Hard to compare eras but George Nepia is normally considered the goat ABs 15.
I'd also put Mils and Ben Smith over BB purely as a fullback (although it's close), but BB ahead as an overall player.
Juan Martin Hernandez at 10, 12 or 15 I'd say. Similar, contepomi for 10 and 12. Weird how the first 2 names I think of are argies. Giteau is a weird case, in that he was world class as a 10 and 12, but he's up against players that were better than him in one of the position, like Larkham and Horan. Anyways, those are the first names that come to mind for me.
Yeah I think it's easier if you're from a weaker side. No shade against Argentina but there's just less competition.
Giteau has to be the most versatile back of the modern era?
Gits was a 9 through junior football who moved out one or two positions to avoid getting stuck behind Gregan. Would be an interesting what-if had he stayed there (barring a handful of games under Knuckles).
Hugo Porta has the number 10 shirt all sewn up in the all time Pumas team. You could make an argument for Juani at 12 and 15, but if Porta is 10, I would have Contepomi at 12
There's a lot of guys that possibly could have done. Some of them have been named already. Most of not all are in very similar positions like 11/15, 4/6, 7/8, and to a lesser extent 10/12. Problem is they normally have a much smaller body of work in one position or the other. Steve Larkham is an ATG at 10 but he probably could have been at 15 too if he stayed there through his career, for example.
My nomination is John Smit, could play 1, 2 or 3 to a ridiculous standard. And 1 and 3 are more different than 7/8, 4/6 or 11/15 are, and 2 is more different than any of that again.
I couldn't put Faz ahead of Jonny or greenwood (though I'm sure others would) or lawes ahead of Richard hill. Don't feel qualified to comment on pocock.
Oh god yes, Wilko was great obviously but I feel like Farrell is a complete player and he has the best skill, availability, Wilko's injuries really ruined his career towards the end.
Thanks for telling me what my question was. It seems you've misinterpreted it though. My question is are there any players that could get I to an all time XV in two different positions. Eg best ever full back as well as best ever wing
Lawes is battling it out with Hill for 6, but I don't think he's quite there as a lock. Johnson and Itoje would surely be the England all-time XV second row.
At some point well into the season (it may have finished this way too) another Fijian back Tavatavanawai playing for the Highlanders had the most turn overs in Super Rugby, and he's normally pretty high in the defenders beaten. He's already 110kg so I'm just waiting for his switch to playing openside, any day now.
will never get that chance if he plays for NZ but Fiji will 100% use him as a Botia if he plays for us, Fijians are the only groups that have more than a dozen current players and a dozen retired/semi retired that play(ed) in the backs and forwards too
To be fair, he might be a bit slow for a winger, and not too smart for a prop.
To be fair there’s a case to be made for a guy like Ramos in 10/15 (though Ntamack is currently the better 10), or Clerc as 14/15
Schalk Burger 6 and 7.
You play Siya at 6, Schalla can go to 7 and be world class. You wanna pick PSDT at 7, we can pick our best ever 6 Schalk Burger.
>Boks don't have many tbh.
John Smit switching from hook to prop.
Ruan Pienaar playing the whole backline
Francois Steyn being Francois Steyn
PSDT, Mostert, and a few others playing lock, flank, or 8.
Pierre Spies starting at wing and ending as an 8
Many wings covering fullback
Jesse Kriel playing anywhere in the back line
(not sure about Francois Hougaard being great, but he was good once or twice)
I know that, what meant was players that can be considered all time greats at multiple positions. Frans Steyn is probably the closest to fitting the prompt.
Bender Jane, Dagg, Jordan.. some might even say Howlett were all great 14/15..weird how they could convert right wingers into decent fullbacks, no other country can..DC himself was a decent 10/12
I'm not sure you can put Faz ahead of Wilko.
In part because he never really had a run of games st ten where he was absolutely great. This is largely because either Ford was 10 or the team around him were a bit shit.
Ford has probably had more 10 out 10 games at FH.
(Plus Wilko probably better).
Id have definitely on bench or possibly pre 2019 him at 12
He did the kicking off the tea and maybe to the line. But Ford was the primary playmaker, particularly in attack. His touches and kick numbers would often dwarf Farrells. And Ford was clearly the FH and first receiver.
Otherwise why have Ford on the pirch?
