Just One Current England Star Makes Sir Ian McGeechan's All-Time England XV
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British and Irish Lions legend Sir Ian McGeechan has selected his all-time England XV in his latest column for the Telegraph.
Just one of Eddie Jones' current England players makes McGeechan's XV with Maro Itoje slipping into the second row alongside Martin Johnson.
The former Lions head coach does provide an honourable mention for Owen Farrell, who is beaten to a place in the side by World Cup-winning flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson.
Commenting on Wilkinson's inclusion over Farrell McGeechan wrote: 'You would have to put Jonny ahead of Owen Farrell because, while they were similar players, I think Jonny really broke the mould. He was the first to show the 100 per cent dedication which went into goal-kicking and tactical kicking, the physicality which could be brought to bear from 10. Farrell has those attributes, too, but in the end, Jonny won a World Cup and was as good off both feet.'
Meanwhile, Maro Itoje edges Simon Shaw in the side with McGeechan writing 'I was so, so close to picking Simon Shaw here. One of the best players I ever had, and so underrated.'
'The way he competed against the best locking pair in the world in South Africa 2009 was off the charts. And Shawsy was a major factor in Wasps’ success in the 2000s.'
McGeechan wrote that Itoje is 'maturing' as a player and that he has 'cut out many of the avoidable penalties and now when England are up against it, you are seeing the best of him.'
England men's first test centurion, Jason Leonard is joined in the front row alongside Brian Moore and Fran Cotton.
Johnson partners Itoje in the second row with the 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning loose trio all making the cut in Richard Hill, Neil Back and Lawrence Dallaglio.
Matt Dawson joins Wilkinson to recreate the 2003 halfback pairing with Will Greenwood and Jeremy Guscott making up the midfield.
England’s all-time record try-scorer, Rory Underhill, takes the left-wing spot with David Duckham on the right.
Finally, McGeechan was tempted to go with Josh Lewsey at fullback but instead opted for Jason Robinson.
'Both were brilliant, and both funnily enough, played on the wing. I think Jason shades it on X-factor', McGeechan wrote.
McGeechan's all-time England XV: Jason Robinson; David Duckham, Jeremy Guscott, Will Greenwood, Rory Underwood; Jonny Wilkinson, Matt Dawson; Jason Leonard, Brian Moore, Fran Cotton, Martin Johnson, Maro Itoje, Richard Hill, Neil Back, Lawrence Dallaglio.
