cannot dispute most of what you say about the British & Irish LIONS of that era. As already stated elsewhere Edwards would be my 9 pick with Aaron Smith &/or George Greegan my backup. JPR also would feature as would Mike Gibson.

[@Orion3741]

Frik du Preez. SA Player of the last century. He should be in the elite XV.

[@sonnybigirwa9908]

Christian Cullen was a generational talent. No one was even close

[@jeremymerrifield7244]

But in the generation before was the best 15...JPR

[@brianruawai-hamilton-bj2bo]

I agree with your pick of Cullen.

[@andremaube5069]

Blanco was considered the best player of his generation. Cullen don't play in the same league.

[@GaryPeters-nv8pj]

@@andremaube5069 Dreams are free.

[@WaferBrik]

@@andremaube5069 You're dreaming lol

[@ABStudioProductions69]

Os Durant has a world record which will never been beaten - won consecutive world cups in consecutive 2 decades, 2 centuries and 2 milleniums - 1995 & 2007 (2 decades, 2 centuries and 2 milleniums)

[@kelbatt7729]

Richie Mc Caws 133 Test wins is greater; a record that can only ever be beaten by another All Black- no other country wins enough for a single player to ever get close to it. This record may never be broken. Sam Whitelock's 125 wins may never be broken either.

[@ABStudioProductions69]

@@kelbatt7729 Key words you mention as a caveat "May never be beaten by an All Black player" however in my opinion could be beaten by another player from another country - but history has been proven to be wrong in the past - the Dutch, English, Spanish, french, Portuguese, Romans, Chinese with Genghis Khan conquered the then world and history changed as it eveloved - I 100% agree McCaw and Whitelocks achievements as they stand today are to be respected but ...... time will tell, who knows in 35 years the Spanish may be World champions with equal individual or better records or the Australians (just kidding on that one)

[@wynnpiercewheldon2971]

Gareth and Barry are one genius thing. Can;t have one without the other. Argue amongst yourselves about all the rest.

[@MediaHubPTA]

Leaving out Danie Gerber is just criminal. We will never see his class in our lifetime again.

[@rugbybuzz]

Lock me up! 🤣I did have him on my initial list...but what O'Driscoll did for Ireland and the British & Irish Lions is pretty immense. Maybe underrated in the SH, but NH he's a bit of a cult hero!

[@rugbybuzz]

Regardless, I agree Gerber was class!

[@henrypretorius1440]

I think you could make 3 to 4 teams easily from the great players that played the game. Good mix

[@JMoondog15]

Any list that doesn't put Christian Cullen in the 15 jersey is invalid. He is literally the best fullback there has ever been

[@michaelbuhagiar6203]

Ok, but Sean Fitzpatrick went for JPR as the best ever.

[@sleipnirodin4882]

You never saw Serge Blanco play I think.

[@albertmoana2668]

as a kiwi i have power and silky skill as my centre pairing in D.Gerber and M.Gibson but really you could pick so many player from past too present and still come up with a great side

[@Lyallthetime]

First, thank you for actually considering the bench in a "greatest ever" selection. It's amazing how many don't despite the bench being such an important part of modern rugby. What I would like to see is "Rugby's Greatest World Amateur XV of All Time", and "Rugby's Greatest World Professional 23 of All Time", as the game has changed so much between those eras. For players in the transition, I think there first national cap was as an amateur, then they can be included in the amateur team. Maybe an idea for the future?

[@rugbybuzz]

@@Lyallthetime noted 💪🏻

[@brianruawai-hamilton-bj2bo]

I agree with you Lyallthetime. But there would obviously be an overlap between the two.

[@Lyallthetime]

@@brianruawai-hamilton-bj2bo True

[@RaymondNiumataiwalu]

The team depends on the year because of the different rugby laws. The above named front rows will purr when they meet Tommy Lawton, Gary Knight, John Ashworth, Hika Reid, Jona Qoro, Jo Sovau, Stan Pelicki, Jean Pierre Garuet and the rest.