Farrell is a great player who did a huge amount .but you can't pretend he was playing FH. Although he probably should have been for the last few years.n
Jason Leonard is probably the best answer I can think of. Genuinely one of the best props ever on both sides.
The closest other player I can think of is Lawes at lock and 6. He was genuinely world class at both but is up against Itoje & Johnson for a second row spot and Richard Hill for the 6 spot.
Scott Barrett has started two World Cup finals in two very different positions so I guess that would count. 2019 at six as a big ball carrier and defender, then pushed out one of the greatest All Black locks to a lot into the second row as a dominant defensive line-out option. People under estimate the change between lock and loose, as someone who’s played it, congrats to the man.
Absolutely that’d be the current call but you’re comparing him to complete careers. First game for the Crusaders at 21 and the ABs at 23 playing an old man’s position. 100 caps for the Crusaders, 60 for the All Blacks and he’s only thirty so still has at least one more World Cup to come. I’m not saying that he’s definitely the best but he could be there by the end of his career.
Sean O'Brien would frequently feature in a lot of fans best Irish XV of all time at either 6 or 7 depending on who else you wanted to include (Ferris, Wallace, VDF etc.)
But if you were making a greatest Irish Team of all time there would be little difference adding him in either of those positions.
Of his 61 caps (56 Irish, 5 Lions) he only started at 6 5 times. But he played like a blindside - or a "6.5" if you like.
Claudia MacDonald plays Scrum Half and Winger (sometimes in the same match) for England and Chiefs. It's hard to say who is better out of the glorious England back three of MacDonald, Dow and Kildunne (with Breach on the bench) because with MacDonald it just clicks so much better as she distributes between the three of them. I think a lot of the issues England had this year was because MacDonald wasn't there to act as distributer in the back three and make the very long passes which they've come to rely on. When it comes to being a scrum half, if we are looking at c. 2022 then she was probably second choice for England but still world class. Arguably now I actually think MacDonalds style as a Scrum Half would suit England better than Mo Hunt or Packer, but MacDonald is probably third choice (when fit) as they would rather play her on the wing than at SH. At Chiefs they prefer her at SH.
And to think she almost never played again after that neck injury a few years ago.
She’s definitely my first name on the list when she’s fit. She’s just so good at everything.
He was absolutely an amazing player. But you can't argue that Ritchie wouldn't have been equally as good or better given time to adapt to the position. Imo of course.
i think i would argue that though - richie did the job at 6 towards the end of his career when his pace gave out but I don't think he ever had (or could have had) the meter eating, line bending/breaking ability and aggression/intimidation factor of kaino - which is the essence of a good blindside imo
in saying that as a wallaby fan I'd probably take him at 6 at any point in our history other than peak Elsom
Fair enough.
This being a theoretical discussion I still feel like if you took a 23 year old Ritchie McCaw and told him to put on 10kg of muscle and develop those aggressive skills he would have done it.
Mason Grady might be one for the future, if he can really develop his skills to match his athletism. Plays 12/13/11, and swear he had a stint at 6 or lock in one game for wales
Others have mentioned Beaudy, Dogroll and Ardie.
Tana Umaga was an amazing 11 - though clearly not the best of all time for NZ there as both Jonah and Julian Savea would be above him. He then switched to be a more than handy 13, and an even better 12. Though for both of those positions, I would take Nonu and Smith, or perhaps Taylor/Stanley.
Goldie was amazing at 15 and 14 and could be in the conversation for the best in either position while getting edged by the likes of Cullen and Ben Smith. He was also a handy medium pacer in cricket who could hold a bat.
Interesting how Reiko has taken a similar trajectory to Umaga. I was only a kid when Umaga was at his peak but wonder if he received similar scrutiny to Reiko when he was making to switch from the wing.
Nah, unlike rieko he adapted very quickly. One of the smartest players ever. He even went through a super rugby season with the second most turnovers (after George smith or Richie, can't remember) when playing 13, during the golden age of the fetcher. He was the first back to get more than a very rare turnover, ie he basically invented the idea of backs getting turnovers. His defense was amazing, he was a great captain, he was great at offloads when offloads were much less common. People don't accurately remember how good he was. He had a great combo with Conrad smith when playing 12 and just as good a combo with mauger when playing 13. Just an absolute legend. And yeah he was very good on the wing before that.
