KEY POINTS:
Former World Cup stars and VISA rugby ambassadors Zinzan Brooke, John Eales, Joel Stransky, Philippe Sella and Martin Johnson debate which teams have the inspirational leaders needed to lift the Webb Ellis Cup. But, surprisingly, Brooke does not vote for Richie McCaw.
Moderator: Champion teams from the past five World Cups have had inspirational leaders, there's a couple of them sat round me as we speak. But who best fits the mould in 2007 looking ahead to the World Cup? Who would you say best fits that bill, Joel?
Joel Stransky: I know Zinny's going to go back to the All Blacks, He's like a stuck record at the moment. It's got to be said Richie McCaw's a hell of a player and a hell of a leader, but he's leading a brilliant side that are favourites to win, so you might want to look outside of the square.
Moderator: Easy job, easy job.
Joel Stransky: Yeah, you might want to look outside at the Gus Pichots, the Brian O'Driscolls, the guys who have got to do some real serious work to get their teams through to a semi or a final.
Martin Johnson: Jason White of Scotland, he looks like a guy who's going to lead them. As I said, Stephen Jones of Wales has got a big job to do there.
Moderator: What about Fabien Pelous, Philippe?
Philippe Sella: Since 95 he knows all the teams, the rugby around the world, he has experience and he's like a little bit Martin Johnson, in the 2003 World Cup. They're with one captain, knowing very well the team-mates and he will be the one guy, very important, in the French team.
John Eales: Sometimes the guy who you think should be captain may not be guaranteed a spot in the team and this will be one of the issues that gets debated from time to time. In Australia we've got an inspirational player in George Gregan who's been there for such a long time and played more games than anyone else on the planet in rugby. But he's now under a bit of pressure for his half back spot from a guy like Matt Giteau.
Martin Johnson: Would you pick a guy who's not the best player because he's the best captain or would you pick your best team and then pick a captain?
John Eales: I think you've got to pick your best team and then pick your captain, because the captain, there can be no question about him earning his spot in the team.
Moderator: This World Cup then, who are you saying is going to be the most inspirational leader, Joel?
Joel Stransky: I think you're looking at a Brian O'Driscoll, or a Gus Pichot, and saying, now for that team to achieve something special there's more pressure on that leader.
Martin Johnson: I can appreciate Argentina, you sense they could do something really special.
John Eales: Look, I'm going to keep it in the family and say Fabien Pelous, the second row family.
Moderator: You have the deciding vote then Zinny, once again you're going to go for McCaw aren't you?
Zinzan Brooke: No, I'm not - I'm going to be totally honest, I'm going to go with Brian O'Driscoll.
Moderator: There's never a consensus in here. Split vote, but know this for sure - you need an inspirational leader if you're going to get to the World Cup final.
- HoS
