My Fantasy XV: Chris Paterson

EDINBURGH , SCOTLAND - AUGUST 16: Chris Paterson during the launch of the 2024/2025 Arnold Clark Premership season at Currie Chieftains RFC, on August 16, 2024, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

This week, it’s the turn of Chris Paterson, Scotland’s leading points scorer in internationals (809) and winner of a 13-year career-spanning 109 caps for his country.

15) Christian Cullen (New Zealand)

A brilliant all round attacking full back who was seriously quick and powerful. Someone who scored tries from his own goal line regularly, against the best opposition, in the biggest test matches tells you how influential he was.

14) Jason Robinson (England)

One of the very best attackers that I faced, he was pretty much un-defendable! You needed 2 or 3 defenders, either side of you, every time he got the ball to be expecting to make the tackle. His impact after making the switch from Rugby League was phenomenal.

Pictured: Jason Robinson going in for his second try, 2002 Calcutta Cup.

13) Rupeni Caucaunibuca (Fiji)

I know he’s a winger but I need to find a space for him in this team. For a short time, he was themost special player in the world. Power, pace and another who made scoring tries that made your jaw drop look easy.

12) Yannick Jauzion (France)

A big ball playing centre who had an unreal ability to stay on his feet and offload. He would draw so many defenders in then perfectly shift the ball. His lines of running were exceptional too. His distribution would be a key cog in this team!

Pictured: France ace Yannick Jauzion stopped in his tracks.

11) Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)

I don’t think I need to explain this selection!! Interestingly, one of his attributes that often gets overlooked is his evasion. His balance and body movement often beat the defender before they even tried cope with his size, speed and physicality when attempting the tackle!

10) Dan Carter (New Zealand)

This is a really tough call between Dan Carter and Jonny Wilkinson but I’ve gone with Carter due to his ability to break the defensive line with ball in hand. He is the most ‘all-round’ number 10 I have ever seen.

9) George Gregan (Australia)

A brilliant decision maker, motivator, leader and a really tough competitor. I think the best scrum halves are the ones who make the best decision (and have the ability to execute that decision) most often. I can’t remember Gregan making many bad decisions over his record-breaking career. *I never played against Dupont!

Pictured: Wallabies skipper George Gregan scores a try for Australia at Hampden, 2004.

1) Gethin Jenkins (Wales)

Another cap centurion who was all action. A brilliant ball carrier with a ridiculous level of fitness that allowed him to have a huge effect on the game for 80 mins. A decent ball player too.

2) Keith Wood (Ireland)

I only played against him on one or two occasions but he was a special player. A brilliant hooker and a centre at the same time. Another one who fits into my theme of ‘all action’.

3) Martin Castrogiovanni (Italy)

A big man with a big personality and influence on every game he played in. He was destructive in everything he did from scrummaging, mauling and defending but he was also a really dynamic ball carrier who took a bit of stopping.

Pictured: Allan Jacobsen (right) is tackled by Italy’s Martin Castrogiovanni, 2009 Six Nations.

4) John Eales (Australia)

Another big forward with exceptional leadership qualities and an all-round skill set. How can you overlook a goal kicking second row who’s won 2 Rugby World Cups?

5) Norm Maxwell (New Zealand)

Certainly not the biggest or heaviest second row but one made game changing impacts in and around contact. The definition of someone who gave everything he had…..and more.

6) George Smith (Australia)

A player who changed the game in terms of winning turnovers and creating counter attack. He was a brilliant decision maker and defender but also had the ability to distribute and attack like a world class centre.

7) Josh Kronfeld (New Zealand)

Again, a player I only played against once but I was blown away by his speed! He was everywhere….first. He would win the race to the breakdown, win the ball then somehow end up being the first support player on a line break all in one passage of play.

8) Sergio Parisse (Italy)

A brilliant athlete with a brilliant skill set. He could have played for any international team (in almost any position from 4-15) such was his all-round ability.