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After a few weeks I thought it was time to move my series on the best Super Rugby franchises along and move onto the best Super Rugby sides from each of the participating countries.
Firstly, let’s have a look at the final Waratahs XV selected and thank you all for taking the time to comment on the thread. The Waratahs team easily attracted the most votes and conversation!
Waratahs best Super Rugby XV
Fullback – Israel Folau (Matthew Burke to centre)
Wings – Lote Tuqiri and David Campese (Peter Hewat out)
Centres – Nathan Grey and Matthew Burke (Adam Ashley-Cooper out)
First Five – Manny Edmonds (Mat Rogers out)
Halfback – Chris Whittaker
Number 8 – David Lyons (Tim Gavin to lock)
Flankers – Phil Waugh and Rocky Elsom (Willie Ofahengaue out)
Locks – Dan Vickerman and Tim Gavin (John Welborn out)
Props – Andrew Blades and Richard Harry
Hooker – Phil Kearns (Brendan Cannon out)
Right, let’s get into it – the best Super Rugby XV from the Australian franchises.
Fullback
Selected – Chris Latham, Andrew Walker, Israel Folau
Israel Folau may very well prove to be one of the best but at this stage I cannot go past Chris Latham for his attacking skills. He was one of my favourite fullbacks to watch.
Wings
Selected – Ben Tune, Digby Ioane, Joe Roff, Clyde Rathbone, Lote Tuqiiri, David Campese
The wings were a very difficult selection. Ben Tune was absolute class so he has one spot from me. I leaned towards Joe Roff on the other hand, based on his overall consistency.
Centres
Selected – Tim Horan, Dan Herbert, Matt Giteau, Stirling Mortlock, Nathan Grey and Matthew Burke
Tim Horan is definitely my inside centre, I have not seen one better in my time and the centre position was a choice between Herbert and Mortlock. I decided on Herbert. He was just too powerful and imposing for me to ignore.
First Five
Selected – Quade Cooper, Stephen Larkham, Manny Edmonds
Stephen Larkham, hands down, at least in my view.
Halfback
Selected – Will Genia, George Gregan, Chris Whittaker
I want to select Will here as I do think he is more skilful than Gregan, but his recent form has not been exceptional. I give it four more years.
Number 8
Selected – Toutai Kefu, Jim Williams, David Lyons
Toutai Kefu was so destructive and an absolute menace but can we say that about him at Super level consistently? Regardless, I have to give it to Toutai based on his telescopic arm in John Eales last Test!
Flankers
Selected – David Wilson, Matt Cockbain, George Smith, Owen Finnegan, Phil Waugh, Rocky Elsom
I have to hand it to the Brumbies pair here, plus I really want a bloke called Melon in the team.
Locks
Selected – John Eales, James Horwill, Justin Harrison, David Giffin, Dan Vickerman, Tim Gavin
John Eales is one, no question about it, but who to partner him? I am opting for his fellow Queenslander on this occasion as in my eyes they would make the best combination.
Props
Selected – Dan Crowley, James Slipper, Bill Young, Patricio Noriega, Andrew Blades, Richard Harry
This was a tough one. As much as I liked Dan Crowley and despised Young, I finally settled on the NSW pairing of Blades and Harry as my picks.
Hooker
Selected – Michael Foley, Jeremy Paul, Phil Kearns
I hate seagulls. Foley for me.
Australia’s best Super Rugby XV
Fullback –Chris Latham
Wings – Ben Tune and Joe Roff
Centres – Tim Horan and Dan Herbert
First Five – Stephen Larkham
Halfback – George Gregan
Number 8 – Toutai Kefu
Flankers – George Smith and Owen Finnegan
Locks – John Eales and James Horwill
Props – Andrew Blades and Richard Harry
Hooker – Michael Foley
Only rules this time is to pick from the players selected. It’s a straight out vote – players with the most votes get picked.
Over to you, Roarers.
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