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Another ‘best of’ list, but this time taking it to a provincial level. I am a Waratahs fan so this will be my only foray into this subject.
If other ardent supporters of other teams want to do their own then please, be my guest.
It would be nice to run a series of these from different authors.
Just a few ground rules before I broach the subject.
Firstly, this is a Super Rugby ‘best of’ team, so no one who played before 1992 and the Super Six is eligible.
Secondly, my apologies in advance if I have forgotten some ‘obvious’ choices.
My memory has it’s good days and bad days. Thirdly, I was a halfback.
Please excuse me if some of my choices of forwards border on the ‘romantic’ as opposed to ‘best ability’.
Front Row: Ewen McKenzie, Phil Kearns, Tony Daley
World Cup winning front row. Why break up the band?
I think that under todays fitness regimes Daly would have been trimmer and perhaps more mobile(?).
McKenzie has proven to have a sharp rugby brain. Kearns too, at least out of the commentary box.
To be honest, my first front row was Andrew Blades, Brendan Cannon and Richard Harry but you can’t go past a front row who have a proven track record as a single unit at international level.
Locks: Dan Vickerman, Warwick Waugh
Again bordering on the romantic, but I like the idea of these two tough nuts running around together causing general havoc.
They wouldn’t be swanning out on the wing, but bashing guys in and around the ruck.
I was actually very close to putting Al Kanaar into the mix. Al was a fantastic rugby player who was cruelled by injury too early.
He would have been a dynamic lock/back rower for many years.
Other notable: Tom Bowman.
Blindside Flanker: David Lyons
There was something about David Lyons that I always liked. He was a big man with a big left footed step and the ability to make good yardage quickly.
He burst onto the scene as a very young man before injuries took their toll.
Openside Flanker: Phil Waugh (captain)
Towards the end of his career he was accused of staying on a season or two too long but there is no doubt that his blood was baby blue. You could never accuse him of not leaving everything on the field.
A long servant of the game and a deserved captain in my mind.
No. 8: Willie Ofahengaue
Tim Gavin was very close in this one but Willie O’ was a brutal back rower.
11 tries for the Wallabies and represented the Tahs for nine seasons.
Many of the current Team Tonga, including Cliffy Palu, have stated that they looked up to him greatly as a kid.
Halback: Chris Whitaker
Nick Farr Jones retired in 1993 and I’m not too sure if he got any Super games in for the Waratahs so the next best has to be ‘Anthems’.
A fantastic servant of the game. Solid if not spectacular, he did the job every scrumhalf should do.
Other notables: Sam Payne.
Five-eighth: Manny Edmonds
It’s a good sign as to why NSW lack any prominent silverwhere in the last 20 years when you look at our five-eighth options.
Manny Edmonds could have been a solid 10 for many years but left to play in France in the early noughties.
He was voted Player of The Year by his peers in the Top 16 in 2004.
Could he have been the one that got away?
Other notables: Scott Bowen, Duncan McCrae.
Inside centre: Nathan Grey
Chris Handy once likened being tackled by Nathan Grey to getting your finger caught in the car door.
I doubt he knew from personal experience but I don’t think many would argue.
He was one of the best ‘hard man’ inside centres that we’ve had. Brutal in defence, surprisingly soft hands, decent kick and a good team man.
Outside centre: Adam Ashley Cooper
It’s been fantastic seeing Adam Ashley-Cooper stay in one position all season. Since then he’s been able to produce some of the best form of his career and become the foundation that a team can build itself around.
I don’t think too many would argue that NSW have produced any better and have benefitted greatly since he came back to his home state.
I didn’t consider Jason Little because I may have had my head ripped off by some of our friends up north.
To be fair, as chuffed as I was to see him in blue he will always be rightfully considered a Red.
Other notables: Morgan Turinui
Wings: David Campese and Lote Tuqiri
While David Campese was a no brainer, I did have a long think about Lote. However considering he gave NSW many of his best years and 27 tries, bought thousands more through the gates and at his best was great to watch, I had to go with him.
He and David Campese would have made an interesting pairing.
Special mention must go to Marc Stcherbina who came surprisingly close. Could cover centres and the wing, he was one of the most solid, reliable players NSW have ever produced, and a great club man too.
He would definitely have a seat on my reserves bench.
Fullback: Matt Burke
Zero justification needed.
Coach: Bob Dwyer
McKenzie is playing so Bobby D gets the call up.
Discuss, debate, or give me hell!
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