We’re expecting one of the closest votes yet.
Nine players have, so far, been selected for Ireland’s Greatest XV of the Professional Era [1995-2015].
Cian Healy and Keith Wood are our respective loosehead and hooker. Today, we will discover who joins them in the front row.
Almost more famous for his Saracens stint and his starring role in the 1997 British & Irish Lions series win, Paul Wallace lined out 45 times for Ireland. A brother of Richard and David, Paul Wallace scored five tries for his country. Played his last game for Ireland at the tender age of 30.
John Hayes played 105 times for Ireland over 12 seasons and was pretty much our only viable tighthead option for a decade. By God, did we flog him! The Bull was the silent partner of an Ireland team that won three Triple Crowns and a Six Nations Grand Slam.
Mike Ross did not make his Ireland debut until he was 29. Did not get a proper run in the side until 2011 but has been a mainstay – a cornerstone – of the Irish pack ever since. 51 caps amassed, two Six Nations titles and an Irish scrum that hums when he is on form.
