Brendan Gallagher looks back at the players who shone on the biggest stage, this time focusing on John Eales' leadership in Australia's 1999 RWC triumph

JOHN EALES is a modest, understated, kind of guy but there is no question that the Queenslander qualifies as a World Cup icon with Australia’s 1999 tournament victory being his crowning achievement although he was also an outstanding winner eight years earlier at Twickenham as well. Factor in his 55 Tests as Australian captain, Bledisloe Cup wins over New Zealand and inspiring Australia to a comeback series win over the 2001 Lions and you ...