Every so often, a player comes through the rugby ranks who seems better suited to the style of a nation they cannot call their own.
Such players are a rarity, as it is difficult to escape national styles at the highest level, but they are out there, and leave us wishing they had a different passport.
Here are some of the best playing another nation’s brand of rugby.
Will Genia: South Africa
The little general is dangerous at the best of times but imagine the impact Genia could have behind a giant Sprinboks forward pack. Even more so, imagine the carnage Genia could mastermind with hard-running loose forwards on either side of him.
Genia plays a game similar to the great Fourie du Preez – with both possessing great vision and ability to create something from nothing.
While Genia is limited with the Wallabies, he would run amok with the Boks.
Willie le Roux: New Zealand
Le Roux on his day is sublime, in a similar mould to Cory Jane when the Hurricanes’ fullback-cum-winger is in form.
Given his natural decision-making ability and nuance for broken play, Willie seems perfect to slot into an All Black backline. The over-structured and inhibiting backline play of the Springboks isn’t suited to a player of his attacking calibre.
Jamie Heaslip: Wallabies
The hulking Irish goliath is a genuine international-quality player with the sort of skills not typically seen in Northern Hemisphere forwards.
Heaslip could be the player Australia wanted Rocky Elsom to be a few years ago.
Brian O’Driscoll: Wallabies
Undoubtedly, BOD has had a remarkable career and possesses a highlight reel to die for.
God he would have been good outside Matt Giteau though… If only, if only.
Jamie Roberts: South Africa
South African-born Roberts would make for a phenomenal midfield partnership with captain Jean de Villiers. JJ Engelbrecht comes in a similar mould to Roberts but cannot match the Welsh inside centre for size and skill.
Roberts is a perfect fit for the South African backline, and what a backline it would be with him in it.
Morne Steyn: England
To be fair, Morne has been fairly suited to the forward-oriented play of the Springboks circa-2008, but the epic final Rugby Championship game demonstrated that the Springboks are moving away from that brutal style.
England have not though, could Morne become the new Jonny Wilkinson? Probably not because he’s not a citizen.
Brodie Retallick: England
Not only does he have the look of an English forward, he has the style too. Retallick has had a great start to his All Black career but Martin Johnson could teach him a thing or two and develop Brodie into a truly Test-standard lock.
Roarers, what do you think? Who would you like to see play for your country?
Sandow
Guest
Michael Jones?
44bottles
Guest
Ah that makes sense. Wasn't sure how to get 21 from 4 tries but if they were worth 4 points it makes sense.
DanFan
Guest
Lomu is Tongan.
JamestheElder
Guest
BB - you do remember Honibal?
Bakkies
Guest
Bismarck, Imanol Harinordoquy (Wallabies haven't had a regular top number 8 since Kefu), Bakkies and Sean O'Brien (at 6) would add grunt, ball carrying, work rate and security to the set piece up front for Aus. In the backs Ruan Pienaar (a goal kicking 9 that can play 10), Jamie Roberts and George North would add startch.
Mick Gold Coast QLD
Roar Guru
... and Buck at 8, Campese, Abdel Benazzi (who I found frightening!), Fitzpatrick ... . Wouldn't I love to see Michael Jones (the best player I have seen) and Sir Ritchie going around together!
Linzam
Guest
12 - Walter Little. No one better
Linzam
Guest
..and miss virtually every tackle he attempts.
Linzam
Guest
well said. yes England would never have considered moving him from his loose forward position to the wing and he would never have been as great as he was on the wing. Possibly not lock though
Linzam
Guest
We don't want Le Roux, he's a defensive liability. In last year's crunch test NZ v Sth Africa he attempted 6 tackles and missed them all. Most of the All Black tries were scored down his wing. If he was a New Zealander he would probably not make the All Blacks until he sorted out his defence.
Edward Pye
Roar Guru
Greg Smith at 2 me thinks
Edward Pye
Roar Guru
yeah I agree Martin, Le Roux has an infinitely better passing and ball-playing game than jane and runs different lines too. I actually didnt see the resemblance between genia and Fourie du Preez either. I think Genia holds the defense with his ability to snipe, while Du Preez has a much better ruck passing game, he also has a much more intelligent kicking game.
Edward Pye
Roar Guru
Finau Maka did play for Tonga
Edward Pye
Roar Guru
He would have had the all-time scoring record.
Coconut
Guest
I think Joost van der Westhuizen would have been awesome in an AB all-star team, even though he was already a fantastic player in that champion SA team... he was a player every coach would have wanted in their team I reckon.
jemainok
Guest
Yes u do johnno
Garth
Guest
easy back then. 4 point tries, remember? 4 tries, 1 conversion and a penalty = 21.
richard
Guest
44bottles - this is how it was written up in Wikipedia,I suggest you take it up with them.A likely scenario - one converted try and a penalty/ dg + three unconverted tries gives you 21 pts. Shop - no worries.Porta was world class and would have been a good addition to any team,particularly in a RWC with his ability to drop goals.
Harry Jones
Expert
Bismarck would be a great All Black. So would Etsebeth and F. Louw. But you cannot have them!
Ajax
Guest
Great article, and granted BOd would go well for the Walla's, as he would have for the All Blacks or Bokke.. but backs have never been our problem..its a coin toss between BOD and Mortlock IMO...not arrogance, just fact.. its THP's and hard nut second rowers we lack of late... so give us a couple of those Boer boys from the Republic and lets see how we go. Hows this for heavans pick, South African forwards, and Aussie backs? Even the Kiwis would take notice of that ;-)