[@SuperEdge67]

As a biased New Zealander I like your loose forward selections. But how is Christian Cullen not in this team.

[@gerhardreinecke3945]

Agree with most of the selections except: PSDT at 6 Gerber at 13 Cullen at 15 (The actual GOAT)

[@rugbybuzz]

@@gerhardreinecke3945 great shouts! Gosh I so nearly put PSDT in as well…maybe he should’ve gone in at no.6 - but leaving out Michael Jones? 😅 Tough one!

[@BroSlapChampionship-ez4gi]

What has Danie Gerber won?In South Africa as a legend I agree but in history.i am not quite sure.

[@FrikkieduPlessis-kq3ew]

Did you forget Naas Botha,Danie Gerber,Bryan Habana...To name a few

[@davidnelmes5357]

The greatest international fly half was Barry John. In the UK no player apart from his contemporary Dai Watkins is anywhere near him. The modern game lacks skill sets that were once definitive. It is now rugby by numbers on a modified pitch with modified rules conspicuously, including the forward pass- the rugby equivalent of offside in soccer - and hookers have become top try scorers?

[@cliffordchapman4636]

Interesting post indeed. Barry John was the player who most inspired me to love Rugby Union. His ability to dummy opposing forwards with the deftest and most skillful and subtle touches and movement seem to me to have become a thing of the past. The tedious box kicking and the sad decline of the Welsh, speaks volumes of what's been lost.

[@markchapman4466]

Interesting starting 15. Thierry Dusautoir at 6 - rather than Jones out of position. Best number 6 of the modern era

[@Lyallthetime]

After his knee injury Michael Jones moved to No. 6. It was there that his vision and game understanding became really obvious. He wasn't the same athlete after the injury, but still managed to be in the right place at the right time. I still think if it wasn't for the knee injury and position swap, McCaw would be known as the 2nd best 7 to have played for the ABs. I was lucky enough to meet him once, outside of rugby. Really nice person.

[@JohnDowning-j7j]

You joke

[@MarkHewitt]

Better than Richard Hill?

[@marktill1197]

Best 6 Richard hill , absolutely no doubt

[@brianruawai-hamilton-bj2bo]

Michael Jones is one of the most athletic and talente sportsperson / players of all time. He was capable of playing almost any position in rugby as well as being ultra talented in most ball sports. He would have even eclipsed Richie McCaw & Zinnie. Lije Richie, He had & still has a professional approach in everything he does.

[@rozza4387]

Duane Vermuelen of South Africa as number 8. Won back to world cups. Beast of a man.

[@franskromhout7772]

Hard to keep everyone happy. Good choices. Only Danie Gerber would be the one change.

[@rugbybuzz]

@@franskromhout7772 fair play! The only other one for me back and forth was PSDT at 6…

[@warrenmuller6716]

At least 9 changes to your starting XV. 15. Christian Cullen. 14. Israel Folua 13. Danie Gerber. 12. M'aa Nonu 09. Gareth Edwards. 08. Kieran Reid. 06. Pieter Steph du Toit 05. Sam Whitelock 03. Owen Franks. On bench bring in: Malcom Marx; Joost Van der Westhuizen; Victor Matfield; Beauden Barrett

[@alexpatagonia961]

Jhon Peter Williams, Phlil Bennet abd Garet Edwards....must be

[@williamsmith8298]

Totally agree that Chris Cullen should be a shoe in at fullback or even on the wing. He was the original Billy Wizz and I’m sure would have beaten Bryan Habana in a 100 metre race.

[@MAGA2024TRUMP-y8q]

Maa nonu is the greatest ever inside center and nobody else is close.

[@morapelimokokomali7907]

Would you pick him over Sonny Bill Williams?

[@danielmoutin1761]

Tim Horan is not close, he is better.

