The Top 10 Greatest Lions Of All-Time
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Just one more sleep.
The 2017 British & Irish Lions tour of New Zealand kicks-off tomorrow morning against the Provincial Barbarians and ahead of the game, Sky Sports Miles Harrison has revealed his greatest Lion of all-time.
Harrison has been counting down the 50 greatest Lions of all-time in recent weeks and finally finished his list today by naming the legendary Irishman Willie John McBride as his greatest ever Lion.
McBride has played more games for the Lions than anyone else. The Irish second-row wore Lions colours on 68 occasions across five tours in 1962, 1966, 1968, 1971 and 1974 and no doubt deserves the crown.
The likes of Brian O’Driscoll. JPR Williams and Martin Johnson all made the Top 10.
1. Willie John McBride
“The father of the 1974 tour and their infamous ’99’ call – he has a personal Lions’ history that may never be matched.”
2. Sir Gareth Edwards
“Many believe he was the greatest to have played the game – he was way ahead of his time and a gem of a Lion.”
3. JPR Williams
“A rock who cemented his place in the team and in Lions’ history, just as he commanded his area on the field – he was the ultimate insurance policy for any side.”
4. Martin Johnson
“The towering captain who was chosen to be a giant presence, knocking on the opposition door – he became a modern-day colossus.”
5. John Dawes
“A rugby thinker, captain and coach who had the skills to match and who won total respect in All Black land.”
6. Ian McLauchlan
“The ‘Mighty Mouse’ who never took a backwards step: nobody argued, everybody admired.”
7. Brian O’Driscoll
“From fresh-faced talent to elder statesman, he was the greatest Lions back of his generation.”
8. Mervyn Davies
“With the full range of skills, ‘Merv the Swerve’ was a natural leader although not officially a Lions’ captain.”
9. Barry John
“The conductor who was the star performer too – everybody of a certain age wanted Barry John boots!”
10. Gerald Davies
“His play made spectators purr and the opposition truly fearful; he also became a distinguished Lions manager.”
Have a look at Harrison’s full list of the Top 50 Lions here.
