Stephen Larkham, former Wallabies fly-half and now the backs and attack coach of the men-in-gold, has made two quotes of interest this week.
The first was that All Blacks Dan Cater is the best fly-half of all-time, the second was that the current Wallabies are better than the last two Wallabies squads to make the World Cup finals in 1999 and 2003.
The latter is a quote Larkham is in prime position to make as he was, and is, an integral part of all three deciders.
But let’s look at Dan Carter first.
It would have been more accurate for Larkham to rate Carter as the best fly-half he has ever seen, as Mark Ella and Phil Hawthorne, in that order, were even better.
Larkham wasn’t even born when Hawthorne strode the international scene from 1962 to 1967 playing 21 Tests before switching to rugby league with St George to become a dual international.
Hawthorne’s superb natural ability was enhanced by playing alongside the greatest half-back of all-time, Ken Catchpole, who dominated international rugby from 1961 to 1968 in 27 Tests. All Black Colin Meads ended the little champion’s stellar career by walking away with Catchpole’s leg while the other leg was caught in a ruck, ripping Catchpole in half from the groin to his neck.
Meads wasn’t even penalised for what was the most disgraceful act I’ve ever seen.
Larkham was only six years old when Ella started his domination of 25 Tests from 1980 to 1984, retiring at just 25 years of age, having scored a try in each of the Wallabies’ historic Grand Slam successes.
Mercurial Mark was phenomenal, everything he ever did on the rugby field was instinctive and intuitive, constantly breaking what looked like Fort Knox defence.
Carter’s good, damn good, as he will prove again in the World Cup decider, but Larkham’s quote needed to be clarified.
His second quote brings up very interesting comparisons.
If the current Wallabies World Cup finalists are better than their 1999 and 2003 counterparts as Larkham suggests, how many would make the combined side of the three?
To jog the memory, here are the 1999 and 2003 Wallabies sides:
1 – Richard Harry – Bill Young
2 – Michael Foley – Brendan Cannon
3 – Andrew Blades – Al Baxter
4 – David Giffin – Justin Harrison
5 – John Eales (c) – Nathan Sharpe
6 – Matt Cockbain – George Smith
7 – David Wilson – Phil Waugh
8 – Toutai Kefu – David Lyons
9 – George Gregan – Gregan (c)
10 – Stephan Larkham – Larkham
11 – Joe Roff – Lote Tuqiri
12 – Tim Horan – Elton Flatley
13 – Dan Herbert – Stirling Mortlock
14 – Ben Tune – Wendell Sailor
15 – Matt Burke – Mat Rogers
The front row of the combined 1999, 2003, and 2015 sides would go to the current trio.
1. Scott Sio
2. Stephen Moore
3. Sekope Kepu
4. Kane Douglas
5. John Eales, captain of the 1999 side
6. George Smith of the 1999 side
7. Michael Hooper
8. David Pocock
9. George Gregan of the 1999 side (Will Genia’s better than 2003 Gregan)
10. Stephen Larkham of the 1999 and 2003 sides.
11. Lote Tuqiri from 2003 just pips Joe Roff of 1999
12. Tim Horan from 1999
13. Stirling Mortlock from 2003
14. Adam Ashley-Cooper
15. Matt Burke as the combined side’s goal-kicker.
That’s just seven of the current side, but that combined line-up would be magnificent to watch.
Having said that, the Wallabies on Sunday morning AEDT will be thrilling to watch as well.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Agree with that CS, the single most redeeming feature about AAC is his straight hard running, don't think I've seen another player in the game that's that consistent in that regard, oddly Drew Mitchell wouldn't be far behind him.
cs
Guest
Plus AAC has that great quality --- he runs straight! Time and time again, he's straightened the attack in whatever team he's played in, the Wallabies or the Tahs. So simple, so obvious, so rare, so incredibly valuable.