[@marktill1197]

Don’t be silly all of you none of these is as good as Phillips Sella

[@timothysmn]

All these young kids forget when Australia was actually good. Tim Horan was the best in that position

[@morapelimokokomali7907]

@timothysmn The Cregan (I think he's better than that overhyped French man), Mortlock, Latham. My word the Wallabies were great then

[@Gazzabondi]

Christian Cullen should have been there. Really hard to pick mover the eras too. The game has changed so much since it went professional

[@ms74pres]

Danie Gerber for Tim Horan...

[@mrgreen3629]

I am 40yo and this is my opinion on the GOAT 15. 1. Os du Randt 2. Sean Fitzpatrick 3. Jason Leonard 4. John Eales 5. Victor Matfield 6. Thierry Dusautoir 7. Richie McCaw 8. Zinzan Brooke 9. Joost van der Westhuizen 10. Daniel Carter 11. Jonah Lomu 12. Ma’a Nonu 13. Brian O’Driscoll 14. Brian Habana 15. Christian Cullen 16. John Smit 17. Owen Franks 18. Cian Healy 19. Brodie Rettalick 20. George Smith 21. Aaron Smith 22. Johnny Wilkinson 23. Phillip Sella

[@AntonBerkovitz-d7k]

Has to be Gareth Edwards at scrum half, and Danie Gerber at centre.

[@brianruawai-hamilton-bj2bo]

Absolutely agree about Gareth Edwards. Not so sure about Gerber vs Bruce Robertson or Phillipe Sella.

[@jeanhauter7812]

GE was the best in his time, but could't compete with Dupont who is the best player today and could become the goat if he keeps on winning

[@Rayner1101]

Evan as a Welshman not having Richard Hill at 6 is insane. Way too early for Dupont - I never watched Edwards but Faf, Smith and Joost still slightly above, of course that could change. Fitz>>>>Wood Sella>>>>Bod Retalick is far more talented than Eztabeth

[@rugbybuzz]

@@Rayner1101 oof some strong opinions there! Love it! 🏉

[@patrickchilds2987]

That’s a pretty good list to be fair . #9 o would go DuPont or Smith Fitzie is a very good call Yes Retallick would be my pick. Surprised no one has mentioned Matlfield or even Brad Thorne

[@alexandregarcia9726]

Dupont has 2 fafs in each of his legs. You can debate with Smith and Joost, bu faf please...

[@ReubenNehikhare]

1- Os du Randt 2- Sean Fizpatrick 3- Jason Leonard 4- Eben Etzebeth 5- John Eales 6- Pieter Steph du Toit 7- Richie McCaw (C) 8- Kieran Read 9- Antoine Dupont 10- Dan Carter 11- Jonah Lomu 12- M'aa Nonu 13- Brian O'Driscoll 14- Israel Folau 15- Christian Cullen 16- Malcolm Marx 17- Tony Woodcock 18- Owen Franks 19- PSDT 20- David Pocock 21- Joost van der Westhuizen 22- Sonny Bill Williams 23- Beauden Barrett * Athletes pre 2000 are just not as good as modern day athletes. Imrovements in training, pyscology, nutrution...JPR Williams was good at the time. He'd be bang avareage in the modern game.

[@rugbybuzz]

Ooh yeah I'm loving those picks!!!

[@tobolee6385]

@user-xd4ur2lv2k have never seen DANIE GERBER ...do your research ..o Driscoll lol ..he was a northern hemisphere hype job ...

[@ReubenNehikhare]

@@tobolee6385 no trophies, only 24 caps in the amateur era. To dismiss BOD is unfortunate / naive. No respect.

[@ReubenNehikhare]

@@tobolee6385 8 minutes highlights, doesn’t pass once.

[@alwinengelbrecht3012]

​@@ReubenNehikhare Doesn't need to pass once the ball is behind the posts. 😂🤣

[@marilyncatterall402]

One of the best selctions of this type, that I've seen. Agree with 10 of your starters, and 4 of the others are on the bench (Fitzpatrick, Edwards) or mentioned at the end (Sella, JPR) ...... The only player I think you missed completely is my Tight Head selection, Fran Cotton. An immense scrummager on either side, Lions Test starter on 2 tours (would have been 3, but for injury cutting short his 1980 tour), Grand Slam winner with England, handling skills way ahead of his time for a Prop (due to his Rugby League background), he was a superb player.

