Nick Evans picks surprise fly half in all-time greatest XV

Accessibility to the minds of the world’s greatest rugby players and coaches has never been easier. Podcasts are popping up all around the rugby stratosphere as personalities look to take their post-retirement steps.

Just in England, due to its brash and slightly unhinged take on the modern game, ‘The Good, The Bad and the Rugby’ is now in its fifth series after proving incredibly popular among listeners. The success of this venture has likely been the catalyst for others, such as Danny Care’s ‘Hits Different’ and Ben Youngs’ ‘For The Love Of Rugby’.

Common discussion points on these podcasts tend to veer towards experts choosing their ‘Team of the Week’ or “Greatest Team of All Time’ as these subjective lists can create wonderful discussions between fans.

Recently ‘Hits Different’ host, Danny Care and co-host Mark Atkinson picked their British and Irish Lions XV ahead of next year’s tour of Australia. This week they had Harlequins skills coach Nick Evans pick what he thought was the greatest team of players he has played with or against.

Here is his team:

Front Row

1. Tony Woodcock

Woodcock has Scored in a World Cup final and has two winners’ medals. Adam Jones also “waxes lyrical” about his scrummaging technique – a no-brainer for Evans.

2. Schalk Brits

Evans chose to oust former roommate Kevin Mealamu for his Springbok and Saracens rival, Brits. Played like a back but with all the physicality and technique of a forward.

3. Carl Hayman

Able to hold his own in the scrum against Andrew Sheridan back in the Lions tour of 05, Evans claimed that Hayman had “man strength”, able to lift “Bales and throw logs over houses”.

Second Row

4. Victor Matfield

A lineout specialist maestro and arguably one of South Africa’s greatest-ever players.

5. Bakkies Botha

Botha’s bruising frame and immense physicality enabled this partnership to become the most feared in the world.

Back Row

6. Juan Smith

Big, strong, and had the ability to play in the loose. Deadly alongside the already dominant South African pack.

7. Richie McCaw

“Just better than everyone”

8. Rodney So’oialo

Having played with So’oialo for many years, Evans chose his old mate for his impact running and versatility in the set play.

Half Backs

9. Danny Care

He couldn’t, not choose the host of the podcast and current colleague…

10. Stephen Larkham

Credited with introducing the layered attack to the modern game, Larkham was a vital cog in the Brumbies winning machine of the 90s. Evans modelled his own game on Larkham.

Back Five

11. Bryan Habana

Habana was simply rapid at top speed and had the footwork to step any defender in the world.

12. Aaron Mauger

“We can’t see everything, the more you can give us, the better” – A ball-playing 12, Mauger’s communication skills were vital to all those around him.

13. Jaque Fourie

A giant of a man, Fourie a the crash ball centre that gave the attacking side an attacking platform every time he received the ball.

14. Rupeni Caucaunibuca

Sadly he didn’t have a career filled with too many highs for too long, but in his prime Caucaunibuca was simply the most electrifying runner in world rugby.

15. Mils Muliaina

“Dominated the backfield, counter-attacked first and foremost in his head and kicked when he needed to kick”. He was also just as well equipped on the wing or in the centre, proving to be a perfect teammate of Evans.

Coach:

Wayne Smith

“The professor. His knowledge of the game is unreal.”

Stadium:

Principality (Millenium) Stadium or Ellis Park Stadium