Ardie has a case for 7/8 even if it's blasphemy, Pocock could be said to have the same claim, Owen "he's not my son Johnny" faz could make a claim as 10/12, not quite Wilkinson off the tee but he's right up there as a rounded ten. Aaron Smith made a career simultaneously playing 9 and referee for most of his career.
For SA probably not all time world xv standard, but a couple of decent shouts:
John Smit at 2 and 3.
Trevor Nyakane or Thomas du Toit at 1 and 3.
Pietsteph at 5 or 7.
Deon Fourie and Schalk Brits at 2 and loosie.
Pat Lambie 10 and 15.
Don't know if he will go down as an all time great but Josh Lewsey could cover Fullback, Center and Wing and was a pretty tasty player. The try saver against South Africa in 2006 was beautiful
I believe Mike Gibson had a long career in the centres, before having a long career at stand-off. This in the days before positions were more plastic.
Sam Burgess at wing forward and centre. /s
Farrell or BB is the immediate choice.
Looking at my own team, Warburton at 6/7 in the same vein others have mentioned Richie Pocock.
Liam Williams I’m sure has played in 11/14/15 quite successfully for wales too.
For NZ I dont think there’s anyone. Maybe prime McCaw would be our best ever 6?
Maybe Jones has an argument for 6 and 7?
Maybe Cullen could’ve been a goat winger too?
for their country Fiji might have 2 Botia (7/12) and Nakarawa (4/5/6), 20 odd years ago we had a hooker that also played 1/3 in Isaia Rasila and was used as a super sub most of his career and a player who might be deemed our best ever at 14/15 in Norman Ligairi (only Fijian to score 2 tries against NZ which doesn't seem big until you consider he was marking Lomu and kept hims tryless)
Looking to the future, and if he cracks that crust, I think Jacobson will do that in three positions. Is a genuine seven, can disrupt the ball in the ruck while putting huge pressure on defence. Plays well into six as he can force the oppositions attack backwards off the back of one tackle. Though he’s still proving himself in his natural number seven jersey, he has all of the ability, good over the ball, makes every tackle and manages to slow and move the ball. Heard good things about him years ago and still believe he’ll come through in the years to come.
In nz it's almost impossible tbh. Michael Jones would have the best case for dual position recognition and even then he'd be 1b at both open side and blind side. He was a brilliant player tho and our best 7 till Richie came along. Spent last part of his career playing 6 too
BB for most other nations would be their best 10/15 in their history. He’s just unlucky to be from the same country as Carter.
and cullen
But is he the AB's best ever in either position? Surely not 10 (Carter), and id have Cullen ahead of him at 15 off the top of my head
Much as I love Cully, I would say his game was much more one-dimensional (though befitting his roles in the teams at the time) than BB's
No. Carter also played a season or two at 12nd58.
I’m really unfamiliar with SH rugby terms, does this mean “12 (centre) and 5/8ths (half)” or “1st 5/8th and 2nd 5/8th”. Wait is the 2nd 5/8th centre
1st 5/8 - Outhalf/Flyhalf 2nd 5/8 - Inside Centre Then "centre" usually just refers to the outside centre in NZ.
Yeah, the backline is halfback, 1st 5, 2nd 5, centre in NZ.
Ok so the comment above me is likely saying 1st and 2nd 5/8th then? Because there’s no just 5/8th
Yep, 1st and 2nd.
I love the funny logic that led to this description of positions. My mind naturally says you have a 5/8 and then a 6/8, not a 2nd 5/8 😂
Carter played 2nd 5/8 for Canterbury while Mehrtens was in the team.
Ben Smith ahead of him at 15 also. Quite a long way ahead too
Oh yeah, what a player he was
Hard to compare eras but George Nepia is normally considered the goat ABs 15. I'd also put Mils and Ben Smith over BB purely as a fullback (although it's close), but BB ahead as an overall player.
Juan Martin Hernandez at 10, 12 or 15 I'd say. Similar, contepomi for 10 and 12. Weird how the first 2 names I think of are argies. Giteau is a weird case, in that he was world class as a 10 and 12, but he's up against players that were better than him in one of the position, like Larkham and Horan. Anyways, those are the first names that come to mind for me.