[@TheseoThinker]

No man! Clearly you don't know very well JVDW. Jost is not the best n.9 of all time, simply is the best player of all time. Rip, my hero! (and 14 is for Habana)

[@08padam]

Just no to be fair. Nobody comes close to Dupont for me. He has the steps of Kolbe, the strength of a hooker, incredible in defense (holding an opposing winger over the line like he was a bull) kicks 60m of both feet, 50-22 of both feet, can play 10, jackles like a world class 7 (he finished 2nd in this year’s Champion’s Cup for turnovers while being a 9, and finishing 1st for line breaks and defenders beaten). He revolutionized the n°9 support line, and everybody was talking about « the Dupont law » a year ago because he spotted something in the rules that everybody started using after him. Not to mention his impact at 7. Many people can do things that are on that list, but nobody ever came close at doing all of them so so well Joost is an all time great, but Dupont is the most complete player we’ve had the chance to witness on a rugby field.

[@TheseoThinker]

@@08padam as an Italian and former rugby player I am neutral about the issues of the fans. I respect your point of view. However, I believe you have never seen the immensity of Jost Van Der Weisthuizen because of your age. Dupont is not even remotely comparable to Jost. Jost is the pure essence of this sport. Ciao.

[@flamingfrancis]

Michael Cleary (OAM)...Dual Australian International winger, Commonwealth / Empire Games 100 yards Silver Medallist. Became a State Sports Minister. Michael O'Connor...centre for the Walllabies Invincibles Euro tour 1982...became a dual International.

[@francoisrolland7847]

1. Os du Randt 2. Sean Fitzpatrick 3. Martin Castrogiovanni 4. Brodie Retallick 5. John Eales or Sam Witheclock 6. Thierry Dusautoir 7. Richie McCaw 8. Ardie Savea 9. Antoine Dupont 10. Dan Carter 11. Jonah Lomu 12. Ma’a Nonu 13. Brian O'Driscoll 14. David Campese 15. Serge Blanco

[@rugbybuzz]

@@francoisrolland7847 solid choices 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@crocowill]

O Driscoll is only a student compared to the professor if you compare him to Danie Gerber. Gerber was in a class of his own. Best centre ever.

[@NickSchoonwinkel]

Let us agree to disagree. This is your best 15 and not my best 15.😊

[@rugbybuzz]

haha fair play! What's your XV mate?

[@raynheunes6291]

Die bra se winkel is skoon...🤣

[@bluechief1]

So subjective. I’d go (only picking players I’ve actually seen - pro era): Du randt Coles Hayman Retalick Matfield Hill McCaw Vermeulen DuPont Carter Habana Horan BOD Sivivatu Cullen

[@gustavocollantes774]

Hugo Porta backup number 10.

[@walshjoseph7991]

Its a fair selection. David Wallace Munster and Ireland openside was an underated player. Interesting to note the great JPR Williams also played at 7 for Wales

[@GoldBawls]

Lol, picked Wood over Sean Fitzpatrick?? No need to watch anymore 😂

[@davidpearn2484]

👍

[@rugbybuzz]

@@GoldBawls haha an unpopular opinion is it? He made my bench 👍🏼

[@daviddixon286]

Fitzpatrick couldnt lace Woods boots and thats from an Englishman.

[@GoldBawls]

@@daviddixon286 wow, someone from Britain likes a player from the lions, shocking.

[@rugbybuzz]

@@daviddixon286 😂😂😂

[@afzalnoormahomed8038]

its amazing Lomu never scored against the Springboks

[@davidfrancis273]

No.6 Richard Hill.

