12. Jeremy Guscott

Born: 7 July 1965 Nationality: English Position: Centre Caps: 65 Debut: v Romania 13/05/89 Last Test: v Tonga 15/10/99 Did you know? Guscott introduced himself to 1997 Lions room-mate Alan Tait with the words: "You don't fart or snore, do you?" Pick your own dream XV

In these days of midfield dump trucks, it seems unlikely that rugby will see many more like Jeremy Guscott.

A supremely gifted, whimsical runner, the Bath stalwart was capable of tearing a defence inside out.

He was a playmaker par excellence, even if the era in which he played was one of caution.

Alongside Will Carling, he pioneered modern rugby's professional era and helped to develop the game's higher profile.

His career ran in parallel with the former England captain's throughout much of the late 1980's and 1990's and when Carling suffered a shin injury, Guscott took his place on the triumphant 1989 Lions tour to Australia.

He returned a hero, having scored a dramatic try in the second Test after the Wallabies had heavily defeated the Lions in the opener.

The tour marked the beginning of a love affair between Guscott and the Lions which reached its peak in South Africa in 1997, when his late drop goal in the second Test clinched a series win over the reigning world champions.

Guscott's Lions and England team-mate Rob Andrew described it as "a defining moment in sport."

But Lions' tours had their price.

In 1993, after a 2-1 series defeat in New Zealand, he suffered a groin and pelvic injury that forced him out of the game for 12 months.

And after his heroics in South Africa he spent 12 months out recovering from a broken arm and back injuries.

But each time, he returned, earning himself the title of 'Comeback King', before finally hanging up his boots after appearing for the Barbarians on their 2001 tour.