Best Ever teams to soothe the weekend heartache
Roar Pro
By sheek, 26 Aug 2009 The Crowd is a Roar Pro
- Tagged:
- Adam Gilchrist, Allan Border, Athletics, Australian Cricket, Australian sports, Dan Vickerman, David Campese, Dennis Lillee, Ewen McKenzie, George Gregan, George Smith, Glenn McGrath, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Ian Healy, jeff thomson, Joe Roff, John Eales, Justin Langer, Mark Ella, Matt Burke, Matt Hayden, Michael Lynagh, Michael Slater, Ray Price, Ricky Ponting, Rocky Elsom, Rugby Union, Shane Warne, Socceroo, Terry Alderman, The Ashes, Tim Horan
Related coverage
It’s been a mixed weekend for Australian sports. While our athletics team achieved its best ever result at a World Championships, with two gold and two bronze medals, we surrendered the Ashes back to England and the Wallabies lurched to their third straight Tri-Nations loss.
Thank God then we have the power to reminisce back to better days.
As an exercise in time-wasting, I thought I would present the best Australian cricket and rugby union teams of the past 40 years, and ask Roarers to share their own best.
Roar contributors from other countries can feel free to present the best cricket and rugby union teams from their own country over the past 40 years.
Best Australian cricket XI (1970-present):
1-Matt Hayden, 2-Michael Slater, 3-Ricky Ponting, 4-Greg Chappell, 5-Allan Border(vc), 6-Steve Waugh(c), 7-Adam Gilchrist(k), 8-Shane Warne, 9-Dennis Lillee, 10-Jeff Thomson, 11-Glenn McGrath, 12-Doug Walters(12th).
Backups: Justin Langer (opener), Ian Healy (keeper), Terry Alderman (paceman), Ashley Mallett (spinner).
This is an awesome team, and easy to pick, as each of the top XI basically selected themselves. I’m a ying-yang fan, so left-handed accumulator Hayden and right-handed dasher Slater are ideal to start the innings.
There’s another two lefties in the next five, followed by an equally imposing bowling line-up.
Pacemen Lillee, Thomson and McGrath, leggie Warne, backed up by medium pacers Waugh and Chappell, and slow left-armer Border. The fielding is also brilliant and versatile.
Although my favourite captain of the period is Ian Chappell, his batting wasn’t good enough to make the final XI. Waugh is captain because he’s the most ruthless, hardest-nosed leader in the team, with Border his able deputy.
Best Wallabies XV (1970-present):
15-Matt Burke, 14-David Campese, 13-Michael O’Connor, 12-Tim Horan, 11-Brendan Moon, 10-Mark Ella, 9-Nick Farr-Jones(c), 8-Mark Loane, 7-Ray Price, 6-Willie Ofahengaue, 5-John Eales(vc), 4-Dan Vickerman, 3-Ewen McKenzie, 2-Phil Kearns, 1-Topo Rodriguez.
Bench: 22-Jason Little, 21-Steve Larkham, 20-John Hipwell, 19-George Smith, 18-Tim Gavin, 17-Tony D’Arcy, 16-Tom Lawton.
Again, I thought this was an easy team to select, contrary to what some younger generation fans might think! Noting the problems of the current pack, this team has imposing forwards with a physical presence.
The bench is critical for its versatility – Little could play all three-quarter positions; Larkham, both flyhalf and fullback; Smith, both flanker positions; Gavin, both eightman and lock; D’Arcy, both sides of front-row.
The big omissions were Michael Lynagh and Simon Poidevin, and perhaps Rocky Elsom and George Gregan on the bench.
But I think Hipwell was a better scrumhalf.
Ben Tune and Joe Roff don’t give much away to Campese and Moon, and it was also a close call in some other positions as well, like Roger Gould at fullback.
But in the end, I am comfortable this team would hold its own against anybody.
I mulled long and hard over the captaincy. Finally, I came up with the following leadership configuration – Farr-Jones as team leader; Eales as deputy and forwards leader; Ella as tactical leader.
So soothe away the pain by selecting your best Baggy Greens and Wallabies of the past 40 years. And if you’re up to it, you can also throw in your best Kangaroos, Socceroos and marbles teams!