[@patrickchilds2987]

Good call. Also Dusetoir in the mix

[@TimHerbert100]

yes, and Michael Jones to #7. McCaw to the bench and Pocock out of the squad

[@857noel]

Philippe Sella should be in there

[@shanehills2698]

OK this is a team of modern era players. I understand that. But the best of all time, hmm, not so sure. I agree with most of your selection, but have to ask. Have you never heard of Collin Meeds?

[@rugbybuzz]

@@shanehills2698 I have sir. This is just my list! What’s your XV? Meeds is a great shout…I’m not sure how “modern” this list is…i though it was a nice balance 🤹

[@WayneCarter-x6d]

Pretty hard to argue with many of these selections. I would have thought Colin Meads would have been in there somewhere. Probably one of the few 'old school' players who could have still played in the modern era.

[@thulanimagade711]

You forgot cheslin colbe

[@marktill1197]

No he didn’t .

[@jaksdt]

@@marktill1197 yes he did. Kolbe over Campese any day of the week.

[@samkohi8705]

Well he didn't make this list, but don't worry him and the team are making history of their own.

[@sereanasavui9073]

Rupeni Caucau over kolbe anyday!

[@kiwiinexile]

the real question here is are we picking a team for old school rugby or the modern game. As much as I might hate it, guys like Serge Blanco and Christian Cullen do not fit in to defensive screens and attacking patterns etc. This also works the other way with guys like Aaron Smith - very smart, tactical etc. Another perfect example of this is Zinzan Brooke verses Keiran Read.

[@bignose8614]

I've had to eliminate my natural bias for Englishmen by picking a team of players who made my heart sink when I saw them on the oppo's team. Jean-Pierre Garuet Keith Wood Os Du Randt John Eales Victor Matfield Michael Jones Richie McCaw Kieran Reid Gareth Edwards Dan Carter Philippe Sella Brian O'Driscoll Jonah Lomu Bryan Habana Christian Cullen I really struggled with the flankers and toyed with picking Hooper or Smith or Pocock but in the end I can't think of a worse nightmare than to face those three All-Blacks. I'm afraid I picked Garuet for his unrelenting approach, with apologies to Buck Shelford.

[@tobolee6385]

@@bignose8614 danie gerber over Driscoll hype job anyday ...

[@rugbybuzz]

Love it! Yeah the no.6 jersey and scrum half were my hardest picks to be honest! Pocock is coming off the bench for me! So versatile across the whole back row! Thoughts on the bench? Habana and Wilko come on to finish with Martin Johnson coming on to crack some heads! 🤤

[@patrickchilds2987]

@@rugbybuzzRichard Hill at #6 deserves a mention

[@Richard-c6u1i]

Keith wood, Jason Leonard, Elzebeth, Dupont, 😂😂😂 very good !! you had me there ! I thought it was a serious list at the beginning! Very funny 😂 Oh and Gareth Edward is recognised as the Greatest Rugby player period.

[@kerriar]

Ken Catchpole was the greatest ever scrum half (I’m not Australian)

[@rugbybuzz]

First time that name has been thrown around in the comments!

[@flamingfrancis]

@@rugbybuzz what a shameful comment.

[@rugbybuzz]

@@flamingfrancis haha how is that shameful? 😂😂😂 I’m saying his name hasn’t come up before 🤷🏻‍♂️ Either way, Dupont is the greatest scrum half we’ve ever seen imo…what he can do is ridiculous…

[@michaelbuhagiar6203]

I am Australian and I agree that Catchie was way above Gregan. But (this is the third time I've said this) Sid Going was the GOAT imo.

[@grandslam1998]

@@michaelbuhagiar6203 K C was ended by Colin Meads. Disgraceful!

[@CasperPelser-st7jw]

I am sorry you forgot about Stef Du Toit, Danie Gerber etc. Not even thinking about the tight heads of South Africa that have been the strongest in world rugby.

[@rugbybuzz]

@@CasperPelser-st7jw Everyone was considered buddy I just can’t choose them all! The one regret is maybe PSDT…

[@Abra-d1s]

Very good video sir. I think Sam Whitelock must be 5, his longevity, his successes... I have never seen Gerber play live but I have seen his hilghling, this player is very impressive and very elegant but it is difficult to give this position in the hierarchy of the best centers of all time because I don't know the level of the players against whom he played, without apartheid he would have played more international matches and perhaps he would have been as considered as Lomu. 

