Top Ten: Lions
Tom Chant
Posted on: 10 June 2009 - 11:19
Rugby Union
With the tour of South Africa well under way, and the tests fast approaching, Sport.co.uk looks at the greatest players to ever play in British and Irish Lions shirt.
Gareth Edwards (Wales)
Tours: 1968, 1971, 1974
Edwards is highly regarded as one the greatest players of all-time and was one of the few certainties for a Top Ten Lions list. As a bit part player in the lost South African tour of 1968, Edwards showed more than enough potential to play key roles in the next two tours and cement his place in Lions history.
Jeremy Guscott (England)
Tours: 1989, 1993, 1997
If for nothing else, Guscott’s amazing contributions of a result confirming try in the second Australia test in 1989 and winning drop-goal in South Africa eight years later earn him his place on the list. As the joint most-capped centre, Guscott is a deserving Lions legend.
Ian McGeechan (Scotland)
Tours: 1974, 1977
Though perhaps McGeechan may not have made the list if it were not for his successes as a Lions Head Coach (hopefully with more to come), it must be remembered that he kept Mike Gibson on the bench in South Africa 1974 as a player. McGeehan’s role in the unexpected 1997 tour victory earns him his place on the list.
Barry John (Wales)
Tours: 1968, 1971
Known by his peers as ‘The King’, John was regarded by the South Africans as the man to stop in 1968. Though a broken collar-bone halted that tour, The King returned with his unique skilful grace to demolish New Zealand as Lions top scorer in 1971.
Willie John McBride (Ireland)
Tours: 1962, 1966, 1968, 1971, 1974
McBride, as Captain in 1974, looked for a long time like he might be the only man to take leadership in a winning South Africa tour in the 20th Century. Though Martin Johnson managed to share that achievement, McBride will be remembered as the man who encapsulated the Lions’ spirit like no other.
Cliff Morgan (Wales)
Tours: 1955
Though he only played in one tour, Morgan has long been regarded as one of the greatest Lions of all time. His talents, and indeed captaincy for part of the tour, helped ensure the tie with the Springboks in 1955.
Mike Gibson (Ireland)
Tours: 1966, 1968, 1971 (1974, 1977 but did not play in the Tests)
Gibson, interestingly the first ever international Rugby replacement, played with Barry John in the incredible midfield of 1971. His longevity in the Lions setup is testament to his impeccable timing in play and dedication to the sport.
Gavin Hastings (Scotland)
Tours: 1989, 1993
Though Andy Irvine could have easily taken this spot in the top-ten, Hastings’ captaincy in 1993 just edges him in front. Top scorer on both of his tours, Hastings was the ideal full-back and a Lions great.
Martin Johnson (England)
Tours: 1993, 1997, 2001
As the only man to ever captain the side in two separate tours, Johnson had to make the list. Leader and giant, Johnson’s imposing captaincy was part of the success in 1997 and a model for the sport in 2001.
Graham Price (Wales)
Tours: 1977, 1980, 1983
As the most-capped front row forward in Lions history, Price was one of the stars of his Rugby generation. A human-wall against New Zealand in 1977 and 1983, and South Africa in between, Price has certainly earned his place amongst the greatest Lions of all time.
Worthy mentions: Andy Irvine (Scotland), Jonny Wilkinson (England), Dickie Jeeps (England), Harry McKibbin (Ireland) and David Duckham (England).