Enjoy sports? Enjoy a bargain? All Sports Online has your favourite sporting brands at up to 70% off. Online only, premium quality sporting goods and merchandise at discounted prices. Get a deal now.
Do you have what it takes to become a sports writer? Write for the roar
Rugby Union articles
- Will Super Rugby crowds continue their slide? (201)
- Will South African rugby force a Super 21 by 2018? (173)
- The real story of how John O’Neill turned Manchester City down (70)
- Dan Parks and the unsolved questions of expat rugby (65)
- Australian teams at Super disadvantage (58)
- Pocock set to be named new Force skipper (56)
- Can the ‘Tahs win the battle after losing the Waugh? (51)
- France turns to Parra and Trinh-Duc
- Rebels look to lift for formidable Blues in rugby trial
- Mr Fix-It Lucas wants to nail down No.10
- Force roost loses ‘Mother Hen’ Sharpe
- Victory beat Mariners with Kewell winner
- Waratahs romp to 83-5 trial win over Samoa A
- Quade Cooper’s return to the Reds goes up a gear
- Wales show Southern Hemisphere how to play running rugby (29)
- What opening matches of Six Nations taught us (19)
- Will Super Rugby crowds continue their slide? (202)
- Clinical Chiefs cost rusty Rebels in Corio (9)
- Six Nations shows rugby is a parochial game at heart (5)
- Goose’s Super Rugby up-and-comer XV for 2012 (29)
- What does the future hold for the Six Nations (50)
- Explore:
- Adam Gilchrist, Allan Border, Athletics, Australian Cricket, Australian sports, Dan Vickerman, David Campese, Dennis Lillee, Ewen McKenzie, George Gregan, George Smith, Glenn McGrath, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Ian Healy, jeff thomson, Joe Roff, John Eales, Justin Langer, Mark Ella, Matt Burke, Matt Hayden, Michael Lynagh, Michael Slater, Ray Price, Ricky Ponting, Rocky Elsom, Rugby Union, Shane Warne, Socceroo, Terry Alderman, The Ashes, Tim Horan
QC said | August 26th 2009 @ 8:29am | Report comment
Sheek,
Not sure if you know and have chosen to ignore it or news hasn’t filtered through to that side of the Tasman yet. But the Australian mens basketball team recieved and ass whipping from New Zealands Tall Blacks in Wellington last night going down 100-78, this in turn gives NZ the Ramsey shield on pts differential after the Boomers won the first match in a tight affair in Sydney on Monday night 84-77. Also with the large win New Zealand takes Oceanaias top ranking into the World Championships therefore having a seeding advantage over Australia.
Hoy said | August 26th 2009 @ 8:51am | Report comment
I may be alone here, but I think Healy was a better keeper, Gilchrist a better batter. Depends what you want I suppose.
I mostly agree with your Wallabies team, and think it a sad indictment of the current team that there are only 2 forwards from the last 8 years in the team, with Vickerman and Smith on the bench.
Again, I may be alone here, but I don’t know that Vickerman was/is really that good. Sure, best we had in recent years, and would be a welcome addition now, but since the 1970′s we must have had some cracking second rowers. Some fairly recent ones: “The Plank” Justin Harrison was just as good I think, and twice as mongrel. Not so good about his recent behaviour! David Giffin made the team of the decade in 2005 didn’t he? Not sure if he was that good, but over that particular decade both he and Eales were pretty dominant. Through the early 80′s we had Cutler etc.
sheek said | August 26th 2009 @ 9:16am | Report comment
QC,
We’ve suffered enough misery already! One of my favourite movies is Zulu. While waiting for the hordes of Zulu warriors to attack their little outpost at Rorke’s Drift, & aware the main column has been wiped out, Michael Caine’s character says whimsically to Stanley Baker’s character, that back home they wouldn’t be able to cope with reading about more than one disaster at the breakfast table.
That’s kinda how us Aussies feel at the moment!
Sam Taulelei said | August 26th 2009 @ 9:24am | Report comment
Sheek, love that movie and if the Wallabies can take inspiration from the British troops in holding off the Zulu warriors and winning their respect then all is not lost.