[@rugbybuzz]

@@Abra-d1s great points!!! Whitelock is a great shout! His longevity is crazy! 🤪

[@SupremeBros2012]

Gerber played about 15 tests and scored about as many tries even after coming back from Isolation he continued his try scoring record He was a powerful center Hard to choose between him and ODriscoll but I would rather play against O Driscoll than Gerber

[@xbgo1856]

I'm with you on Whitelock, As for Dannie Gerber, he made everything look effortless. Also he was not built like the average centre in those days, he was built more like a centre of today. He was very strong very muscular and deceptively fast for a big guy

[@sharp2684]

Cant argue with most of them but for me theres 2 that definatley belong in there, Joe Stanley for O'Driscoll and the incomparable Christian Cullen for Serge Blanco.

[@jackloveday4065]

This team is nonsense. The right one is below. 1 Ayerza 2 wood 3 Hayman 4 Johnson 5 Matfield 6 Collins 7 Smith 8 Parise 9 DuPont 10 Carter 11 Lomu 12 Nonu 13 O’Driscoll 14 Caucau 15 Cullen 16 Fitzpatrick 17 Beast 18 Castrogiovanni 19 Lawes 20 Botha 21 Gregan 22 Wilkinson 23 Robinson

[@rugbybuzz]

Haha in your opinion yes! 😂 Love your team though!

[@christoels8110]

obviously, you have never heard of Danie Gerber. Look at the conversion rates of both Danie Gerber and BOD, and then make an informed decision.

[@UTubeRepossessions]

Conversion rates?

[@christoels8110]

@@UTubeRepossessions Yes. Number of tests played and number of tries scored would give you a percentage. Also, take into consideration that SA were in isolation during the Danie Gerber era. Considering his conversion rate and his ability, who knows where he would have ended up. So, yes BOD was good, but...

[@UTubeRepossessions]

@@christoels8110 I’ve never heard that referred to as a “conversion rate” before. A “try ratio” yes, but not a conversion rate, especially when the word conversion has a specific meaning in the sport. Anyway, you learn something new every day

[@christoels8110]

@@UTubeRepossessions I guess so. So, I stand by what I have said. Hopefully you have learned something. Playing around with words will not get you anywhere in life. Fact of the matter is, that Danie Gerber is the GOAT.

[@waynehunt3375]

Cullen fullback

[@andremaube5069]

No. Don't touch Blanco.

[@andriesswa6453]

Look it is a tough team to pick. Personal changes only; Starting: PSDT at 6 (SA 7) Christian Cullen at 15 Mention: Fourie Du Preez

[@rugbybuzz]

@@andriesswa6453 I’ve mentioned to a few other PSDT is my potential regret omission on the list…a tough one to call!

[@wenerbronkhorst7455]

No thanks. No 9 is Joost Fourie du Preez.

[@makhabzaranamane6869]

To suggest Du Pont has done enough to be above those two is asinine.

[@fazertace6837]

@@makhabzaranamane6869Joost VDW still holds the record for most tries by a scrum half - 38. DuPont has 13.

[@nico-qd9jz]

@@fazertace6837 but wtf 🤣🤣🤣🤣 who cares about tries ??? that not the way rugby works bro if the tries were the main argument for goat debate, Baptiste couilloud would be the goat 9 lmao Dupont is better than Joost everywhere else of tries you're dumb if you think the tries are an argument

[@andremaube5069]

lol Watch Joost or Du Preez play and watch Dupont play. Then dare to say that they are better

[@wenerbronkhorst7455]

@andremaube5069 They are better. Bye bye.

[@alcoyne3333333333333]

The only thing I'd have added to Keith Wood was he's drop goal 👍👍

[@tobe5636]

selection for all time only 2 stand outs Lomu and Carter. Fullback I go with Blanco just ahead of Cullen. Other positions hard to call.

