14/11/09 BANK OF SCOTLAND CORPORATE AUTUMN TEST
SCOTLAND V FIJI (23-10)
MURRAYFIELD - EDINBURGH
Jason White in action for Scotland.
15) Serge Blanco (France)
The ultimate full back for me was Serge Blanco, fearless in the air and a brilliant attacker who was never afraid to get involved in some big skirmishes.
14) Lote Tuquri (Australia)
One of my wing spots goes to Lote Tuiquri from Australia. He was a rugby league convert who was a real handle to defend against. A big unit who would match up well with Jonah on the other wing.
13) Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
The Rolls Royce of centres has to be in – Brian O’Driscoll. He was so effective for Ireland and the Lions. When I was called up for the Lions in 2005 Brian had just injured his shoulder and was spending a fair bit of time on team bonding. Amazing on and off the pitch.
Brian O’Driscoll getting to grips with Scotland’s Sean Lamont, 2007.
12) Yannick Jauzion (France)
I have gone for Yannick Jauzion in the 12 role, he was a big man who could move well and was not afraid to mix it with the forwards. Incredibly strong around the hips and glutes with the smallest hip check and he would sit the best defenders down.
11) Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
The only choice at 11 is Jonah Lomu. Facing him in the Haka for my second and third caps was awesome as a young man and on reflection an honour to be on the same pitch as him. He changed rugby for the better.
10) Jonny Wilkinson (England)
I was torn between Jonny Wilkinson who I played against many times at the peak of his career with England but also Toulon and the more adventurous style of Carlos Spencer who would pull of some unbelievable plays. Heart said Carlos, head said Jonny!
The legendary figure of Jonny Wilkinson landing a penalty in a 15-15 Calcutta Cup draw in 2010.
9) George Gregan (Australia)
This player was full of chat on the pitch for his own players and without doubt the opposition, my 9 is the Aussie legend George Gregan. The game that stands out for me was the 2003 RWC versus Australia; we were close at half-time in the quarter-final but George controlled the territory and tempo in the second half like the little general he was.
1) Os Du Randt (South Africa)
Os Du Randt would be my pick at loosehead. He was a rock in the scrums and set piece and carried the ball with real intent to do damage.
2) Raphael Ibanez (France)
My hooker would be Raphael Ilbanez, one of the best sights was a French front row going for it in the scrums and Rapha was a class player and leader
3) Jason Leonard (England)
Tighthead goes to Jason Leonard, a unit who would get your scrum up on the right-hand side, he would also set the team up for an amazing night on the town after the game.
4) Bakkies Botha (South Africa)
King of the enforcers at number 4 – Bakkies Botha. I remember one game at Murrayfield where I had his forearm coming down on me at the bottom of the ruck, telling me to stay down on the ground and don’t move.
Victor Matfield (centre) and Schalk Burger combining to thwart Grant Gilchrist, 2013.
5) Victor Matfield (South Africa)
Bakkies worked so well with Victor Matfield that I am going to name his partner in crime. Victor was so good in line outs and caused Scotty Murray and myself a huge challenge around working out how to win our ball.
6) Jerry Collins (New Zealand)
Blindside goes to Jerry Collins. I was known for being a big hitter but Jerry set the standard that we all tried to match. Brilliant fun after a match too!
7) Olivier Magne (France)
Ritchie McCaw set the gold standard at openside but my choice is Olivier Magne of France. He could run in open play like a centre or winger and I remember the problems he caused me and John Barclay in one game in Paris when he was running back from 22 restarts.
8) Pierre Spies (South Africa)
I have chosen Pierre Spies at number 8, he was an absolute unit who could run faster than most backs and also mix it with the forwards.
South Africa’s Pierre Spies warding off the attention of a number of Scots, 2008.
