Former British & Irish Lions coach Ian McGeechan has named his greatest wings to have played the game, which includes only one Springbok and four World Cup winners.
In a standout group of the fastest and most formidable players in the wide channels compiled for Ruck.co.uk, McGeechan’s list includes three Kiwis, three Welshmen, two Englishmen and an Australian.
In his pomp, Bryan Habana was the most lethal finisher in the game. His ability to hurt the opposition in myriad ways earned him the respect of the rugby world and won the Springboks games they would otherwise have lost.
ALSO: Bok enforcers crack top 20
He needed little space to operate, bursting through a gap in crowds of would-be tacklers. It was no surprise that the 2007 World Cup winner became the Boks’ leading try-scorer, finishing with a grand total of 67, but becoming a Test centurion while playing on the wing is also testament to his longevity.
“Equal record-holder with [Jonah] Lomu on number of RWC tries,” McGeechan is quoted on Ruck. “Very powerful and if you get him to within five metres of the line, he probably scores more tries than anyone else.”
McGeechan’s all-time top 10 wingers
10. Rory Underwood (England)
9. Shane Williams (Wales)
8. Ieuan Evans (Wales)
7. Bryan Habana (South Africa)
6. John Kirwan (New Zealand)
5. Jason Robinson (England)
4. Jeff Wilson (New Zealand)
3. Gerald Davies (Wales)
2. David Campese (Australia)
1. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
Photo: Lionel Bonaventure/AFP