[@martinbezuidenhout842]

Sorry old chap no better centre than Danie Gerber of South Africa.

[@mootheconqueror1965]

Tim Horan owned him

[@richardclarkmusic14]

I was looking for some of the smaller but lightning fast back free to be in there somewhere: Jason Robinson, Shane Williams were both mentioned. More recently Cheslyn Colby is an absolute wizard, very much like Williams in terms of ball skills. But they were both mentioned and is very difficult to pick an ultimate 15. I agree that Dan Carter is the best attacking number 10 of all time but Johnny Wilkinson has a much better all round game. You could argue that Carter doesn’t need to tackle excessively, just because he had amazing players around him, but I think you can find defensive reels where he really comes up short in comparison to Wilkinson for example. So Wilkinson would be the number 10 for me, and Dan Carter probably wouldn’t be on the bench with the world-class competition. I’m also a little bit myth that the inside centre choice. Nonu, for example, Duckham or even Shanklin would be preferable for me. Or Jeremy Guscott? I think that the choice at number six is somewhat fatuous, but the only one amongst the forwards which I would question. I just don’t remember that guy: was he really that good? And was he a six? One of the biggest features of a number six is there tackling ability on the blind side, and that didn’t look like his forte at all. Of those mentioned Lawrence Dallaglio, Richard Hill, Deaussatoir, I would add Harinordiquy, Scott Quinell, Betson was given a mention, Schalk Berger. They were all immense players and fitted the position far better than your choice. The rest you really can’t argue with: not if you’ve played the game and watch it intelligently, disbarring prejudice.

[@marethaschwim9386]

Peter-Steph du Toit is the greatest number 7.

[@rugbybuzz]

@@marethaschwim9386 he was on my first draft!!! I think give it a couple more years at this level and he makes the list! What a player 💖

[@wernerjoubert-justacastaway]

@@rugbybuzza couple of more years? After 2 world cups he is simply good enough or not. Compared to iceman, I’d rather have pieter Steph, kolisi or burger.

[@rugbybuzz]

Fair play!

[@wernerjoubert-justacastaway]

@@rugbybuzz shot

[@rugbybuzz]

@@wernerjoubert-justacastaway not sure what that means 😆

[@jacobh1867]

Jonah Lomu...."originally of Tongan descent". Ummm, he was born and raised in Auckland NZ, so that's a statement along the lines of saying Richie McCaw and Dan Carter...."originally of British descent". Fact check Buzz.

[@PhillipSwanepoel-v1j]

Campese over Habana, please. WTF. Rest not bad except for no 6, think there better.

[@wenerbronkhorst7455]

No thanks. For u it is Campese. For us it is Habanna.

[@andresjaque8344]

From Argentina, Roncero, Albacete, Pichot and JM Hernandez

[@f.a.b.m.7669]

Campese over Habana? LMAO this rank is stupid.

[@rugbybuzz]

@@f.a.b.m.7669 so mean…

[@romainviry3185]

Chill mate. Besides lightening pace what did Habana offer really ? Kolbe is better. So was Campese whether you like it or not

[@jeremymerrifield7244]

​@@rugbybuzzCampese was always so overrated. I was really happy when he played because I knew he would mess up .

[@rugbybuzz]

@@jeremymerrifield7244 haha harshhh - he was prone to a mistake or two but isn't everyone?

[@Nicolene-uy1jf]

JESUS LOVES YOU

[@GoldBawls]

On his knees😮

[@lindanimataure1636]

Well researched XV. A bunch of other lists would only include current players and leave out many of the true greats of decades past

[@rugbybuzz]

@@lindanimataure1636 tough one to do! PSDT very nearly got the no.6 shirt!

[@MrTokyoholmsey]

Pretty good selection. Some of us would say Christian Cullen should be in there but yhen again Serge was amazing as well. Similarly Gerber v O'Drisocoll.

