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With the World Cup approaching, we have put together a list of some of the most famous Rugby players and their most notable performances. If you are looking to get some skin in the game, then head over to online betting code to get a great bonus when you sign up. If you are looking for other historical reviews about great players in sports, then check this source out for great women who made golf history.

15. Paul O’Connell (IRE)

This Irish second row is seen by many Munster fans as a gift from god. He has had the honor of being one of the leading tight forwards for decades. He is a three-time Lion who was captain of the 2009 tour in South Africa.

14. Victor Matfield (SA)

Besides being at one of the best centers in South Africa, Victor’s is also a skilled lineout technician. He was awarded Man of the Match in the World Cup Final in 2007 and came back to help the Springboks in a season, after being retired for 3 years.

13. George Gregan (AUS)

George Gregan is most famously known for taunting the All Blacks during the Australia’s World Cup semifinal victory in 2003. He is originally from Zambia and has won a staggering 139 caps. 

12. Bryan Habana (SA)

Bryan Habana helped the ‘Boks win the World Cup title in 2007 and throughout his career managed to get a whopping 65 test tries, joining David Campese on the all-timers list. 

11. Martin Johnson (ENG)

Martin Johnson has many victories behind him. The two that stand out are undoubtedly his role as captain during the 1997 trip to South Africa and when England won the World Cup in 2003 in Sydney.

10. Jonny Wilkinson (ENG)

Jonny Wilkinson set the standards in terms of dedication and a tenacious pursuit to achieve perfection. His finest hour came in 2003 when he was directly responsible for the goal that won them the World Cup. He is an outstanding player and only Dan Carter has managed to score more than him in Test Rugby.

9. John Eales (AUS)

John Eales has a rather strange nickname “nobody” which you would assume is negative until you think of the expression “Nobody’s perfect”. He has won 2 World Cup Championships and has managed to score a staggering 173 points on the international Rugby scene.

8. Shane Williams (WAL)

Shane Williams has been one of the hardest workers on the playing field and is arguably one of the greatest Welsh players to have ever played. He was named player of the year in 2008 and had a total of 60 test tries.

7. Tim Horan (AUS)

Tim Horan had his test debut against New Zealand in 1989 and impressed his opposite number, Joe Stanley, so much that he ended up receiving his Jersey. Talent recognizes talent!

6. Sergio Parisse (ITA)

The one-man team! While there of course is no such thing in Rugby, Sergio Parisse must be the best candidate for the title. He has helped lead Italy to many victories and has a fighter mentality, always giving his best.  

5. Joost van der Westhuizen (SA)

Joost Van der Westhuizen was arguably of the finest running scrum-half that has ever played Rugby and for those of you have seen video from the South African tour in 1997, there is honestly no comparison. Standing 6.1 feet tall, he was still able to find his way through the defenses of the opposite team.

4. Jonah Lomu (NZ)

Jonah Lomu is best known for his performance during the 1995 World Cup where he scored 7 tries, including four in a one-man sprint in the semi-final against England. He managed to pull the same trick in 1999 when he scored a record of 15 tries in a tournament.

3. Brian O’Driscoll (IRE)

Brian O’Driscoll was one of the most consistent and feared players at one point which along with 141 test caps has placed him as second on the all all-time list, just behind Richie McCaw. Being picked as chosen Player of the Tournament in 2006, 2007 and 2009 is also a clear indicator of the impact he had on the game.

2. Dan Carter (NZ)

Dan Carter is one of the greatest players that have ever played and leading the points table as the highest scorer in the history of international rugby is testament of this. He managed to score 1,598 points from 112 caps and besides being great goal-kicker, very agile and versatile runner - everything you would want in a rugby player!

1. Richie McCaw (NZ)

Who else did you expect to find as number one? He has earned a world-record-breaking 148 caps playing for the All Blacks and winning 131 of those. He has also been named captain of his country 111 times in total.