Jerry
Guest
When you say someone has taken their position to another level then mention key parts of their game as support for that statement, I interpret that as saying those elements are a point of difference. When they're not really. Yeah, he might get stuck in a bit more than other wingers, but that's not really taking it to another level it's just added value. His ruck work wouldn't be worth a damn if he didn't perform his key roles. As it is, he does perform his key roles so ruck work is a bonus. But there are other wingers out there performing his key roles at a slightly higher level than he is and I don't think the bonus of him putting his head down makes him a better player than the guys doing the key roles better. Like I said, good player and generally under-rated. But in your case, he's over-rated.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Well I guess my "takes it to another level" was simply pointing out there is more to him that what people give him credit for. I'd be hard pressed to find another winger who spends as much time in the rucks as he does. Of course others get in there. It's rugby. No idea why pointing out that somebody does something well has to be met with "cause no others do that". As though I'm implying he's the only one to ever get a pilfer. Or clean someone out. But he certainly gets his head in where many wingers choose not to go on a regular basis. His takes from the kick-off are first rate too. Defensive work on both sides of the field top notch. He's a worker. People only see him finishing tries and think "anyone could do that". I'd suggest watching him a little closer.
Jerry
Guest
Cause no other wingers every clear out or jackal. He's a very good winger but he's not outstanding at anything - generally when someone says 'taking to another level' they mean a level above everyone else, not a guy who's not the best at anything. Sorry if it harshes your vibe, but Mr Reliable describes him pretty well.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Look at his ruck stats, clean out work. He does more than other wingers that's for sure. Far more to his game than just finishing. Or not passing which some love to highlight. I'm not saying he's the best winger. Not by a long shot. But there are far more layers to his play which get noticed by those that count. Rather than just being seen as "Mr Reliable".
Jerry
Guest
AAC is one of the more under-rated players out there, but even his mum thinks you're a bit over the top describing him as 'taking the old of winger to another level'.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
AAC is a freak, taking the role of a winger to another level. Not only a brilliant finisher, but as good over the ball as any backrower. Plus he is a worker. Pops up on both sides of the field, getting through plenty of defensive work
soapit
Guest
yep, the 2nd most wc tries might have something to do with the amount of games he's played which have come in a time of relative mediocrity for the wallabies.
soapit
Guest
dave said he doesnt recall him creating a lot of tries. 1 in 100 tests isnt a lot was a real cracker tho.
sheek
Roar Guru
Ha, ha - No. But your preference for Slipper over Sio has been done to death, & not supported by what has happened this year.
sheek
Roar Guru
Dave_S, Very good point. Some years ago I went from Paris to Venice, & I thought Venice simply didn't rate. The truth is, I thought much later, nothing rates after Paris, even in the freezing cold & wind of mid-December. I went through much the same thing with Ella & Lynagh. Poor old Noddy came right after Ella, so he was on a hiding to nothing. But with the passage of time, I realise he was damn good. Damn, damn good!
Mike Huber
Roar Pro
Sherridan carried an injury into that game and it was a " one off" for Big Al ! Baxter and Dunning could never string a sequence of good games in the scrum . Baxter has collapsed more scrums than I have had hot breakfasts !
Dave_S
Guest
Funny what time does for perceptions. I always considered Lynagh just a slightly above average player when he played, in the side as much for his kicking as his organising. No doubt that was a hangover from seeing Ella in action, immediately before him. Time has proved he was top notch in comparison to the vast majority of 10s (and 12s for that matter).
Mike
Guest
What a weird response. Do you agree with every selection of the Australian coach?
Mike
Guest
Yes, I think it will take time for Fardy's performance in this RWC to be truly appreciated.
Mike
Guest
Yep.
marto
Guest
Sorry Sheek but i`d have MATT "madness" Cockbain over Douglas as he could play lock 6 and 8 and Finegan and Harry would be in for Young and Wilson..The rest are pretty accurate...
taylorman
Roar Guru
No worries, perhaps I was a little blunt. As an article I thought it was a little strange in terms of its structure and direction. It went from two quotes from Larkham, both very interesting. One then went on a curve from Dan Carter, to Phil Hawthorne to his partner on the inside Catchpole resulting in attack on Meads. The path and relevance a very strange one when reading it the first time. It happened the other day with an article about the ABs which quickly morphed into one about the ozzies. Just an observation and I'm certainly no expert. All good.
marto
Guest
Connor? ..That`s all ill say