[@rugbybuzz]

Yep very valid points!!!

[@morapelimokokomali7907]

Agreed, Cullen was amazing

[@1stpush]

No Peter Steph at 6? I’m sorry, 2 world cups, 1 man of the match in a World Cup final, 1 player of the year and favourited to win it again. How is he not there?

[@rugbybuzz]

@@1stpush PSDT is my only regret…

[@brucebanner9911]

In the words of Dr Danie Craven after picking his world XV "And now I will pick a team that could beat them any day"

[@andreroux850]

Honestly, Danie Gerber is a much better nr. 13.

[@rugbybuzz]

@@andreroux850 each to their own! 👍🏼

[@johnconstable2464]

We'll all have people that we could add. All i know for sure is that 15 would have been an immense proposition

[@rugbybuzz]

💪🏻

[@simonmaney3438]

People might be surprised just how tough and skillful Brodie Retallick was. Eben is one of the greats, but I believe Brodie's all round game edges him.

[@patrickchilds2987]

Yes agreed

[@Pooler29]

Danie Gerber would run rings around your centres...

[@rugbybuzz]

@@Pooler29 oooooh not so sure but each to their own! 👍🏼

[@alihughes5516]

Jason Leonard famously won 114 caps for England. Then 5 for the Lions.

[@Zah-haf]

No Mertens, Mark Andrew’s, Francois Pienaar, Jon Smit, Schalk Burger, Andre Joubert, Percy Montgomery, Bongi Mbonambi, Makazole Mapimpi, Bakkies Botha, Sam Whitelock, Sonny Bill Williams, Faf de Klerk, Duane Vermeulen, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi, François Steyn, Frédéric Michalak, Tana Umaga…. But we do have a bunch of 6 nations “legends” what a JOKE… total NH bias considering so many of the Springboks mentioned are multiple WC winners

[@patrickchilds2987]

Which of the NH players would you leave out ? There are only 4 of them . And how does RWC wins reflect on individual players. They are team awards. Jonah Lomu never won a RWCdo you take him out ?

[@Fabian19840721]

1. Os du Randt 2. Keith Wood 3. Tendai Mtawarira 4. Eben Etzebeth 5. John Eales (c) 6. Siya Kolisi 7. Peter-Steph du Toit 8. Zinzan Brooke 9. Joost van der Westhuizen 10. Dan Carter 11. Jonah Lomu 12. Ma'a Nonu 13. Brian O'Driscoll 14. Bryan Habana 15. Christian Cullan 16. John Smit 17. Carl Hayman 18. Jason Leonard 19. Victor Matfield 20. David Pocock 21. Antoine Dupont 22. Tim Horan 23. Jason Robinson

[@rugbybuzz]

@@Fabian19840721 great team 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@user-mkru]

You can not say OF ALL TIME. Just in South Africa we have players like Uli Schmidt, Mannetjies Roux, Danie Gerber, the general - Naas Botha, Ray Mordt, Henry Honnibal, Fourie du Preez, Joost vd Westhuizen and a number of locks who would walk into the best team any day. I am sure the rest of the countries feel the same. And I am sure I am leaving a few out....like the great Frik du Preez.

[@MrIutach]

Please do not forget Andre Joubert.

[@user-mkru]

@@MrIutach He was called the rolls royce of full backs but I don't rate him as one of the best. He was good on the attack but under the high ball with pressure on him he would have dropped 50% of the balls.

[@JohnDowning-j7j]

​@user-mitskru

[@JohnDowning-j7j]

Its not all about sa

[@user-mkru]

@@JohnDowning-j7j Read what I wrote and then if you still do not understand comment again.....I said other countries have their own starts....

[@heinrichhugo2990]

How old are you? Have you ever seen Danie Gerber and Naas Botha??

[@patrickchilds2987]

Fine players but they played when South Africa was banned from international rugby so their profile is mainly limited to within South Africa. That said these lists are just a bit of fun and nothing to take seriously

[@craigrogers373]

A very nice combination of old school and new school players.