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Opinion
Over the past few weeks I have shared with you my favourite Wallabies who have remained in my memory from the ’80s and ’90s.
Some of the players were disliked but respected by New Zealand rugby fans because of what they brought to clashes between the All Blacks and Wallaby teams. It was a different era than when the Wallabies were one of the leading lights in world rugby, won two World Cups and played an attractive style of rugby.
How it compares to today is extremely disappointing, with trans-Tasman clashes now lacking the intense struggles of years gone by, with the “referee” game an exception.
Will that change? I have my doubts.
There was a time when you could name the full Wallaby team because of the star quality of the players and their standing in the rugby community. Now, it’s a struggle to name the full team with their anonymity. Or is that a fault of mine due to a lack of enthusiasm towards today’s rugby, an old dinosaur living in the past?
I used this format to bring back old memories of the glory days of Australian rugby and to remind readers that yes, Australian rugby can be world-leading and innovative. There are many theories as to how to bring those days back and those theories are espoused on a regular basis. That is a theme for another article in the future.
But now for the good ol’ days and my favourite Wallaby team. Just to reiterate that this is my favourite team, not what I believe is the best team.
Roger Gould
Brendan Moon
Ben Tune/Joe Roff
Michael O’Connor
Ken Wright
Mark Ella
George Gregan
Mark Loane
Simon Poidevin
George Smith
John Eales
Nathan Sharpe
Topo Rodriguez
Phil Kearns/Tom Lawton
Tony Daly/Ewen McKenzie
Many of the players were profiled in previous articles, except for wing, lock and prop where no absolute favourites stood out. David Campese misses out and it was hard to split between Ben Tune and Joe Roff for the wing position.
David Campese of the Wallabies in action (Photo by Getty Images)
Campo was never as impressive against the All Blacks as other teams, but maybe my fading memory is incorrect? I normally have a predilection for the maverick, rather than the technician, so maybe there is something else about Mr Campese? I recall Tune and Roff being dangerous, complete footballers.
Ken Wright is there for one major reason: “that sidestep” against the All Blacks in 1978.
Apologies to Tim Horan!
Michael Lynagh, Stephen Larkham and Ella competed for the fly-half role but Ella gets the nod because of sheer brilliance. Likewise with halfback where Will Genia, Nick Farr-Jones and Gregan were obvious choices, but Gregan clinches it with “the tackle.”
The second locking position to John Eales was inconclusive and I look forward to your thoughts on who best fills that role. Sharpe gets the nod based on longevity. Same with back-up prop to Rodriguez, with McKenzie and Daly the standouts.
So, there you have it, my favourite Wallabies from years gone by. Unfortunately, it is difficult to think of one player today who would compete against any of these players.
Hopefully, you enjoyed the articles and I look forward to profiling some international players who I have fond memories of.
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.