TWO FORMER giants of rugby come face-to-face to share their sporting memories.

Former England rugby union captain and three-time Grand Slam winner Will Carling will join All Blacks legend Zinzan Brooke on May 30, at Salisbury Playhouse.

In 1988 Carling became the youngest ever England captain at 22. His first match in charge was a shock win over Australia by 28- 19 - heralding an era when England became the dominant force in the northern hemisphere and beat the All Blacks in 1993. But two years later, Carling’s England lost to a dominant New Zealand in the World Cup semi-final when Zinzan Brooke, considered one of the world’s greatest ever Number 8s, kicked a famous drop goal.

Speaking ahead of his appearance, Carling talked about playing the All Blacks. “It is the ultimate test to play the All Blacks, as apart from a few instances, they are the leading side in the World. And adding to that challenge is the Haka, one of the great spectacles in rugby.”

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However, he admits he does not miss playing, adding: “I loved every second that I had more than I could ever describe, but we all have our time, and then it is right to move on and leave it to the next generation.”

Describing Brooke, he said: “In the generation that you play in, you know guys who play at test level are all good. But then there are some that are exceptional, alongside Campese and a few others, I would definitely say Zinny was one of those.”

Describing his All Blacks career Brookes said: “It was a dream initially as a kid and through time it crystallised.”

He says he is looking forward to the banter on stage with Carling: “There’s going to be a little bit of verbal ping pong but that’s all the fun. The good thing is we’ve got the World Cup and they’ve got the Six Nations – I know which one I’d prefer.”

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Tony Collins discusses his book, The Oval World: A Global History of Rugby, sponsored by Waterstones, on June 4.