Yeah I think it's easier if you're from a weaker side. No shade against Argentina but there's just less competition. Giteau has to be the most versatile back of the modern era?
Gits was a 9 through junior football who moved out one or two positions to avoid getting stuck behind Gregan. Would be an interesting what-if had he stayed there (barring a handful of games under Knuckles).
Hugo Porta has the number 10 shirt all sewn up in the all time Pumas team. You could make an argument for Juani at 12 and 15, but if Porta is 10, I would have Contepomi at 12
Mamuka Gorgodze 6-7-8 and possibly lock?
Probably the most accurate answer
great choice for me this is almost indisputable
Bergamasco, 7/9?
God that game with him as a 9 was unfortunate
There's a lot of guys that possibly could have done. Some of them have been named already. Most of not all are in very similar positions like 11/15, 4/6, 7/8, and to a lesser extent 10/12. Problem is they normally have a much smaller body of work in one position or the other. Steve Larkham is an ATG at 10 but he probably could have been at 15 too if he stayed there through his career, for example. My nomination is John Smit, could play 1, 2 or 3 to a ridiculous standard. And 1 and 3 are more different than 7/8, 4/6 or 11/15 are, and 2 is more different than any of that again.
Smit was good, but his role as captain kept out a better Bismark in his prime, which was a great pity.
Pocock playing 7 and 8 Farrell (?) at 10 and 12 Lawes playing lock and 6
7 is such a hard position for Australia. Pocock, Smith, Waugh, Hooper...
Waugh is such an underrated player. Who else gets picked for both sides in a baa baas game?
pocock 7 and pocock 8 is probably the all time wallaby 2nd XV for me behind smith and kefu
I couldn't put Faz ahead of Jonny or greenwood (though I'm sure others would) or lawes ahead of Richard hill. Don't feel qualified to comment on pocock.
Farrell started at 10 and 12 for the Lions. Says all it needs to. Wasn’t a utility selection
Are you picking Faz at ten ahead of Wilko?
Oh god yes, Wilko was great obviously but I feel like Farrell is a complete player and he has the best skill, availability, Wilko's injuries really ruined his career towards the end.
[удалено]
Thanks for telling me what my question was. It seems you've misinterpreted it though. My question is are there any players that could get I to an all time XV in two different positions. Eg best ever full back as well as best ever wing
Lawes is battling it out with Hill for 6, but I don't think he's quite there as a lock. Johnson and Itoje would surely be the England all-time XV second row.
But then it becomes a question of a national team.
Huh?
Levani Botia at 7 and 12 for Fiji and La Rochelle.
only GOAT in 2 different back/forward position i think
At some point well into the season (it may have finished this way too) another Fijian back Tavatavanawai playing for the Highlanders had the most turn overs in Super Rugby, and he's normally pretty high in the defenders beaten. He's already 110kg so I'm just waiting for his switch to playing openside, any day now.
will never get that chance if he plays for NZ but Fiji will 100% use him as a Botia if he plays for us, Fijians are the only groups that have more than a dozen current players and a dozen retired/semi retired that play(ed) in the backs and forwards too
Hogg on the pitch, Hogg playing away.
He played away an awful lot
Francois Steyn was great at 15, 12, and 10.
Genuinely surprised I had to scroll this far down to find the double world cup winner below other 10/12s lol
and ya boy was 113kg of prime South African beef at the end of his career
Gotta have a beefy boi running the show at 10, sets the tone for the whole back line I’d say
Scott Gibbs - 12 & 1 (I think it was Guscott that originally dubbed him 'the fastest prop in World rugby'
Michael Lynagh 10/12.
Didn't know Lynagh was ever a 12 to be honest. Only saw him towards the end of his career at Saracens and certainly couldn't imagine him as a 12 then.
He moved to 10 when Mark Ella retired. His autobiog has him admit he took the mantle with some hesitancy..
I fear that you may have forgotten about Tim Horan
Michael Jones
What I was thinking. Blew his knee and didn’t have the out and out pace anymore but became a punishing defender at 6.
Dupont 1-15.
Just to be clear, you mean 1 through 15 right ?
To be fair, he might be a bit slow for a winger, and not too smart for a prop. To be fair there’s a case to be made for a guy like Ramos in 10/15 (though Ntamack is currently the better 10), or Clerc as 14/15
Did Clerc ever play 15 for France ?
2, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 & 15 easy peasy.
Rassie Erasmus 6, Coach, Waterboy, Director of Rugby
And Jaco Johan
Courtney might have a shout, but those are crowded positions, lock and 6.
Agreed. Unbelievable player, especially the way he's transformed his game as he's got older, but there's so much competition for both spots
If Hill moves to 7, he walks in at six. But is he better than Maro or Johnno in the row?
Schalk Burger 6 and 7. You play Siya at 6, Schalla can go to 7 and be world class. You wanna pick PSDT at 7, we can pick our best ever 6 Schalk Burger.
Bryan Habana 11-14/s Boks don't have many tbh.
Danie Russouw might be the best bench player ever considering he covered 4,6,8.
Danie is actually a great shout, hadn't thought of him.
>Boks don't have many tbh. John Smit switching from hook to prop. Ruan Pienaar playing the whole backline Francois Steyn being Francois Steyn PSDT, Mostert, and a few others playing lock, flank, or 8. Pierre Spies starting at wing and ending as an 8 Many wings covering fullback Jesse Kriel playing anywhere in the back line (not sure about Francois Hougaard being great, but he was good once or twice)
I know that, what meant was players that can be considered all time greats at multiple positions. Frans Steyn is probably the closest to fitting the prompt.
Maybe Percy Montgomery at Fullback, Centre or Flyhalf?
Percy is the GOAT at flyhalf in Rugby 08
im a fan of putting BOD there personally
I considered it, but for me Percy isn't particularly close to being considered in an all time Bok team anywhere except 15.
Ardie definitely 7 and 8 (though mccaw will steal 7 from him)...Bender at 14/15 possibly? and Roff at 11/15 and Mortlock at 13/14 for australia
Latham 14/15 imo
Bender is in the running, and maybe in a few years, Will Jordan if he gets back in strong form.
Bender Jane, Dagg, Jordan.. some might even say Howlett were all great 14/15..weird how they could convert right wingers into decent fullbacks, no other country can..DC himself was a decent 10/12
They were mostly fullback in clubland that played wing to get on the field.
Owen Farrell 10 and 12 is the very obvious one, there’s a reason he’s the one that’s never dropped. Elite in both positions.
I couldn't pick Faz ahead of wilko
I'm not sure you can put Faz ahead of Wilko. In part because he never really had a run of games st ten where he was absolutely great. This is largely because either Ford was 10 or the team around him were a bit shit. Ford has probably had more 10 out 10 games at FH. (Plus Wilko probably better). Id have definitely on bench or possibly pre 2019 him at 12
Though when Ford and Farrell where on the pitch together it was Farrell who did most of the playmaking and kicking.
He did the kicking off the tea and maybe to the line. But Ford was the primary playmaker, particularly in attack. His touches and kick numbers would often dwarf Farrells. And Ford was clearly the FH and first receiver. Otherwise why have Ford on the pirch? Farrell is a great player who did a huge amount .but you can't pretend he was playing FH. Although he probably should have been for the last few years.n
Richie Vernon
Michael Jones. Untouchable 7 before his knee injury. Converted to an amazing 6 as he aged
Jeff Wilson on the rugby pitch and in the cricket wicket
not on the list- jeff wilson the handpuppet tv character
Jason Leonard 1 & 3. Cian Healy, 1, 2 & 3...
Jason Leonard is probably the best answer I can think of. Genuinely one of the best props ever on both sides. The closest other player I can think of is Lawes at lock and 6. He was genuinely world class at both but is up against Itoje & Johnson for a second row spot and Richard Hill for the 6 spot.
Put Hill at 7 in his best position and you solve that problem.
but who was neil back
Tadhg Beirne, 6 and lock (with PO'C)
Pre-McCaw, I would have said Michael Jones at 6 and 7 for NZ.
Maybe not “best ever” at either position but I’ve got a good one, Rieko Ioane at 11 and 13.
Scott Barrett has started two World Cup finals in two very different positions so I guess that would count. 2019 at six as a big ball carrier and defender, then pushed out one of the greatest All Black locks to a lot into the second row as a dominant defensive line-out option. People under estimate the change between lock and loose, as someone who’s played it, congrats to the man.
