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The season is all but over, but I came across a site which had chosen the greatest professional side ever so I decided to pick my own team and see what sort of opinions other Roarers might have.
15. Christian Cullen (New Zealand)
The best fullback I’ve ever seen. Scored some super tries and perhaps never kicked as well as every good fullback should. But then, Cullen never had to.
14. Jeff Wilson (New Zealand)
Always made things look really easy out there.
13. Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
This guy is awesome. That try Ireland scored against Argentina in France was O Driscoll at his best, and the sort of stuff I’d pay to see.
12. Tim Horan (Australia)
Won two World Cups and was the type of centre every side wanted to have.
11. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
Simply the most awesome rugby player the professional era has produced.
10. Dan Carter (New Zealand)
This fella runs like Larkham and kicks like Johnny. He’s also got a solid defence and is good for a few turnovers. He is the perfect flyhalf, and the first player I would pick if I needed to select a side to play for my life.
9. Joost van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
Knew when to make a break, when to kick, and was as solid as a rock in defence.
8. Gary Teichman (South Africa)
I think he was the most complete Eight in the professional era. He could do everything required and was always as cool as a cucumber, no matter what the situation.
7. (openside) Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
Undoubtedly the greatest exponent of openside play there has been. George Smith deserves a mention, and maybe Heinrich Brussow will eclipse McCaw in a few years, but until then, the All Black captain is in a class of his own.
6. Richard Hill (England)
The most unsung of all English rugby heroes, but he’d have it no other way. If you didn’t see him much, it was because he was forever at the bottom of the ruck.
5. Martin Johnson (England)
The brooding driving force behind England’s World Cup win. We reckon the moment when he hoisted Bill was the first time he had smiled on a rugby pitch! Now bringing that menace to England’s national team, Johnno takes the captain’s armband in this team as well.
4. John Eales (Australia)
This one will have Saffers everywhere raging. How can we leave out Victor and Bakkies? Because Johnno is meaner than Bakkies, and because Victor was not nicknamed ‘Nobody,’ as Eales was, despite his obvious talents. I felt Eales offered perhaps just a little more grunt, but I’m now running for cover.
3. Carl Hayman (New Zealand)
This one was much easier. Hayman has been peerless at tighthead for some time now. New Zealand still miss him.
2. John Smit (South Africa)
Has now won every honour going in the game except for the Super 14. We know he plays tighthead now, but for a solid anchor in the scrum, an extra dose of leadership and some pinpoint lineout throwing, Smit’s the man. Just edging out Rafa Ibañez.
1. Os du Randt (South Africa)
The backbone of the ‘Bok scrum for so long, won every honour available to him, simply outstanding.
So this is my side.
Let the battle begin!
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.