Former All Blacks star Sonny Bill Williams has sent shockwaves through the rugby world by unveiling his all-time dream team.
Known for his bold on-field decisions, the New Zealand legend has now made one off the field that has left fans buzzing: the exclusion of two All Blacks icons – Dan Carter and Richie McCaw.
Combined, these rugby titans share 260 test caps, but neither made the cut. Who did?
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Sonny Bill’s Shock Swap: Carter OUT, Wilkinson IN
When asked by Sporting News to name the best players he’s ever lined up alongside, Sonny Bill made the audacious call to drop Dan Carter in favor of… drumroll… England’s very own Jonny Wilkinson!
That’s right, the All Blacks’ most prolific fly-half was sidelined for Toulon teammate Wilkinson.
But Sonny Bill had his reasons: “I’m lucky enough to say I’ve played with Jonny Wilkinson and have seen the commitment that he had,” Williams explained.
“He was at the height of his powers when I played with him, but the dedication to his craft was just unbelievable.”
“Playing with Jonny in my second season at Toulon gave me the confidence to believe I could [play international rugby],” Sonny Bill Williams added.
“That was the reason I wanted to go back home and try and prove to people and myself that I could play. I was fortunate enough to play alongside some greats, not least Jonny and [the former All Black captain] Tana Umaga, who really helped my game.
“I had a lot of self-doubts when I first came to the code but I knew these guys had reached the top … playing alongside them made me feel I could give it a crack.”
Wilko’s Words: What Wilkinson Really Thinks of SBW
Turns out the admiration wasn’t one-sided. Back in their Toulon days, Wilkinson was quick to sing Sonny Bill’s praises:
“I think he will go brilliantly,” Wilkinson said. “His strength is his strength – his ability to keep the ball alive, his physicality, his ball movement and game awareness in space and people around him. I’ve not seen the likes of him before.”
French Flair: Why Dusautoir Got the Nod
Another surprise inclusion in Sonny Bill Williams dream team was none other than France’s heroic flanker Thierry Dusautoir.
The Les Bleus legend, who famously captained France in the 2011 Rugby World Cup final against the All Blacks, left a lasting impression on SBW during their time in France:
“He wasn’t just an amazing player,” Williams said, “but you could see how he rallied his troops in big games. He’s someone I really admire.”
Sonny Bill Williams Dream Team
Here’s the XIII he picked this time though, with one player being kept in reserve:
Keven Mealamu, Jerome Kaino, Aaron Cruden, Jonah Lomu, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Malakai Fekitoa, Thierry Dusautoir, Jonny Wilkinson, Kurtley Beale, Quade Cooper, Kieran Foran, Johnathan Thurston, and Anthony Mundine. With Mitchell Pearce on the bench.
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In 2020, Sir Ian McGeechan tipped 10 youngsters for greatness – what happened to them?
In a 2020 column for Telegraph Sport, Sir Ian McGeechan, legendary British and Irish Lions coach, picked ten young rugby players who were primed to take the international stage by storm.
Let’s revisit McGeechan’s predictions and update where these players are now, four years later.
1. Marcus Smith, England
McGeechan’s 2020 prediction:
Smith was praised for his calmness under pressure, a hallmark of great players. A rapid rise from school rugby to Harlequins, he was seen as a future England star despite not yet being capped.
What happened next:
Smith made his England debut in 2021 and has since become a regular for both club and country. He starred for the British and Irish Lions in 2021 and played a crucial role in Harlequins’ 2021 Premiership title win. His position in the England squad became more contested with the return of George Ford, but his creative playmaking style keeps him as a key figure in English rugby.
2. Jordan Joseph, France
McGeechan’s 2020 prediction:
A powerful runner and skillful offloader, Joseph was tipped as the future of France’s back row.
What happened next:
Joseph’s career has been somewhat stop-start. While still highly regarded, he struggled to break into the senior national team quickly. He spent time on loan at Pau from Racing 92 to gain more game time and experience. Joseph remains a talent, but fierce competition in France’s back row has limited his international opportunities.
3. Caelan Doris, Ireland
McGeechan’s 2020 prediction:
Doris was identified as a special talent, standing out for his ball-carrying and physicality at Leinster. McGeechan expected him to win many Ireland caps.
What happened next:
Doris has firmly established himself as one of Ireland’s top players. He played a starring role in Ireland’s 2023 Six Nations Grand Slam and continues to be a crucial figure for both Leinster and the national team. He has cemented his reputation as one of the best No. 8s in world rugby. Such is his reputation, Doris is being back as genuine contender to captain the British & Irish Lions in 2025.
4. Joe Simmonds, England
McGeechan’s 2020 prediction:
Simmonds was seen as an excellent fly-half with impressive game management and kicking skills. He was close to an international call-up.
What happened next:
Despite captaining Exeter Chiefs to a Premiership and European double in 2020, Simmonds never fully broke into the England setup, with stiff competition from the likes of Marcus Smith and George Ford. He has since moved to Pau in The Top 14.