I’m sure Wallaby supporters are also feeling a lot like the character Howard Beale (played by Aussie actor Peter Finch) in the movie Network when he famously implored his viewers to take a stand against the network
‘I’M AS MAD AS HELL, AND I’M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE!’ I want you to get up right now, sit up, go to your windows, open them and stick your head out and yell – ‘I’m as mad as hell and I’m not going to take this anymore!’ Things have got to change. But first, you’ve gotta get mad!… You’ve got to say, ‘I’m as mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore!’
sheek said | August 26th 2009 @ 9:42am | Report comment
Sam,
At least I’ve been previously “conditioned” to disasters. I hadn’t been following sport all that long when Aussie sport hit the skids between 1969-73.
In cricket, South Africa beat us 4-0 in 1970, followed by a 2-0 drubbing in the 70/71 Ashes series.
In rugby union, the Boks beat us all 4 tests in 69 & all 3 tests in 71. In rugby league, we lost the Ashes 2-1 to Great Britain for the last time (although we didn’t know that at the time).
Then there was the Woeful Wallabies tour of NZ in 1972, followed by an unthinkable loss to Tonga in 73. And of course, Australia failed to win a single gold medal at the 1976 Olympics.
Today’s generation simply don’t appreciate what a dream run they’ve had over the past 15-20 or so years!
Mr said | August 27th 2009 @ 1:23am | Report comment
And we football supporters spent the better part of 32 years in the World Cup wilderness. Heartache upon heartache.
Stin said | August 27th 2009 @ 10:30pm | Report comment
Sam,
Please make your way to Subiaco dressing room A,armed with your best Finchie voice. There’s a team wearing mostly gold that needs to hear that. Preferably pre game, but if you can’t make it that soon, then no later than half time.
God speed!
QC said | August 26th 2009 @ 4:27pm | Report comment
Well just had to get it in there as I believe it’s only the third time NZ has ever won the series against Australia and it was another case of Kiwis winning where they had been rated absolutely no chance.
I guess Aussies can now start looking ahead it can’t get too much worse or can it???
There’s still swimming and surf life saving Sheek
pothale said | August 26th 2009 @ 9:18am | Report comment
Quite right too, Sheek. That nasty QC fella spoiling your dinner like that. Here have some ice cream – make you feel better. It’s beer flavoured.
Virgil said | August 26th 2009 @ 9:23am | Report comment
David Wilson on the flank for mine.
Chris Latham at the back as well. The man is a freak and has more skill, running instinct and bravery than the entire current backline (barnes excepted).
Never saw Moon play but he would have to be good to keep roff and tune out of the team.
sheek said | August 26th 2009 @ 9:48am | Report comment
Virgil,
Wilson is a favourite of mine, but Price was better. And Smith has a better all-round game also. It’s close, but you can only pick one guy at any one time.
Latham was also very good, but not better than either Burke or Gould. At least, IMHO!
As I mentioned, I’m a ying-yang fan. Roff was like Campo, a mercurial player but with a slightly suspect defence. Tune was like Moon, big, strong, fast, a great positional player & finisher. Campo & Tune mostly played right wing, while Moon & Roff mostly played left wing.
Having the mercurial Campo & fine technician Moon together makes practical common sense to me. Ditto Roff & Tune.
sheek said | August 26th 2009 @ 9:34am | Report comment
Hoy,
You’re right about Heals being a better keeper. But Gilly’s superior batting over Heals far outweighs his inferiority at keeping (compared to Heals). So the batting edge IS the difference. Gilly helped Australia to win many tests with his ability to change the course of an innings with his dynamic batting.
Again, I agree we’ve had some fine locks apart from Vickerman. Eales of course, being out in front on his own. I felt Vickerman was on a par with David Giffin, Steve Cutler, Steve Williams & David Hillhouse. Perhaps it was a toss-up between Vickerman & Williams.
You know, on 4 different mornings, I might wake up & select Vickerman, Williams, Cutler, Hillhouse & Giffin in turn to partner Eales!!! I remember Hillhouse was ‘only’ about 6’4″ in the 70-80s, when it was being argued 6’5″ was the bottom mark required for an international lock. He was a freakish jumper from a standing start, & extremely mobile around the paddock.
