Bruce Sheekey writes: The Roar’s favourite resident journalist, Spiro Zavos, has written some 6 odd books on Rugby. My favourite Spiro book is ‘The Golden Wallabies’, published in 2000 and containing informative, entertaining and interesting vignettes on Australian Rugby’s rich history. So when our Rugby is dull and troubled, like the present, we can always fall back on our rich history.
In this book, Spiro named his ‘Dream Time Team’. In other words, his all-time Wallaby XV.
It was: Matt Burke, David Campese, Trevor Allan, Tim Horan, Mark Ella, Ken Catchpole, Jack Ford, Col Windon, Simon Poidevin, John Eales, Steve Williams, Jon White, Phil Kearns, Topo Rodriguez. What do other Roar readers think?
To help refresh your memory, here’s some other suggestions.
Fullback: Roger Gould, Jim Lenehan, Terry Curley, Alec Ross, Otto Nothling.
Wingers: Ben Tune, Joe Roff, Brendan Moon, Rod Phelps, Charlie Eastes, Jockey Kelaher, Johnnie Wallace, Pup Raymond.
Centres: Jason Little, Dan Herbert, Mick O’Connor, Dick Marks, Beres Ellwood, Cyril Towers, Syd King, Bot Stanley.
Flyhalfs: Steve Larkham, Michael Lynagh, Paul McLean, Phil Hawthorne, Tom Lawton (snr).
Scrumhalfs: George Gregan, Nick Farr-Jones, John Hipwell, Des Connor, Cyril Burke, Syd Malcolm, Chris McKivat.
Eightmen: Toutai Kefu, Tim Gavin, Steve Tuynman, Mark Loane, Bill McLean.
Flankers: George Smith, Phil Waugh, David Wilson, Willie Ofahengaue, Tony Shaw, Greg Cornelsen, Greg Davis, Aub Hodgson, Wylie Breckenridge, Tom Richards.
Locks: David Giffin, Steve Cutler, Dick Thornett, Rob Heming, Graham Cooke, Huck Finlay.
Props: Ewen McKenzie, Andy McIntyre, Tony D’Arcy, John Thornett, Tony Miller, Nick Shehadie, Wild Bill Cerutti, Eddie Thompson.
Hookers: Tom Lawton (jnr), Peter Johnston, Nev Cottrell, Eddie Bonis, Jock Blackwood.
The list is my no means meant to be exhaustive. As for me, I would differ with Spiro in some positions.
I would pick the same backline, but in the forwards, I would have Mark Loane at eightman for Ford, Aub Hodgson at flanker for Poidevin, and Graham Cooke at lock for Williams.
By sharing our thoughts, we might eventually come up with the ultimate Wallaby XV. What do other Roar readers think?
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
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