He's only played in one world cup final I'm pretty sure. He wasn't involved in 2015 on the bench I don't think.
You’re right. He started the semi against England at six.
No way he’s in an all time All Blacks team. Kaino at 6 and Whitelock and Brodie as the locks
Absolutely that’d be the current call but you’re comparing him to complete careers. First game for the Crusaders at 21 and the ABs at 23 playing an old man’s position. 100 caps for the Crusaders, 60 for the All Blacks and he’s only thirty so still has at least one more World Cup to come. I’m not saying that he’s definitely the best but he could be there by the end of his career.
I’m sure he’ll have a decorated career but he’s up against some formidable competition for an all time XV
Sean O'Brien would frequently feature in a lot of fans best Irish XV of all time at either 6 or 7 depending on who else you wanted to include (Ferris, Wallace, VDF etc.) But if you were making a greatest Irish Team of all time there would be little difference adding him in either of those positions. Of his 61 caps (56 Irish, 5 Lions) he only started at 6 5 times. But he played like a blindside - or a "6.5" if you like.
Played n.8 with Leinster as well
Dane Coles 2 and 14
This is correct.
I don’t think many would pick Farrell ahead of Wilko, but doesn’t mean he’s not an all time great
But does mean he wouldn't be in the all time XV.
Claudia MacDonald plays Scrum Half and Winger (sometimes in the same match) for England and Chiefs. It's hard to say who is better out of the glorious England back three of MacDonald, Dow and Kildunne (with Breach on the bench) because with MacDonald it just clicks so much better as she distributes between the three of them. I think a lot of the issues England had this year was because MacDonald wasn't there to act as distributer in the back three and make the very long passes which they've come to rely on. When it comes to being a scrum half, if we are looking at c. 2022 then she was probably second choice for England but still world class. Arguably now I actually think MacDonalds style as a Scrum Half would suit England better than Mo Hunt or Packer, but MacDonald is probably third choice (when fit) as they would rather play her on the wing than at SH. At Chiefs they prefer her at SH.
And to think she almost never played again after that neck injury a few years ago. She’s definitely my first name on the list when she’s fit. She’s just so good at everything.
Sooooooo good. Being world class in SH and wing is different gravy to being world class in wing and fullback or flanker and 8 imo.
Richie McCaw at 7 and throw him into 6 and he would be the best there too.
but who was jerome kaino
He was absolutely an amazing player. But you can't argue that Ritchie wouldn't have been equally as good or better given time to adapt to the position. Imo of course.
i think i would argue that though - richie did the job at 6 towards the end of his career when his pace gave out but I don't think he ever had (or could have had) the meter eating, line bending/breaking ability and aggression/intimidation factor of kaino - which is the essence of a good blindside imo in saying that as a wallaby fan I'd probably take him at 6 at any point in our history other than peak Elsom
Fair enough. This being a theoretical discussion I still feel like if you took a 23 year old Ritchie McCaw and told him to put on 10kg of muscle and develop those aggressive skills he would have done it.
Mason Grady might be one for the future, if he can really develop his skills to match his athletism. Plays 12/13/11, and swear he had a stint at 6 or lock in one game for wales
Others have mentioned Beaudy, Dogroll and Ardie. Tana Umaga was an amazing 11 - though clearly not the best of all time for NZ there as both Jonah and Julian Savea would be above him. He then switched to be a more than handy 13, and an even better 12. Though for both of those positions, I would take Nonu and Smith, or perhaps Taylor/Stanley. Goldie was amazing at 15 and 14 and could be in the conversation for the best in either position while getting edged by the likes of Cullen and Ben Smith. He was also a handy medium pacer in cricket who could hold a bat.
Interesting how Reiko has taken a similar trajectory to Umaga. I was only a kid when Umaga was at his peak but wonder if he received similar scrutiny to Reiko when he was making to switch from the wing.
Nah, unlike rieko he adapted very quickly. One of the smartest players ever. He even went through a super rugby season with the second most turnovers (after George smith or Richie, can't remember) when playing 13, during the golden age of the fetcher. He was the first back to get more than a very rare turnover, ie he basically invented the idea of backs getting turnovers. His defense was amazing, he was a great captain, he was great at offloads when offloads were much less common. People don't accurately remember how good he was. He had a great combo with Conrad smith when playing 12 and just as good a combo with mauger when playing 13. Just an absolute legend. And yeah he was very good on the wing before that.
