RBP’s 6 Nations Greatest Ever XV

The 6 Nations has seen some of our games all-time greats come and go, and with the tournament kicking off this Saturday, we at RBP figured we could pick the best XV that the tournament has ever seen. We would like to clarify that this is a 6 Nations only XV, so players who retired before Italy was added will not be included.

1. Jason Leonard:

The England loosehead helped create England’s reputation as the dominant scrummaging force that they are. Capable of playing on both sides of the scrum, Leonard was part of England’s 2003 World Cup winning side, and helped England win three 6 Nations titles, including a Grand Slam in 2003.

2. Keith Wood:

One of the first legends of Irish rugby in the professional era, Wood was what we would call a “modern” hooker well before it was normal. His athleticism, mobility, and physicality made him a standout player in some generally poor Ireland teams.

3. Adam Jones:

Jones has never been the most remarkable of athletes, but he remains loved in our game. Partly because he is a great guy, but mostly because of his phenomenal work in the scrum for Wales over the years. With 95 caps for his nation, and another 5 for the British and Irish Lions, Jones has made a significant impact on this tournament.

4. Martin Johnson:

England fans would have liked for Johnson to be as good a coach as he was a player, but sadly, that was not to be. While he was on the field however, Johnson was one of the best to grace our game. His leadership and dominant physicality will forever endear him to the English. He will also go down in history for his role in the “red carpet incident”

5. Paul O’Connell:
Ireland’s equivalent of Johnson, O’Connell was present at every single great moment Ireland have had in the tournament since he scored his try on debut way back in 2002. He captained Ireland as they won the tournament in 2014 and 2015, and was in the engine room when Ireland won the Grand Slam in 2009. O’Connell’s commitment to his team was never ending, and Ireland really will miss him.

6. Lawrence Dallaglio:

Dallaglio has just snuck in ahead of his England teammate Richard Hill, and in truth, you could make a case for either of them. Dallaglio was unstoppable in his day, as he brought so much power and athleticism. He dominated the gain line for England, and set a physical edge that always seemed to see England on the front foot.

7. Thierry Dusautoir:

The French captain was always a thorn in the side of the home nations, and he was the leader of one of the best French back rows we have ever seen. When combined with Sebastien Chabal and Louis Picamoles, France always brought never-ending pain upon their opposition. Dusautoir will be remembered in France just as O’Connell and Johnson are remembered in England, but across the channel, he will always be feared.

8. Sergio Parisse:

Parisse is undoubtedly the greatest player to ever pull on an Italian jersey, and he would be starting if he were in any other side. Perhaps what is most amazing about Parisse is that even now, at 32 years old, he is still doing the same remarkable things he was doing when he first ran out for the Azzurri back in 2002. His bewildering skills and dominant power make him a complete player at No.8, and there are not many who can rival his ability.

9. Peter Stringer:

The 5’7” scrum half was always one to punch above his weight. No one in rugby had or has a better pass than Stringer, who always seemed to be able to fire lasers straight into the hands of his targets. It was this crisp service that led Ireland to its rugby renaissance in the early 2000’s, and that gave Ronan O’Gara the pass for his Grand Slam winning drop goal.

10. Jonny Wilkinson:

There have been so many greats at this position in the 6 Nations, with Stephen Jones, Francois Trinh-Duc, and Ronan O’Gara all falling short of England legend Jonny Wilkinson. Wilkinson, like O’Gara, never missed his kicks, but unlike O’Gara, provided physicality in defence and attacked the line like no one else at the time.

11. Shane Williams:

Williams is a reminder that no one is “too small” to play rugby. The diminutive Welsh winger was almost untouchable with his electric footwork, and gave Wales a spark that few could rival. The game meant so much to Williams, and seeing his tears as he belted out the Welsh national anthem for the last time is a reminder of what our game is all about. Williams is not just a 6 Nations legend, he is an all-round hero.

12. Jamie Roberts:

A very large part of me wanted to pick Gordon D’Arcy, simply because the Irish centre had more of an impact on the tournament overall, but Roberts is a better player. Roberts is simply massive, and when he goes forward, Wales win, it’s as simple as that. What makes Roberts more than just a big body is his vision, which is excellent, and allows him to create space for himself and others.

13. Brian O’Driscoll:

I don’t want to hear any arguing on this one, because Phillipe Sella played in the Five Nations (remember?). He has scored more tries than any other centre in international rugby, is Ireland’s leading try scorer, and amassed 141 international caps. You had to know he was going to be special when he scored that hat-trick in Paris, and he only got better. Another average sized player, no one could rival O’Driscoll’s vision, footwork, and offloading game. Truly one of the all-time greats.

14. Tommy Bowe:

This choice may rankle a few people, but Bowe’s contribution for Ireland over the years has been immense. Very few are better in the air than the Ulster wing, and his pace, size, and vision give Ireland a dominant attacking threat. Another one of Bowe’s biggest skills is his ability to step in off his wing when needed, and provide a massive tackle or intercept. And who can forget that try against Wales in 2009?

15. Jason Robinson:

This is another position where there is to be no arguing. Robinson was one of the game’s most lethal finishers for years, and he was a nightmare for everyone who played against England. To this day there aren’t many who can rival the man’s step, and I don’t think we will see many more players of his calibre anytime soon. Belongs in the category with Wilkinson, O’Driscoll, and Williams.