Not so sure about Harrison. I would put him another rung down with the likes of Rod McCall, Garrick Morgan, etc. But Harrison certainly had mongrel.
Sadly, the current Wallabies team is very ordinary. The forwards lack collective mongrel & physical presence, while the backs are well short of inventive play. Much is made of Gits & Barnes, but they are a long way short of their illustrious predecessors. Barnes might get better, but Gits is as good now as he’s ever going to be.
sheek said | August 26th 2009 @ 9:59am | Report comment
My best Kangaroos team, 1970-present.
1-Graeme Langlands(c), 2-Jarrod Hayne, 3-Mal Meninga, 4-Bob Fulton, 5-Greg Inglis, 6-Wally Lewis, 7-Andrew Johns, 8-Arthur Beetson(vc), 9-Cameron Smith, 10-Glen Lazarus, 11-Paul Sironen, 12-Bob McCarthy, 13-Ron Coote.
Bench/Interchange: 14-Darren Lockyer, 15-Peter Sterling, 16-Steve Roach, 17-Bobby Lindner.
No problems with the starting XIII, but the bench caused headaches. Realising Johns can play relief hooker, this meant no spot on the reserves for Steve Walters. Lockyer beat Steve Rogers & Brett Kenny for the outside back bench spot. Roach beat Shane Webcke & Paul Harragon. Lindner beat Brad Clyde & Rod Reddy.
Price & O’Connor, who both made the Wallabies starting XV, were ineligible, & anyway would only have been good enough for the bench, no higher. But it would be close. I don’t rate either Brad Fittler or Gorden Tallis among the top 26 RL players since 1970.
Hoy said | August 26th 2009 @ 10:34am | Report comment
I love Webke a lot more than Blocka.
Brett McKay said | August 26th 2009 @ 10:06am | Report comment
Sheek, I opened your article hoping you hadn’t heard about the Boomers losing to the Tall Blacks, but should have known one of the many (if not all of the) Kiwi Roarers would have provided the update…
The horror, the HORROR!!!
sheek said | August 26th 2009 @ 10:14am | Report comment
My best Socceroos, 1970-present. I’m a bit weak on football, so open to suggestions here. Anyway, here’s my team, based on current 1-4-2-3-1.
Goalkeeper: Mark Bosnich
Left wingback: Scott Chipperfield
Right wingback: Brett Emerton
Centre fullbacks: Peter Wilson(c) & Lucas Neill
Defensive midfielders: Johnny Warren(vc) & Ned Zelic
Left attacking midfield: Harry Kewell
Right attacking midfield: Ray Baartz
Centre midfield: Tim Cahill
Striker: Mark Viduka
Bench: Mark Schwarzer(GK), Paul Okon(DF), Alan Davidson(DF), Jimmy Rooney(MF), Robbie Slater(MF), Atti Abonyi(ST).
Who’s better – Beatles or Rolling Stones; Bosnich or Schwarzer??? In the end Bosnich got it because when at his peak, he was truly awesome. I’m pretty comfortable with all my remaining first-choice selections. But trying to select a 2nd XI would be a nightmare!
On the question of captaincy, Wilson’s quiet authority won over against Neill’s occasional hot-headedness. As deputy, Warren’s passion is a good foil to Wilson’s calmness. Wilson was Australia’s answer to Bobby Moore, without being as good technically. But he was an equally inspirational leader, like a rock at the back.
If this changed to a 1-4-4-2 formation, it would read – Bosnich/ Chipperfield-Wilson-Neill-Emerton/ Kewell-Zelic-Warren-Cahill/ Baartz-Viduka.
Brett McKay said | August 26th 2009 @ 12:53pm | Report comment
No room for Craig Foster?!? Controversial, Sheek!!!
sheek said | August 26th 2009 @ 3:10pm | Report comment
Brett,
Did Fossie ring you to say that?!!!
Well, if Fossie ought to be in, who should be out???
Brett McKay said | August 26th 2009 @ 3:40pm | Report comment
no mate, it just begged to be asked!!
Luke W said | August 26th 2009 @ 3:20pm | Report comment
There is no doubt that Bosnich at his peak was better than Schwarzer. C’mon, the guy was playing at Manchester United in arguable the greatest period of their history!