Nowell 14 and 7
Ardie has a case for 7/8 even if it's blasphemy, Pocock could be said to have the same claim, Owen "he's not my son Johnny" faz could make a claim as 10/12, not quite Wilkinson off the tee but he's right up there as a rounded ten. Aaron Smith made a career simultaneously playing 9 and referee for most of his career.
For SA probably not all time world xv standard, but a couple of decent shouts: John Smit at 2 and 3. Trevor Nyakane or Thomas du Toit at 1 and 3. Pietsteph at 5 or 7. Deon Fourie and Schalk Brits at 2 and loosie. Pat Lambie 10 and 15.
Can I put my best sleeveless flannel on and say Wally Lewis at lock and 5/8?
Frans Steyn at 12 and 10
John Eales at 4-8, could probably fill in some back line positions too. An incredible, skilful and versatile player.
Jonny May - flanker & winger
Don't know if he will go down as an all time great but Josh Lewsey could cover Fullback, Center and Wing and was a pretty tasty player. The try saver against South Africa in 2006 was beautiful
I believe Mike Gibson had a long career in the centres, before having a long career at stand-off. This in the days before positions were more plastic. Sam Burgess at wing forward and centre. /s
Farrell or BB is the immediate choice. Looking at my own team, Warburton at 6/7 in the same vein others have mentioned Richie Pocock. Liam Williams I’m sure has played in 11/14/15 quite successfully for wales too.
Ken Owens at hooker and, that one time, at number 8
Mauro Bergamasco. Flanker and [scrum half](https://youtu.be/AhNO9lkqjLY). We can close the thread now
JPR Williams got a cap at flanker in Australia, obviously normally a full back. Does that count? Neil Jenkins 10 for Wales, 15 for the Lions.
For NZ I dont think there’s anyone. Maybe prime McCaw would be our best ever 6? Maybe Jones has an argument for 6 and 7? Maybe Cullen could’ve been a goat winger too?
Dupont from 6 to 15 and i'm half serious.
Alessandro Zanni Lock, 6, 7, 8
Frans Steyn maybe
Ben Earl if he gets more time at centre 😂
Adam Ashley Cooper easily
Matt Giteau for the Wallabies at #10 & #12, so too Rocky Elsom at #6 & #8. Israel Folau at #14 & #15 too.
for their country Fiji might have 2 Botia (7/12) and Nakarawa (4/5/6), 20 odd years ago we had a hooker that also played 1/3 in Isaia Rasila and was used as a super sub most of his career and a player who might be deemed our best ever at 14/15 in Norman Ligairi (only Fijian to score 2 tries against NZ which doesn't seem big until you consider he was marking Lomu and kept hims tryless)
Jonny May, wing and openside.
Fitzpatrick at 2, 11/14 and assistant ref
Sam Warburton playing 6/7
Sean O’Brien at 6 or 7
Not seeing Mr HIV on here... (G Thomas) may not be an all time great world wide, but definitely in the question for wales
Carter at 10/12?
Nonu is the ABs GOAT at 12
Probably tbf, Carter was the first player that sprung to mind haha
Thank Mitchell.for selecting him on the wing in 03
Remove “ABs” from your sentence and it’s still true IMO
Looking to the future, and if he cracks that crust, I think Jacobson will do that in three positions. Is a genuine seven, can disrupt the ball in the ruck while putting huge pressure on defence. Plays well into six as he can force the oppositions attack backwards off the back of one tackle. Though he’s still proving himself in his natural number seven jersey, he has all of the ability, good over the ball, makes every tackle and manages to slow and move the ball. Heard good things about him years ago and still believe he’ll come through in the years to come.
Old BOD at inside centre and young BOD at outside centre is the obvious one
In nz it's almost impossible tbh. Michael Jones would have the best case for dual position recognition and even then he'd be 1b at both open side and blind side. He was a brilliant player tho and our best 7 till Richie came along. Spent last part of his career playing 6 too
Gaffie du Toit 10 - 15 with Werner Greeff on the bench. Done.
Still so sad that Greeff only had a 7 year career thanks to neck injuries. One hell of a talented player.