Welsh duo find themselves named as magnificent 7s
WELSH flankers Sam Warburton and Justin Tipuric have been ranked among the greatest opensides in the history of the game.
The 74-cap Warburton claimed seventh spot in England legend Lawrence Dallaglio’s top 10 opensides, with Tipuric coming ninth on a list topped by All Blacks legend Richie McCaw.
In the Sunday Times, Dallaglio said of Warburton: “To be picked for two Lions tours is a huge achievement.
“To be asked to captain two is incredible and reflects the respect Warburton commanded from opponents in the British Isles, in the southern hemisphere and among referees.
“His alliance with Warren Gatland from 2011 to 2015, before the injuries really took their toll, ushered in one of Wales’ most successful periods.”
On Tipuric, he added: “His talent was so compelling that Gatland decided he had to find a way to get them both in his starting XV.
“That happened in 2013 when he was the star man in Wales’ annihilation of England.
“He has the all-round game to be the complete modern seven yet has never started a Lions Test despite going on two tours.
“That could change next year in South Africa.”
Ex-England international Stuart Barnes had Tipuric at No. 10 on his list, which was also topped by McCaw, but there was no space for Warburton.
“Selection is subjective. Many West Walians swore that the Ospreys, Wales and Lions openside was a better No. 7 than Warburton, but Warburton was Gatland’s man. That is how it goes,” wrote Barnes.
“In the 2019 grand slam, Tipuric was tremendous in contact and his undeniably magnificent self on the front foot.
“Here is an outstanding career that may yet reach for the stars if the Lions tour South Africa next year.”